Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Hoi An visa run?

A Hoi An visa run is a same-day trip from Hoi An or Da Nang to the Lao Bao border crossing in Quang Tri province, where you exit Vietnam into Laos and immediately re-enter to receive a fresh entry stamp. Because Vietnam does not allow you to extend most tourist e-visas and visa-exemption stamps while you are in the country, a border run is the legal way to restart your period of stay. Our service handles the round-trip transport, border paperwork, and can file a new 90-day e-visa the moment you exit.

How long does a visa run from Hoi An take?

The standard Hoi An–Lao Bao run is a 12-hour same-day round trip. Departures run every 2 hours from 4:00 AM to 4:00 PM, so you can choose a morning slot and be back in Hoi An or Da Nang the same evening. The drive each way takes roughly 5–6 hours including a rest stop, and border formalities on both sides take about 45–60 minutes with our fixers handling the queue.

How much does a visa run from Hoi An cost?

A private car is a flat 140 USD (3,400,000 VND) from Hoi An or 135 USD (3,200,000 VND) from Da Nang for the whole vehicle, up to five passengers, and a shared van seat is 45 USD (1,200,000 VND) from Hoi An or 40 USD (1,000,000 VND) from Da Nang. Laos visa-on-arrival fees (if your nationality needs one), the Vietnam government e-visa fee, and any optional e-visa processing service are quoted separately when you book. See the full breakdown on our prices page at hoianvisarun.com/prices.

Why do I need a visa run instead of just extending my visa?

Vietnam does not extend tourist e-visas or visa-exemption stamps while you are inside the country. You must exit and re-enter to obtain a new period of stay. A visa run to Lao Bao is the standard solution for expats and long-stay travelers in central Vietnam, and it can be combined with our 90-day e-visa desk so you return with a fresh long-stay visa instead of another short stamp.

Who should use a Hoi An or Da Nang visa run?

Anyone in central Vietnam whose visa or visa-exemption stamp is about to expire: digital nomads, remote workers, long-stay tourists, retirees, and families. It is also the fix for travelers whose extension was denied, people waiting on a new e-visa approval, and anyone who wants the border handled by a team that crosses it daily rather than figuring it out alone.

When should I book my Hoi An visa run?

Book at least 24–48 hours ahead so we can confirm your departure window and prepare your document checklist. If your visa expires within 3 days, message us on WhatsApp (+84 369 308 237). We regularly slot in same-day and next-day departures when seats are available, but the earlier you book the more departure options you have.

Is the Lao Bao visa run really possible in one day?

Yes. Lao Bao is the closest international land border to Hoi An and Da Nang, and the crossing is open daily from 07:00 to 22:00. With a 4:00 AM or 6:00 AM departure you clear both checkpoints by midday, stop for lunch, and arrive back in central Vietnam the same evening. Genuinely a 12-hour round trip.

Do you operate visa runs on weekends and public holidays?

Yes, we run 365 days a year, including Saturdays, Sundays, and Vietnamese public holidays, because visa deadlines rarely fall on convenient days. Note that Vietnam's immigration office only processes new e-visa applications Monday to Friday, so if you need rush e-visa processing your run must depart on a weekday even though the vehicles and border operate daily.

What is the best city for a central Vietnam visa run. Hoi An or Da Nang?

Both work well; Da Nang is closer to Lao Bao (about 290 km vs 320 km from Hoi An) and slightly cheaper per car, while Hoi An is the more popular base for long-stay expats. Since we pick up in both cities plus anywhere along the QL1 corridor, choose whichever is more convenient. The total time difference is only about 30 minutes.

Are there alternatives to the Lao Bao visa run from central Vietnam?

The other land crossing from central Vietnam is Cha Lo in Quang Binh province (also into Laos), but it is less developed, has no e-visa clearance for many travelers, and is farther for Hoi An–Da Nang residents. Lao Bao is the closest, most efficient, and e-visa-friendly option, which is why we run exclusively there.

How many days before my visa expires should I do the visa run?

Do the run at least 3–7 days before your visa or visa-exemption stamp expires, so a border delay or rejected application never pushes you into overstay. If you need a new 90-day e-visa, remember Standard processing takes 3–4 days. Book early enough that the approval is ready before your deadline, or choose Rush to re-enter the same day.

Where exactly does the central Vietnam visa run go?

It goes to the Lao Bao international border gate in Quang Tri province, Vietnam's most efficient land crossing with Laos. The route from Hoi An heads north through Da Nang, over the Hai Van Pass toward Hue, then west along National Highway QL9 to Lao Bao. About 320 km each way, roughly a 5–6 hour drive.

How far is Lao Bao from Hoi An and Da Nang?

