Vietnam Visa Overstay Timeline 2026
Official fine schedule under Decree 282/2025/ND-CP, effective December 15, 2025. All figures sourced from the Government of Vietnam.
⚠️ Deportation is possible from 16 days onward. Every day you wait compounds the penalty.
Official Fine Schedule — Decree 282/2025/ND-CP
On December 15, 2025, Vietnam replaced Decree 144/2021 with Decree 282/2025/ND-CP, sharply increasing penalties and adding new enforcement measures. The maximum fine doubled from VNĐ 20 million to VNĐ 40 million.
| Overstay Duration | Fine (VND) | Approx. USD | Deportation Risk | What To Expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 16 days | 500,000 – 2,000,000 | $19 – $76 | No | Minor administrative fine. Usually resolved at airport or immigration office. Fastest resolution. |
| 16 to under 30 days | 5,000,000 – 10,000,000 | $190 – $380 | Possible | Moderate penalty. Formal processing required. Immigration office visit almost certain. Translator recommended. |
| 30 to under 60 days | 10,000,000 – 15,000,000 | $380 – $570 | Likely | Serious violation. Mandatory office processing. Written explanation letter required. Risk of blacklist entry. |
| 60 to under 90 days | 15,000,000 – 20,000,000 | $570 – $760 | Very Likely | High-risk case. Expect multiple office visits. Full documentation needed. May affect future visa eligibility. |
| 90 days to under 6 months | 20,000,000 – 25,000,000 | $760 – $950 | Almost Certain | Severe violation. Expect extended processing. Entry ban possible (1–5 years). Legal representation advised. |
| 6 months to under 1 year | Up to 30,000,000 | $1,140 | Yes | Forced deportation. Mandatory entry ban. Future applications to Vietnam severely affected. |
| 1 year or longer | Up to 40,000,000 | $1,520 | Yes — Mandatory | Maximum penalty. Double the previous cap. Forced deportation and long-term entry ban. |
Source: Decree No. 282/2025/ND-CP — Government of Vietnam, effective December 15, 2025. Replaces Decree 144/2021/ND-CP. Legal analysis from An Law Vietnam — a licensed Vietnamese criminal law firm.
Practical Timeline — What Actually Happens at Each Stage
The official decree sets the fine brackets. Below is what those brackets mean in practice, based on real cases in Da Nang.
🟡 1–15 Days Overstay
Fine: $19 – $76 (VNĐ 500,000 – 2,000,000)
Where to resolve: Airport or immigration office. For 1–3 days, airport payment may still be possible. For 4–15 days, an immigration office visit is increasingly likely.
What you need: Passport, visa details. Usually no explanation letter required. Fastest resolution — same day in most cases.
Our role: For cases near the upper end (10–15 days), having a Vietnamese speaker helps ensure the process moves quickly and nothing is misunderstood.
🟠 16–29 Days Overstay
Fine: $190 – $380 (VNĐ 5,000,000 – 10,000,000)
⚠️ Deportation becomes possible at this stage. The decree authorizes authorities to impose deportation from 16 days onward, depending on the nature and severity of the violation.
Where to resolve: Immigration office — mandatory. Airport resolution is no longer available.
What you need: Passport, visa, written explanation letter, Vietnamese translator. Processing may take multiple hours or require a return visit. Future entry to Vietnam may be affected.
Our role: We provide translator support, explanation letter assistance, and accompaniment to the Da Nang Immigration Office. See the overstay support package →
🔴 30+ Days Overstay
Fine: $380 – $1,520+ (VNĐ 10,000,000 – 40,000,000)
Deportation is likely or certain. At 30+ days, you face mandatory immigration office processing, a high fine, a written explanation, and potential blacklisting that can prevent re-entry for 1–5 years.
Where to resolve: Immigration office only. Multiple visits should be expected. Do not go to the airport — you will be redirected.
What you need: Full documentation, Vietnamese translator, written explanation letter, local point of contact, patience. The process can take a week or more depending on your case.
Our role: We provide complete case handling — translator, interpreter, explanation letter, office accompaniment, and coordination. Contact us immediately →
Key Facts From the Decree
- Maximum fine doubled: From VNĐ 20 million (old) to VNĐ 40 million under Decree 282.
- Deportation trigger: Overstays of 16 days or more may result in deportation — decided case by case based on severity and intent.
- Future entry affected: Deliberate overstays can impact future visa applications and re-entry to Vietnam.
- Hosts must report: Hotels, employers, and organizations hosting foreigners are required to verify residence documents and report suspected overstays to police. Failure to do so results in penalties for the host.
- Seven fine brackets: The new decree has seven distinct overstay categories, up from fewer tiers under the old law — making penalties more precisely calibrated to the violation.
The Most Important Rule
Every day you wait makes your case harder to resolve. If you are at 1 day today, do not let it become 16 days tomorrow. The difference between a minor administrative fine and a deportation-risk case is measured in days — not weeks, not months. Days.
Need Help in Da Nang?
Overstay translator, interpreter, and full case support at the Da Nang Immigration Office.
WhatsApp: Send your case nowInclude: passport photo page, current visa, number of days overstayed, your location.
Flat-fee overstay support package: 350 USD. Full details →
