Staying Longer in Vietnam: Border Run vs. Direct Immigration Extension (2026)

Updated: October 13, 2026 By Visa Specialist

Updated: August 2026 · By Visa Specialist

Direct answer: ApplyEvisaVietnam.com processes eVisas only, not in-country visa extensions. If you need more time in Vietnam beyond your current eVisa (up to 90 days), 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

Do Australians Need to Extend Their Vietnam Visa?

Australians entering Vietnam with an eVisa (valid up to 90 days) may need more time if their plans change or their trip runs longer than expected. Overstaying a visa can result in fines and potential difficulty with future entry to Vietnam, so it's important to plan ahead rather than waiting until the last moment.

Important: ApplyEvisaVietnam.com processes eVisas only — we don't file in-country visa extensions directly with Vietnam Immigration on a client's behalf. If you need more time in Vietnam, there are two real paths available, explained below.

Option 1: A Border Run for a Fresh eVisa

The most common solution is to 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, effectively resetting your allowed stay.

  • How it works: book a short trip out of Vietnam, apply for your new eVisa through applyevisavietnam.com during that trip (standard or urgent processing, same pricing as any other eVisa), then fly or travel back into Vietnam once it's approved
  • Good for: travelers who want a straightforward, predictable process and don't mind a short trip to a neighboring country
  • Cost: the same as any other eVisa application — see the pricing table below — plus your own travel costs to and from the neighboring country

This approach uses the exact same eVisa process covered throughout this site, just applied for from outside Vietnam rather than from home before your original trip.

Option 2: Apply Directly at Vietnam Immigration

Alternatively, you can visit the Vietnam Immigration Department in person to request an extension:

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

This route 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 for this path. Bring your passport, current visa approval, and be prepared for in-person processing at the office. Contact the office directly, or check Vietnam's official immigration resources, for current requirements before you go.

Which Option Should You Choose?

Situation Better option
You'd enjoy visiting a neighboring country anywayBorder run + new eVisa
You want predictable pricing and a process you already understandBorder run + new eVisa
You'd prefer not to leave Vietnam at allApply directly at Immigration
You're comfortable handling in-person government paperworkApply directly at Immigration

eVisa Pricing (Same as Any Standard Application)

If you choose the border-run option, your new eVisa is priced exactly the same as any other eVisa 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
1 Day$110
Normal 4–6 Days$50

Apply for your new eVisa as soon as you arrive in the neighboring country to give yourself a comfortable buffer before returning to Vietnam — urgent processing is available if your return trip is close.

How to Avoid Visa Problems in Vietnam

  • Don't overstay — even being a day late can lead to fines and complications on exit
  • Plan your border run or Immigration visit early — don't leave it until the final days before your visa expires
  • Keep digital and paper copies of all visa approvals with you at all times
  • If doing a border run, double-check your new eVisa's entry port matches where you'll actually re-enter Vietnam

FAQ

Does ApplyEvisaVietnam.com handle 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.

What is a "border run" and how does it work? +

A border run means temporarily leaving Vietnam for a neighboring country (commonly Thailand, Laos, or Singapore), applying for a brand-new eVisa while there, and then re-entering Vietnam on that new eVisa -- effectively resetting your allowed stay.

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 extension directly at Vietnam Immigration instead? +

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. Plan a border run or an Immigration visit before your current visa expires if you need more time.

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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