Vietnam Visa Run from Ho Chi Minh 2026 — Cambodia Border Guide
This guide is for travelers who need to extend their Vietnam stay but don’t qualify for the 90-day eVisa or want a same-day exit and re-entry. While Vietnam’s 90-day eVisa has reduced the need for classic visa runs, some nationalities still face 30-day limits or single-entry restrictions. Others simply prefer a quick Cambodia break before returning to Vietnam. The Moc Bai–Bavet land border between Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and Phnom Penh remains the fastest and cheapest route, with buses taking around 6 hours for about $15 and flights under 45 minutes for roughly $80. Same-day return is possible if you time your exit and re-entry carefully. As of 2026, Vietnam’s eVisa program is still in place, but visa runs are still searched for by travelers from countries not covered by the eVisa or those who’ve maxed out their initial stay.
What you need to know
Vietnam’s visa policy allows for visa runs via neighboring countries, including Cambodia, to reset a tourist or business visa. The most common method is exiting Vietnam at the Moc Bai border (Tỉnh lộ 82, Bến Cầu, Tây Ninh) and re-entering via the Bavet border (Cambodia) the same day or the next. As of 2026, Vietnam still honors 30-day and 90-day tourist visas, with the 90-day eVisa available to citizens of 80+ countries. However, travelers from countries not eligible for the eVisa or those on 30-day visas may still need to perform a border run. The process involves leaving Vietnam, entering Cambodia (even briefly), and immediately returning to Vietnam to reset the visa clock. This is legal as long as you don’t overstay or misuse the system.
Cambodia’s visa policy is straightforward: most travelers can obtain a visa on arrival for $30 (tourist) or $35 (business), valid for 30 days. You do not need to leave Cambodia for long—just enter and exit the same day via the Bavet border to trigger a new Vietnam entry stamp. Vietnamese immigration officials are accustomed to this process, though they may ask for proof of onward travel or accommodation in Cambodia if you’re doing a same-day return. Always carry your passport, proof of accommodation in Cambodia (even a hostel booking), and return transport tickets to Vietnam.
Who is eligible
- Holders of 30-day single-entry tourist visas who want to extend their stay.
- Travelers on business visas (DN) with limited validity who need to reset their stay.
- Nationals of countries not eligible for Vietnam’s 90-day eVisa (e.g., India, Pakistan, some African and Middle Eastern countries).
- Those who’ve used up their initial 30 or 90 days and need a fresh entry stamp.
- Passport holders from eVisa-eligible countries who prefer a Cambodia break over staying in Vietnam.
Cost breakdown
| Item | Cost (USD) | Notes |
| Vietnam exit stamp (no fee) | $0 | Officially free, but some agents may charge a small "facilitation" fee. |
| Cambodia visa on arrival (tourist) | $30 | Payable in cash (USD or local currency) at the Cambodian border. |
| Cambodia visa processing fee (if using eVisa) | $0–$5 | Optional if you apply online in advance; otherwise, pay at the border. |
| Bavet border "exit tax" (Cambodia) | $2–$5 | Sometimes included in visa fee; confirm before paying. |
| Moc Bai–Bavet bus (one way) | $10–$15 | Shared minibus or larger coach; book at Moc Bai bus station. |
| Phnom Penh to Bavet taxi (if splitting the trip) | $20–$30 | Private taxi from Phnom Penh to Bavet; not needed if taking a direct bus. |
| Flight HCMC–Phnom Penh (one way) | $60–$90 | Book in advance via airlines like VietJet, Cambodia Angkor Air, or Trip.com. |
| Vietnam re-entry stamp (no fee) | $0 | Officially free; no additional charge at immigration. |
| Total (land route, one way) | $42–$55 | Excludes food, drinks, or optional services. |
| Total (flight route, one way) | $90–$125 | Excludes airport transfers and baggage fees. |
How to apply (step by step)
- Check your Vietnam visa status. Confirm whether you’re on a 30-day or 90-day visa and whether you’re eligible for an eVisa extension. If you’re on a 30-day single-entry visa, a visa run is likely necessary.
- Choose your route. Decide between the land border (Moc Bai–Bavet) or a flight to Phnom Penh. The land route is cheaper but longer; the flight is faster but pricier. If taking a flight, book a same-day return via Trip.com or the airline’s website to save time.
