Visa Run: Everything You Need to Know to Stay Longer in Vietnam

Visa Run: Everything You Need to Know to Stay Longer in Vietnam

Article from : 21 février 2025 - Last update : 04 avril 2025

Everything You Need to Know to Extend Your Stay in Vietnam

What is a visa run?

A visa run, what exactly is it? Depending on your nationality and situation in Vietnam, you may be eligible for a visa exemption, a standard visa, or a temporary residence card (TRC). But once your visa or exemption period expires, it is often impossible to renew it directly on site. So what do you do then? You have to leave Vietnam!

But if you wish to extend your stay, you can return immediately after crossing the border. This trick, commonly called a visa run, is a popular practice among travelers and expatriates.

Where to do your visa run from Vietnam?

Your departure point in Vietnam will influence your destination for a visa run:

From Ho Chi Minh City (Saïgon) or the south of the country: Cambodia is the fastest, simplest, and most economical option. You’re less than 80 km from the border! If you have more time, why not explore Thailand or Singapore?

From central Vietnam: Laos is a practical and nearby alternative.

From Hanoi or the north of Vietnam: Laos remains the preferred choice, but China is also an interesting option. Indeed, since late 2023, certain nationalities, notably European ones, benefit from a visa exemption to enter China. This measure is in effect until December 31, 2025, and could be renewed.

How long does a visa run take?

A visa run can be done quickly, but it also depends on your situation:

With a visa exemption: no minimum exit duration is required. You can leave Vietnam and come back right away – an express round trip!

With a visa: if your new visa is already ready, a simple border crossing and immediate return is possible. But beware, some visas, like the e-visa (popular among tourists), can only be applied for online, outside Vietnam, for 25 USD. In this case, you’ll need to leave the country and wait for approval before returning.

A visa run to Cambodia: what options from Saigon?

From Ho Chi Minh City, the Cambodian border at Moc Bai (Vietnamese side) and Bavet (Cambodian side) is less than 80 km away – perfect for a day trip! The two posts are separated by just 500 meters. Here are your options to get there:

Specialized agencies: they offer all-inclusive packages (transport + administrative procedures). Convenient, but more expensive.

On your own: more economical and flexible, here are your transport choices:

• Rental with driver: comfortable but costly.
• Grab: around 1,000,000 VND for a car or 350,000 VND for a motorbike (one way).
• Tourist bus: to Cambodia, expect around 500,000 VND (varies by company).
• Regular bus: from An Suong bus station, buses leave for about 100,000 VND.
• Personal vehicle: I advise you to park on the Vietnamese side at Moc Bai and cross on foot to avoid potential complications with vehicle paperwork.

Crossing the border: detailed steps

Once at Moc Bai, the process is simple, though sometimes slowed by crowds. Here are the steps for a successful visa run:

1 - Exit from Vietnam

Enter the Moc Bai building, pass through the gate, and head to the counter (often on the left). Present your passport: a stamp will formalize your exit.

2 - Entry to Cambodia

Walk 500 meters to the Bavet post. Two scenarios:
You already have a Cambodian visa: enter the building directly.
No visa? Head to the counter on the right of the building. Prices are displayed on site: a normal visa costs 35 USD (February 2025). First, ask for a form to fill out, then return to the counter with your passport, the completed form, and the required amount. Once your visa is in hand, you can enter the building.

3 - Registration

Inside, fill out a new form with your visa number. Tables are available on your left to settle in.

4 - Validation

You can present yourself at the counter with your passport and the completed form. Your fingerprints will be taken, along with a photo. Once validated, an officer will check your passport, and you can enter Cambodia.

5 - Welcome to Bavet!

There you go, you’re in Cambodia! Past the border post, you’ll find shops and restaurants (take a look on the right), but some only open in the evening or on weekends. You’ll also see lots of casinos, since Vietnamese people are banned from gambling in their country. Here, you can spend your money as much as you like. Payments are possible in riels, dollars, or Vietnamese dongs. Many businesses are run by Vietnamese people!

6 - Return to Vietnam – Cambodian side

Return to the Bavet customs office. Go around the building to the right and head to the outdoor counters. Present your passport and the form you will have kept: a photo and your fingerprints will be taken again.

7 - Return to Vietnam – Vietnamese side

Then head to the Moc Bai border post, enter the building, and go to the counter on the left. If you have a visa, present it; otherwise, the 45-day exemption will apply (for certain nationalities). Pass through the gate, an officer will check your passport at the exit.

Return to Saigon / Ho Chi Minh City

Formalities done? Time to head back! Just like on the way out, several options are available to you:

• Take back your vehicle or contact your bus company: simple and quick if you’re already organized.
• You can also negotiate a seat on a tourist bus coming from Phnom Penh. They stop at the border post and sometimes have free seats.
• Budget option: on the left side of the road, walk 100 meters along the cafés. An office offers buses for 100,000 VND to An Suong station or 120,000 VND to District 1. The buses don’t leave from there directly: a shuttle will take you to the departure point for a calm return!

 A visa run is a practical solution to extend your stay in Vietnam by temporarily leaving the country. The process is relatively simple but requires good organization, especially for obtaining visas and choosing transportation options. By following the detailed steps and selecting the options that best suit your situation, you can efficiently complete a visa run and continue enjoying your stay in Vietnam.