A Vietnam exit visa is a special document issued by the Vietnam Immigration Office, allowing travelers to legally exit the country under specific circumstances, such as a lost passport or expired visa. While most visitors obtain a standard Vietnam visa for entry and exit, the exit visa is essential for situations where legal departure is needed, but the traveler lacks valid entry documents.
Who Needs a Vietnam Exit Visa?
The Vietnam exit visa applies to various travelers, including:
- Foreign infants born in Vietnam: Newborns with foreign passports may not have a valid Vietnam visa, so parents need to secure a birth certificate, passport, and exit visa for their child before departure.
- Lost or damaged passports: If your passport is lost or damaged while in Vietnam, you will need an exit visa to leave the country after renewing your passport.
- Overstayed visas: Travelers who overstay their visa in Vietnam must apply for an exit visa to avoid legal issues and exit the country properly.
- Foreign workers: Those who have worked in Vietnam and whose temporary resident card is collected by the employer upon contract termination need an exit visa.
- New passports: Foreigners who renew or get a new passport in Vietnam while holding a valid visa must apply to transfer their visa to the new passport.
How to Apply for a Vietnam Exit Visa
The process for obtaining an exit visa varies depending on the situation:
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For infants born in Vietnam:
- Documents needed: Child’s passport, birth certificate, and the parent’s passport.
- Steps: A visa agency can handle the process, or you can go directly to the Vietnam Immigration Office.
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For travelers with a lost or damaged passport:
- Steps: Report the loss to the nearest police station, apply for a new passport through your embassy, and then work with a visa agency to secure your exit visa.
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For overstayed travelers:
- Documents needed: Original passport, expired visa, a letter explaining the overstay, and proof of departure flight.
- Steps: Contact a visa agency, submit your passport, pay the fine for overstaying, and receive the exit visa.
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For foreign workers:
- Documents needed: Your temporary resident card, original passport, and cancellation letter from your employer.
- Steps: Submit documents to the Vietnam Immigration Office, pay the fee, and receive your visa in 5-7 working days.
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For foreigners with a new passport:
- Documents needed: Old passport, new passport, and the processing fee.
- Steps: Apply to transfer your valid visa from the old passport to the new one.
Vietnam Exit Visa Cost
The exit visa fee typically costs around $100 USD, depending on nationality and the specific situation. The visa is usually valid for 10-15 days, which is typically sufficient for travelers to plan their departure. After submitting the required documents, it takes around 5-7 working days to process the exit visa.
Obtaining a Vietnam exit visa is crucial for anyone facing passport issues or overstaying their visa. It's essential to follow the appropriate steps and allow sufficient time for processing.