Lao Bao is roughly 320 km from Hoi An and about 290 km from Da Nang. The drive takes approximately 5–6 hours from Hoi An and 4.5–5.5 hours from Da Nang via the Hai Van Pass and QL9, which is why we schedule departures from 4:00 AM so the border opens right as you arrive.

Is the Hai Van Pass part of the visa run route?

Yes, the classic route from Hoi An and Da Nang to Lao Bao crosses the Hai Van Pass between Da Nang and Hue, one of Vietnam's most scenic coastal mountain roads. It is a beautiful stretch of the journey, and our drivers know both the pass and the tunnel alternative well so the timing to reach Lao Bao stays on schedule.

What is the difference between the Hai Van Pass and the tunnel?

The Hai Van Pass is the scenic mountain road over the top of the pass, while the Hai Van Tunnel cuts straight through the mountain and saves roughly 20–30 minutes. We use whichever suits the day's schedule and weather; either way you still pass Hue and continue west on QL9 to Lao Bao, so the total travel time barely changes.

Can I stop for photos on the Hai Van Pass during the visa run?

Yes, the Hai Van Pass summit viewpoint is a highlight of the route, and our drivers are happy to stop for 10–15 minutes so you can photograph the coastline and the old French watchtower. We keep stops short to protect the border timing; if you are in a hurry or the weather is bad, we take the tunnel instead and save 20–30 minutes.

What is the best time of day to cross Lao Bao to avoid queues?

Early morning is the smoothest: the border opens at 07:00, and our 4:00 AM–6:00 AM departures from Hoi An or Da Nang put you at the gate before the midday rush of trucks and tour groups. Crossings after 16:00 still work. The gate stays open until 22:00. But you risk a longer queue and a later return home.

How does the Lao Bao border crossing actually work?

You exit Vietnam at the Lao Bao checkpoint, walk or drive the short stretch into Laos through the Densavan (Lao Bao) checkpoint, then turn around and re-enter Vietnam through the same gate. Our fixers queue for you on both sides, complete the departure and arrival forms, and escort you through so the whole crossing takes roughly 45–60 minutes instead of a frustrating half-day.

What are the Lao Bao border opening hours?

The Lao Bao international border gate is open daily from 07:00 to 22:00, seven days a week including holidays. Because the crossing is open so late, even an afternoon departure from Hoi An can complete the loop the same day, though we recommend morning departures so you are back in central Vietnam by early evening.

Do I need a visa to enter Laos at Lao Bao?

Most nationalities we serve are visa-exempt for Laos when entering at Lao Bao, typically for stays up to 30 days. If your passport requires a Lao visa, buy it at the visa-on-arrival counter on the day (Laos eVisas are not accepted at any Vietnam land border): bring a passport photo plus roughly 30 to 45 USD in clean cash for the fee. Tell us your nationality when booking and we will double-check the current rules for you.

What documents do I need at the Lao Bao border?

Your passport (valid at least 6 months), your current Vietnam visa or visa-exemption stamp, and. If your nationality needs a Lao visa. A passport photo, clean US dollars for the Lao visa-on-arrival fee, and a filed LDIF QR code for Laos since January 2026. We also recommend carrying a printed copy of your new Vietnam e-visa approval if you have one, plus a backup digital copy on your phone.

Can I use a Vietnam e-visa to re-enter at Lao Bao?

Yes. Lao Bao is one of the international border gates where Vietnam accepts e-visas, so you can re-enter with a pre-approved 90-day e-visa. Since the 90-day e-visa was introduced, approvals are valid at every international border gate, and immigration verifies the approval against their database when you return.

How long do I have to stay in Laos on a visa run?

Technically you must clear Laos immigration, which takes about 30 minutes with our fixers. You can turn around and re-enter Vietnam immediately. There is no minimum stay requirement for the visa-run loop. The only exception is if you are waiting for rush e-visa processing to be approved before re-entering, which takes 2 to 4 hours.

What happens if immigration questions me at the border?

Border officers are used to visa runs. It is a daily routine at Lao Bao. Our fixers speak the local language and stand with you during both checkpoints, so any questions about your purpose of travel or itinerary are answered clearly and quickly. Staying polite, having your documents ready, and not mentioning work (if you are on a tourist visa) keeps everything smooth.

What should I expect at the border on the day?

You will exit Vietnam (stamp out), walk or drive into Laos, clear Lao immigration at Densavan, then immediately turn around and re-enter Vietnam with your new visa or stamp. Our fixer completes the forms and queues for you at every step. Expect roughly 45–60 minutes of border formalities total, plus a short photo stop and lunch break.

Can I extend my stay in Laos instead of returning the same day?

