Understand The Vietnam Visa Run
A Vietnam Visa Run is a strategic process undertaken by individuals looking to extend their stay in Vietnam.
As the expiration date of a visa draws near, this method proves invaluable, especially when traditional means of extension are either challenging or financially burdensome.
The process entails temporarily leaving Vietnam and traveling to a neighbouring country, only to return with a renewed visa, effectively resetting the duration of one's stay.
This approach is particularly popular among digital nomads, expatriates, and long-term travellers who wish to avoid the complexities or expenses associated with traditional visa extension procedures.
By opting for a Visa Run, individuals can navigate the bureaucracy of visa extensions and associated costs, making it a practical and cost-effective solution.
As the visa expiration looms, embarking on a Visa Run becomes a strategic choice to maintain an uninterrupted stay in Vietnam.
Whether exploring nearby countries during the short absence or simply using this opportunity to refresh one's legal stay, the Vietnam Visa Run serves as a flexible and efficient way for individuals to continue their sojourn in this captivating Southeast Asian nation.
Advantages and disadvantages of Visa Run
Advantages of Visa Run
- Cost-Effective
Visa border runs are often more budget-friendly compared to alternative methods of extending your stay.
This cost-effectiveness can be particularly appealing to individuals on a tight budget or those seeking economical ways to continue their stay in Vietnam.
- Variety of Options
Visa Run offer flexibility in the types of visas you can apply for based on your specific needs.
Whether you require a short-term or long-term visa, single or multiple entries, the variety of options allows individuals to choose a visa that aligns with their plans.
Disadvantages of Visa Run
- Check-In and Check-Out
One significant drawback of a visa border run is the need to physically exit and re-enter Vietnam.
This process involves obtaining exit and entry stamps, which can waste your time.
- Logistics
Coordinating the logistics of a visa border run can be challenging. From choosing the right border crossing point to arranging transportation and accommodation in the neighbouring country, individuals need to invest time and effort in ensuring a smooth re-entry process.
Where to Do Visa Run from Vietnam Upon Arrival?
When considering a Visa Run from Vietnam, you have two main options:
- Vietnam Visa Run Via International Airports
You will have to leave Vietnam for a while, maybe a few hours or a few days depending on your needs. You will then return by air.
- Visa Run to Land Borders
You will exit to a neighboring country that has a land border gate with Vietnam, then re-enter Vietnam through that land border gate.
This is the form chosen by many foreigners in the Central and Southern provinces to apply for a cheap run visa.
What to bring on Vietnamese Visa Run?
For Australians Citizens, when you are planning to Vietnamese Visa Run you should bring the following item with you:
- Visa Approval Letter
If you're opting for an airport Visa Run, ensure you have the necessary visa approval letter obtained online.
This document is crucial for obtaining a visa upon arrival at the Vietnamese international airport and facilitates a smooth re-entry process.
- Passport with at Least 6 Months of Validity
Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry.
This is a standard requirement to comply with immigration regulations and ensures a hassle-free travel experience.
- Two Passport-Sized Photos (4x6 cm)
Provide two recent passport-sized photos with dimensions of 4x6. These photos are typically required for visa applications and help authorities identify you during the processing of your visa.
- Airplane/bus tickets
- Visa as well as required documents to enter a third country when performing a visa run
- Cash
Bring an adequate amount of cash to cover visa fees and any additional expenses that may arise during your Visa Run.
Cash is essential, especially in areas where card payments may not be widely accepted.
How To Do a Visa Run from Vietnam?
Here are the steps you need to follow when doing Visa Run to Vietnam from Australia.
Step 1: Prepare the necessary documents
You prepare the documents saved above to do the Visa Run.
Note: Depending on each country, Visa in a neighboring country can be done right at the border gate or at that country's Embassy in Vietnam.
Step 2: Leave Vietnam
You will have to complete procedures to leave Vietnam, get an exit stamp, then move to a neighboring country by plane, car or ship.
Step 3: Enter a third country
When you arrive in a neighboring country, you need to present the documents you have prepared to complete immigration procedures.
Step 4: Export to that country
You can choose to enter Vietnam immediately after exiting a third country or stay in that country depending on your wishes.
Step 5: Enter Vietnam and complete the visa application procedure
After arriving at the Vietnamese border gate, you will present the following documents: Original passport (valid for at least 6 months from the date of re-entry to Vietnam and at least 02 blank pages in the passport).
Except for foreign tourists under the visa exemption category, one of the documents valid for entry into Vietnam includes:
- 5-year visa exemption permit.
- Vietnam electronic visa.
- Entry dispatch (only applicable to visitors applying for a business visa).
If you get a visa at the border gate, you need to prepare more: form NA1, 4*6 cm photos. If you need a visa stamp at the border gate, the visa stamp will be affixed to the passport.
The Run Vietnam Visa procedure has been completed, you can continue to stay legally in Vietnam according to the regulations and deadline printed on the new Visa.
