If you are planning to stay in Vietnam for an extended period of time, you may need to consider a visa run. This is a popular option among expats who wish to extend their stay as it is a cost-effective way to obtain a new visa. A visa run involves leaving Vietnam, traveling to a neighboring country, and then re-entering Vietnam with a new visa. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about Vietnam visa runs.
What Is Vietnam Visa Run?
A Vietnam visa run is a trip made by individuals who want to extend their stay in Vietnam but cannot afford or have difficulty obtaining a visa extension. When your visa is soon to expire and you cannot extend it, you need to leave the country and return with a new visa. This is where a visa run comes in handy.
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
You can get a visa approval letter online and obtain a visa upon arrival at a Vietnamese international airport. This is a popular option for those who want to save money and avoid the hassle of a land border visa run.
2. Visa Run To Land Borders
You can also do a visa run to a neighboring country such as Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, or China by crossing the borders. This is a good option for those who want to explore the neighboring countries.
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.
