For many foreigners wishing to stay longer in Vietnam, extending a visa may not be the best or most affordable option. In such cases, a visa run is often the most effective solution. This is especially relevant for those planning an extended stay in the country.

What is a Visa Run?

A Vietnam visa run is a quick trip out of the country to a neighboring nation like Laos, Cambodia, China, or Thailand. This allows foreigners to re-enter Vietnam on a new visa, often saving on the high costs or complexities of a visa extension. A visa run must be done before the current visa expires, and the traveler can remain in the neighboring country for just a few hours or several days before returning to Vietnam.

Why Do a Visa Run?

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

  1. Simple Process and Lower Costs: Visa extensions often require a local sponsor or agency and can be expensive and time-consuming. A visa run is generally a more affordable and straightforward way to extend your stay.
  2. Flexible Options: Unlike visa extensions that might limit your stay or number of entries, a visa run allows you to obtain a new visa, which can be valid for 1 to 3 months, with either single or multiple entries.

Vietnam Visa Run Overview

Types of Visa Runs

  1. Visa Run by Air: Travelers leave and re-enter Vietnam by air.
  2. Visa Run by Land: Travelers exit and return to Vietnam by crossing a land border.

Who Needs a Visa Run?

Anyone currently in Vietnam whose visa is nearing its expiration and who either cannot or prefers not to extend it can benefit from a visa run.

Eligibility

Foreign nationals can opt for a visa run if they:

  • Entered Vietnam via visa exemption.
  • Hold a 5-year visa exemption certificate.
  • Have a 30-day e-visa.
  • Possess a business visa.

Pros and Cons of a Visa Run

Pros:

  • Simple and cost-effective: A visa run avoids the complexities of extensions.
  • Multiple choices: New visas issued for a visa run can vary in duration (1 or 3 months) and type (single or multiple entries).

Cons:

  • Inconvenience: You must leave and re-enter Vietnam, which may involve travel time and expenses.

Costs

Visa run fees include:

  • Stamping fee: $25 to $50, depending on whether you get a single or multiple-entry visa.
  • Other costs: Fees for the approval letter or e-visa.

Required Documents

To successfully complete a visa run, you will need the following documents:

  • Valid passport (with at least 6 months remaining and two blank pages).
  • Visa exemption certificate, e-visa, or visa approval letter.
  • Air or bus ticket (for visa run by air or road).
  • Documents required to enter a third country.
  • Stamping fee for your new visa.
  • Two recent passport-sized photos (for road visa runs).
  • Visa application form (for road visa runs).

Types of Visa Runs

Visa Run by Air

This type involves exiting and re-entering Vietnam by flight, commonly used by those in northern Vietnam. You can choose from one of the following international airports for a visa run:

  • Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
  • Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
  • Cat Bi International Airport (Hai Phong)
  • Da Nang International Airport (Da Nang)
  • Cam Ranh International Airport (Khanh Hoa)
  • Lien Khuong International Airport (Da Lat)
  • Phu Quoc International Airport (Phu Quoc)
  • Can Tho International Airport (Can Tho)

Visa Run by Road

This option requires travelers to cross a land border into a neighboring country like Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, or China. It is commonly chosen by those in central or southern Vietnam.

Key land border gates for a visa run include:

  • Bờ Y (Kon Tum, Laos)
  • Cha Lo (Quang Binh, Laos)
  • Cầu Treo (Ha Tinh, Laos)
  • Hữu Nghị (Lang Son, China)
  • Hà Tiên (Kien Giang, Cambodia)
  • Lao Bảo (Quang Tri, Laos)
  • Mộc Bài (Tay Ninh, Cambodia)

Steps for a Visa Run

  1. Prepare Documents: Ensure you have all required paperwork, including your passport, visa exemption or approval letter, and travel tickets.
  2. Exit Vietnam: Complete the exit procedures and travel to your chosen third country.
  3. Enter the Third Country: Present necessary documents to enter the neighboring country.
  4. Exit the Third Country: After a brief stay, return to Vietnam. Be sure to obtain your exit stamp from the third country.
  5. Re-enter Vietnam: Present your documents (passport, visa form, photos, and approval letter or e-visa) to complete the visa application process upon re-entry.

Processing Time and Fees

  • Processing Time: It typically takes 3–7 days to receive a new visa for Vietnam and another 3–7 days to get a visa for the third country. Time spent in the third country can vary from a few hours to a few days.
  • Costs: Fees include the cost of an e-visa ($25), visa approval letter (varies by agency), and the stamping fee ($25 for single-entry, $50 for multiple-entry).

By following these steps, you can efficiently complete a visa run, allowing you to extend your stay in Vietnam with minimal hassle and cost.