Vietnam Visa Run: The Ultimate Guide for Foreign Travelers

31/10/2024

vietnam visa run

Explore the essential details of a Vietnam visa run, a popular strategy for foreign travelers seeking to extend their stay without the high costs of a visa extension. This comprehensive guide covers how a quick trip to a neighboring country like Laos can grant you a new visa, allowing you to enjoy Vietnam for longer.

Discover the numerous benefits of a border run, including a simpler application process, reduced expenses, and flexible options for visa duration and entries. Whether you're a long-term traveler or a short-term visitor, this guide provides valuable insights to make your stay in Vietnam hassle-free and enjoyable.

What is a Vietnam Border Run?

A Vietnam border run is a method used by foreigners to prolong their stay in Vietnam without incurring the high costs of a visa extension. Instead of extending their current visa, individuals take a short trip to a nearby country, such as Laos, Cambodia, China, or Thailand, and spend a few hours or days there before returning to Vietnam with a new visa. This procedure must be completed before the current visa expires.

Why Choose a Visa Run?

Although a visa run requires foreigners to temporarily leave and re-enter Vietnam to obtain a new visa and stay duration, it comes with several benefits:

  • Simple Process and Lower Cost: Extending a visa often involves finding a local sponsor or working with an agency, which can be costly and involve complicated administrative procedures. A visa run offers a simpler and more affordable way to extend your stay in Vietnam, providing a new visa with a renewed duration.
  • Flexible Options: Visa extensions may come with restrictions on the number of entries or the length of stay. In contrast, a visa run allows you to acquire a brand-new visa, typically valid for 1 to 3 months, with options for single or multiple entries.

Where Can You Complete a Visa Run from Vietnam?

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

  • Through Vietnam’s international airports
  • Via land border crossings

At Le Travel, we provide Vietnam visa-run services at three land border checkpoints:

Na Meo Border Gate

Located approximately 200 kilometers west of Thanh Hoa Province, the Na Meo–Namsoi Border Gate was established as an international crossing point between Vietnam and Laos in 2004. It is the only international checkpoint in Thanh Hoa, facilitating trade between Vietnamese citizens, especially those from Thanh Hoa, and residents of Northern Laos.

Nam Can Border Gate

The Nam Can International Border Gate, situated in Ky Son District, Nghe An Province, connects with the Namkhan Border Gate in Laos. According to customs data, 250 to 300 vehicles pass through Nam Can daily, carrying out trade and transport activities between Vietnam and Laos.

Cau Treo Border Gate

Cau Treo Border Gate, located in Ha Tinh Province, is another international crossing point between Vietnam and Laos. It is a key component of the Cau Treo International Border Economic Zone. From Cau Treo, you can reach Lak Sao town in Borikhamxay Province, Laos, in approximately 35 kilometers, and Vientiane, the capital, in around 350 kilometers.

How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa Run

Required Documents

To apply for a visa by doing a visa run, you need to prepare the following documents for approval:

  • Original Passport: Must have at least 2 blank pages for stamps and be valid for at least 6 months after your re-entry date.
  • Laos Visa-Related Documents: A 5-year visa exemption certificate, E-visa, or visa approval letter (bring the original letter for road travel or a printed copy for air travel).
  • Entry Documents for Laos: Any required documentation to enter Laos.
  • Stamping Fee: Payment required for processing your new visa.
  • Two (02) Photos (4x6 cm): Identical photos, taken within 6 months, with a straight view and no hats or glasses (required for a visa run by road).
  • Visa Application Form: Necessary if you're doing a visa run by road.

Procedure for Vietnam Visa Run with Le Travel

The visa run trip with Le Travel begins at Le Coffee - Villa A12-BT3, Urban Area, Tran Van Can Ward, My Dinh 2, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi, Vietnam at 4:00 AM. The bus departs from here, allowing you to rest and prepare for the journey. At approximately 12:00 PM, the bus arrives at the border, where you will complete the procedures to exit Vietnam and re-enter.

 

The processing time for both the Vietnam and Laos entry stamps usually takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

 

Before the border crossing, our team will thoroughly check all necessary paperwork and conditions on your behalf. Additionally, we have dedicated support staff at the border, ready to assist you in completing the required stamps. This approach ensures that your border crossing is exceptionally smooth, hassle-free, and allows you to navigate entry and exit procedures with ease and efficiency.

 

Le Travel provides lunch, giving you a chance to recharge before heading back to Hanoi. After lunch, the group proceeds with the return trip. The bus is expected to arrive back in Hanoi around 7:00-8:00 PM, with drop-off at the original departure point, concluding the trip.

Booking For The Service

For more detailed information, please contact us for a free consultation through our hotline: +84 945 814 036

In addition, we also offer tours in Vietnam to many attractive destinations, from bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to natural wonders such as Ha Long Bay and Sa Pa. We are committed to providing our customers with unique travel experiences and the most dedicated service.

 

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