If you plan on staying in Vietnam for an extended period, you may need to think about doing a visa run. Many expats choose this option as it is a budget-friendly way to obtain a new visa and extend their stay. A visa run requires leaving Vietnam, traveling to a neighboring country, and then coming back to Vietnam with a new visa. This article provides all the necessary information regarding visa runs in Vietnam.

What Is Vietnam Visa Run?

In simpler terms, a Vietnam visa run is a trip made by individuals who want to extend their stay in Vietnam but cannot afford or encounter difficulties in getting a visa extension. If you’re unable to renew your visa before it expires, leaving the country and returning with a new visa can be done through a visa run.

Pros and Cons of Visa Border Run

Like any other travel plan, there are pros and cons to doing a visa border run. Here are some of them:

Pros

• Cheap price: A visa run is cheaper than other ways to extend your visa.
• Variety options: The visa you get under a visa run has no relation to the old one, and you can apply for a one-month single entry, one-month multiple-entry, three months single entry, or three-month multiple-entry visa depending on your needs.

Cons

• Check out and check-in Vietnam: You must exit at the border and re-enter this border to get the new visa, which takes time and effort.

Where To Do A Visa Run From Vietnam?

There are two ways to do a visa run in Vietnam:

1. Vietnam Visa Run Via International Airports

One can acquire a visa approval letter via the internet and then proceed to obtain a visa at a Vietnamese international airport upon arrival. This approach is well-liked by individuals who wish to economize and avoid the inconvenience of having to go through a land border visa run.

2. Visa Run To Land Borders

Another option available is the visa run, which involves crossing borders to neighboring countries like Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, or China. This can be a great opportunity for individuals who wish to discover nearby destinations.

What To Bring On A Vietnamese Visa Run?

When you are planning for a Vietnamese visa run, you should bring the following items with you:

• Passport: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
• One passport-sized photo: You will need this for the visa application.
• Cash: You will need cash to pay for the visa fee and other expenses.
• Visa Approval Letter (If flying): If you are flying into Vietnam, you must have a visa approval letter from an online provider.

How To Do A Visa Run For Vietnam?

Here are the steps you need to follow when doing a visa run for Vietnam:

1. Vietnam Visa Run Via International Airports

• Step 1: Obtain a visa approval letter from an online provider.
• Step 2: Board a plane to a Vietnamese international airport.
• Step 3: Get a visa stamp on your passport upon arrival.
• Step 4: Re-enter Vietnam with a new visa.

2. Visa Run To Land Borders

• Step 1: Choose a neighboring country and border crossing point.
• Step 2: Exit Vietnam and get an exit stamp on your passport.
• Step 3: Enter the neighboring country and stay for a while.
• Step 4: Return to Vietnam through the same border crossing point and re-enter with a new visa.

Is Visa Approval Letter For Airport Visa Run The Same As That For Land Border Run?

No, they are not the same. A visa approval letter for a land border visa run is different from that of an airport visa run. When applying for a visa approval letter, make sure you choose the correct option depending on your travel plan.

How To Get A Visa For Doing A Visa Run At Vietnam Airport?

You can obtain a visa for a Vietnam airport visa run by following these steps:

• Step 1: Go online and search for a reliable visa provider.
• Step 2: Fill out the online visa application form and pay the service fee.
• Step 3: Wait for the visa approval letter via email.
• Step 4: Print out the visa approval letter and prepare the required documents.
• Step 5: Board a plane to Vietnam and present the visa approval letter to the visa counter upon arrival.
• Step 6: Get a visa stamp on your passport and re-enter Vietnam with a new visa.

How To Get An Approval Letter For A Land Border Visa Run From Vietnam?

You can obtain an approval letter for a land border visa run from Vietnam by following these steps:

• Step 1: Go online and search for a reliable visa provider.
• Step 2: Fill out the online visa application form and pay the service fee.
• Step 3 : Provide the required information and wait for the visa approval letter via email.
• Step 4: Print out the visa approval letter and prepare the required documents.
• Step 5: Exit Vietnam and present the visa approval letter to the immigration officer at the border crossing point.
• Step 6: Enter the neighboring country and stay for a while.
• Step 7: Return to Vietnam through the same border crossing point and present the visa approval letter again to obtain a new visa stamp on your passport.

How Much Is The Visa Run In Vietnam?

The cost of a visa run in Vietnam depends on several factors, such as the type of visa you want, the duration of your stay, and the travel expenses. Generally, a visa run can cost anywhere from $50 to $200 or more.

In conclusion, a Vietnam visa run is a cost-effective way to extend your stay in Vietnam when other options are not feasible. However, it is important to plan ahead, bring all necessary documents, and choose a reliable visa provider to avoid any issues during the process. Whether you choose to do a visa run via international airports or land borders, make sure to follow the proper procedures and enjoy your extended stay in Vietnam.