How do I get the full 45 days visa free in Vietnam, and can I extend it?

For nationalities with a 45-day exemption, you get the full period automatically. The border officer stamps your entry date, and the 45 days count from that day. You do not apply for anything, but you do need a passport valid for at least 6 months.

Extending a visa-free stay is difficult. The usual routes are to leave and return, or to apply for a visa. If you know you may want longer, an e-visa is cleaner, because it can cover up to 90 days from the start.

Do not overstay. Fines apply, and an overstay can cause problems when you exit and on later trips.

If you are already in Vietnam, an Immigration Department office in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang can tell you what is possible for your passport. Read our visa exemption guide first so you know the current rule.