What is a Vietnam visa run, and how does it work?
A Vietnam visa run is the process of temporarily leaving Vietnam and re-entering the country to obtain a new visa or reset your permitted length of stay. This option is commonly used by travellers, expatriates, and business visitors who wish to extend their stay legally after their current visa expires or reaches its maximum duration.
Because Vietnam does not allow in-country visa extensions for many visa types, a visa run is often the most practical solution for those who need additional time in the country.
When do you need a Vietnam visa run?
You may need to proceed with a Vietnam visa run in the following situations:
- Your current visa or e-visa is about to expire
- You have already used the maximum stay allowed on your visa exemption
- You wish to re-enter Vietnam with a new visa for a longer stay
It is important to plan your visa run before your visa expires to avoid overstay penalties, fines, or future travel restrictions.
How to proceed with a Vietnam visa run?
The visa run process typically involves leaving Vietnam, applying for a new visa abroad, and re-entering once the new visa is approved.
First, you must exit Vietnam through an international airport or land border. Common visa run destinations include neighbouring countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Singapore, or Malaysia, depending on your travel preferences and visa processing time.
Next, you submit a new Vietnam visa application while you are outside Vietnam. This is often done by applying for a Vietnam e-visa, which allows stays of up to 90 days, with single or multiple entries. During this step, you must ensure that all personal details exactly match your passport information.
Once your new visa is approved, you can re-enter Vietnam through an approved airport, land border, or seaport. Upon entry, immigration officers will issue you a new entry stamp based on your visa validity.
Important things to know before doing a visa run
A Vietnam visa run is valid only if you entirely exit the country before applying for a new visa. You cannot submit a new e-visa application while physically inside Vietnam.
Additionally, travellers with a history of visa overstays or immigration violations may face increased scrutiny or refusal. Always check your visa expiration date carefully and allow enough time for processing.
You should also be aware that border policies and eligibility rules can change. It is recommended to confirm current requirements before planning your visa run.
How to do a visa run from Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia?
A visa run from Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia is one of the most popular and convenient ways to leave Vietnam temporarily and re-enter with a new visa. This route is commonly used by tourists, business travellers, and long-term visitors who need to reset or renew their Vietnam visa legally.
Choose your exit route from Ho Chi Minh City
You can exit Vietnam and enter Cambodia by land or air.
Land border (most common):
The most frequently used route is from Ho Chi Minh City to the Moc Bai border gate, which connects Vietnam and Cambodia. Travel time from Ho Chi Minh City to Moc Bai is approximately 2–3 hours by bus or private car. Several bus companies operate routes from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, including Sapaco, Kumho, Sorya, and Thai Duong Virakbuntham. Booking in advance is advised to guarantee seating on the scheduled travel day.
Air route:
You may also fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. This option is faster but more expensive.
Exit Vietnam and enter Cambodia
At the Vietnamese border, you will receive an exit stamp in your passport. This confirms that you have officially left Vietnam. Upon entering Cambodia, you will receive a Cambodian entry stamp or visa, depending on your nationality.
If you leave Vietnam via a land border gate and plan to return to Vietnam on the same day, it is essential to take a clear photo of the Vietnam exit stamp in your passport as proof of departure.
Apply for a new Vietnam visa from outside Vietnam
Vietnam e-visas must be applied for while you are outside Vietnam. Once you have exited the country, you can submit a new Vietnam e-visa application attached with the proof of departure mentioned above.
If you need to return to Vietnam quickly, especially on the same day, you should request expedited or emergency visa processing. Our professional visa service can submit your application immediately and help ensure priority handling.
Receive your new Vietnam visa
Once your new visa is approved, you can download it from the official government portal. The Vietnam e-visa allows stays of up to 90 days, with single or multiple entries, depending on the type of visa you applied for.
Make sure all visa details exactly match your passport before returning to Vietnam.
Return to Vietnam with a new visa
With your approved e-visa, you can re-enter Vietnam via an international airport or land border crossing, including the Moc Bai border gate or any of the accepted entry ports. Present your passport and e-visa at the immigration counter for entry into Vietnam.
Is it possible to do a same day Vietnam visa run?
Yes. If you would like to do a visa run and return to Vietnam on the same day, you may need exceptional support from speedvietnamvisa.com. We can assist by advising you on the best exit point, applying for the new visa on your behalf, and arranging expedited processing if you return to Vietnam on the same day. This can significantly reduce stress and avoid costly mistakes.
As soon as you leave Vietnam, please take a photo of the exit stamp in your passport and send it to us. This step is important if you leave Vietnam through a land border gate, as the immigration system may temporarily show you as still in the country. The exit stamp photo serves as proof of departure and will allow us to expedite your e-visa for a smooth return to Vietnam.
A Vietnam visa run is a legal and commonly used method to extend your stay, provided it is done correctly and on time. Planning ahead, understanding the requirements, and seeking professional assistance when needed will help ensure a smooth exit and re-entry into Vietnam.
Frequently asked questions
- +What is the working hours of the Vietnam immigration at the entry ports?
Vietnam’s land border gates, especially with China, often extend working hours for goods clearance, typically operating from around 7 AM to 8 PM (Vietnam time) daily, including weekends, to handle increased trade, with specific timings adjusted based on demand and agreements between border authorities.
The Vietnam immigration at the international airport operates continuously 24/7, so you can clear passport control whenever your flight arrives, including late night or early morning arrivals.- +Should I overstay in Vietnam only few days to complete my business?
No. You should never overstay in Vietnam, even for a short period. Any overstay, even as short as 1 day, is a violation of Vietnamese immigration laws and may lead to fines, legal consequences, or restrictions on future entry.
- +Can I exit Vietnam to Cambodia and return on the same day for a visa run?
Yes. This is possible, provided you already have a valid Vietnam e-visa approved before re-entering Vietnam on the same day.
- +When will I receive my e-visa to return to Vietnam for visa run?
The timing depends on when you complete your exit from Vietnam and successfully enter another country. If you submit a copy of your exit stamp to speedvietnamvisa.com before 8:00 AM (Vietnam time), you can receive your e-visa by 10:00 AM with 2 working hour processing, or by 12:00 PM with 4 working hours processing.
- +Who is eligible for Vietnam visa run?
Any foreigners who have a valid visa return to Vietnam.
- +I have overstayed in Vietnam for a month, can I do a Vietnam visa run?
No. After overstaying for a month, you generally cannot complete a standard Vietnam visa run. Instead, you must resolve the overstay by contacting the nearest Vietnam Immigration Department. This process typically involves paying an overstay fine, applying for an exit visa, and departing Vietnam. Depending on the seriousness of the violation, you may also face a temporary ban on re-entering Vietnam.
