If you’re traveling to Vietnam and need to extend your visa. Many people choose to do a visa run to the Moc Bai border checkpoint on the Cambodia border, as it’s considered the most affordable option for extending a visa from Vietnam. This is particularly popular among those living in Ho Chi Minh City due to its proximity and cost-effectiveness. In this article, we’ll share valuable tips on how to successfully complete a Moc Bai visa run.
Vietnam visa run via Moc Bai border checkpoint
What to Prepare for Your Moc Bai Visa Run
Wondering what essential documents to bring for a hassle-free Moc Bai border run? Here’s a simple checklist for Moc Bai Visa Run:
- Original Passport: Ensure it’s valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
- Valid Entry Document: If you don’t qualify for Vietnam visa exemption, you’ll need one of the following:
- A 5-year Vietnam visa exemption certificate,
- A Vietnam e-visa, or
- A business visa approval letter (if you’re getting a visa on arrival).
3.Pen: You’ll need it to fill out several forms.
- $30 for Cambodian Visa: This applies if your nationality requires a visa for Cambodia. Alternatively, you can get it in advance at the Cambodian Embassy in Hanoi (71A Tran Hung Dao Street) or the Cambodian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City (No. 41 Phung Khac Khoan).
- US$25 for Vietnam Stamping Fee: This is for a single-entry visa. If you’re entering with a business visa approval letter and need a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 3 months, bring US$50 instead.
- Two Passport Photos: Required if you’re getting a visa on arrival. Make sure they meet the specific photo requirements.
Guide to Successfully Completing a Vietnam Visa Run at Moc Bai Border Checkpoint
The entire process of completing a visa run at the Moc Bai border involves the following steps:
- Traveling to the Moc Bai border.
- Exiting Vietnam.
- Entering and exiting Cambodia.
- Re-entering Vietnam with a new visa and extended stay duration.
Step 1: Getting to the Moc Bai Border from Ho Chi Minh City
Wondering how to reach the Moc Bai border from Saigon? You have several options, including motorbike, city bus, private bus, taxi, or private car.
- By Motorbike/Private Car – Moc Bai Visa Run
For most people living in Ho Chi Minh City, the quickest route to the Moc Bai border is to head towards Cu Chi, then take QL22 and follow it all the way to the border. The distance is about 70 kilometers, depending on your starting point in the city.
– Tips: While some expats might advise against taking a motorbike due to the long, hot ride and the challenge of finding secure parking, a private car is often more comfortable. However, if you enjoy the journey and scenery, riding a motorbike can be an adventurous option.
Moc Bai Visa Run by City Bus
- By City Bus – Moc Bai Visa Run
Taking a city bus is likely the most affordable way to reach Moc Bai from Ho Chi Minh City.
How to Catch the Bus: Board the blue public bus No. 703 at the bus station in Park 23/9 (located at the corner of Pham Ngu Lao and Cong Quynh streets, across from Thai Binh Market). To ensure you have enough time for your visa run and return trip, it’s best to start your journey early, ideally before 9 am, as the last bus from Moc Bai typically departs around 4 or 5 pm. The trip takes about 3 hours.
Bus Frequency: The bus departs every 30 minutes and will take you directly to the Moc Bai border.
Cost: The fare is 40,000 VND per person (around 2 USD for a one-way trip).
- By Private Bus – Moc Bai Visa Run
If you prefer a more direct route without multiple stops, you can book a seat on a private bus. These buses can be reserved at various offices on Pham Ngu Lao Street. The cost typically ranges from $10 to $12 per person.
Step 2: Exit Vietnam
To begin, park your bike or disembark from the bus, then walk approximately 5-10 minutes to reach the border gate.
Once you arrive at the border, you’ll see a large Vietnamese building. Walk all the way to the right and continue until you spot a large wooden booth with a Vietnamese official inside. You’ll likely see a line of people waiting there. Join the line, which usually takes around 30 minutes.
