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A 'visa run' is the only legal way to extend your stay in Vietnam without residency. Here are the strict 2026 rules you must follow.
What is a Visa Run and Why Do You Need One?
Since the Vietnam Immigration Department paused in-country visa extensions for tourists, the only way to renew a 30-day or 90-day eVisa is to physically exit Vietnam and re-enter using a brand new eVisa. This process is commonly called a 'visa run' or 'border run'.
2026 Visa Run Rules
Before you book a bus ticket, ensure you comply with the latest regulations:
- **Pre-approved Visa Only:** You CANNOT get a visa at the land border. You must have your new eVisa approved and printed *before* you leave Vietnam.
- **Matching Entry Port:** Your new eVisa MUST state the exact land border you are crossing back into (e.g., Moc Bai Landport). If your eVisa says 'Tan Son Nhat Airport' but you arrive at a land border, you will be denied entry.
- **Health Declarations:** Starting mid-2026, some land borders require a quick digital health declaration upon re-entry.
Top Land Borders for Visa Runs
Depending on where you are living in Vietnam, here are the most popular border run routes:
- **From Ho Chi Minh City → Moc Bai (Cambodia):** The most popular route. It takes about 2 hours by bus from HCMC. You exit Vietnam, enter Bavet (Cambodia), turn around, and re-enter Moc Bai.
- **From Da Nang / Hoi An → Lao Bao (Laos):** A 5-6 hour bus or private car ride through the mountains.
- **From Hanoi → Huu Nghi or Lao Cai (China):** Requires a Chinese visa (unless you hold a passport with Chinese visa exemption).
Even if you are just stepping into Cambodia or Laos for 5 minutes to turn around, you still need to pay for their respective tourist visas (usually $30-$40 USD in cash).
Step-by-Step Visa Run Process (Moc Bai Example)
Here is what to expect on the day of your visa run:
- 1. Take a bus to the Moc Bai border.
- 2. Go to the Vietnam Exit counter and get stamped OUT of Vietnam.
- 3. Walk across the no-man's land to the Cambodian border (Bavet).
- 4. Fill out the Cambodian arrival form, pay the $30 visa fee, and get stamped IN.
- 5. Immediately go to the Cambodian Exit counter and get stamped OUT.
- 6. Walk back to the Vietnam border.
- 7. Present your passport and your newly printed Vietnam eVisa to get stamped IN.