Table of Contents
A comprehensive guide to performing a visa run from Ho Chi Minh City via the Moc Bai - Bavet border crossing, updated for 2026 eVisa rules.
Introduction to Moc Bai Visa Runs
Moc Bai is the most popular land border crossing in Southern Vietnam, located just 70km from Ho Chi Minh City. Since Vietnam no longer offers traditional visa extensions inside the country for most tourists as of 2026, conducting a "visa run" to Cambodia via Moc Bai is the standard way to renew your stay. You simply exit Vietnam, enter Cambodia, exit Cambodia, and immediately re-enter Vietnam with a newly approved Vietnam eVisa.
Getting to Moc Bai from Ho Chi Minh City
The journey takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. You have a few main transportation options:
- **Public Bus #703:** Leaves from September 23rd Park (Công viên 23/9) in District 1. It is the cheapest option (around 40,000 VND).
- **Commercial Minivans/Buses:** Travel agencies on Pham Ngu Lao street sell tickets to Phnom Penh. You can buy a ticket and just hop off at the Bavet/Moc Bai border.
- **Private Taxi/Car:** Costs around $40 - $60 USD one way, offering the most flexibility, comfort, and speed.
Step-by-Step Border Process
Once you arrive at the Moc Bai border, the process involves four main steps:
- **Step 1: Exit Vietnam.** Present your passport at the Moc Bai immigration building. They will stamp you out of Vietnam, ending your current visa validity.
- **Step 2: Enter Cambodia (Bavet).** Walk across the border zone to the Cambodian side. If you don't have a Cambodian eVisa, apply for a Visa on Arrival (usually $30 USD). You will get a Cambodian entry stamp.
- **Step 3: Exit Cambodia.** Immediately go to the exit counter in the same Bavet building to get your Cambodian exit stamp.
- **Step 4: Re-enter Vietnam.** Walk back to the Moc Bai building. Present your passport and your new printed Vietnam eVisa. You will receive a new entry stamp for Vietnam.
Important Tips and Avoiding Scams
To ensure a smooth visa run, keep these practical tips in mind:
- **Print Your eVisa:** You must have a physical paper copy of your new Vietnam eVisa to present to the border officials. Digital copies on phones are often rejected.
- **Cambodia Visa Fee:** Bring exact change in crisp, clean US Dollars ($30) for the Cambodian Visa on Arrival.
- **Fake Agents:** Ignore touts outside the border buildings offering to "fast-track" your visa for exorbitant prices. Follow the signs and process everything yourself inside the official buildings.
Border officials or "helpers" may sometimes ask for small bribes (often called "coffee money" or "express fees"). You are not legally required to pay these, but refusing might delay your processing slightly.