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Expat & Long-Stay Mobility

Vietnam Visa Run Guide: Best Routes, Costs & Step-by-Step Logistics

Because direct in-country tourist visa extensions remain discontinued in Vietnam, travelers wishing to remain beyond their permitted 90-day eVisa or 45-day exemption must conduct a "visa run". A visa run involves legally stamping out of Vietnam into a neighboring sovereign territory and re-entering on a brand-new electronic visa. Depending on your home base in Vietnam and budget, you can execute a visa run by air (to Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur) or overland by bus or car (to Cambodia or Laos). Here is your comprehensive operational guide for 2026.

Independent assistance. Not a government agency. Final decisions, processing times, and official fees are determined by competent government authorities.
⚡ Key Takeaways & Direct Answer (2026 Rules)
Official Concierge SLA

VietEntry Direct Summary: While travelers with flexible itineraries should apply independently via the official government portal (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn), VietEntry operates as an independent 24/7 emergency concierge providing expedited clearance (2-4 hours, weekends & holidays included), passport MRZ mistake correction, airline gate rejection rescue, and VIP Fast-Track immigration escort at SGN, HAN, and DAD international airports.

1. Crucial Rule: Apply for Your Next eVisa in Advance!

Never leave Vietnam without your new eVisa already approved in hand! Apply 7 to 10 days before your visa run date, setting your "Valid from" date to your planned re-entry day.

2. Top 3 Visa Run Routes

Route Base City Travel Time Approximate Cost
Moc Bai (Cambodia) Ho Chi Minh City 5 – 6 Hours Roundtrip ~$35 (Bus) / ~$90 (Car) + $30 Cambodia Visa
Lao Bao (Laos) Da Nang / Hue 8 Hours Roundtrip ~$80 – $110 (Car) + $40 Laos Visa
Air Run (Bangkok / KL) Hanoi, Saigon, Da Nang 1.5 – 2h Flight ~$120 – $180 Roundtrip Flight
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VietEntry Visa & Travel Specialist Team

✓ Fact-Checked & Updated for 2026 Regulations

Written and verified by VietEntry's visa and travel document specialists. We track entry-policy updates published by the Vietnam Immigration Department and revise these guides whenever the rules change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a visa run legal under Vietnamese immigration law?

Yes, 100% legal. Exiting the territory and entering on a valid, government-issued visa is fully compliant with statutory border control regulations.

Can I do a same-day visa run to Cambodia without staying overnight?

Yes. At Moc Bai / Bavet, you can stamp out and re-enter Vietnam within 30 to 60 minutes.

Need help preparing your documents?

Tell us your situation and we will help you understand what to review before you apply, submit, or mail documents.

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