Yes, some travelers use the run to spend a few days in Laos while their new e-visa processes. We can drop you at the border or at a hotel in the Densavan area and collect you on your chosen return day. If you plan to stay longer, check Laos's visa-exemption limit for your nationality (usually 30 days) or arrange a Lao visa in advance.

How does the 90-day Vietnam E-Visa extension service work?

When you book the visa run you can add e-visa processing to your trip. Upload clear scans of your passport photo page and a recent portrait, choose Standard, Fast, or Rush speed, and our visa desk files the application the moment you exit Vietnam at Lao Bao. The approval letter is emailed to you with a private download link, and we follow up on WhatsApp so you always know where your visa stands.

How long does 90-day e-visa processing take?

Processing starts once immigration stamps you out at Lao Bao and you send us a photo of the exit stamp. Standard processing takes 3–4 days, the 2-Day and 1-Day options move through the expedited queue, and Rush options complete in 4 hours or 2 hours for genuine emergencies. Border systems can lag behind Hanoi's immigration database by up to an hour, so even rush approvals may need a short wait before you re-enter Vietnam.

What does the 90-day e-visa cost?

Our 90-day e-visa rates include the government fee, so you pay one price for the tier you pick: single-entry processing starts at 45 USD (1,200,000 VND) for 4-day standard service and rises to 160 USD (4,100,000 VND) for the 1-hour rush, with multiple-entry tiers priced slightly higher. The full USD and VND totals are shown on our prices page at hoianvisarun.com/prices before you book.

What is the difference between Standard, Fast, and Rush e-visa processing?

Standard (3–4 days) is the economical choice when you can afford to stay in Laos or plan your re-entry a few days later. Fast (1–2 days) suits most travelers who want to be back quickly. Rush (4 hours or 2 hours) is for emergencies when you need to re-enter Vietnam the same day. Our visa desk submits it immediately at the border and monitors approval.

Can I do a same-day visa run with a new 90-day e-visa?

Yes, with Rush processing. You exit Vietnam in the morning, our desk files the e-visa application the moment you are stamped out, and by the 2-hour or 4-hour mark you have the approval to re-enter through Lao Bao the same day. Without rush processing you would need to wait in Laos for the standard 3–4 days before re-entering.

What documents do I need for the 90-day e-visa application?

You need a clear scan or photo of your passport bio page, a recent portrait photo (white background, passport-style), and a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining. The passport number on the application must match the passport you actually cross the border with. A passport renewal mid-process invalidates the e-visa and requires a fresh application.

Is the 90-day e-visa single or multiple entry?

Both. Vietnam offers a 90-day e-visa in single-entry and multiple-entry versions, and our published rates include the government fee: the single-entry 4-day standard service starts at 45 USD (1,200,000 VND), with the multiple-entry equivalent priced slightly higher. If you plan to leave and return to Vietnam more than once within the 90 days, for example a trip to Laos or Cambodia. The multiple-entry e-visa saves you from paying for a new visa each time.

When does my 90-day e-visa validity start?

The 90-day validity period starts on the entry date shown on your e-visa, which you choose at application time, not the approval date. You can enter Vietnam any time up to that start date, and from the moment you enter you have 90 days of stay. We confirm your intended re-entry date at booking so the visa is timed correctly.

Can I extend my current visa instead of getting a new e-visa?

Generally no for tourist e-visas: Vietnam does not allow extending or converting a tourist e-visa into a longer stay while you are in the country. You must exit and re-enter with a new visa. This is exactly why the visa run plus 90-day e-visa combo exists. One trip, one fresh long-stay visa, no paperwork ambiguity.

Do I need a letter of approval or can I apply directly on the government portal?

You can apply yourself on the official Vietnam e-visa portal at a lower cost, but the process is finicky: photo and passport scans get rejected for small format errors, payment sometimes fails, and there is no phone support. Our visa desk handles the submission, format checks, and follow-up so the application is accepted the first time, and you still receive the official government approval letter.

Do I need to print my e-visa or is digital fine?

Bring a printed copy of the e-visa approval letter. Vietnamese border officers routinely ask for it, and printing also covers you if your phone dies or has no signal. Keep the PDF on your phone as backup. We email you the approval letter with a download link the moment it is issued and remind you to print it before the run.

Can I enter Vietnam at Lao Bao if my e-visa was issued for a different port of entry?

Yes in almost every case. Vietnam's e-visa is accepted at all international border gates, including land crossings like Lao Bao, so you are not locked into the airport you named on the application. If your approval letter shows a specific entry point, our visa desk double-checks it before you cross so there are no surprises at the gate.

What time do I get picked up for the Hoi An to Lao Bao run?

