Vietnam Visa Run: Complete 2026 Guide (Process and Costs)

Living in Vietnam on a tourist visa and your deadline is coming up? Sooner or later, every expat who hasn't yet secured a long-term visa runs into the question of the visa run. The practice is common, but it raises plenty of questions: is it legal? How much does it really cost? Which destinations are the most convenient from Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City?

In this complete guide, you'll learn not only how to do a visa run with peace of mind, but also the more sustainable alternatives for your move abroad.

Whether you're a digital nomad, a retiree or an entrepreneur, this guide gives you everything you need to manage your immigration status in Vietnam as smoothly as possible.

01What Is a Vietnam Visa Run, and Is It Legal?

A visa run means leaving Vietnam temporarily before your tourist visa expires, then coming straight back to get a new entry stamp. In theory, it lets you stay in Vietnam indefinitely by stringing tourist stays together.

The legal reality in 2026: A visa run is neither explicitly legal nor formally banned under Vietnamese law. It sits in an administrative gray area. Vietnamese authorities tolerate it for short stays, but they can refuse entry to people who are clearly abusing it.

Many expats use this method during their first few months, before regularizing their situation with the right visa. However, Vietnamese authorities have been gradually tightening their approach since 2024.

Tip: Immigration officers log the number of visa runs you've made in their system. Beyond 3-4 back-to-back round trips, you risk in-depth questioning, or even being refused entry. Never treat the visa run as a long-term solution.

The concrete risks include: being denied boarding by the airline (which checks your history), extended questioning at Vietnamese immigration, an administrative fine, or, in extreme cases, a temporary ban from entering the country.

For a stress-free move, we recommend reading our complete guide to moving to Vietnam, which covers all the long-term visa options suited to your profile.

02The Types of Visas Involved in a Visa Run

Before planning your visa run, it's crucial to understand which type of visa you hold and how it works.

Tourist Visa (DL)

The tourist visa (DL), including the e-visa, is valid for up to 90 days (single or multiple entry). It's the visa most often involved in visa runs. Official e-visa fees: 25 USD for a single entry, 50 USD for multiple entries (Circular 28/2026/TT-BTC). You can get it online through the Vietnam e-visa or on arrival with an invitation letter.

Important limitations: It is officially intended for tourism only. Working on this visa is illegal and can lead to severe penalties, including deportation and a ban from the country.

Visa Exemption (45 Days for French Citizens)

Since August 2023, French citizens have enjoyed a 45-day visa exemption, extended by Resolution 44/NQ-CP until March 14, 2028, whatever the purpose of the stay (diplomatie.gouv.fr). This exemption is the one most used for short visa runs, because it's free and requires no advance paperwork.

Crucial condition: The old rule requiring 30 days outside Vietnam between two exemptions no longer exists. You can enter several times, with each stay limited to 45 days, including the days of entry and exit, and the exemption cannot be extended in the country (diplomatie.gouv.fr). On the other hand, the risk of in-depth screening increases with each successive round trip.

E-Visa (90 Days)

Since August 15, 2023, Vietnam has offered all nationalities an e-visa of up to 90 days: 25 USD for a single entry, 50 USD for multiple entries (Circular 28/2026/TT-BTC). This visa greatly reduces the need for frequent visa runs. You can stay 90 days, leave, and come back with a new e-visa.

Tip: The 90-day e-visa is currently the best option for digital nomads trying out Vietnam before committing to a long-term visa. You can string together 2-3 e-visas without any major problem, which adds up to 6-9 months in the country.

For an overview of all the paperwork options, read our article on the paperwork for moving to Vietnam.

03Popular Visa Run Destinations from Vietnam

Your choice of destination depends on three factors: where you're based in Vietnam, your budget, and how long you want to spend outside the country.

