HCMC – Foreigners who entered Vietnam under visa waiver programs, tourist visas or e-visas from March 1 and are unable to leave Vietnam due to Covid-19 will have their temporary residence permits automatically extended until June 30.

These foreign nationals can exit Vietnam during this period without having to apply to extend their temporary residence, according to an announcement released yesterday by the Vietnam Immigration Department, under the Ministry of Public Security. Those who entered Vietnam before March 1 will also be considered for this extension if they can prove their inability to leave Vietnam due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and if they can acquire certification from their diplomatic representative bodies in Vietnam through an official diplomatic note with a Vietnamese translation. Also, they can present notices from Vietnamese authorities confirming that they have been placed in quarantine or received treatment for Covid-19 or were stranded here for other reasons beyond their control. Further, they have to present this evidence on leaving Vietnam, stated the Immigration Department. Foreign citizens, during the authorized period of extended stay, have to declare their temporary residence and health status, as required by Vietnamese authorities. For further instructions related to the permit extension, the public can contact the Immigration Department at 0243.9387320.