How To Do Vietnam Visa Run To Laos Properly

For many expats in Vietnam, extending a visa without leaving the country is an option but can be expensive and limited in the number of times it can be done. Instead, many choose to do a visa run, which is more cost-effective and can be repeated multiple times. Those in Da Nang, Hue, or Hoi An often opt for a Vietnam visa run to Laos via the Lao Bao border checkpoint. This guide from Vietnam Student Exchange Travel will walk you through the process step by step to ensure a smooth experience.

VIETNAM VISA RUN TO LAOS VIA LAO BAO BORDER

What to Prepare Before Departure

Before heading to the Lao Bao border checkpoint, ensure you have the following documents:

• Original passport (valid for at least six months beyond your date of arrival)
• Valid Vietnam visa (if required)
• Visa fees: $30-$42 for a Laos visa on arrival (check if your nationality requires one). If needed, you can also obtain a Laos visa from the Laos Embassy in Hanoi.
• 01 portrait photo (for the Laos visa application)

How to Reach the Lao Bao Checkpoint

There are multiple ways to travel from Da Nang to Lao Bao:

1. Public Bus

• The cheapest option, but it takes a lot of time.
• Buy a direct ticket to Lao Bao from Da Nang Bus Station.
• The journey takes approximately 6 hours.

2. Private Car

• A faster but more expensive option.
• Many visa runners choose this for convenience.

Vietnam Student Exchange Travel provides Vietnam private car transfer services, includes

• Hue to Lao Bao Border private car– from 90 USD/ Sedan.
• Da Nang to Lao Bao Border by car– from 150 USD/ Sedan.
• Private car Hoi An to Lao Bao Border– from 150 USD/ Sedan.

3. Motorbike

• If you enjoy the scenic route, this is a great choice.
• The trip is around 540 kilometers round trip and takes a minimum of 8 hours.
• Ensure your motorbike is in good condition before departure.
• Be very careful with Vietnam’s traffic as it is very unpredictable and dangerous.
• Leave early (6:00 AM) to maintain a good pace throughout the day.

Exiting Vietnam and Entering Laos

Follow these steps to exit Vietnam and enter Laos:

1. Park your motorbike or car in a nearby coffee shop.
2. Walk past the Vietnamese border buildings to the Laos side.
3. Look for the immigration officer in a DARK GREEN uniform and obtain your Vietnam exit stamp.
4. Go to the nearest immigration office to apply for a Laos visa on arrival (if required) and get your Laos entry stamp.

Exiting Laos and Returning to Vietnam

Once you have entered Laos, you can immediately begin the process of re-entering Vietnam:

1. Visit the Laos exit stamp counter and present your passport.
2. Obtain the Laos exit stamp.
3. Move to the next office and apply for a Vietnamese visa (if required).
4. Pay the visa stamping fee and receive the visa sticker in your passport.
5. Proceed to the Vietnam entry stamp counter to get your entry stamp.
6. Show your passport to the final immigration officer before exiting the checkpoint.
7. Congratulations! Your visa run is complete, and you can now return to Vietnam with a new visa.

Important Notes

• Always check that all stamps and visa details are correctly placed in your passport before leaving the checkpoint.
• If you are using a visa approval letter, ensure you follow the additional steps required for processing.
• Plan your trip carefully to avoid any unnecessary delays.

Vietnam Visa on Arrival Photo Requirements

To obtain a visa on arrival, you must provide two passport-style photos upon landing for visa stamping. Ensure your photos meet the following requirements to avoid any delays:

• Size: 4 x 6 cm (standard Vietnam photography size) or 2 x 2 inches.

• Recency: Taken within the past six months and identical.

• Color & Print: Must be in color and printed on bond paper or professional photo paper.

• Background: Plain, solid, and bright-colored.

• Face Position: Full face, front view.

• Headwear: No hats or headgear may be worn unless worn for religious reasons.

• Clothing: Avoid uniforms or attire that resembles official outfits, except for religious wear.

• Eyewear: Dark glasses or tinted lenses are not allowed unless required for medical reasons.

• Exceptions: Prescription glasses, hearing aids, wigs, or similar necessary items are permitted.

• Expression: Keep a neutral expression—no smiling.

Make sure to bring two properly formatted photos to avoid any inconvenience at the Vietnam airport.

For further assistance with visa runs or urgent Vietnam visa applications, you can contact Vietnam Visa Support at +84349825119 or support@Vietnam-visa.com.

This guide ensures that your visa run to Laos via the Lao Bao checkpoint is smooth and hassle-free. Safe travels.