From Da Nang and Central Vietnam

Siem Reap, Cambodia (via Phnom Penh)

• Distance: 1h15 direct flight or 14-hour bus
• Total cost: 80-150 EUR (flight + Cambodian visa at 30 USD + 1 night's accommodation)
• Pros: Close, cheap, a chance to visit Angkor Wat
• Cons: No direct flight from Da Nang, requires a stopover in HCMC or Hanoi

Bangkok, Thailand

• Distance: 1h45 direct flight
• Total cost: 100-200 EUR (flight 60-120 EUR + 2 nights' accommodation)
• Pros: Daily direct flights with VietJet and Thai Airways, no visa required for French citizens (45 days)
• Cons: More expensive than Cambodia
• Recommended airlines: VietJet (low-cost), Thai Airways (more comfortable)

Vientiane, Laos

• Distance: 24-hour bus or flight with a stopover
• Total cost: 60-120 EUR
• Pros: Very cheap, laid-back atmosphere
• Cons: Long, tiring journey, few direct flights

From Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

• Distance: 6-hour bus or 45-minute flight
• Total cost: 50-100 EUR
• Pros: The cheapest and fastest visa run from HCMC, comfortable buses every hour
• Cons: A less appealing city for tourists
• Tip: Take the Giant Ibis or Mekong Express night bus (15-20 USD), sleep on the way, spend a day in Phnom Penh, and come back the next day. Total: 48 hours, under 80 EUR.

Singapore

• Distance: 2-hour flight
• Total cost: 150-300 EUR
• Pros: Modern city, shopping, no visa for French citizens
• Cons: High cost of living on the ground (accommodation at least 50-100 EUR/night)

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

• Distance: 2-hour flight
• Total cost: 120-200 EUR
• Pros: Good balance of price and comfort, no visa required
• Cons: Less to see than Bangkok

From Hanoi

Nanning, China

• Distance: 12-hour train or 10-hour bus
• Total cost: 80-150 EUR (Chinese visa required: 126 EUR)
• Pros: A complete change of scene, option to continue on to other Chinese cities
• Cons: Chinese visa mandatory (lengthy process), language barrier

Luang Prabang, Laos

• Distance: 1h15 flight
• Total cost: 100-180 EUR
• Pros: A beautiful UNESCO-listed town, Lao visa on arrival (30-40 USD)
• Cons: Limited flights

04Step-by-Step: How to Do a Vietnam Visa Run

Here is the complete procedure for doing your visa run with peace of mind.

7-10 Days Before Expiry

Step 1: Check your exact expiry date Your visa expires at 11:59 p.m. on the date shown in your passport. NEVER leave on the expiry date itself; allow at least 2-3 days of margin.

Step 2: Choose your destination Use Skyscanner or Google Flights to compare prices. For a quick visa run (48 hours), favor nearby destinations: Phnom Penh from HCMC, Bangkok from Da Nang.

Step 3: Book your tickets Tip: Book a round-trip ticket. It's often cheaper, and it reassures immigration authorities (proof that you're leaving again). Average prices in 2026:

• Da Nang-Bangkok round trip: 100-150 EUR (VietJet, Thai Airways)
• HCMC-Phnom Penh round trip: 60-100 EUR (Cambodia Angkor Air, Vietnam Airlines)

Step 4: Check the entry requirements of the destination country

• Cambodia: Visa on arrival 30 USD (cash only) or e-visa 36 USD
• Thailand: 45-day exemption for French citizens (free)
• Laos: Visa on arrival 30-42 USD depending on nationality
• Malaysia/Singapore: Exemption for French citizens

Step 5: Book your accommodation Booking.com or Agoda. Minimum budget: 15-20 EUR/night in Cambodia/Laos, 30-50 EUR in Thailand. Choose a cancellable booking just in case.

Departure Day

At the Vietnamese airport (arrive 2 hours before international flights)

• Show your passport and plane ticket at the check-in counter
• The airline will check that your visa is still valid and that you have a return ticket
• Go through Vietnamese immigration: the officer will stamp your exit from the country
• Important document: Keep your arrival card; you'll need it on the way back

On arrival in the third country

• Fill in the immigration form on the plane
• Show your passport, return ticket and, if asked, proof of accommodation
• Pay for the visa if required (cash USD recommended)
• Collect your entry stamp

During Your Stay (Recommended Minimum: 24-48 Hours)

In theory, you can turn around immediately, but we strongly recommend staying at least one full night. Vietnamese authorities are looking more and more closely at stays of less than 24 hours, which they consider suspicious.

Tip: Make the most of it and go sightseeing! A visa run can turn into a mini-adventure. In Bangkok, visit the temples and the Chatuchak market. In Phnom Penh, the Royal Palace and the genocide museum are must-sees. That way, you get more out of the trip.

