What should foreigners do in Vietnam in case losing travel documents?

Ask: I am a foreign national in Vietnam and I lost my identification documents. What should I do?

Asked: Based on the information you have provided, it appears that you lost your travel documents, including your passport or equivalent travel document, in Vietnam, and your visa has expired without the possibility of immediate renewal. According to Articles 9(7), 7(1), and 10 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, to be considered for a new visa, you must meet the visa issuance conditions, including possessing a valid passport or travel document. Accordingly, you should take the following steps immediately:

1. Report a lost passport: The individual must submit a written declaration to the local police authority in the area where the passport was lost or where the individual is temporarily residing. The declaration must include the individual's full name, nationality, passport number, the date and place the passport was issued, and the issuing authority.

2. Contact their Embassy or Consulate: The individual must contact the embassy or consular mission of their home country in Vietnam to apply for a travel document, emergency passport, or a new passport. They should also request that the diplomatic mission issue an official note (diplomatic note) to notify the Vietnamese authorities of the lost passport and request the issuance of an exit visa or a new visa.
3. Submit a visa application to the Immigration Department: Individuals must submit an application to the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security. The application must include the following documents:  

• The diplomatic note issued by the consular mission,

• The declaration of loss certified by the local police,

• The newly issued passport or travel document,

• And the standard visa application form as prescribed by the Ministry of Public Security. The Immigration Department will review the application and decide whether to issue a new visa.

Are there penalties for overstaying a visa in Vietnam due to lost documents?

Under the regulations of the Government of Vietnam, overstaying a visa due to the loss of travel documents may result in the following administrative sanctions:

• A fine of approximately US$4 to 12, or possible expulsion from Vietnam, for traveling within Vietnamese territory without carrying a passport or substitute travel document.

• A fine of approximately US$20 to 80 for failure to promptly notify the competent authority of the loss or damage of a passport, visa, temporary residence card, or permanent residence card. Intentional and prolonged violations may lead to deportation.

• A fine ranging from US$120 to 200 is imposed for failing to register a temporary residence as required or for using an expired residence certificate, temporary residence card, or permanent residence card by more than 16 days without proper authorization.

Note: The level of the administrative sanction will depend on how long the overstay was, why it happened, and other relevant factors that might make it worse or better.