Vietnam speeds deportations under Decree 59/2026 as overstay fines reach 40 million VND

How Vietnam's overstay rules work

Vietnam's Decree 59/2026/ND-CP took effect on April 1, 2026 and sets out deportation, temporary detention and escort procedures for foreign nationals who violate Vietnamese law. Overstay fines, set separately by Decree 282/2025/ND-CP since Dec. 15, 2025, can reach 40 million VND or about $1,519, in the most serious cases, with deportation possible.

The decree covers foreigners in Vietnam, including those in contiguous zones and on Vietnamese vessels or aircraft. It also gives authorities a faster process for handling violations, with digitalized procedures, a 48-hour notice rule and interpreter access.

Who feels the impact most

Tourists, expats and digital nomads all face the same basic risk if they miss their permitted stay. Short overstays can still bring small fines, but the penalties rise fast once the overstay stretches past 16 days.

For longer breaches, authorities can review deportation and some violators may also face entry bans lasting 1 to 5 years. Airports and immigration offices are still handing out routine fines for minor cases, but the ceiling is much higher under the current rules.

What to do if a stay runs long

Overstayers are expected to pay fines in cash, usually in USD or VND and submit an explanation letter. People ordered out must settle obligations and leave promptly.

The clearest step is simple: check the end date on every visa, exemption stamp or permit and keep a close eye on renewal timing. For travelers already in trouble, the safer move is to deal with immigration before trying to depart. Read our full Vietnam guide for the complete picture and see the latest visa updates.

Correction, Sept. 24, 2026: An earlier version of this article, including its headline and summary, attributed overstay fines of up to 40 million VND to Decree 59/2026/ND-CP. Those fines were set by Decree 282/2025/ND-CP, in force since Dec. 15, 2025. Decree 59/2026/ND-CP covers deportation procedures.