Staying Longer in Vietnam as an Australian: Your Two Real Options (2026)

Updated: October 13, 2026 By Visa Specialist

Updated: August 2026 · By Visa Specialist

Direct answer: ApplyEvisaVietnam.com processes eVisas only -- we don't file in-country visa extensions with Vietnam Immigration on a client's behalf. If your Vietnam eVisa is running out and you need more time, you have two real options: temporarily leave for a neighboring country (Thailand, Laos, or Singapore) and apply for a fresh eVisa while there, then return to Vietnam -- or visit the Vietnam Immigration Department in person in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to request an extension directly.

ApplyEvisaVietnam.com — private Vietnam visa service agency · Reviewed on Trustpilot · WhatsApp +84 987121355 · support@applyevisavietnam.com

Are You an Australian Traveler Whose Visa Is Running Out?

If you're enjoying Vietnam and realize your eVisa is about to expire, don't panic — but do plan ahead. Here's what's actually available to you, and how each option really works.

What We Do — and What We Don't

ApplyEvisaVietnam.com processes eVisas only. We don't handle in-country extensions directly with Vietnam Immigration. If you need more time in Vietnam beyond your current eVisa, here are the two real paths:

Option 1: A Border Run for a Fresh eVisa

Temporarily leave Vietnam for a neighboring country — Thailand, Laos, or Singapore are common choices — and apply for a brand-new eVisa while you're there. Once approved, you re-enter Vietnam on the new eVisa.

  • How it works: book a short trip out of Vietnam, apply through applyevisavietnam.com during that trip, then return once your new eVisa is approved
  • Cost: the same as any standard eVisa application, plus your own travel costs
  • Good for: travelers who want a predictable, transparent process using the same eVisa system they already understand

Option 2: Apply Directly at Vietnam Immigration

Visit the Vietnam Immigration Department office in person:

  • Hanoi: Immigration Department office (Bureau for Immigration Administration)
  • Ho Chi Minh City: Immigration Department office

This is handled directly between you and Vietnam Immigration — requirements, fees, and processing time are set by the immigration office itself, not by ApplyEvisaVietnam.com, so we can't quote specific pricing or turnaround. Bring your passport and current visa approval, and contact the office directly (or check Vietnam's official immigration resources) for current requirements before you go.

Border Run vs. Direct Immigration Visit: Which Should You Choose?

Situation Better option
You'd enjoy visiting a neighboring country anyway Border run + new eVisa
You want predictable, transparent pricing Border run + new eVisa
You'd prefer not to leave Vietnam at all Apply directly at Immigration
You're comfortable handling in-person government paperwork Apply directly at Immigration

Border-Run eVisa Pricing (2026)

Since you've already paid your original eVisa's government fee, applying again for a border-run eVisa costs exactly the same as any standard application. All fees below are in USD, apply to a single-entry visa, and already include the government fee. Multiple-entry adds $25 to any tier.

Processing time Fee (USD)
30–60 Minutes $215
1.5 Hours $185
2.5 Hours $155
5 Hours $125
Normal 4–6 Days $50

Avoiding Common Problems

  • Don't overstay before acting — plan your border run or Immigration visit before your current eVisa expires, not after
  • Confirm your passport has at least 6 months' validity remaining
  • If doing a border run, double-check your new eVisa's entry port matches where you'll actually re-enter Vietnam
  • Use trusted providers only for your new eVisa application

Why Use ApplyEvisaVietnam.com for Your Border-Run eVisa?

  • 100% online application — no embassy visits
  • Transparent pricing — no hidden fees
  • Support via email and WhatsApp
  • Available every day, including Vietnamese public holidays, via the dedicated Weekend/Holiday tier

Conclusion

Staying longer in Vietnam as an Australian doesn't have to be complicated — you just need to know which of the two real paths fits your situation. A border run gives you a fast, predictable eVisa process; a direct Immigration visit keeps you in the country but depends on their own timeline and fees.

FAQ

Does ApplyEvisaVietnam.com process in-country visa extensions? +

No, we process eVisas only. If you need more time in Vietnam, the two real options are a border run to a neighboring country for a fresh eVisa, or applying directly at the Vietnam Immigration Department in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

How much does a border-run eVisa cost? +

The same as any standard eVisa application -- from $50 USD for standard processing up to $215 USD for the fastest 30-60 minute tier, plus your own travel costs to and from the neighboring country.

Can I apply for an in-country extension directly at Vietnam Immigration? +

Yes. You can visit the Immigration Department office in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City in person. Requirements, fees, and processing time are set by Vietnam Immigration directly, so confirm current details with them before you go.

What happens if I overstay my visa? +

Overstaying can lead to fines, delays on exit, and potential difficulty with future entry to Vietnam. Exact fine amounts are set by Vietnam Immigration and can change, so plan a border run or an Immigration visit before your current visa expires rather than risking it.

Which is better: a border run or a direct Immigration extension? +

It depends on your preference. A border run gives you predictable, transparent eVisa pricing and a process you already understand. Applying directly at Immigration means you don't have to leave Vietnam, but fees and processing time are set by them directly, not by us.

Related Guides

Planning a Border Run? Apply for Your New eVisa Now
Website: applyevisavietnam.com
WhatsApp (24/7): +84 987121355
Email: support@applyevisavietnam.com
Reviews: Trustpilot

ApplyEvisaVietnam.com is a commercial website operated for Vietnam eVisa consultation and fast processing, and is not an official government website. We process eVisa applications only and do not handle in-country visa extensions directly with Vietnam Immigration. For an in-person extension, contact the Vietnam Immigration Department in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City directly.

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