If, for any reason, foreigners cannot or do not wish to extend their visa but still want to remain in Vietnam, a visa run becomes an optimal solution. Understanding visa runs is crucial, particularly for those planning an extended stay in Vietnam.

You might not be familiar with the term “Vietnam visa run.” Here’s a detailed guide on what it is, the best locations for a visa run, and how to properly do a Vietnam visa run.

What to prepare before conducting a Vietnam visa run through the Lao Bao border checkpoint (Source: Collected)

1. What is a Vietnam Visa Run?

A Vietnam visa run is a method used by foreigners to extend their stay in Vietnam when their current visa is nearing its expiration and they do not want to extend it due to high costs or other reasons. 

A visa run involves a short trip from Vietnam to a neighboring country (such as Laos, Cambodia, China, or Thailand) and then re-entering Vietnam with a new visa.

1.1. Why Choose a Visa Run?

Although it requires some time to exit and re-enter Vietnam, a visa run offers several advantages:

1. Cheap price: Opting for a border run to extend your visa is more cost-effective compared to other ways.
2. Variety options: Visa extensions can be limited in terms of the number of entries and the duration of stay. Depending on your needs, you can apply for a one-month single-entry visa, a one-month multiple-entry visa, a three-month single-entry visa, or a three-month multiple-entry visa.

1.2.Vietnam Visa Run in brief

2. Where to Do a Visa Run from Vietnam?

There are two main ways to complete your visa run from Vietnam:

• Via the Vietnam international airports
• Via the land borders

Here is a list of 24 checkpoints where you can do a visa run from Vietnam:

Vietnam Visa Run Tips:

• Cheapest Visa Runs from Hanoi: Those in Hanoi often opt for a visa run via Noi Bai Airport to destinations like Singapore, Thailand, or Cambodia.
• Cheapest Visa Runs from Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City): Those in Saigon and the southern provinces of Vietnam often choose the Moc Bai visa run, which is considered the cheapest, fastest, and most convenient option from HCMC.

3. How to Do a Visa Run for Vietnam

There are two main ways to complete a Vietnam visa run: 

• Via the international airports 

• via the land borders

Let’s go through each method step by step.

3.1. Vietnam Visa Run via International Airports

Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Obtain your e-visa or visa approval letter (if required) via email, print it out, and prepare two photos and the stamping fee (if required).
2. Go to a Vietnam airport and board a flight leaving Vietnam.
3. Complete the customs procedures in the destination country, stay there for a few days or return immediately on a flight back to Vietnam.

If you are skilled at finding cheap flight tickets or have the budget for it, this option is ideal as it saves a lot of travel energy. The best countries to consider for an airport visa run from Vietnam are Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

3.2. Vietnam Visa Run via Land Borders

This way is popular among expats in Vietnam because it is cost-effective. Follow these steps:

1. 1. Obtain your e-visa or visa approval letter (if required).
   2. Book a van or bus, or drive yourself to the border. If you don’t have your own motorbike or car, you can easily rent one from a nearby store.
   3. At the Vietnamese border, show your passport and get the Vietnam exit stamp. You will then be officially outside of Vietnam.
   4. Pass through another passport control and head to the Laos or Cambodia immigration office.
   5. At the Laos or Cambodia immigration office, show your original passport and, if necessary, your visa for that country. If a visa on arrival is available, obtain it and fill out the required forms. You will receive an entry stamp in your passport.
   6. You can either stay in the neighboring country for a few days or immediately go back to the immigration counter to complete the exit procedure and receive the exit stamp.
   7. Return to the Vietnam border where immigration will recheck your passport and Vietnam entry paper. You will then receive a new entry sticker.

• Congratulations, your visa run is complete!

You must present your passport along with your Vietnam e-visa. (Source: Collected)

4. Visa Approval Letter for an Airport Visa Run vs. a Land Border Run – What’s Different?

Although both types of visa approval letters are issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department via a local travel agency and allow holders to get their visas stamped at the Vietnam border, they differ in the following ways:

– Port of Entry Information:

• For an airport visa run, the port of entry is stated at the end of the letter.
• For a land border visa run, the port of entry is mentioned within the body of the letter.

– Flexibility of Port of Entry:

• For an airport visa run, the port of entry is not fixed, allowing you to choose among the 8 international airports in Vietnam.
• For a land border visa run, the port of entry is fixed and cannot be changed.

– Form of the Letter:

• For an airport visa run, a printed copy of the letter is sufficient.
• For a land border visa run, you must have the original letter. This means you can obtain the letter for an airport visa while in Vietnam or abroad, but you must obtain the letter for a land border visa run while you are still in Vietnam, before leaving the country.

Read more:  All about Vietnam Visa

Foreigners in Ho Chi Minh City often prefer Moc Bai as their favorite border for visa runs. (Source: Collected)

5. Processing Time & Fees

The processing time can vary depending on your specific requirements. Here’s a general timeline:

• Vietnam Visa on Arrival/E-visa: 3-7 days
• Visa to Enter a Third Country: 3-7 days
• Stay in the Third Country: A few hours to a few days, depending on immigration/exit procedures or if you opt for a short trip.

To complete a visa run, you’ll need to pay for the following items:

• E-visa or visa approval letter
• Bus or air tickets
• Visa stamping fee (if obtaining a visa on arrival)
• Visa fee for Cambodia, Laos, etc. (if required)

Important Tip: It’s advisable to carry some extra cash (around US $10) for the immigration officer if you are doing the visa run at a land border.

The most commonly used and cost-effective borders for visa runs by expats in Vietnam are Moc Bai (to Cambodia), Lao Bao, and Cau Treo (to Laos). 

For detailed guidance on the best place for your Vietnam visa run and how to do it properly, refer to:

• Moc Bai visa run
• Vietnam visa run to Laos

FAQs 

1. How to Get an Approval Letter for a Border Visa Run from Vietnam

Obtaining a visa approval letter for a border run in Vietnam is quite simple. Follow these steps:

1. Contact a Local Travel Agent: Reach out to a local travel agent, like us, to request a visa approval letter.
2. Make Payment: Pay the letter fee.
3. Receive the Visa Approval Letter: You will receive the letter either in person or by post.

If you need assistance about Vietnam Visa Run, call us at (+84) 918 212 468 or email us at Support@vietnamtouristservices.com.

A pre-approval letter is an official document issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department (Source: Collected)

2. What Is the Most Convenient Border for a Vietnam Visa Run from Da Nang?

If you are staying in Da Nang, the most convenient option for a visa run is by air, as there are numerous flights to neighboring countries from Da Nang International Airport. However, if you prefer a more cost-effective method, you can consider land border crossings such as Lao Bao or La Lay in Quang Tri.

3. Are Photos Compulsory When Immigrating to Vietnam Visa Run?

No, photos are not compulsory for all Vietnam visa runs. However, photos are required if you are obtaining a visa on arrival at a Vietnamese airport. In that case, you need to prepare two identical passport-sized photos (4×6 cm), taken within the last 6 months, looking straight ahead, and without wearing glasses or hats.