Visa extension for 2 weeks

    Arrived last night in Hanoi from BKK.  Before leaving for BKK from the USA  I did an online visa for 6 weeks. When I filled in the blanks I probably checked everything at least 6 times.  I got the visa about 5 days later.
Here's the problem......On the name line the visa it lists my name twice. At the time I didn't think I had a problem. Wrong.  When I got to the BKK airport early yesteirday for a 1155 flight on  Vietnam Airlines the agent she could not accept the visa because my first, middle and last name was listed 2x. I plead my case. No luck. She said no go. I ended up using a Vietnam visa service on the D level. They said I could get a 30 day visa by 5:30 pm. An 8 hour wait for me. I paid the fees and paid a rebooking fee to the airlines hoping I could get on their 7:10 pm flight. Very costly. But I made it to Hanoi late last night..

My return to the USA is in 6 weeks from Saigon. But the visa will leave me short by about 2 weeks. What is the best way to get a 2 week extension?  I will be in Saigon in about 10 days. I am thinking that I should try  to get the extension in Saigon rather than Hanoi in case it gets delayed.

I welcome your suggestions.   Regards.    Michael
   

    -@mjtcgc

IF you were given a Visa On Arrival (and not an evisa) it's possible that an agent MIGHT be able to help you get an "EXTENSION", though highly unlikely.

IF, IF, IF that's possible, you can do it in any city.

But as I said, it's highly doubtful you can get any extension of a tourist visa done in Vietnam.

It's 100% impossible to extend an Evisa in Vietnam.

The only other option is to exit Vietnam and reenter on a NEW Evisa (not an "extension".

The border run is much easier in HCMC, so do it there.

Without the assistance of a trustworthy and talented visa agent, it is difficult to impossible to apply for a new visa while you are still in Vietnam.

So unless you use an agent you can expect to spend at least 3 to 4 days in Cambodia waiting for your new Evisa to be approved.

Anyone reading this thread, this is why we ALWAYS recommend applying for the maximum allowed 90 days on an Evisa.

Of course, in your situation that wouldn't have helped, given the error on your Evisa.

Good luck with your plans.

Hopefully you will use a trustworthy agent who can get you a quick, same day return at the border with Cambodia.

@OceanBeach92107

But who are trustworthy agents in HCMC?

    @OceanBeach92107
But who are trustworthy agents in HCMC?
   

    -@KKK36

The visa agent can be anywhere in the country.

The best I know are in Hanoi & Da Nang.

We don't post visa agent recommendations in the forum since we've been overwhelmed by spam for "agents" in the past.

You'll need to request that info through the private message system.

Thanks the the advice. I hope to see an agent in Hanoi today. I found a few who are experienced. I can only hope for the best.

The Cambodia option from hand may still be the only option.

Regards

New update....

One agent said an extension is not possible. I am awaiting a reply from another agent. I am not optimistic.

Oceanbeach92107 mentioned a border run to Cambodia. The last time I was in Saigon I met a couple expats who talked about border runs. This sounds like an "easier" solution for me rather than flying to Cambodia. A 30 day tourist visa at the border would solve my problem.

I have already booked a flight to Saigon from Hanoi Wednesday at noon. I have a 7 day abnb booked for 7 days in central Saigon. If a border run to Cambodia is a valid option for me I could keep the abnb  and spend an entire day for the border run.

I understand that border runs can be done by car, taxi, van or bus. Probably a van would be best. Or grab car if that is possible.  If I use a van can anyone recommend a good van service? I am assuming that I would need to leave early in the morning with a return likely very late afternoon.

I did read a lengthy description of the process at the border. Does not sound too complicated....hopefully I  say!

I welcome any suggestions that will minimize the hassles. I have already experienced enough hassles.

You BMs have been very helpful.     Michael

Dude, you gotta find and befriend a local who knows what's what. Your Airbnb host maybe? When I lived in Da Nang, my apartment manager was essentially my "concierge." Maybe a bartender or server you've encountered. Locals like to know expats for language skills and new perspectives. Be kind, be interested, tip generously. Get to work. You don't have much time.

