Visa Run from Vietnam: A Practical Guide for 2026

Many long-stay travelers do a visa run from Vietnam to keep travelling legally. Done well, it is simple. Done badly, it can mean fines or a refused re-entry. This guide covers the practical steps.

What is a visa run from Vietnam?

You leave Vietnam before your permitted stay ends, then return on a new visa. It is common for travelers whose visa-free period or e-visa is about to end, and who want to keep travelling in Vietnam.

The key rule: your current visa must still be valid on the day you leave. Overstaying, even by one day, leads to fines.

Where do people go?

Neighbouring countries with easy crossings.

Check the entry rules of the country you visit. Some require their own visa.

How do I time the new e-visa?

Work back from your re-entry date.

1. Decide your exit date and re-entry date.
2. Apply so the new e-visa starts on or before your re-entry day.
3. Choose the entry point where you will come back in. See entry points.
4. Keep the PDF and a printed copy for the border.

Timing rules can vary, so send us your exit and re-entry dates on WhatsApp before you apply. We confirm when to submit.

How much does the new e-visa cost?

From US$50, government fee included.

Multiple entry adds US$25. If you plan more trips in and out, a 90-day multiple-entry e-visa is often cheaper than repeated runs. See the service fee guide.

Is an extension better than a visa run?

Sometimes. An extension lets you stay without leaving, but it is not always available and depends on your visa and situation. A visa run is more predictable. Read Vietnam visa extension to compare.

Which mistakes cause problems?

These are the most common.

• Leaving on the last possible day and missing a bus.
• Choosing a single-entry visa for a trip that crosses borders again.
• Entering at a border gate that is not on the visa.
• Doing many runs in a row without a clear travel plan.

What should I carry at the border?

Your passport, the new e-visa, and proof of your plans. A hotel booking and an onward ticket help if officers ask about the purpose of your stay.

Can you help plan my visa run?

Yes. Tell us your dates, nationality and route, and we suggest the right visa type and speed. Apply on the application form. Official rules are on the Vietnam e-visa portal. If Immigration refuses the visa because of the information provided, we refund the expedite fee (the government fee and payment fees are not refunded); if it is refused without a stated reason, we refund 100%. See the refund policy.

What does a typical visa run look like?

An example from Ho Chi Minh City. A traveler's e-visa ends on a Friday. On Monday she applies for a new 90-day e-visa starting the following Wednesday, entry point Moc Bai, normal speed, US$50. On Tuesday she takes the bus to Phnom Penh, spends a night there, and returns through Moc Bai on Wednesday with the new e-visa printed. Total extra cost: the e-visa, two bus tickets and one hotel night.

How long should I stay outside Vietnam?

There is no fixed minimum for e-visa holders. Many travelers come back the next day. Spending at least one night outside gives a buffer if a bus is late or a border is busy.

How do I check my new visa when it arrives?

Compare it with your passport in 2 minutes. Check the full name, passport number, date of birth, the valid-from and valid-to dates, and the entry point. Then search it on the official e-visa search page with your application code. Save the PDF on your phone and keep a printed copy with your passport.

Frequently asked questions

What is a visa run?

Leaving Vietnam before your permitted stay ends and coming back on a new visa or visa-free entry.

Where do people go for a visa run?

Usually Cambodia, Laos or Thailand, by bus or a short flight.

When should I apply for the new e-visa?

Early enough that it is granted before you re-enter, with a start date on or before your re-entry day. Tell us your exit date and we confirm the timing.

Is a visa run legal?

Leaving and re-entering with a valid visa is legal. Repeated runs may lead to more questions at the border, so keep proof of your travel plans.

Can I come back the same day?

Often yes, if your new e-visa is already granted and starts that day. Some travelers spend a night in the neighbouring country to make the trip easier.