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Can I leave Vietnam while waiting for my DTV visa application approval?

Vietnam Visa DTV Application Process Visa Extension Border Run Immigration Rules Expat Advice

Jun 24, 2025

a day ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hey 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!

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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.

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John *********

You can stay 45 days visa exempt in Vietnam, what do you mean 7 days on eVisa, don’t get you?

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Dnatjugweme ************

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."

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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!

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Dnatjugweme ************

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.

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Dnatjugweme ************

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Claire ********

Mine took 8 days, I was there 11 in total. Just stay..it's easier and less hassle.

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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 🙏

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Lucas **********

Anonymous answer ......

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Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

thankyou for your help

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Anonymous *************

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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.

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Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Dnatjugweme ***********

hi mate, have you experienced this yourself? I have seen conflicting info online

And i assume overstaying in vietnam may affect my application for the dtv?

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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.

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Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

yes 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?

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Roxana ******

Anonymous participant yes

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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

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Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Anonymous participant 743 if i was to do a land border run do you know if it will affect my application?

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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.

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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.

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James ********

Anonymous participant what is your passport nation?

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Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Australian but i applied from ho chi minh

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Dnatjugweme ************

Participant(e) anonyme Yes, I know this for sure.

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Dnatjugweme ************

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