...A 30 day tourist visa at the border would solve my problem.

A VOA (visa on arrival) to reenter VN will not be available at VN land border crossings. You'll need to be in possession of a new eVisa to do this run. You can secure a VOA to enter Cambodia, but you'll need a new eVisa to get back into VN.

I have already booked a flight to Saigon from Hanoi Wednesday at noon. I have a 7 day abnb booked for 7 days in central Saigon. If a border run to Cambodia is a valid option for me I could keep the abnb  and spend an entire day for the border run.

Apply online today for your new eVisa, here. Click, FOR FOREIGNERS. Immigration has been consistent in their 3-day turnaround on eVisa applications when the application is completed/submitted correctly.

There is a high likelihood that you will receive a denial of your application due to your having not yet exited VN. You might find that this uncomplicated border run  turns into a 3 or 4 day holiday in Cambodia.

I did read a lengthy description of the process at the border. Does not sound too complicated....hopefully I  say!

It usually isn't too complicated but, failing an agent acting as a "fixer" for you, you must hold a new eVisa. Good luck.

    New update....
One agent said an extension is not possible. I am awaiting a reply from another agent. I am not optimistic.
Oceanbeach92107 mentioned a border run to Cambodia. The last time I was in Saigon I met a couple expats who talked about border runs. This sounds like an "easier" solution for me rather than flying to Cambodia. A 30 day tourist visa at the border would solve my problem.

I have already booked a flight to Saigon from Hanoi Wednesday at noon. I have a 7 day abnb booked for 7 days in central Saigon. If a border run to Cambodia is a valid option for me I could keep the abnb  and spend an entire day for the border run.

I understand that border runs can be done by car, taxi, van or bus. Probably a van would be best. Or grab car if that is possible.  If I use a van can anyone recommend a good van service? I am assuming that I would need to leave early in the morning with a return likely very late afternoon.

I did read a lengthy description of the process at the border. Does not sound too complicated....hopefully I  say!

I welcome any suggestions that will minimize the hassles. I have already experienced enough hassles.

You BMs have been very helpful.     Michael
   

    -@mjtcgc

It's clear (yet understandable) that you don't yet fully comprehend the limitations of your options.

As I previously pointed out, in order to do that same day border run (5 to 6 hours max turnaround on the HCMC/Mộc Bài route) you'll need--as Aidan pointed out--to already be in possession of a valid Evisa for reentry to Vietnam.

You've almost certainly waited too long to apply for an Evisa through one of the trustworthy visa agents who can sometimes get your visa approved while you are still here in Vietnam.

Most visa agents are simply refusing to do that, while a scant few are able to get it done with advanced notice; usually at least 1 month in advance.

It's not exactly cheap either.

The closer you are to your visa expiration date, the more it will cost in additional agents' fees.

It's great insurance to apply for a 90 day visa, even though you only need a couple of extra weeks.

In case of emergency you won't be under pressure to exit the country immediately.

IT MIGHT BE YOUR BEST OPTION to work with an agent who is prepared to do an urgent application for a new visa (4 hours or less) as soon as you cross the border into Cambodia and your passport electronically clears the immigration system.

The agent would be standing by to submit your application as soon as you are out of the country.

Here in Đà Nẵng, the main local agent is usually getting people cleared in that manner by noon, when they cross the border at Lao Bảo into Cambodia by 8 AM.

If you can find someone trustworthy in HCMC to do that for you, go for it.

Otherwise I REPEAT, if you cross into Cambodia without an approved Evisa for re-entry into Vietnam, you'll need at least 3 business days (weekends & holidays excluded) to get a new application approved, but likely 4 days.

Good luck with whatever choice you make.

O.B.

@mjtcgc E-VISA 1-month exension only be applied when you are not in Vietnam. How do you manage your plan?