After getting your exit stamp on your passport, proceed to exit the border and head towards Cambodia.
Step 3: Enter & Exit Cambodia
After being stamped out of Vietnam, walk about 200 meters to reach the Cambodian border checkpoint. Here, you’ll need to visit a small booth where you’ll either show your Cambodian visa (if you obtained it in advance at the Cambodian embassy or consulate in Vietnam) or pay US$30 for a visa on arrival. You’ll also need to fill out a form.
At this point, some locals may offer assistance in exchange for a tip. If you prefer to handle things on your own, politely decline. If you need their help, be prepared to pay a service fee.
Once you have your visa and stamp, enter the adjacent building to officially “enter Cambodia.” Inside, you’ll find tables and chairs on your left. Take a seat and fill out the arrival card before queuing up to complete the entry process.
Afterward, proceed to the exit building and get your stamp to leave Cambodia.
Tips: We strongly recommend preparing USD for visa fees ahead of time. If you rely on Vietnamese Dong, you may encounter high and unreasonable exchange fees at the border. To avoid this, visit the gold shops around Ben Thanh Market before your trip and exchange for some USD in small, unmarked bills.
Step 4: Re-enter Vietnam
To complete your visa border run and re-enter Vietnam, follow these steps:
- Walk Back to the Building: After exiting Cambodia, walk back into the Vietnamese border building from the opposite side.
- Complete Vietnam Entry Procedure: At the Vietnam Immigration building, present your passport and Vietnam entry documents (if required. Complete the necessary entry procedures.
- Re-enter Vietnam: Once your documents are processed, you’ll officially re-enter Vietnam with a new stay duration. The entire process may take around 3 to 5 hours.
- Return to Saigon: After completing the visa run, hop back on your car, bike, or bus and head back to Saigon.
Top Tips:
Bring Some Extra USD: It’s a good idea to have around $10 in USD as an extra tip for the border officials, just in case. Also, there are plenty of food and drink stalls near where the bus waits, so you can grab a snack if needed.
Carry Exact Visa Fees: Make sure you have the exact amount for your visa fees to avoid any issues with needing change.
Pack Extra Clothes: The air conditioning on the bus can be quite cold during the 3-hour ride, so bring an extra layer to stay comfortable.
Stick to Your Planned Border Crossing: Don’t change your planned port of entry for the visa run. If you do, you’ll need to obtain a new visa approval letter, which can be a hassle.
Renew Your Visa at Moc Bai Border: A Journey from Ho Chi Minh City
Moc Bai Visa Run Service
We’re here to make your visa run as smooth and comfortable as possible. Our comprehensive Moc Bai visa run package includes:
- Transportation: Enjoy a private car ride with an English-speaking driver.
- E-Visa Assistance: We’ll handle the e-visa process if needed.
- Immigration Support: Get help with both Vietnam and Cambodia immigration procedures.
Here’s What You Can Expect:
- Convenient Pickup: Our driver will pick you up from your address and take you directly to the Moc Bai checkpoint in a modern, private car.
- Warm Welcome: Our agent will greet you at the Moc Bai checkpoint.
- Guided Process: You’ll be escorted through the exit stamp process at Moc Bai (Vietnam), obtaining a Cambodian visa, and getting an entry stamp at the Ba Vet checkpoint (Cambodia).
- Seamless Return: We’ll guide you through the Cambodia exit and Vietnam re-entry procedures, ensuring everything goes smoothly.
With our professional team and well-organized service, you’re guaranteed a fast and comfortable experience for your Vietnam visa run.
Contact Information About Moc Bai Visa Run
Wolo Tours JSC
- Address: 2nd floor – No 02, Alley 232, Yen Hoa St., Cau Giay District, Hanoi, Vietnam.
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 22:00 Vietnam time (GMT +7) (closed on Vietnamese holidays)
- Website: https://vietnamtouristservices.com
- Hotline: (+84) 918.212.468
- Email: Support@vietnamtouristservices.com
