Visa Run Vietnam: Complete Guide to Extending Your Stay

Are you fascinated by Vietnam's charm and wondering how to prolong your stay there? If your current Vietnam visa is nearing its expiration date, or you're seeking flexible solutions for a longer adventure, a "Visa Run Vietnam" might be exactly what you need.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this process, ensuring a seamless continuation of your Vietnamese journey.

What is a Vietnam Visa Run? And Why It's Your Solution for Extending Your Stay

The term "Visa Run Vietnam" might sound unfamiliar if you initially entered with a visa exemption or an e-visa Vietnam. However, when your Vietnam visa is approaching its expiry, and direct Vietnam visa extension options prove complicated or costly, a visa run becomes a highly practical and often necessary alternative.

>> Must read: Vietnam Visa Requirements

In essence, a Vietnam Visa Run involves exiting Vietnam to a neighboring country like Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand, and then immediately (or after a short break) re-entering Vietnam with a brand-new visa. It's a widely used and legitimate method to prolong your stay in Vietnam legally, allowing you to continue your travels without interruption.

Pros and Cons of a Visa Run for Vietnam Visa Extension

Like any travel solution, a visa run has its advantages and disadvantages. It's crucial to weigh these points carefully when considering how to extend your stay in Vietnam:

Pros:

• Cost-Effective: Often, performing a visa run is more affordable than attempting an in-country Vietnam visa extension, especially if you're adept at finding budget-friendly flights or prefer overland travel.
   
• Visa Flexibility: This method allows you to apply for different types of visas based on your specific needs.
   
• Opportunity for Exploration: A short trip to a nearby country can be an exciting bonus, offering a chance to briefly experience another culture before returning to Vietnam.

Cons:

• Time and Effort Investment: Regardless of whether you choose an air or land visa run, you'll need to dedicate time for travel and border procedures.
   
• Requires Meticulous Planning: Successfully completing a visa run demands careful planning of your transport (flights/buses), potential overnight stays, and all necessary documentation to ensure a smooth re-entry.

How to Perform a Visa Run to Prolong Your Stay in Vietnam: Your Options

You can undertake a visa run through two primary methods: via international airports or by crossing land borders. Here is a list of the 24 authorized checkpoints for applying for a visa in Vietnam:

Air Visa Run (Via International Airports)

This is often the most convenient and quickest option, especially if you can secure good flight deals for your visa run.

Steps to follow:

Step 1:Secure Your Visa Documents in Advance. Crucially, before you depart, ensure you have your new e-visa Vietnam or a Visa Approval Letter (if required for visa on arrival) sent to your email. Print it out, prepare two 4x6cm passport-sized photos, and have the stamping fee ready (if applicable).

Step 2: Travel Outside Vietnam. Fly from a Vietnamese international airport to a neighboring country. Popular choices for an air visa run from Vietnam include Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, or the Philippines. After completing entry formalities in that country, you can either enjoy a brief stay for a few days or fly back to Vietnam immediately.

Step 3:Re-enter Vietnam with Your New Visa. Upon arrival at a Vietnamese airport, present your new e-visa Vietnam or visa approval letter along with your passport, and complete the necessary procedures to get your new visa stamped. This effectively facilitates your Vietnam visa extension.

Tip: This method often requires less physical effort and is generally faster, making it ideal for those who prioritize efficiency for their Vietnam visa extension.

Land Border Visa Run (Via Land Crossings)

This option is favored by many expats living in Vietnam due to its typically lower cost when seeking to prolong their stay in Vietnam.

Steps to follow:

Step 1:Obtain Your Visa Documents Pre-Departure. Make sure you have your new e-visa Vietnam or the Visa Approval Letter ready before heading to the land border for your re-entry.

Step 2: Travel to the Border. You can hire a private car, take a bus, or drive your own vehicle to international land border crossings. 

At the Vietnamese border, you'll complete your exit procedures from Vietnam.

Next, you'll proceed to the immigration office of the neighboring country (e.g., Laos/Cambodia). Present your original passport and any required visa for that country (or apply for a visa on arrival if available), and fill out the necessary forms. You'll then receive an entry stamp for that country.

You have the option to briefly enter the country for a short visit or immediately return to their immigration counter to complete exit procedures and receive an exit stamp. This confirms you have successfully left the neighboring country and are ready for your new Vietnamese visa!

Step 3:Re-enter Vietnam with Your New Visa. Return to the Vietnamese border side. Immigration officers will verify your passport and your new visa for Vietnam or a Vietnam entry visa approval letter. After completing the final procedures, you will receive your new visa stamp, successfully achieving your Vietnam visa extension.

Important Differences: Airport vs. Land Border Visa Approval Letters

While the Vietnam Immigration Department issues both types of approval letters through local travel agencies to facilitate obtaining a visa at a Vietnamese border, they possess crucial distinctions relevant to your Vietnam visa extension:

Port of Entry: For an airport visa, the designated port of entry is usually mentioned at the end of the letter and is flexible. This means you can choose any international airport in Vietnam to get your visa stamped. Conversely, for a land border visa, the specific port of entry is clearly stated within the letter's body and is fixed – you cannot change it.

Letter Format: The approval letter required for an airport visa stamp is typically a standard printout. However, for a land border visa, you must have the original physical copy of the approval letter. Therefore, you can often secure an airport visa letter while already in Vietnam or abroad, but you definitely need to obtain the original land border visa letter while you are still in Vietnam, before your exit.

Reminder:Authentik Vietnam is among the authorized travel agencies permitted to request visa approval letters from the Immigration Department on behalf of clients. If you need assistance with securing your visa approval letter for your Vietnam visa run or any aspect of your Vietnam visa extension, do not hesitate to contact Authentik Vietnam via email: info@authentikvietnam.com for detailed, personalized consultation! 

Related articles:

>> Everything you need to know about a Vietnam Visa

>> Vietnam e-visa according to the law from August 15, 2023