Don’t want to extend visa traditionally? Visa run is for you!

Foreigners who wish to extend their stay in Vietnam but are unable to do so for a variety of reasons. A visa run is one of the best options at that point.

A visa run is a way for travelers to remain in a country without having to go through the traditional visa extension process. Generally, visa runs involve traveling to a nearby country where you can easily renew your visa and then returning. Some countries require you to stay for a certain amount of time before you can return, while others simply require that you leave and return on the same day. 

The majority of expats choose Vietnam visa runs for the following reasons:

• Cost-effective: Taking a bus or flight to a neighboring country can occasionally be much less expensive than extending a visa, especially if you can look for cheap tickets;
• Numerous types of visas are available: therefore, you have a wide range of options for your new Vietnam visa, including 1 month, 3 months, single entry, and multiple entry;
• Travel possibility: Since obtaining a visa requires leaving Vietnam for another nation, you will have the option of traveling there provided you have the necessary time and funds;
• Flexible entry port policy: Vietnam visa run can be used for entry at both airports, and land ports so expats will have many more options which are suitable for themselves.

1. About the process: 

Currently, foreigners in Vietnam can apply for two kinds of visas, which are Visa run by air, and Visa run by land.

Visa run by air means foreigners will exit Vietnam and re-enter Vietnam by air. This is the run visa form chosen by many foreigners in Hanoi.

Visa run by land means the foreigner will exit to a neighboring country that has a land border gate with Vietnam such as Laos or Cambodia, 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 you have to do are…

Step 1: Prepare all of the required documents. Step 2: Depending on the visa run type, foreign nationals will complete exit procedures from Vietnam, obtain an exit stamp, and travel by air or land to a third country. Step 3: Travel to a third nation Foreigners must present the required documents to complete entry procedures for the third country when they arrive at the border gate (airport or road border gate). Step 4: Leave a third nation After entering a third country, visitors have the option of leaving for a few days to travel before returning to Vietnam. Foreigners must complete exit procedures after arriving at the international border gate of a third country before proceeding to the border gate with Vietnam. Step 5: Enter Vietnam again and finish the visa run process.

2. Required documents:

Please carefully prepare the following documents before performing a visa run in Vietnam:

• Original airline or bus tickets; an original (if entering through a land port) or printed (if entering through an airport); 
• E-visa/ Vietnam visa exemption certificate or Vietnam Visa Approval Letter;
• Original passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity and two blank pages;
• Vietnam entry and exit form;
• 02 passport-size photographs with a white background, taken recently, showing the front and both ears.

3. Before you leave, grab some advice:

• Verify Visa Requirements: Make sure you are familiar with the most recent visa requirements for both Vietnam and the country where you are applying for a visa. Because regulations can change, it's important to be knowledgeable and ready.
• Make Your Travel Plans: By adding some sightseeing or exploration to your trip, make the most of your visa run. Make the most of your time abroad by researching popular attractions along your chosen route.
• Essentials to bring: Don't forget to pack all the required paperwork, including your passport, any necessary visa application forms, and supporting documents. Bring enough money, cozy clothes, and any necessary medications, in addition.
• Budget considerations: Keep in mind that visa runs come with additional costs, such as travel, lodging, and visa fees. To prevent any unforeseen financial expenses during your trip, plan your budget appropriately.

Vietnam visa run is a popular way for travelers to extend their stay in the country, but it’s important to remember that visa run is not always successful and can be expensive and time-consuming. Therefore, making an informed decision and understanding the risks before attempting one is a must.

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