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 from Hoi An to Lao Bao is 3,500,000 VND per car, and from Da Nang it is 3,200,000 VND per car, with each car seating up to 4 passengers. A shared seat from Da Nang starts at 1,000,000 VND. Laos visa-on-arrival fees (if your nationality needs one), Vietnam government e-visa fees, and any optional e-visa processing service are quoted separately when you book.

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 (+84 342 351 970) — 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.

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.

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 by WhatsApp anytime during the trip.

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, arrange one in advance or use visa-on-arrival: bring a passport photo plus roughly 1,500,000 VND (or equivalent USD) 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 and cash for the Lao visa-on-arrival fee. 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. The approval letter must show Lao Bao as your entry gate (or be valid for all border gates), and immigration will verify it 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.

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 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.

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, Fast takes 1–2 days, 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?

The Vietnam government e-visa fee is US$25 for single entry or US$50 for multiple entry (90-day validity), paid to the government portal. Our service fee depends on speed: from 600,000 VND for 4-day Standard processing, 900,000 VND for 3 days, 1,000,000 VND for 2-day Fast, and 1,600,000–2,400,000 VND for 4-hour/2-hour Rush. The full USD and VND totals are shown on our prices page 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 (US$25 government fee) and multiple-entry (US$50 government fee) versions. 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.

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 1,500,000 VND (or USD) in 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?

Our vehicles are comfortable 7-seat vans used for private runs, and a private booking covers up to 4 passengers per car at 3,500,000 VND from Hoi An or 3,200,000 VND from Da Nang. Larger groups can book additional cars, and shared seats from Da Nang start at 1,000,000 VND per person.

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 (+84 342 351 970). Because departures run every 2 hours from 4 AM to 4 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 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.

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.

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 price at 3,200,000 VND instead of 3,500,000 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.

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?

Vietnam's overstay fines under Decree 144/2021 start around 500,000 VND for short overstays and rise with the number of days — up to several million VND for longer periods, with possible deportation for serious cases. The fine is paid at the immigration office, and you receive an exit permit before the visa run can 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.

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.

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.

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 (+84 342 351 970). 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: Vietnam government e-visa fees, 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.

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.

What currency should I carry for the border fees?

Carry Vietnamese dong (VND) for most payments, plus a small amount of US dollars as backup. The Lao visa-on-arrival fee (about 1,500,000 VND or equivalent USD for nationalities that need it) can often be paid in either currency, and small exchange counters operate around the border. Cards are rarely accepted at the checkpoints, so bring cash.