Understanding how long your Vietnam eVisa lasts – and what happens when it expires – is essential for planning your trip. The rules are straightforward once you know them, but misunderstanding validity periods is one of the most common (and costly) mistakes travelers make. This comprehensive Vietnam eVisa guide covers every validity rule, extension limitation, and option you have if your plans change.
How Long Is a Vietnam eVisa Valid?
The Vietnam eVisa is valid for a maximum of 90 days. Since August 15, 2023, when the National Assembly approved Resolution No. 127/NQ-CP, the eVisa validity period was extended from the previous 30-day limit to 90 days. This applies to all 80+ eligible nationalities.
The 90-Day Validity Rule
Your eVisa’s 90-day validity window begins on the date you select as your intended entry date during the application – not on the date your eVisa is approved. The 90 days are counted as calendar days, not business days. You must exit Vietnam on or before the expiry date shown on your eVisa.
| Validity Detail | Rule |
|---|---|
| Maximum duration | 90 calendar days |
| Start date | Date you select during application |
| Day counting | Calendar days (includes weekends and holidays) |
| Expiry rule | Must exit on or before the expiry date |
| Law reference | Resolution No. 127/NQ-CP (August 15, 2023) |
Important: Your eVisa is valid from the start date you choose, regardless of when you actually enter Vietnam. If you select July 1 as your start date but don’t arrive until July 10, you have already used 10 of your 90 days. Choose your start date carefully.
Single Entry vs Multiple Entry ($25 vs $50)
When applying, you choose between two entry types. The choice affects both the cost and how you can use your eVisa:
| Feature | Single Entry ($25) | Multiple Entry ($50) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $25 USD | $50 USD |
| Entries allowed | One entry only | Unlimited entries within validity |
| Re-entry after leaving | Not allowed | Allowed at any checkpoint |
| Best for | One-way trip, no side trips | Regional travel (Cambodia, Laos, Thailand) |
| Validity | 90 days | 90 days |
Choose single entry ($25) if you plan to enter Vietnam once and leave directly to your home country. Choose multiple entry ($50) if you plan to visit neighboring countries and return to Vietnam during your trip. The multiple entry option pays for itself with just one re-entry, since applying for a new single eVisa would cost another $25.
Choosing Your Start Date
Your start date is one of the most important decisions in the application. The 90-day countdown begins from this date, not from when you actually arrive. Here are key tips:
- Add buffer days: Select a start date 2-3 days before your planned arrival to account for flight delays or cancellations
- Don’t start too early: If you select a date weeks before your actual trip, you waste validity days you paid for
- Consider your exit date: Count forward 90 days from your chosen start date – that is your absolute latest exit date
- Peak season caution: During Vietnamese holidays (Tet, national holidays), immigration processing may slow down, so build in extra buffer
Can You Extend a Vietnam eVisa?
No – Vietnam eVisas cannot be extended from within the country. This is the single most important rule that travelers misunderstand. Unlike some other visa types that allow in-country extensions through the Immigration Department, the eVisa has no extension mechanism. Once your 90 days are up, you must leave Vietnam.
Why Extensions Are Not Available
The eVisa system is designed as a streamlined, fixed-duration travel authorization. Under the current Vietnam visa policy, the Immigration Department does not process extension applications for eVisa holders. The eVisa is issued for a specific date range, and that range cannot be modified after approval. This applies regardless of your nationality, purpose of visit, or circumstances.
If you visit an immigration office in Vietnam and ask about extending your eVisa, they will advise you to exit the country and apply for a new one. There is no workaround, no special application, and no fee you can pay to extend from within Vietnam.
What to Do If You Need to Stay Longer
If you realize you need more than 90 days in Vietnam, you have three practical options:
- Exit and re-apply: Leave Vietnam before your eVisa expires, apply for a new eVisa online, and re-enter once it is approved. This is the most common approach.
- Apply for a different visa type: Before your eVisa expires, you can apply for a traditional visa through the Immigration Department or a Vietnamese embassy, which may offer longer validity.
- Plan your trip within 90 days: The simplest option – structure your trip to fit within the eVisa validity period.