Departures leave every 2 hours from 4:00 AM to 4:00 PM, so pickup time depends on the slot you book. 4:00 AM and 6:00 AM are the most popular for same-day loops. We confirm your exact pickup window by WhatsApp the evening before, and the driver meets you at your hotel or homestay lobby in Hoi An, Da Nang, or anywhere along the route.

What should I bring on a visa run?

Your passport, your current visa or exit stamp documents, and any supporting paperwork. For the Lao side bring a passport photo and around 30 to 45 USD in clean cash if your nationality needs a Lao visa-on-arrival. We also suggest water, snacks, comfortable clothing, and a power bank for the 12-hour round trip.

How many passengers fit in the car?

A private car takes up to five passengers for a flat 140 USD from Hoi An or 135 USD from Da Nang, and the shared van holds up to 10 passengers on a fixed schedule. Larger groups simply book a second vehicle, and a couple or a family of four usually finds the car cheaper per person than van seats. Both options include door-to-door pickup and an English-speaking guide.

What is the difference between flexible and fixed bookings?

Fixed-date runs leave at a set time and are best when you already know the exact day you must exit Vietnam; they cost less per person. Flexible runs are for people watching the 90-day clock: we hold a seat for your target week, stay in touch about availability, and dispatch you the moment a slot opens. Ideal when your visa expiry date might shift.

What happens if I miss my pickup?

Message us on WhatsApp immediately (+84 369 308 237). Because departures run every 2 hours from 4:00 AM to 4:00 PM, we can usually move you to the next available slot the same day. If the border would close before you arrive, we will reschedule you for the next morning at no extra charge rather than rush a failed crossing.

Can I do the visa run with children or a baby?

Yes, families travel with us regularly. Every traveler, including infants. Must have their own passport and their own valid visa or visa-exemption stamp to cross the border; there is no sharing of visa stamps. Let us know you are traveling with children when booking so we can plan extra rest stops on the 5–6 hour drive.

What happens if my flight or plans change after booking?

Fixed bookings can be moved to another departure slot with at least 24 hours notice, and flexible bookings are designed to be adjusted around your changing schedule at no penalty. Because we operate daily, rescheduling is straightforward. Just message us on WhatsApp and we will confirm the new slot and update your paperwork.

Can you pick me up in Da Nang instead of Hoi An?

Yes, Da Nang is on the route and is actually the closer starting point, with the private car at 135 USD (3,200,000 VND) instead of 140 USD (3,400,000 VND) from Hoi An. We also pick up at Hoi An, Da Nang airport or train station, and hotels along the QL1 corridor between the two cities. Choose your departure city on the booking form.

What happens if the border crossing is closed or my run is delayed on the day?

Lao Bao operates daily from 07:00 to 22:00, and full closures are rare. They happen mainly during severe weather or national holidays on the Lao side. If anything interrupts the run, our driver and fixers coordinate with both border posts and we reschedule you at no charge rather than risk a failed crossing. Message us on WhatsApp and we will handle it.

My visa already expired. Can I still do a visa run?

No, you cannot exit Vietnam on an expired visa without first resolving the overstay. You must go to the immigration office (in Da Nang) to pay the overstay fine and receive an exit permit before you can leave the country. Once your overstay is settled, we can take you to Lao Bao for a fresh start the same or next day.

How much is the overstay fine in Vietnam?

Under Decree 282/2025, an overstay of less than 16 days costs roughly 500,000–2,000,000 VND and can be settled when you exit, while overstays of 16 days or more must be resolved at the immigration office first, with fines rising in brackets up to 30,000,000–40,000,000 VND for overstays of a year or more. The fine is paid before your exit permit is issued, and only then can the visa run proceed.

I have a Temporary Residence Card (TRC). Do I need a visa run?

No. A valid TRC lets you stay in Vietnam for its full validity period without leaving, so you do not need a visa run while it is active. If you are switching from a TRC to an e-visa (for example between jobs or after a card expires), that transition requires an exit and re-entry. A visa run handles it cleanly.

Can I do a visa run if I am on a visa-exemption stamp?

Yes. Most visa-exempt nationalities (for example 45 days for many European countries, 30 days for others) cannot extend their exemption inside Vietnam, so exiting and re-entering at Lao Bao restarts the exemption period. Note that repeated visa-exemption loops can draw extra scrutiny from immigration, and a 90-day e-visa is often a more solid long-term option.

My passport is damaged. Will the border accept it?

Border officers are strict about damaged passports: torn pages, water damage, or unreadable stamps can get you refused at either checkpoint. Check your passport before booking, and if it is damaged, get a new passport first. Remember that an e-visa is tied to your passport number, so a renewal means the visa must be re-issued to the new number.

I am a newborn / my baby was born in Vietnam. What visa does the baby need?

