Vietnam Visa Overstay Penalty: Fines, Bans & What Happens (2026)
In some countries a short overstay is a payment and a warning at the desk. Vietnam logs it, and the log can carry a ban that affects future trips.
Overstay Fine Schedule (Decree 144/2021/NĐ-CP, Article 18)
| Overstay Duration | Fine (Individual) | Approximate USD |
|---|---|---|
| Under 16 days | 500,000 – 2,000,000 VND | ~$20 – $80 |
| 16 – under 30 days | 3,000,000 – 5,000,000 VND | ~$120 – $200 |
| 30 – under 60 days | 5,000,000 – 10,000,000 VND | ~$200 – $400 |
| 60 – under 90 days | 10,000,000 – 15,000,000 VND | ~$400 – $600 |
| 90 days or more | 15,000,000 – 20,000,000 VND | ~$600 – $800 |
Note: Organizations (e.g., employers) that allow or facilitate overstays are fined double the individual rate. USD amounts are approximate based on ~25,000 VND/USD.
- From 16 days: possible deportation (forced departure at your own expense)
- From 30 days: possible entry ban of 1–5 years
- Criminal liability possible under Article 347 of the Penal Code for extended illegal stay
What Actually Happens at the Airport
Your passport is flagged the moment you try to depart — the system holds your entry date. You’ll be taken aside, and depending on the duration you may:
- Pay the fine on the spot and be allowed to board (short overstays)
- Be detained for longer processing (extended overstays)
- Be formally deported with an official ban notation in the system
- Miss your flight — airlines do not hold planes for immigration processing
Does an Entry Ban Actually Stick?
Yes, and it sits in the immigration database — a new passport doesn’t reliably clear it. A ban issued at deportation goes to border control. Length (1–5 years) tracks how long you overstayed, plus officer discretion.
What If You Realize You’ve Overstayed?
Contact the Department of Immigration yourself rather than waiting. Presenting voluntarily generally lands better than being caught at the airport.
Worried about your visa status? Our team helps travelers sort visa extensions and avoid costly mistakes.
Get Visa Assistance →Mini FAQ
Can I overstay by 1 day accidentally?
Yes, and it still counts. The under-16-day fine is lower but goes on record. Leave a buffer day.
Does Vietnam share overstay records with other countries?
Not routinely — but a formal deportation can surface in INTERPOL records, and future Vietnam visa applications flag it.
What about e-visa expiry vs. entry date?
The window starts from the date printed on the visa, not the date you enter. Check your entry date falls inside it.