Returning to Vietnam

At the airport in the third country

• Check that you have all your documents: passport, plane ticket
• If you're coming back on a new e-visa: apply and pay for it online before your return, allowing for the legal processing time of 3 working days (Law 51/2019/QH14). A visa on arrival, for its part, requires a prior approval letter from the Immigration Department

At Vietnamese immigration (the critical step)

• Fill in a new arrival card on the plane
• Present your passport to the immigration officer
• Possible questions (be ready):
  • "What is the purpose of your visit?" → Answer: Tourism
  • "Where will you be staying?" → Have a hotel address (even if you live in an apartment)
  • "How long are you staying?" → An answer consistent with your visa/exemption
  • "What do you do for a living?" → Avoid mentioning remote work
• The officer can look up your entry history. If there are too many visa runs, expect more thorough questioning
• Once you have your stamp, you're legally in Vietnam for the duration of your new visa/exemption

After immigration

• Collect your luggage
• Go through customs (usually quick)
• You're back in Vietnam with a fresh period of stay!

05The Real Cost of a Visa Run in 2026 (Detailed Budget)

Here's a comparison table of real costs for the main destinations:

Ultra-budget option (Phnom Penh from HCMC):

• Round-trip bus: 30-40 EUR (Giant Ibis, Mekong Express)
• Cambodian visa: 30 EUR
• Hostel: 10-15 EUR/night
• Local meals: 3-5 EUR/meal
• MINIMUM TOTAL: 80-100 EUR

Tip: If you do 3 visa runs a year, you spend 500-900 EUR. For that budget, you could get a 1-year business visa (300-500 EUR) and avoid all the hassle. Run the numbers with our expat tax guide for Vietnam.

Hidden costs people often forget:

• Travel insurance (recommended): 20-30 EUR/trip
• Airport-city center transport: 10-20 EUR round trip
• Bank fees (payments abroad): 5-10 EUR
• Local SIM or roaming: 5-15 EUR

Add 15-20% to your budget for the unexpected (flight delays, extra fees, etc.).

06Alternatives to the Visa Run: More Sustainable Solutions

The visa run is a temporary fix, not a long-term strategy. Here are the legal, more serious alternatives for your move abroad.

Business Visa (DN)

Duration: 1, 3, 6 or 12 months (multiple entry) Cost: 300-500 EUR for 12 months (through an agency) Requirements: A Vietnamese sponsor (local company) Pros: Administrative stability, the possibility of converting to a work permit, credibility with banks and landlords

Warning: Some agencies in Da Nang and HCMC offer "business visa packages" with a sham sponsor. A sponsor that doesn't match any real activity exposes you to a refusal or to the visa being canceled. Typical cost: 350-450 EUR/year all-inclusive.

Investor Visa (DT)

Duration: depending on the capital invested, from 12 months maximum (DT4, under 3 billion VND, about 115,000 USD) to 5 years (DT1 and DT2, from 50 billion VND), under Law 51/2019/QH14 Requirements: A capital contribution to a Vietnamese company Pros: A stable long-term visa, a temporary residence card possible from DT3 upward Cons: A substantial investment, a complex procedure

Retirement Visa

Vietnam has no official retirement visa in 2026, but French retirees generally use:

• The 1-year business visa (through an agency)
• Alternating the 45-day exemption and the 90-day e-visa (for non-permanent stays)
• The TT (family) visa if they have a Vietnamese spouse

Setting Up a Vietnamese Company

Cost: 1,500-3,000 EUR (setup + legal fees) Pros: A legal work permit, an investor visa (DT) whose length depends on the capital invested, professional credibility Cons: Accounting obligations (100-200 EUR/month), administrative complexity

It's the most professional solution for entrepreneurs and freelancers who want to settle for the long term. See our guide to setting up a business abroad for more details.

1-Year Cost Comparison

07Costly Mistakes to Avoid on a Visa Run

Here are the recurring mistakes that can turn your visa run into an administrative nightmare.

1. Leaving on the Last Day Your Visa Is Valid

Why it's risky: If your flight is delayed or canceled, you end up overstaying your visa. Fine: 500,000 VND (≈18 EUR) per day, up to a maximum of 25 days, then deportation and a ban from the country.

Solution: ALWAYS leave 2-3 days before expiry. Low-cost flights are frequently delayed in Vietnam.

2. Not Having a Return Ticket

Why it's a problem: Airlines can deny boarding if you have no proof that you'll leave Vietnam. Vietnamese immigration may also question your intentions.