A baby born in Vietnam to foreign parents needs a valid passport from their home country plus their own visa or visa-exemption stamp to leave and re-enter the country. Babies do not automatically get Vietnamese residency from birth. In practice parents register the birth, obtain the child's passport from their embassy, then apply for the child's e-visa or TRC before traveling.

Can I work remotely while on a visa run?

Legally you enter on a tourist e-visa or visa exemption, which does not permit local employment in Vietnam. Many digital nomads work remotely for overseas employers, which is common in practice, but you should never tell immigration you are working in Vietnam. If you have a work permit or business visa, the run is handled the same way with your normal documents.

Do I need travel insurance for a visa run?

It is not required by immigration, but travel insurance is strongly recommended. It covers you for medical issues, trip interruptions, and lost luggage during the border crossing. A visa run crosses two countries, and having a policy that covers both Vietnam and Laos means one unexpected problem will not become an expensive one.

Do visa runs from Hoi An still work under the 2025–2026 rule changes?

Yes, the exit-and-re-entry loop was not banned, and none of the recent rule changes touch it. Decree 282/2025 (15 December 2025) doubled overstay fines, Resolution 389/NQ-CP (2 December 2025) widened the e-visa port list from 42 to 83 including Lao Bao, and Decree 286/2026 adds real-time data sharing from 15 September 2026. They all punish overstaying, not legal border runs. Leave on time with a valid new e-visa or exemption stamp and the same-day loop from Hoi An stays fully routine.

Can I reset my 45-day visa exemption with a visa run to Lao Bao?

Yes, if your nationality is one of the 13 countries with the 45-day visa exemption (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Belarus), exiting at Lao Bao and re-entering the same day starts a fresh 45-day period. The old 30-day waiting rule between exemption entries belonged to the previous 15-day scheme and no longer applies, though officers can still question very frequent back-to-back loops. If your nationality is not eligible for a new exemption, our desk files a 90-day e-visa instead so you are never stuck at the gate.

Is there a minimum time I must stay in Laos for the visa run to count?

No, Vietnam has no minimum-stay rule for a border run. What matters is the exit stamp and a fresh entry stamp (or a newly approved e-visa) when you cross back through Lao Bao, which is why the same-day loop works. You are typically outside Vietnam for under an hour at the border; the rest of the 12-hour round trip from Hoi An is driving.

What happens to my single-entry e-visa when I exit Vietnam at Lao Bao?

A single-entry e-visa is consumed the moment you exit Vietnam, so the visa you came in on cannot be used to re-enter, which is exactly why a visa run pairs the crossing with a new 90-day e-visa. Our desk files the application while you are on the road so it is approved and waiting when you return through Lao Bao. If you hold a multi-entry e-visa, check how many entries remain before booking. You may not need a run at all.

If I leave Vietnam before my e-visa expires, do I get the unused days back?

No, unused days on a single-entry e-visa or exemption stamp are lost when you exit, and the new stamp starts a fresh period on the day you re-enter. That is normally fine, because a visa run buys a new 90-day window rather than saving the old one. Multi-entry e-visas are different: exiting early does not cancel them, so if you still have entries left you may be able to skip the run.

I hold two passports, which one should I use for the Lao Bao visa run?

Use the passport that gives you the smoothest entry into Vietnam. Usually the nationality with a 45-day visa exemption or an approved e-visa. And use that same passport for the entire run, from the Vietnam exit stamp through the Laos entry to the re-entry stamp. Switching passports mid-run confuses both border systems and invites extra questions at Lao Bao. Tell us both nationalities when you book and we will plan the crossing around the stronger passport.

Will Decree 286/2026 data-sharing rules (from 15 September 2026) affect my visa run?

Decree 286/2026, effective 15 September 2026, makes immigration, visa, work-permit and residence data flow between agencies in real time. It does not change e-visa fees, the 90-day validity, or which nationalities are exempt. A genuine traveler doing a routine Lao Bao crossing sees no difference: a clean exit, a valid new e-visa and a normal re-entry look exactly the same in the new system. What the decree tightens is the grey area. Repeated same-day loops while working without a permit now stand out. So keep your stamps clean and your paperwork honest.

Can I be deported or banned from Vietnam for overstaying?

Yes, under Decree 282/2025, in force since 15 December 2025, immigration can open a deportation review from 16 days of overstay, and since April 2026 Decree 59/2026 lets authorities deport immediately if the fine cannot be paid on the spot; repeat or long violations carry a re-entry ban of one to five years. The fine scale runs from roughly 500,000–2,000,000 VND for under 16 days (payable at the border) up to 40,000,000 VND for overstays of a year or more. If you have already overstayed, message us on WhatsApp before booking. We will tell you whether to settle at the gate on run day or fix it at the immigration office in Da Nang first.

