Stranded Foreigners Visas Extended Until July 31

It has just been announced that all foreigners who entered Vietnam on visa waivers, e-visas, or tourist visas from March 1, 2020, will now be entitled to automatic stay extension until July 31, 2021.

The notice for automatic stay extension for foreigners stranded in Vietnam due to Covid-19, was issued by The Vietnam Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security .

The notice reads: “Foreigners who entered Vietnam on visa waivers, e-visas or tourist visas from March 1st, 2020 are entitled to automatic stay extension until July 31, 2021 and can depart from the country without having to apply for stay extension.

For those who entered Vietnam before March 1st, 2020, the same automatic stay extension until July 31st, 2021 can be considered."

This is subject to provision of proof that the person was stranded in Viet Nam due to Covid-19, accompanied by a diplomatic Note (with Vietnamese translation) from relevant diplomatic missions, or a written document from relevant Vietnamese authorities.

This must confirm that the person was required to undergo mandatory quarantine or treatment for Covid-19, or advice of other force majeure.

The person is required to present the diplomatic Note or written document on departure from Vietnam.

“During “automatic stay extension” period, foreigners are required to complete temporary residence and health status declaration. Foreigners who are not subject to Paragraph 1 or violate Vietnamese laws will be treated according to applicable laws of Vietnam.”

Foreigners also stranded in Thailand have been also allowed to extend their stay in the kingdom, however certain fees are payable.

Vietnam closed its borders and canceled all international flights in March last year.

Only Vietnamese repatriates, foreign experts, diplomats, investors, and highly skilled workers have been allowed in since with stringent quarantine requirements, VnExpress said.

The country has decided to shorten concentrated quarantine time for fully vaccinated entrants from 21 days to seven.

It is still not clear when the new quarantine period will be applied and if it will be limited to a number of destinations in Vietnam.

But it is part of the country's plan to trial the use of vaccine passports that allow foreigners to travel to certain destinations that have managed the novel coronavirus pandemic well.

Travel firms said Europeans and North Americans vaccinated against Covid-19 are eagerly awaiting an opportunity to return to Vietnam, judging by enquiries for tour details.