Solution: Always book a round-trip ticket, or have proof of a ticket to another country (if you're continuing your travels).

3. Piling Up Visa Runs Without a Plan

Beyond 3-4 back-to-back visa runs, you draw the authorities' attention. Some expats have been refused entry after 5-6 visa runs in 12 months.

Tip: If you need to do more than 2 visa runs, it's a sign that it's time to switch to a long-term visa. Don't play with fire.

4. Working Openly on a Tourist Visa

Working remotely and discreetly is tolerated, but publicly displaying your professional activity (client meetings, an official office) on a tourist visa is illegal.

Consequences: Fine, deportation, ban from the country. In 2025, several cases of digital nomads being deported made the news in Ho Chi Minh City.

5. Skipping Travel Insurance

An accident or health problem during your visa run can be very expensive. Medical care in Cambodia or Thailand is costly for uninsured foreigners.

Solution: Take out travel insurance or check that your expat health insurance covers regional travel.

6. Forgetting to Check COVID/Health Requirements

Although COVID restrictions have largely been lifted in 2026, some countries may have specific health requirements (vaccinations, tests). Always check before you leave.

7. Picking the Cheapest Destination Without Thinking

A failed visa run (refused entry, paperwork problem) will cost you far more than the 50 EUR you saved on the flight. Favor safe, proven destinations.

Safest destinations in 2026:

• Bangkok (Thailand): excellent infrastructure, French consulate on site
• Phnom Penh (Cambodia): a well-oiled procedure, French is spoken
• Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia): modern, English-speaking

08Visa Runs and Digital Nomads: A Special Case

Vietnam has become a top destination for digital nomads, but the law has not yet created a specific visa for this category. Here's how to navigate this gray area.

The Reality on the Ground in 2026

Thousands of digital nomads live in Vietnam on tourist or business visas, working for foreign clients or employers. Vietnamese authorities generally tolerate this, as long as:

• You don't work for a Vietnamese company without a work permit
• You pay your local expenses (housing, food)
• You keep a low profile about your professional activity

Tip: At immigration checks, present yourself as a "tourist" or "traveler". Never mention that you work remotely, even if it's legal in your home country. Vietnamese immigration officers don't make the fine distinction between local work and remote work.

Visa Strategy for Digital Nomads

Phase 1 (0-3 months): Trying out the country

• Use the 45-day exemption + the 90-day e-visa
• Cost: 25 EUR (e-visa only)
• Lets you try Da Nang/HCMC without commitment

Phase 2 (3-12 months): Settling in temporarily

• 6- or 12-month business visa through an agency
• Cost: 250-450 EUR
• Stability to rent an apartment and open a bank account

Phase 3 (12+ months): Settling in for the long term

• Setting up a Vietnamese company (if your income is sufficient: >2000 EUR/month)
• 2-year business visa + work permit
• Cost: 3000-5000 EUR setup + 1500 EUR/year
• Pros: full legality, credibility, the ability to hire

See our complete guide to being a digital nomad in Vietnam to dig deeper into this topic.

Coworking and Community

Da Nang has several coworking spaces that are popular with digital nomads:

• Enouvo Space: 50-100 USD/month, excellent wifi, active community
• The Hive: 80-120 USD/month, more upscale, networking events
• Nest by AIA: 60-90 USD/month, beach view

These spaces are perfect for meeting other expats and swapping good practices on visas. More information in our article on internet and coworking in Da Nang.

09What to Do If Something Goes Wrong on Your Visa Run

Despite every precaution, problems can happen. Here's how to handle tricky situations.

Being Denied Boarding by the Airline

Common causes:

• Vietnamese visa expired or close to expiry
• No return ticket
• Too many visa runs in your history (visible in their system)

Immediate solution:

1. Stay calm and polite
2. Explain that you're a tourist and show proof (hotel bookings, itinerary)
3. If they still refuse, buy a flexible return ticket on the spot (on your smartphone)
4. As a last resort, contact the French consulate (emergency numbers available 24/7)

Extended Questioning at Vietnamese Immigration

Typical questions:

• "Why do you come back to Vietnam so often?"
• "What is your job?"
• "Where exactly do you live?"
• "Show me your exit ticket"

Recommended answers:

• "I love Vietnam; I visit a different region each time" (tourism)
• "I'm a [profession]; I work online for clients in [your country]" (always answer accurately: a false statement makes your situation worse)
• Have the address where you actually stay on hand
• Show your return ticket or a ticket to another country

Tip: If the questioning drags on (>30 min), politely ask to contact the French consulate. It shows that you know your rights and can speed up the process.