I was previously blacklisted or banned from Vietnam. Can I still do a visa run?

A Vietnam entry ban is usually linked to overstays, unpaid fines or immigration violations, and a border run will not clear it. Attempting to cross with an active ban can mean detention at the gate. If you suspect you are on a list, send your passport details to us on WhatsApp before booking and we will check your record where possible. Past overstays that were already fined and settled rarely cause problems when you cross at Lao Bao.

Is Lao Bao on the official list of ports that accept Vietnam e-visas?

Yes, Lao Bao is one of the 27 land border gates that accept Vietnam e-visas, part of the expanded 83-port list (17 airports, 27 land gates, 39 seaports) under Resolution 389/NQ-CP signed 2 December 2025. Select it as your port of entry when you apply, and keep the approval PDF printed or saved offline because immigration scans its QR code at the gate. The expansion simply confirms that the Hoi An run uses a fully legal e-visa crossing.

Is it safe to do a visa run from Hoi An as a solo traveler?

Absolutely. You are never alone on the trip: an English-speaking driver and border fixer accompany every run, handle the forms and queues on both sides, and stay with you through re-entry. Solo travelers, families, and first-timers use the service daily, and you can contact us on WhatsApp anytime during the trip.

How do I book a Hoi An visa run?

Book through the booking form on the Hoi An Visa Run homepage (hoianvisarun.com) or message us on WhatsApp (+84 369 308 237). Choose your departure city (Hoi An or Da Nang), your departure date and slot, the number of passengers, and add the 90-day e-visa service if you need it. Reservations are confirmed instantly with your pickup time.

What is included in the visa run price?

The per-car price covers round-trip transport from Hoi An or Da Nang to Lao Bao, an English-speaking driver, border fixer assistance at both checkpoints, and coordination of your crossing. Not included: the Vietnam government e-visa fee, the optional e-visa service fee, Lao visa-on-arrival fees, and meals. We will stop for lunch, which you pay for directly.

What happens if my e-visa application is rejected?

Rejections are rare when the application is prepared properly, which is why we check photo and passport scans before submitting. If the government still rejects it, our visa desk tells you the exact reason, fixes the issue, and re-submits; service fees for a re-submission are waived. Government fees are non-refundable, so we do everything to get it right the first time.

What currency should I carry for the border fees?

Carry Vietnamese dong (VND) for meals and small purchases, plus clean US dollar notes for the Lao visa-on-arrival counter. The Lao visa-on-arrival fee (about 30 to 45 USD for nationalities that need it) must be paid in US dollars, and the small exchange counters around the border swap dong for dollars at a margin. Cards are rarely accepted at the checkpoints, so bring cash.

How much cash can I carry through Lao Bao without declaring it?

Vietnam customs sets two independent thresholds: foreign-currency cash of USD 5,000 or more, and Vietnamese dong cash of VND 15,000,000 or more. Crossing either one means completing a customs declaration form and using the red channel, and the dong limit is the one runners trip over because it is only about 590 USD at current rates. On a Hoi An visa run you normally carry far less than that: a shared van seat is 45 USD (1,200,000 VND) from Hoi An, and the Laos visa-on-arrival fee is roughly 30-45 USD paid in cash at the counter.

What happens if I do not declare cash over the customs threshold at Lao Bao?

Vietnam tightened customs penalties with Decree 169/2026, in force from 1 July 2026, with reported administrative fines of up to 50 million VND for an undeclared amount on exit and 20 million VND on entry. The declaration thresholds themselves did not change: USD 5,000 in foreign cash, VND 15,000,000 in dong, or 300 g of gold. If you are carrying more than that for a group booking or for a Laos trip after the run, declare it at the red channel rather than risk a delay that costs you the whole day.

Can I pay the Laos visa-on-arrival fee by card at Lao Bao?

No. The Laos window at Lao Bao is cash-only and US dollars are the currency it wants, so bring clean notes with no tears, ink marks or writing on them. There is no card machine on either side of the crossing, and the nearest dependable ATM is back in Dong Ha, about 80 km from the gate. If your passport needs a Laos visa, budget roughly 30-45 USD in cash depending on nationality and hold it separately from your other money.

Can I pay the Vietnam e-visa government fee in cash at the border?

No. The USD 25 single-entry or USD 50 multiple-entry government fee for a Vietnam e-visa is paid by card on the official portal, and neither border window accepts payment for a Vietnam visa. That is why runners who file their own application need a working card before they travel; if yours is unreliable, hand the whole file to our e-visa desk at 95 USD single or 120 USD multiple and we submit it the moment you exit at Lao Bao.

Which cards actually work on the Vietnam e-visa portal?

