Visa Run and Visa Extension: 2 Ways to Extend Your Stay in Vietnam with Costs Starting at Just $50
Vietnam has become a popular destination for travelers worldwide thanks to its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and friendly locals. If you are traveling in Vietnam and want to spend more time discovering this beautiful country, it is essential to know the available options for legally extending your stay. Two common methods are Visa Run and Visa Extension.
While both serve the same purpose, the process, cost, and restrictions can differ significantly, and choosing the right one depends on your circumstances. In this post, we will explore these options in detail to help you decide which is your best choice, and also guide you on how to lengthen your stay from just 50$.
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What is a Visa Run?
Vietnam visa run is the process of leaving Vietnam to reset your stay. This typically involves crossing an international border, such as traveling to Cambodia or Laos, obtaining a new Vietnam visa within 1-2 hours and returning to the country on the same day.
This method is most suitable for nationals who:
- Exempt for Vietnam visa. You can check the list of countries eligible for visa exemption here.
- Using eVisa, normally those are allowed to get urgent visa to Vietnam. You can refer to the list of countries eligible for urgent visa processing for details.
- Holding a 5-year exemption certificate
To save time and money, border crossing is the best option for doing a visa run. This is a list of land borders that visitors can choose from.
Third Country | List of Land Borders |
China |
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Laos |
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Cambodia |
|
Note: When choosing a land border, it’s essential to check if you are required a visa for the third-country.
How to Do a Visa Run?
Step 1: Prepare the Documents
Before starting the visa run process, you need to prepare the following documents:
- Original passport: Valid for at least 2 months from the date of re-entry to Vietnam and has at least 2 blank pages.
- One of these entry permits (except for foreigners who are exempt from visa):
- 5-year visa exemption certificate
- Vietnam visa: It’s suggested to use Vietnam Online Visa to get an urgent visa after 1-2 hours from just 50$.
- Visa and necessary documents to enter the third country: Can be obtained at the border gate or the Embassy/Consulate of that country in Vietnam (depending on the regulations of each country).
Step 2: Exit Vietnam
- Move to the nearby country by bus/airplane.
- Present your passport and Vietnam entry permit to the customs officer.
- Receive an exit stamp on your passport, confirming that you have left Vietnam.
Step 3: Enter and Exit the Third Country
- Provide the required documents to complete the entry process for the third country.
- Proceed with the exit procedures from the third country to return to Vietnam (if you already have an entry permit).
Step 4: Re-enter Vietnam
- Show your passport and entry permit to the customs officer at the Vietnam entry port.
- Get an entry stamp on your passport with a new period of stay.
- Complete the visa run process.
Pros and Cons of Visa Run
Pros of Visa Run
- Quick Solution: Often allows for short re-entry, normally on the same day.
- Ideal for Long-Term Stays: Suitable for those who want to spend a long time discovering Vietnam.
- Travel Opportunity: Gives you the chance to explore another country during the run.
Cons of Visa Run
- Inconvenience: Exiting Vietnam is mandatory.
- Costly: Expenses for transportation, Vietnam visa (if required), third-country visa (if required), and possible overnight stays can add up.
What is a Visa Extension?
A Vietnam visa extension is the process of extending the validity of your current visa, allowing you to stay in Vietnam longer than your initial visa allows instead of leaving the country and applying for a new visa. This option is available for various types of visas, including tourist and business visas, and the duration of the extension depends on the type of visa and your circumstances.
How to Do a Visa Extension?
Step 1: Prepare the Documents
To extend your visa, you need to prepare the following documents:
- Original passport: Valid for at least 2 months from the date of re-entry to Vietnam and has at least 2 blank pages.
- Vietnam visa: Your current visa on arrival.
Step 2: Start the Extension Process
- Submit your documents directly to the Immigration Department or through a visa service agency. Using an agency can simplify the process, as they handle all the paperwork and communication with immigration officials on your behalf. You can refer to our visa extension service for more details!
- Pay the extension fee
- Wait for processing: The processing time for a visa extension is usually 5-7 working days. It’s essential to submit your application well before your current visa expires to avoid any penalties.
Step 3: Get Your Extension Stamp
- Once approved, you will receive your passport with an updated visa stamp indicating your new expiration date.
- Complete the extension process.
Pros and Cons of Visa Extension
Pros of Visa Extension
- Convenience: No need to leave the country.
- Cost-Effective: Generally less expensive than visa run.
- Ideal for Short Extension: Suitable for those facing unexpected situations and needing a short stay extension in Vietnam to solve the problem.
Cons of Visa Extension
- Long Processing Time: May take 5-7 working days.
- Restriction: Not all types of visa are eligible for extension, only visa on arrival is allowed!
Key Differences Between Visa Run and Visa Extension
| Criteria | Visa Run | Visa Extension |
| Cost | Higher (transportation, Vietnam visa & third country visa fee (if required) ) | Lower (extension fees only) |
| Time | Shorter (can be completed on the same day) | Longer (around 5-7 working days) |
| Convenience | Must exit the country | No need to exit the country |
| Acceptable for | Those using eVisa Those entering Vietnam on a visa exemption Those holding a 5-year visa exemption | Those using visa on arrival only |
In conclusion, both Visa Run and Visa Extension are great options to extend your stay in Vietnam. While a visa run saves time, it comes with higher costs, whereas a visa extension is more convenient and cost-effective but requires a longer process. By understanding the requirements and weighing the pros and cons, you can make the best choice for your needs while staying compliant with immigration laws.
Whatever you choose, staying proactive and well-informed will ensure a smooth experience. Enjoy your time in Vietnam!
