This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
Can I leave Vietnam while waiting for my DTV visa application approval?
Jun 24, 2025
10 months ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERHey guys
I submitted my DTV from Ho Chi Minh
I only put 7 days on my evisa for Vietnam, which was stupid because I will now likely have to leave if my dtv isn’t approved by then.
Here are my questions
Do I have to stay in Vietnam for the entirety of the approval process? Or am I allowed to leave
And if I have to stay, can I do a land or air border run and will it affect my application?
Many thanks!
I submitted my DTV from Ho Chi Minh
I only put 7 days on my evisa for Vietnam, which was stupid because I will now likely have to leave if my dtv isn’t approved by then.
Here are my questions
Do I have to stay in Vietnam for the entirety of the approval process? Or am I allowed to leave
And if I have to stay, can I do a land or air border run and will it affect my application?
Many thanks!
TLDR : Answer Summary
The consensus from community responses is that you must remain in Vietnam for the entire duration of your DTV visa approval process. Leaving the country, even for a border run, is not permitted and could affect your application negatively. Staying in Vietnam is considered the safer option to avoid complications.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted DTV Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
John *********
You can stay 45 days visa exempt in Vietnam, what do you mean 7 days on eVisa, don’t get you?
Dnatjugweme ************
@John ********
From Google: "Australian citizens need a visa to enter Vietnam. The most convenient way to obtain one is through the Vietnam e-visa, which allows for stays of up to 90 days with single or multiple entries."John *********
@Dnatjugweme ***********
so how come he says 7 days, thst is just not enough time, even 10 working days might be tight. Allow 2 weeks, enjoy HCMC everything is incredibly cheap there!Dnatjugweme ************
@John ********
I've got no idea why, but apparently the OP chose a 7-day visa (is it possible? no idea). Obviously a bad decision, but at least they know it now.Reply to
Dnatjugweme ************
Reply
Claire ********
Mine took 8 days, I was there 11 in total. Just stay..it's easier and less hassle.
Guillermo *********
There is an specific “LOCATION FILE” in which the embassy you are applying MUST HAVE JURISDITICTION ON YOUR APPLICATION. If you applied in Saigon at some of the application they asked you this info i think at the last page before you submit .They want to see where you stay ENTRY STAMP AND EVEN BOARDING PASS TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE THERE. You are free to travel but NEED TO BE OUTSIDE OF THAILAND AT THE ADJUDICATION PHASE. If they later find out you were there they can have your visa revoked. Assuming you decide to travel saigon is particular requiring interview for some applicants. They can always call you for an interview and than this can complicate everything .I would not risk it until the visa is approved 🙏
Lucas **********
Anonymous answer ......
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERthankyou for your help
Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Dnatjugweme ************
Hi,
Yes you have to stay in Vietnam until your visa is issued/denied. No, you are not allowed to leave Vietnam during the process, even for a border run.
Yes you have to stay in Vietnam until your visa is issued/denied. No, you are not allowed to leave Vietnam during the process, even for a border run.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dnatjugweme ***********
hi mate, have you experienced this yourself? I have seen conflicting info onlineAnd i assume overstaying in vietnam may affect my application for the dtv?
Dnatjugweme ************
Participant(e) anonyme Yes, you are in a difficult situation. I guess you have uploaded your visa or entry stamp (with a "admitted until" mention) with your application, so they know you're allowed to stay there legally for 7 days only... I don't know much about Vietnam. Is there no way to extend your stay without leaving its territory?
No, I haven't experienced this myself, I applied from my country of residence and did not leave.
No, I haven't experienced this myself, I applied from my country of residence and did not leave.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERyes mate it was a silly mistake i cant extend without leaving
Do you know for sure you need to stay in the country of application whilst waiting?
Do you know for sure you need to stay in the country of application whilst waiting?
Roxana ******
Anonymous participant yes
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant The rules state you are meant to stay in the country.People have been caught out by this in Vietnam. They have 1) Been asked for a pic with a receipt and date showing you are still in Vietnam 2) invited for interview. It is quite rare they have been caught out but there have been posts in here about it
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 743 if i was to do a land border run do you know if it will affect my application?
Dnatjugweme ************
Participant(e) anonyme If they catch you, yes. In your case, they're very likely to catch you, since you only have a 7-day permission to stay and they know it.
John *******
Anonymous participant There have been instances where they have come back and asked for dated photos with you in Vietnam, copy of store receipts etc., to prove you are in country. However, some people have gotten away with leaving, but if caught, your visa will be rejected.
James ********
Anonymous participant what is your passport nation?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERAustralian but i applied from ho chi minh
Dnatjugweme ************
Participant(e) anonyme Yes, I know this for sure.
Reply to
Dnatjugweme ************
Reply
13 comments
a year ago
12 comments
a year ago
Can you enter Thailand from another country while waiting for DTV visa approval obtained in Vietnam?
13 comments
a year ago
8 comments
a year ago
6 comments
a year ago
7 comments
a year ago
3 comments
a year ago
23 comments
a year ago
12 comments
a year ago
38 comments
a year ago
23 comments
a year ago
26 comments
a year ago
23 comments
a year ago
7 comments
a year ago
38 comments
a year ago
3 comments
a year ago
16 comments
a year ago
13 comments
a year ago
18 comments
a year ago
4 comments
a year ago
2 comments
a year ago
4 comments
a year ago
5 comments
a year ago
27 comments
2 years ago
11 comments
2 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.