The portal accepts Visa, Mastercard and JCB, and most failures are 3-D Secure problems - the bank sends its verification code to a phone number you no longer have, or it declines the merchant outright. Debit cards with international use switched off fail too, and the fee is billed in USD. If your card is declined twice, send the application to our desk instead: a failed payment costs another 3-5 working days, which is exactly the margin you do not have before a booked Lao Bao run.

Is there an ATM or money changer at the Lao Bao crossing?

There is no ATM at the gate. Exchange booths sit on the Laos side in Dansavan and change dollars into kip at poor rates, so change only what you need for a drink or a snack. Every official payment of the day, from the 20,000 VND border-zone transit fee to the Laos visa-on-arrival fee, is cash in hand, and the van back to Hoi An leaves on schedule whether or not you found change.

Do I need Lao kip for a same-day visa run from Hoi An?

For a same-day loop, no: the Laos counters take US dollars and the Laos side of the run is usually over inside an hour. A little kip is only worth having if you eat in Dansavan town, where USD and dong are also accepted at rough rates. If you take the two-day version with a night at the border, change 300,000-500,000 kip (about 15-25 USD) for meals and a phone top-up.

Do I have to declare anything when I re-enter Vietnam the same day?

Usually nothing. Re-entry at Lao Bao is a passport, e-visa and stamp process, and almost every runner comes back carrying well under the USD 5,000 and VND 15,000,000 cash thresholds, with no dutiable goods. You would only pick up a customs form if you were re-entering with more cash than that, gold above 300 g, or shopping over the duty-free allowance. Come back with 45 USD of Laos coffee and there is no paperwork.

What happens if the Vietnam re-entry window refuses my e-visa?

It happens on a Hoi An visa run, and it is usually fixable. If the port name on your e-visa does not read Lao Bao, Quang Tri, the officer has no record to stamp and the only remedy is a fresh application - another USD 25 and another 3-5 working days - so you wait on the Laos side rather than at the counter. Our driver stays with you while the desk files, and if approval needs an overnight we arrange a room in Dansavan or Khe Sanh; the genuine last resort is a one-way Da Nang to Bangkok flight at 200 USD or more.

Why do Vietnam e-visa applications get rejected?

Five causes cover almost every refusal: a portrait photo with a shadow or a non-white background, a name that does not match the passport MRZ line exactly, the intended length of stay left at its 30-day default, a card the portal refuses, and a port of entry that is not on the approved list. The USD 25 is not refunded, and every retry costs another USD 25 plus another 3-5 working days. Our e-visa desk checks all five before submission, which is the real reason a 95 USD single or 120 USD multiple file rarely bounces.

My new e-visa came back valid for 30 days instead of 90 - what went wrong?

You set the validity range to 90 days but left the intended length of stay field at its 30-day default, and the visa was issued for 30. Nothing on the confirmation letter shouts about it, so holders often discover the short stamp only when they are planning the next hop - or at a border window. Check both fields on the approval letter before you travel; if 30 days is not enough, file a corrected application with 90 days in both boxes.

What if the run is delayed and I cannot get back to Hoi An the same day?

The organised loop is built with slack, but a late start, a queue at the Vietnam window or a landslide on QL9 can turn the central Vietnam visa run into a two-day trip. If that happens we do not leave you at the gate: your driver stays with the group, and we move you to a guesthouse on whichever side you are standing on and pick you up the next morning. Tell your hotel in Hoi An you may be a night late - it is far cheaper than a rushed drive in the dark.

Can I sleep in Laos and re-enter Vietnam the next morning?

Yes, and it is the standard plan when a same-day re-entry turns tight. You cross out of Vietnam as normal, the e-visa application is already filed, and you re-enter at the Vietnam window the next morning with the approved document. An overnight delivery berth on the Laos side starts at roughly 10-15 USD, and your Laos exit declaration is filed when you actually leave, so nothing about the first day is wasted.

Which side is better for an overnight stop at Lao Bao - Khe Sanh or Dansavan?

Khe Sanh is about 20 km inside Vietnam on Road 9, with the largest choice of hotels and the Retro Glamping style bungalows travellers recommend, and it is the better pick if your paperwork is already complete. Dansavan is the Laos-side town at the gate, cheaper and closer, and the better pick if your e-visa is still pending or the Vietnam window has already said no for the day. Either way you are back at the counter for opening time, and the drive from Khe Sanh adds barely half an hour.

What if Road 9 is flooded or blocked on my run day?

Central Vietnam's flood season runs from late September into November, and a Hai Van Pass visa run meets the vulnerable stretch on the Hue corridor: National Highway 1 can sit under half a metre of water around Km808-810 and the La Son-Hoa Lien expressway closes in the worst spells, while QL9 climbing to the Lao Bao gate can be cut by landslides. The Hai Van Pass and the tunnel usually keep the Da Nang to Hue leg of a visa run open, so we reroute rather than cancel, and if the gate road is genuinely impassable we move your run to the next day at no extra transport cost.

