U.S. Embassy Hanoi and U.S. Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (October 1, 2020)
Location: Vietnam
Important Information for U.S. Citizens:
Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security (MPS) announced an automatic extension of temporary stay for foreigners in certain qualifying groups with plans to depart Vietnam.
U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals who entered Vietnam with a visa exemption certificate, e-visa, or tourist visa on or after March 1, 2020, will be granted an automatic extension of stay through October 31, 2020, and may exit Vietnam during this period without having to apply for an extension of stay.
U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals who entered Vietnam before March 1, 2020, may be considered for an automatic extension through October 31, 2020, provided that they can provide proof that they have been stranded in Vietnam due to COVID-19 mandatory quarantine, treatment, or other reasons beyond their control by presenting an exit letter from their Embassy or Consulate about their situation. They must present these documents upon exiting Vietnam. The U.S. Embassy Hanoi and Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City may issue exit letters in support of U.S. citizens who entered Vietnam before March 1, 2020, who can present concrete plans (flight reservations, etc.) to exit Vietnam by October 31, 2020. U.S. citizens may request an exit letter here. The U.S. Embassy and Consulate can in no way sponsor U.S. citizens during their stay in Vietnam.
Note: The U.S. Embassy Hanoi and Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City will cease issuing exit letters on October 31, 2020. U.S. citizens who entered Vietnam before March 1, 2020 with a visa exemption certificate, e-visa, or tourist visa and remain in Vietnam after October 31 will need to resolve visa extensions directly with Vietnamese Immigration and may be subject to overstay penalties.
We recommend U.S. citizens check the Embassy’s COVID-19 page daily for information, and register or update their information in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