Being Refused Entry to Vietnam

It's rare but possible after multiple visa runs. If it happens:

1. Ask for the reason in writing: You have the right to know why entry is being refused
2. Contact the French consulate immediately:
   • Hanoi: +84 24 3944 5700
   • HCMC: +84 28 3520 6800
3. Don't sign any document you don't understand: Ask for a translation if necessary
4. Options:
   • Accept the refusal and take the next flight back to the country you departed from
   • Appeal (a long procedure, rarely effective)
   • Apply for an official business visa through a Vietnamese company (if you have contacts)

Cost of being refused entry:

• Immediate return flight: 200-500 EUR (often at your own expense)
• Night in a transit-area hotel: 50-100 EUR
• Stress and lost time: priceless

Prevention: That's why we insist on not abusing visa runs. After 3-4 round trips, switch to a long-term visa.

Overstaying Your Visa

If you accidentally overstay your visa:

Fines in 2026:

• 1-15 days: 500,000 VND/day (≈18 EUR/day)
• 16-30 days: 1,000,000 VND/day (≈37 EUR/day)
• More than 30 days: Deportation + a 1-3 year ban from the country

Procedure:

1. Go immediately to the nearest immigration office
2. Pay the fine in cash (VND only)
3. Receive an exit stamp
4. Leave Vietnam within 7 days of regularizing your status

Tip: NEVER try to leave Vietnam with an overstay without regularizing it first. You'll be stopped at the airport, and the fine will be increased.

10Complete Checklist for a Successful Visa Run

2 Weeks Before

• Check the exact expiry date of your visa
• Choose the destination (Bangkok, Phnom Penh, etc.)
• Book round-trip flights
• Book accommodation (1-2 nights)
• Check the visa requirements of the destination country
• Take out/check your travel insurance
• Let your landlord/hotel in Vietnam know you'll be away

1 Week Before

• Print your plane tickets and hotel bookings
• Set aside 100-150 USD in cash (for the visa + expenses)
• Check your passport's validity (minimum 6 months)
• Download immigration forms if available online
• Write down emergency numbers (consulate, insurance, bank)

The Day Before

• Pack your bag (light, just the essentials)
• Check the online check-in time
• Confirm the time of your transport to the airport
• Charge all your electronic devices

Departure Day

• Arrive 2 hours before the international flight
• Check in and go through Vietnamese immigration
• Keep your arrival card

In the Destination Country

• Go through immigration and get the visa if required
• Withdraw local cash (for expenses)
• Enjoy your stay (minimum 24 hours recommended)

Back in Vietnam

• Fill in the new arrival card on the plane
• Prepare your answers to immigration questions
• Go through immigration and get your new stamp
• Celebrate: you have 30/45/90 more days in Vietnam!

After Your Return

• Take a photo of your new visa/stamp
• Put the new expiry date in your calendar
• Assess whether you should switch to a long-term visa

Download our complete moving-to-Vietnam checklist for even more thorough preparation.

11Conclusion: The Visa Run, a Temporary Fix on the Way to a Successful Move

The visa run is a reality for many French expats in Vietnam, especially during their first months. Done well, it lets you extend your stay legally while discovering neighboring countries. However, it should never be treated as a long-term strategy.

Key takeaways:

• Never go beyond 3-4 back-to-back visa runs, to avoid immigration problems
• Realistic budget: 150-300 EUR per visa run, depending on the destination
• Recommended destinations: Bangkok (from Da Nang), Phnom Penh (from HCMC)
• Always leave 2-3 days before your visa expires
• After 6 months of visa runs, switch to a 1-year business visa (350-500 EUR)

Vietnam offers extraordinary opportunities for French expats: an affordable cost of living (see our Vietnam vs France cost of living comparison), an exceptional quality of life in Da Nang, and a welcoming French-speaking community. But to make the most of it, you need a stable immigration status.

Ready for a more stable situation? To choose your next visa and find out the official fees, read our guide on how to apply for a Vietnam visa.

Don't let paperwork hold back your Vietnamese dream. With the right information, your move to Da Nang can become one of the best decisions of your life.