Should I use the La Lay crossing instead of Lao Bao when the queues are long?

La Lay, the second Quang Tri gate into Salavan province, is on the approved Vietnam e-visa list alongside Lao Bao, so your e-visa can name it if you plan ahead. The catch is the Laos side: Lao Bao is the crossing that issues Laos visas on arrival for Vietnam-to-Laos travel, so at La Lay you must already hold a Laos visa arranged in advance. Distance is the second problem - La Lay sits further from Hoi An, so there is no shared van and the day has to be booked as a private car on the central Vietnam visa run.

Is there a limit to how many visa runs I can do in a year?

Vietnamese law sets no annual cap on border runs - each entry is judged on its own visa, and a Hai Van Pass visa run from Hoi An is legal as often as you are willing to drive it. What changes is the pattern: after several Lao Bao loops officers know the route and start asking why you keep returning, so a consistent answer and an organised run count for more than an extra stamp does. If you need more than two or three runs a year, a 90-day multiple-entry e-visa or a longer-term permit is the smoother answer.

What does a year of visa runs from Hoi An actually cost?

Run it on our current prices. A shared van seat from Hoi An is 45 USD, the Laos visa-on-arrival is roughly 30-45 USD depending on nationality, and a single-entry Vietnam e-visa is USD 25 on the government portal, so a self-managed run comes to about 105 USD and four runs a year land near 420 USD. Hand the same four runs to our e-visa desk at 95 USD single or 120 USD multiple and the year costs roughly 700-800 USD, with a private car instead of a shared seat adding about 95 USD per run.

What is the cheapest legal way to stay in Hoi An for 12 months?

Four Lao Bao loops a year on the 45 USD shared van with a self-filed USD 25 Vietnam e-visa is the cheapest legal pattern at roughly 420 USD, and a Hoi An visa run is far smoother with a 90-day multiple-entry e-visa at USD 50 than with four single-entry files. Our Traveler package at 260 USD from Hoi An bundles the private car and a multiple-entry e-visa into one booking, which costs more but removes every filing risk. If you are working here rather than travelling, the honest answer is a sponsored work permit and residence card instead of a cheaper loop.

When should I stop running and get a work permit or residence card?

Three signals: you are running more than about four times a year, you are earning from inside Vietnam rather than for clients abroad, or a local employer is willing to sponsor you. A temporary residence card issued on a work permit removes the loop entirely, and working in Vietnam on a tourist e-visa now carries its own penalties - Decree 283/2026 fines the foreigner 15-25 million VND and the employer 30-75 million VND per person from 10 September 2026. See temporaryresidencecard.com for the permit route, and keep running the border while that file is open.

Can I be refused re-entry even with a valid e-visa?

Yes. A valid e-visa is permission to apply to enter, not a guarantee, and the officer at Lao Bao sees the shared immigration record before you speak. The documented refusals involve unpaid fines from an earlier overstay, a name on the blacklist, an exit-suspension flag such as the tax-debt suspensions introduced under Decree 252/2026, or a passport with less than six months validity left. All of those are counter problems rather than Hoi An problems, which is why we check them before we book your transport.

Can I combine a visa run with a Laos trip to Savannakhet or Luang Prabang?

Yes, and it is the best value you will get out of a border day. Savannakhet is roughly 240 km from the Dansavan gate on Road 9, and there is a sleeper bus from Da Nang at 1,200,000 VND that reaches Savannakhet the same evening; Luang Prabang is far enough north that you fly or take a long-distance bus from Savannakhet or Vientiane. The one rule is the Laos entry and exit declaration: it is submitted each time you cross, so a multi-day Laos trip is fine as long as the exit form is filed on the way out.

Do immigration officers treat you differently after several visa runs?

They ask more, they do not necessarily refuse more. Repeat runners on a Hoi An visa run report the same three questions coming back: why you are staying so long, where you are staying, and how you support yourself here. Answer the same way every time, give the address your tam tru registration is filed under, keep the purpose as tourist, and hold the next e-visa approval letter so the officer sees a plan rather than a loop.

Do back-to-back 90-day e-visas make me a Vietnamese tax resident?

Vietnam treats you as a tax resident once you are present 183 days or more in a calendar year, or 12 consecutive months, and back-to-back 90-day e-visas can push a long-stay visitor past that line without any single stamp looking unusual. What that means for your income is a question for an accountant, not a visa desk, so take advice before you cross 183 days rather than afterwards. We will tell you how many days each stamp gives you; we will not guess at what your tax office will say about the rest.