Everything You Need to Know About Vietnam Visa Run

If you’re staying in Vietnam and your visa is about to expire, you might be considering a visa run to extend your stay. A Vietnam visa run is a common solution for expats, tourists, and business travelers who need to renew their visas without going through the traditional extension process within Vietnam. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Vietnam visa runs, including what they are, how they work, and some tips for a successful journey.

What is a Vietnam Visa Run?

A Vietnam visa run is the process of leaving Vietnam to go to a third country for a short period of time, maybe a few days, or even a few hours, and returning with a new visa and a new period of stay. This allows travelers to reset their visa duration without having to go through the visa extension process within Vietnam, which can be more time-consuming and costly.

How Does a Vietnam Visa Run Work?

The process of a visa run is relatively straightforward: 

1. Exit Vietnam: You leave Vietnam by crossing the border into a neighboring country such as Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand. Some travelers also fly to nearby countries like Singapore or Malaysia.
2. Obtain a New Visa: Once you’ve exited Vietnam, you can apply for a new visa directly with the Vietnam Immigration Department or ask for help from a service provider or a Vietnam visa agency. Alternatively, you can apply for a visa on arrival if you’re flying back to Vietnam.
3. Re-enter Vietnam: After obtaining your new visa, you re-enter Vietnam, and your stay duration is reset based on the new visa’s validity.

Where to do a visa run from Vietnam?

There are two ways to do your visa run in Vietnam, namely:

1. Do the visa run via Vietnam international airports: There are 8 International Airports that foreigners can choose for a Vietnam visa run.
2. Do the visa run via land borders: 

• Land borders to get Vietnam visa to Cambodia: Hà Tiên – Kiên Giang; Mộc Bài – Tây Ninh; Sông Tiền – An Giang; Tịnh Biên – An Giang; Xa Mát – Tây Ninh.
• Land borders to get Vietnam visa to Laos: Bờ Y – Kon Tum; Cha Lo – Quảng Bình; Cầu Treo – Hà Tĩnh; Lao Bảo – Quảng Trị; La Lay – Quảng Trị; Nậm Cắn – Nghệ An; Na Mèo – Thanh Hóa; Tây Trang – Điện Biên.
• Land borders to get Vietnam visa to China: Hữu Nghị – Lạng Sơn; Lào Cai – Lào Cai; Móng Cái – Quảng Ninh.

What to bring on a Vietnamese visa run?

To successfully do the visa run from Vietnam, you need to prepare the following:

• Original passport (valid for at least 6 months following your re-entry date).
• A valid entry paper for Vietnam (unless the foreigner is visa-exempt): It can be your Vietnam 5-year visa or e-visa for Vietnam.
• Visa as well as required documents to enter a third country when applying for a visa run.
• Stamping fee and 2 passport-sized photos in case you get the visa on arrival in this visa run. 
• Additionally, it’s crucial to arrange transportation for your visa run. Decide on the mode of transportation for your visa run with varied options from buses, taxis, or private cars. 

Tips for a Successful Vietnam Visa Run

• Plan Ahead: Check the visa requirements for the country you plan to visit, as well as the processing times at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate there. Some countries may require visas for entry, even for short visits.
• Bring Necessary Documents: Ensure you have all the required documents, including your passport (with at least six months validity), passport photos, and any visa application forms. 
• Check for Public Holidays: Make sure your visa run doesn’t coincide with public holidays in either Vietnam or the country you’re visiting, as this could delay your visa processing.
• Budget for the Trip: A visa run involves travel expenses, including transportation, accommodation (if needed), and visa fees. Make sure to budget accordingly. 

Alternatives to Visa Runs

While visa runs are a popular option, they aren’t the only solution for extending your stay in Vietnam. You can also consider: 

• Visa Extension: Apply for a visa extension within Vietnam, allowing you to stay longer without leaving the country. This process can take 5-7 working days and may be more expensive.
• Visa Renewal: Similar to a visa extension but involves getting a new visa within Vietnam without leaving the country. This can be a good option if you need a longer stay. 

Conclusion

A Vietnam visa run is a practical option for those needing to extend their stay in Vietnam. By understanding the process and planning ahead, you can ensure a smooth and successful trip. Whether you choose to cross the border by land or fly to a neighboring country, Vietnam Visa Link is here to help you navigate the process with ease.