Vietnam will automatically extend temporary residence permits for foreigners stuck in the country because of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), as long as they meet certain conditions.

Those foreign nationals entering Vietnam before March 1 will have their temporary residence permits extended until the end of June 30 without any fee if they can prove they are stranded in the country owing to COVID-19, the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security said on Monday.

These people will have to secure written certification from their diplomatic mission via a diplomatic note, with a Vietnamese translation.

Those obtaining documents from relevant Vietnamese authorities showing they have been quarantined or treated for COVID-19, or they cannot leave the country under other force majeure conditions will also be eligible for the automatic extension of their temporary residence paper until the end of June 30.

Such foreigners have to present the said diplomatic note or documents when they exit Vietnam.

Foreigners who have entered Vietnam on visa-free policy, e-visas, or tourist visas since March 1 will be entitled to the same automatic temporary resident permit extension.

From now until the end of June 30, they can leave the Southeast Asian country without carrying out any procedure to extend their stay permit.

Any foreigner who has been given the automatic temporary residence permit extension has to declare their residency and health status as per regulations.

Those who do not fall into the aforementioned categories or who commit other violations shall be subject to Vietnam’s existing laws.

For help, call 0243.9387320.

The COVID-19 pandemic has grounded all commercial flights between Vietnam and other countries, except for some arranged by the government to take foreigners home and bring back Vietnamese from abroad.

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