- Prepare documents. Bring your passport (6+ months validity), a passport photo, proof of accommodation in Cambodia (hostel/hotel booking), and return transport tickets to Vietnam. Have USD cash for Cambodia visa fees.
- Exit Vietnam at Moc Bai. Take a bus or taxi from HCMC to Moc Bai border (2–3 hours). The bus costs $5–$10; taxis are $25–$40. Arrive by 8 AM to avoid long queues.
- Cross into Cambodia at Bavet.
- Get your Cambodia visa on arrival ($30, 1 photo required).
- Pay the $2–$5 exit tax if not included.
- Walk or take a tuk-tuk to the Cambodian side (5-minute walk).
- Enter Cambodia briefly. If doing a same-day return, walk back to the Vietnamese side immediately. You only need to enter Cambodia long enough to get a new entry stamp.
- Re-enter Vietnam at Bavet. Present your passport, Cambodia entry stamp, and proof of accommodation. Vietnamese immigration may ask for onward travel proof; show your return bus ticket or flight itinerary.
- Return to HCMC. Take the bus or flight back. If taking a bus, expect 6 hours; flights take 45 minutes. Arrive in HCMC by evening to avoid complications.
Common mistakes / what to watch out for
- Overstaying in Cambodia. Even a few hours over your allowed stay can result in fines or entry bans. Stick to the 30-day tourist visa limit.
- Missing the last bus back. Moc Bai buses to HCMC run until ~7 PM; after that, taxis cost $30–$50. Plan your exit time carefully.
- Not having proof of accommodation. Vietnamese immigration may ask for a hotel booking or invitation letter if you’re doing a same-day return. Book a hostel in Phnom Penh for one night to be safe.
- Carrying insufficient cash.
- Cambodia visa fee is $30 cash only.
- Vietnamese border agents may ask for a "facilitation fee" ($1–$5).
- Tuk-tuks and taxis expect USD or local currency.
- Ignoring flight delays. If flying, book a flexible ticket or allow buffer time. Missing your return flight can void the visa run.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Cambodia if I’m just doing a same-day visa run?
Yes. Even if you’re only in Cambodia for a few hours, you must obtain a visa on arrival ($30 tourist) or an eVisa in advance. There’s no exemption for same-day travelers.
Can I do a visa run with an expired Vietnam visa?
No. Overstaying Vietnam’s visa voids your ability to exit and re-enter legally. If you’ve overstayed, you must pay fines and may face entry bans before attempting a visa run.
Is the 90-day eVisa enough to avoid visa runs?
For most travelers, yes. The 90-day eVisa allows multiple entries and stays up to 90 days per entry. However, some nationalities are still restricted to 30-day single-entry visas, making visa runs necessary.
How long does the entire process take?
The land route takes 6–8 hours door-to-door (HCMC to HCMC). The flight route takes 3–4 hours (including airport transfers and security). Same-day returns are possible if you leave by 8 AM and return by 7 PM.
Can I use a visa run to extend my Vietnam stay indefinitely?
No. Vietnamese immigration monitors frequent border runs. If you perform more than 2–3 visa runs in a short period, you may be denied re-entry or asked for proof of sufficient funds and travel plans.
What if I’m denied re-entry after the visa run?
If Vietnamese immigration refuses your re-entry, you’ll need to exit Vietnam immediately and may face fines for overstaying. Always have proof of onward travel and sufficient funds to avoid issues.
Honest advice
Visa runs are a last resort in 2026, thanks to Vietnam’s 90-day eVisa. Unless you’re on a 30-day single-entry visa or from a country excluded from the eVisa, consider extending your stay legally through Vietnam’s immigration office or applying for a new eVisa instead. If you must do a visa run, the Moc Bai–Bavet route is the fastest and cheapest, but it’s not risk-free. Immigration officers may scrutinize same-day returns, so have all documents ready and avoid looking like you’re gaming the system. If you’re flying, book a refundable ticket—delays can derail your plans. Ultimately, a visa run should be a one-time solution, not a habit. Always check the latest rules with the Vietnamese embassy or official immigration website before traveling, as policies can change without notice.