The Exit and Re-Apply Option
The exit and re-apply strategy is the most practical solution for travelers who need more than 90 days. Here is how it works:
- Exit Vietnam before your current eVisa expires (any of the 42 designated entry points work for exiting)
- Travel to a neighboring country (Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand are popular choices)
- Apply for a new Vietnam eVisa online from abroad – processing takes 3-5 business days
- Once approved, re-enter Vietnam with your new eVisa for another 90 days
You can apply for a new eVisa while still in Vietnam, but you must exit before your current eVisa expires and cannot re-enter until the new eVisa’s start date. Plan your timing carefully.
Overstay Penalties and Consequences
Overstaying your Vietnam eVisa is a serious matter. Vietnam immigration authorities actively enforce visa violations, and the consequences escalate quickly the longer you overstay.
Daily Fine Amounts
| Overstay Duration | Typical Fine | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 days | $25-50 per day | Moderate – fine plus warning |
| 4-14 days | $25-50 per day | High – fine plus possible detention |
| 15-30 days | $25-50 per day | Very high – fine, detention, possible deportation |
| 30+ days | $25-50 per day | Severe – deportation and entry ban likely |
Fines are typically collected at the airport when you exit Vietnam. You will not be allowed to board your departure flight until the fine is paid. The exact amount can vary depending on the immigration officer and the length of overstay.
Additional Consequences Beyond Fines
Overstaying can result in more than just financial penalties:
- Deportation: For overstays exceeding 15-30 days, you may be detained and deported at your own expense
- Entry ban: Serious overstays can result in a ban from re-entering Vietnam for 1-5 years
- Future visa difficulties: An overstay record can affect visa applications to other countries, as immigration databases are shared
- Detention: In severe cases, you may be held in immigration detention while your case is processed
- Blacklist: Repeat offenders may be permanently blacklisted from entering Vietnam
How to Resolve an Overstay
If you have already overstayed or realize you are about to, take immediate action:
- Do not ignore it: The longer you wait, the worse the consequences
- Go to the nearest immigration office: Report your overstay voluntarily – this shows good faith
- Pay the fine: Be prepared to pay $25-50 for each day of overstay
- Exit as soon as possible: Arrange your departure immediately after resolving the overstay
- Keep documentation: Save all receipts and paperwork from the resolution process
Re-Entry Rules and Visa Runs
Whether you can leave Vietnam and come back depends entirely on your entry type. Understanding this before you apply can save you money and frustration.
Single Entry – No Re-Entry Allowed
A single-entry eVisa ($25) allows exactly one entry into Vietnam. Once you exit – even if your eVisa is still valid – you cannot re-enter on that same eVisa. If you leave Vietnam and want to return, you must apply for a completely new eVisa and wait for it to be approved before re-entering.
This means if you have a single-entry eVisa and want to take a quick trip to Cambodia or Laos, you will need a new eVisa to get back into Vietnam. The cost of a new eVisa ($25) makes the multiple-entry option ($50) more economical if you plan any side trips.
Multiple Entry – Unlimited Re-Entries
A multiple-entry eVisa ($50) allows unlimited entries and exits within the 90-day validity period. You can cross in and out of Vietnam as many times as you want, at any of the 42 designated entry points, as long as each entry falls within your validity window.
This is the best option if you plan to:
- Visit Cambodia’s Angkor Wat and return to Vietnam
- Take a side trip to Laos or Thailand
- Cross between Vietnam and neighboring countries multiple times
- Do a regional Southeast Asia tour with Vietnam as your base
Visa Run Strategy for Longer Stays
A “visa run” means exiting Vietnam and re-entering with a new visa to reset your stay period. This is a common strategy for travelers who need more than 90 days. Popular visa run destinations include:
- Cambodia: Cross at Moc Bai/Bavet (Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh) – cheapest and closest option from southern Vietnam
- Laos: Cross at Lao Bao/Densavan or Cau Treo/Nam Phao – convenient from central Vietnam
- Thailand: Fly from Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi to Bangkok – more expensive but offers a change of scenery
For a visa run, plan for at least 5-7 days outside Vietnam: 1-2 days of travel, 3-5 days for eVisa processing, and 1 day for re-entry. Some travelers use this time to explore the neighboring country, turning the visa run into a mini-vacation.
