On Tuesday (May 19), the country’s Immigration Department informed that the stranded foreigners who entered into Vietnam on a tourist visa, e-visa or visa exemption since March 1 are now eligible for an automatic stay permit extension until June 30 without any cost.

The department has taken this step to help the foreigners who are stuck in the country due to imposed travel restrictions to control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, there is no requirement or paperwork for renewal and the stay permit will be automatically extended.

The stranded foreigners holding visa may also decide to stay or leave the country within the time period without undergoing stay extension procedures, according to an announcement by the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security on Monday (May 18).

In regards to those who entered into Vietnam before March 1, they will also be considered for this permit extension but they need to prove that they were stranded in the country due to COVID-19 pandemic. For the same, they should have confirmed diplomatic notes or documents issued by Vietnamese authorities certifying that they were quarantined or treated for the virus.

The department has also said that these foreigners within their stay extension period must report to authorities regarding their residence and medical status which are required as per existing Vietnamese policies.

As of Wednesday (May 20), the country has reported a total number of 324 confirmed COVID-19 cases and no death caused by the virus. However, 263 patients have completely recovered till date.