COVID-19: Automatic extension of stay for certain foreigners

IMPACT – HIGH

Vietnam recently announced an automatic extension of stay for certain foreigners to provide relief to them during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Points:

• An automatic extension of stay will be granted through June 30 to foreign nationals who entered Vietnam on or after March 1 using a tourist visa, e-visa or visa exemption certificate. Foreign nationals in Vietnam can leave the country through June 30 without needing to apply for an extension of stay.
• The same automatic extension may apply to foreign nationals who traveled to Vietnam before March 1 if they have proof they were unable to leave the country because of reasons beyond their control such as the mandatory quarantine or needing medical treatment. The proof in this case is a letter from their Consulate or Embassy describing their predicament. It may also be necessary to show this document when leaving the country.
• The automatic extension does not apply to those who entered using a business visa sponsored by a host entity. In this case, a request can be made by the host entity to sponsor the extension for foreign nationals who travelled to Vietnam for purposes such as work, business or visiting relatives.

Analysis & Comments: The automatic extension of stay is good news because it provides some relief to foreign nationals stranded in Vietnam. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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