Foreigners in Vietnam who will have overstayed their temporary residence validity period for less than 10 days because of objective reasons and force majeure situations will not face penalties as the country is undergoing a social distancing period, according to a police notice.

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The Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security has announced it will stay shut for 15 days starting April 1 and will handle emergency cases only.

The closure is in line with the Vietnamese government’s nationwide isolation policy valid until April 15 to contain the coronavirus outbreak.

As such foreigners whose visas expire when the department is closed can have their visas renewed when their offices reopen, according to the notice.

For foreigners in Vietnam who are unable to exit Vietnam due to objective reasons (quarantine or airlines stopping flights, destination or transit countries closing borders, etc.), they may have the Embassy or Consulate General sponsor their extension of temporary residence for maximum 30 days while awaiting departure, and submit their application at the Immigration Department.  

The Immigration Department will make determination within five working days from the day of receiving a valid and complete application.
 
Regarding individuals who entered Vietnam for business, work, labor, visiting relatives or other purposes, they are requested to work with their sponsors according to the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam.