Need to stay longer in Vietnam? Learn what a Vietnam visa run is, why it’s popular among expats and travelers, and how to do it in 2025, including the cheapest and fastest options.
1. What is a Visa Run from Vietnam?
A Vietnam visa run is when a foreigner leaves Vietnam temporarily (by air or land) to another country, then re-enters Vietnam with a new visa or e-visa.
It’s a quick way to reset your stay without applying for an in-country visa extension.
2. Why Do People Do a Visa Run?
There are several reasons why travelers and expats choose visa runs:
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Expired Visa: You need to leave Vietnam before your visa runs out to avoid overstaying fines.
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Extension Restrictions: Some nationalities cannot extend certain visa types in Vietnam.
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Cheaper than Extension: For some, a visa run costs less than extending a visa locally.
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Quick Solution: Perfect for urgent cases when you need to re-enter quickly with a fresh visa.
3. Popular Visa Run Destinations from Vietnam
Here are the most common and convenient destinations for a Vietnam visa run in 2025:
Destination | Travel Type | Why It’s Popular |
---|---|---|
Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Land/Air | Close, cheap bus tickets, easy e-visa |
Bangkok, Thailand | Air | Frequent flights, fun city stopover |
Vientiane, Laos | Land/Air | Simple border process, cheap guesthouses |
Singapore | Air | Fast immigration, great for short stays |
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | Air | Many low-cost flights from Vietnam |
4. How to Do a Visa Run from Vietnam (Step-by-Step)
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Check Your Current Visa Expiry
Make sure you leave before the last day of validity. -
Choose Your Destination
Pick the nearest and cheapest country for your run. -
Book Tickets & Accommodation
For land runs, book a bus; for air runs, choose low-cost airlines like Vietjet or AirAsia. -
Apply for a New Vietnam Visa
Before returning, apply for a Vietnam e-visa online or through a reliable visa agency like VietnamVisaEasy.com. -
Re-enter Vietnam
Present your new visa at the border and enjoy your extended stay.
5. Costs of a Vietnam Visa Run in 2025
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Land visa run to Cambodia/Laos: from $60 – $100 (including transport & visa fees)
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Air visa run to Thailand/Malaysia/Singapore: from $120 – $200
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Vietnam e-visa fee: $25 (government fee) or from $40 (agency service fee)
6. Tips for a Smooth Visa Run
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Always check visa requirements for your destination country.
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Book tickets in advance to get cheaper rates.
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Avoid last-minute runs — aim to leave at least 1–2 days before your visa expires.
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Use a trusted agency if you need an urgent Vietnam e-visa to re-enter.
7. Urgent Visa Runs for Last-Minute Travelers
If you discover at the airport that you cannot board your flight without a valid Vietnam visa, our Urgent Vietnam Visa Service can process an e-visa in as little as 1–2 hours.
📞 Contact VietnamVisaEasy via WhatsApp/Zalo: +84 947754252 for emergency assistance.