What Is a Vietnam Visa Run and Why Do Australians Use It?
A Vietnam visa run is when travelers briefly exit Vietnam to a nearby country (often Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand) and then re-enter Vietnam with a new visa. For Australians who stay longer than their e-visa or tourist visa allows, this method is often faster than extending a visa inside Vietnam.
The main reasons Australians choose a visa run:
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Avoiding overstay penalties (which can be expensive and affect future entry).
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Switching visa types quickly (tourist to business, single-entry to multiple-entry).
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Getting urgent visa approval when extension services are slow.
2025 Vietnam Visa Run Cost Breakdown for Australians
The cost of a Vietnam visa run depends on:
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Visa type you apply for (tourist vs. business, single vs. multiple entry).
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Urgency of processing (standard vs. express service).
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Transportation and border fees (bus/flight tickets, stamping fee).
Core Visa Fees (Government + Service Fee)
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Standard e-visa (3–5 days): USD 50 (fixed total)
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Same-day urgent visa: USD 135 (5-hour processing)
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2-hour emergency visa: USD 165
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1-hour emergency visa: USD 195
Note: Prices above include the mandatory government fee + our service fee.
Border Crossing and Travel Costs
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Bus or flight to border country: USD 30 – 150 (round-trip)
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Visa on arrival / stamping fee at land border: USD 25 – 50 (if required)
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Hotel or food during trip: USD 20 – 80 (if overnight stay is needed)
Total Estimated Visa Run Cost
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Budget visa run: Around USD 120 – 180 (if you choose standard processing + land border).
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Urgent visa run: Around USD 200 – 300 (if you choose same-day or express visa + air ticket).
How to Save Money on a Vietnam Visa Run
H3: Plan Your Trip in Advance
Booking bus tickets or flights early can save up to 30%. Avoid waiting until your visa is nearly expired to prevent expensive emergency services.
H3: Use Land Borders Instead of Flights
Australians traveling from Ho Chi Minh City often use the Moc Bai border crossing (to Cambodia), which is cheaper than flying out.
H3: Choose the Right Visa Type
If you plan to re-enter Vietnam several times in 2025, consider a multiple-entry visa to avoid multiple visa runs.
H3: Travel Light to Avoid Extra Costs
Border runs are quick. Avoid bringing heavy luggage that requires additional transportation fees.
Step-by-Step Guide – Vietnam Visa Run for Australians
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Check your current visa’s expiry date. Make sure you still have at least 3–5 days before it runs out.
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Apply online for your new Vietnam e-visa or emergency visa via ApplyEvisaVietnam.com.
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Book transport to the border (bus or flight). For Ho Chi Minh City → Moc Bai, many buses depart daily.
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Exit Vietnam and enter a nearby country. Get your passport stamped at immigration.
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Return to Vietnam with your new visa approval letter (or e-visa code).
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Pay any stamping fee if required (at land borders, business visas may require an additional fee).
Urgent Vietnam Visa Services for Australians in 2025
If your trip cannot wait, you can choose:
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1-hour approval: USD 195 – fastest service
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2-hour approval: USD 165 – for last-minute travel
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5-hour same-day visa: USD 135 – for travelers who apply in the morning and need visa by afternoon
These urgent services are available even on weekends or holidays, making them ideal for unplanned trips.
Why Use ApplyEvisaVietnam.com for a Visa Run?
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100% Online Application: No embassy visits.
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Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees.
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Expert Support: Real-time updates via email/WhatsApp.
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Available Every Day: Even during Vietnamese public holidays.
Our service specializes in run visa Vietnam solutions for Australians, helping you avoid overstay penalties and secure your travel plans fast.
Key Tips to Avoid Problems During a Visa Run
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Never overstay your current visa. Overstays incur fines from USD 25 per day.
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Carry at least two passport photos. Some borders require them.
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Have printed visa approval letter or e-visa PDF. Screenshots may not always be accepted.
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Bring USD cash. Border offices sometimes do not accept cards.
Final Thoughts – Is a Visa Run Worth It?
For Australians staying in Vietnam long-term or traveling multiple times in 2025, a visa run is a flexible and fast way to renew your stay. While costs vary from USD 120 to USD 300, it is still cheaper and quicker than many embassy applications or delayed in-country extensions.
If you need guaranteed approval within 1–5 hours, ApplyEvisaVietnam.com offers the fastest run visa Vietnam solutions with clear pricing.