What to Do If Your Plans Change
Life happens – flights get rescheduled, trips get extended, and plans change. Here is what you can and cannot do with your Vietnam eVisa when your travel dates shift.
Changing Dates After Approval
You cannot change your eVisa dates after it has been approved. The validity period, entry date, and exit date are all fixed at the time of approval. There is no mechanism to modify these dates, no form to fill out, and no fee to pay for changes.
If your travel dates change significantly, your only option is to apply for a brand new eVisa with the correct dates. The old eVisa becomes invalid once the new one is approved. You do not need to “cancel” the old eVisa – it simply expires unused.
Tip: When in doubt, choose a start date slightly earlier than your planned arrival. It is better to “waste” a few validity days at the beginning than to arrive after your eVisa has already started counting down.
Switching Entry Type
You also cannot switch from single entry to multiple entry (or vice versa) after your eVisa is approved. If you initially chose single entry ($25) and later realize you need to re-enter Vietnam, you must apply for a new eVisa with multiple entry ($50).
This is why it is worth thinking carefully about your entry type before applying. If there is any chance you will leave Vietnam and return during your trip, the multiple-entry eVisa at $50 is the safer choice – it costs only $25 more than single entry and saves you from having to apply and pay for a second eVisa later.
Vietnam eVisa Validity FAQ
How long is a Vietnam eVisa valid?
The Vietnam eVisa is valid for a maximum of 90 calendar days. The validity period starts on the date you select as your intended entry date during the application process.
Can I extend my Vietnam eVisa?
No. Vietnam eVisas cannot be extended from within the country. If you need more than 90 days, you must exit Vietnam and apply for a new eVisa or a different visa type.
How much is the overstay fine in Vietnam?
Overstay fines are typically $25-50 USD per day. The exact amount depends on the length of overstay and the immigration officer handling your case. Fines are collected at the airport when you exit.
What happens if I overstay my Vietnam eVisa?
Consequences include daily fines ($25-50/day), potential detention, deportation at your own expense, and possible entry bans of 1-5 years. For short overstays (1-3 days), you will typically just pay a fine. Longer overstays carry increasingly severe consequences.
Can I leave Vietnam and come back on the same eVisa?
Only if you have a multiple-entry eVisa ($50). Single-entry eVisas ($25) allow only one entry – once you leave, you cannot re-enter on the same eVisa and must apply for a new one.
What is the difference between single and multiple entry eVisa?
A single-entry eVisa ($25) allows one entry into Vietnam within the 90-day validity period. A multiple-entry eVisa ($50) allows unlimited entries and exits within the same 90-day window. Choose multiple entry if you plan to visit neighboring countries and return.
When does my eVisa validity start?
Your eVisa validity starts on the date you select as your intended entry date during the application. It does not start on the date your eVisa is approved or the date you actually arrive in Vietnam.
Can I change my eVisa dates after approval?
No. Once your eVisa is approved, the dates cannot be changed. If your travel dates change, you must apply for a new eVisa with the correct dates.
How do I stay in Vietnam longer than 90 days?
You must exit Vietnam before your eVisa expires, apply for a new eVisa online while abroad, wait for approval (3-5 business days), and re-enter with the new eVisa. This is commonly called a “visa run.”
Is the eVisa valid on the day it expires?
You must exit Vietnam on or before the expiry date. To be safe, plan to exit at least one day before your eVisa expires to avoid any risk of overstaying.
How soon can I re-enter Vietnam after leaving?
With a new approved eVisa, you can re-enter immediately on the new eVisa’s start date. There is no mandatory waiting period between eVisas, but you need to allow 3-5 business days for the new eVisa to be processed.
Do I need to exit Vietnam before my eVisa expires?
Yes. You must exit Vietnam on or before the expiry date shown on your eVisa. Failing to do so constitutes an overstay and will result in fines and potential penalties.
—
About the author: The vietnamevisa.info editorial team specializes in Vietnamese travel documentation.
Last updated: July 2026
