Photo: Collected

Last Update: Tuesday February 10, 2026

If you are planning a trip to Vietnam, one of the most important things you need to know is how to stay away from the Vietnam Immigration Blacklist. Getting blacklisted doesn’t just affect your current trip—it can lead to visa rejection for future applications or even being refused entry at the airport.

Below, we explain what it is, the common mistakes travelers make, and practical examples of what to do (and not do).

What is the Vietnam Immigration Blacklist?

The Vietnam Immigration Blacklist is a record maintained by Vietnam Immigration authorities of travelers who have violated immigration rules. Anyone on the list may face:

• Visa denial (even if you meet other requirements).

• Entry refusal at borders and airports.

• Fines or deportation.

• Long-term travel restrictions to Vietnam.

Common Reasons Travelers Get Blacklisted (with Examples)

1. Overstaying Your Visa

A traveler with a 30-day tourist visa stayed 32 days thinking “two extra days won’t matter.” At departure, they were fined, recorded, and flagged in the system. Next time, their visa application was rejected.

Pro Tips: Always leave before your visa expires or apply for an extension. Even 1 day overstay is considered a violation.

2. Using the Wrong Visa Type

A tourist entered Vietnam on a tourist eVisa but started working in a bar. Immigration discovered this during a random check, and he was blacklisted from entering Vietnam again.

Pro Tips: Apply for the correct visa type—tourist, business, working, or student. Immigration takes visa misuse very seriously.

3. Providing False or Incomplete Documents

A traveler uploaded a cropped passport photo instead of the full bio page for their eVisa. The application was flagged as “suspicious document,” and the applicant faced delays and eventual rejection.

Pro Tips: Always provide original, unedited passport bio page and new portrait photos that meet official requirements.

4. Repeated Violations

A business traveler overstayed once, paid the fine, and thought it was solved. On their second overstay, Vietnam Immigration blacklisted them permanently.

Pro Tips: Even if you are fined once, do not repeat the mistake. Immigration monitors repeat offenders closely.

5. Illegal or Restricted Activities

A tourist participated in political protests during their stay. Even though they had a valid visa, they were detained and blacklisted.

Pro Tips: Respect Vietnamese law and avoid any activities that could put your immigration status at risk.

Travel Tips to Avoid the Vietnam Immigration Blacklist

• Check your visa carefully – Know the validity dates (entry and exit).

• Apply for visa extension in advance – Do not wait until the last day.

•  Keep entry/exit records – Double-check passport stamps when you enter or leave.

• Use only official or trusted agencies – Avoid unreliable “street agents” offering fake extensions.

•  Match your visa purpose to your activities – Example: Do not attend work meetings on a tourist visa.

• Keep your documents safe – Carry a copy of your passport and visa in case you lose the original.

How the Blacklist Affects Your Future Applications

• Rejected visa applications: Immigration may simply decline without explanation.

• Entry refusal: You may arrive at Tan Son Nhat Airport with a visa but still be denied entry.

• Delays and extra checks: Even if you manage to get a visa later, you might face long questioning at the border.

In Conclusion

The Vietnam Immigration Blacklist is serious, but it’s 100% avoidable if you respect the rules. Always:

• Stay within your visa period.

• Apply for the right visa type.

• Avoid overstays and misuse.