A Reminder that Vietnam Raised Overstay Fines Under New 2025 Decree

If you overstay, the penalty math changed at the end of 2025 and most older guides have not caught up. As of December 15, 2025, Vietnam enforces a tougher fine schedule under Decree 282/2025/ND-CP, which replaced the older Decree 144/2021. The headline change: the maximum fine doubled from VND 20,000,000 to VND 40,000,000 (roughly $1,500) for the longest violations.

The bracket that catches most nomads, the short accidental overstay, also got more expensive. A 16 to 29 day overstay jumped from VND 3 to 5 million to VND 5 to 10 million, so a single missed exit date now costs noticeably more than it did a year ago.

Here is the current scale. Note that the exact amount within each band is set by the immigration officer based on the length and circumstances of the overstay, and reported figures vary slightly by source, so treat these as ranges rather than fixed prices:

• 1 to 15 days: VND 500,000 to 2,000,000 (about $19 to $76)

• 16 to 29 days: VND 5,000,000 to 10,000,000 (about $190 to $380)

• 30 to 59 days: VND 10,000,000 to 15,000,000 (about $380 to $570)

• 60 to 89 days: VND 15,000,000 to 20,000,000 (about $570 to $760)

• 90 days or more: VND 20,000,000 and up, rising to VND 40,000,000 for the most serious and longest cases

Money is not the only cost. Deportation can now be triggered at 16 days or more, and longer overstays risk a 1 to 5 year entry ban plus a permanent note in the immigration database that can affect future visas. Fines are paid in cash (VND) at the immigration desk on the way out, and you will not be allowed to board until they are settled, so build in extra time at the airport.

If your overstay runs past a few days, do not just show up at departures. Report to the Vietnam Immigration Department in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City first to settle the fine and obtain an exit visa, or work through a reputable agency to avoid missing your flight.

Check our nomad news for the latest visa updates before booking your next trip.

Read our full Vietnam guide for the complete picture.