Frequently Asked Questions

Saigon Visa Run FAQ
Everything You Need to Know

Answers to the most common questions about visa runs from Ho Chi Minh City to the Moc Bai border. If you do not find what you are looking for, send us a message on WhatsApp — we respond in minutes.

📖 14 questions ⏱ 6-8 hours total 📍 Saigon → Moc Bai → Saigon
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Overview

About This FAQ

Whether you are a first-time visitor looking to extend your stay or a seasoned expat renewing your 90-day visa, a visa run from Saigon to the Moc Bai border is the most straightforward way to reset your Vietnam entry. We have compiled this comprehensive FAQ to answer every question we hear from travellers — from costs and timing to documents and cancellation policies.

The Moc Bai international border gate is approximately a two-hour drive northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, making it the closest and most popular land border for same-day visa runs. Our service handles your transport, coordinates the border process, and provides real-time support so you can focus on a smooth exit and re-entry.

If you are new to the process, start with our step-by-step guide on how to do a visa run from Saigon or read our detailed Moc Bai border guide for immigration protocols and tips.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

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A visa run is when you temporarily exit Vietnam by crossing an international land border and then re-enter with a new visa or a renewed visa exemption stamp. This resets your permitted stay in the country.

Travellers and expats in Ho Chi Minh City do visa runs because the Moc Bai border is only about two hours from the city centre. The entire trip — departure, border exit, Cambodia entry, visa processing, and Vietnam re-entry — can be completed in a single day. No other border within reach of Saigon offers this same-day convenience.

Yes, absolutely. Moc Bai is the nearest international land border to Ho Chi Minh City and the standard route for same-day visa runs. Thousands of travellers use this crossing every month for visa renewals.

Our service is designed specifically for this route. We pick you up from your location in Saigon, drive you to Moc Bai, guide you through the exit and entry process, and bring you back to the city once you have your new entry stamp. You do not need to arrange separate transport or navigate the border procedures on your own.

A typical Saigon visa run to Moc Bai takes 6 to 8 hours from pickup to drop-off. Here is how the time is roughly distributed:

  • Pickup and drive to Moc Bai: 2 to 2.5 hours
  • Vietnam exit immigration: 15 to 30 minutes
  • Cambodia visa on arrival and entry: 20 to 40 minutes
  • Visa processing wait (in Cambodia): 1 to 2 hours
  • Vietnam re-entry: 15 to 30 minutes
  • Return drive to Saigon: 2 to 2.5 hours

Most of our customers are back in central Saigon between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM when departing around 6:00 AM. Times can vary depending on border traffic and immigration processing speed.

Our pricing is transparent and covers all transport and coordination. Here is the breakdown:

  • Shared van (per person): 1,800,000 VND — includes pickup, return, and border guidance
  • Private car (1 person): 3,500,000 VND
  • Private car (2 people): 4,500,000 VND
  • Private car (3+ people): Contact us for a group quote

Additional costs you pay directly at the border:

  • Cambodia visa on arrival: ~1,100,000 VND or 43 USD (most nationalities)
  • Vietnam e-visa fee: Varies by processing method and visa type (single or multiple entry)

There are no hidden charges. See our full cost breakdown page for detailed pricing.

Moc Bai is the best choice for a same-day visa run from Saigon, and here is why:

  • Moc Bai (Tay Ninh): ~2 hours from Saigon. Same-day trip. Efficient immigration, Cambodia visa on arrival available. Recommended.
  • Xa Mat (Tay Ninh): ~2.5 hours from Saigon. Less frequented, limited services. Not ideal for visa runs.
  • Ha Tien (Kien Giang): ~5 hours from Saigon. Requires overnight stay. Used mainly by travellers heading to Phu Quoc or Kep.
  • Vung Tau ferry: ~2 hours to Vung Tau + ferry to Cambodia. Limited schedule, weather-dependent. Not practical for same-day return.

For anyone based in Ho Chi Minh City, Moc Bai offers the shortest drive time, reliable border processing, and the best chance of completing your visa run before the afternoon.

Bring the following items on the day of your visa run:

  • Original passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity
  • Digital passport photo saved on your phone (used for the Cambodia visa on arrival application)
  • Cash for the Cambodia visa fee — USD is preferred, VND is also accepted
  • Phone with WhatsApp installed (so our driver can reach you during pickup and border processing)
  • Vietnam e-visa approval (printed or digital copy) if you are applying for a new e-visa for re-entry
  • Vietnam visa exemption letter if applicable

No photocopies or passport photos are needed for our side — the digital photo is only for Cambodia immigration. For a complete checklist, read our step-by-step visa run guide.

Booking is quick and straightforward. Here is what to do:

  • 1. Prepare your full name (as in passport), passport number, current visa expiry date, pickup address in Saigon, and preferred date.
  • 2. Send a message on WhatsApp to +84 369 308 237 with these details.
  • 3. We will confirm availability, share the price for your chosen service (shared van or private car), and send payment instructions.
  • 4. Once confirmed, we will assign your driver and send you the pickup time window (typically between 6:00 AM and 6:30 AM).

Most bookings are confirmed within minutes during business hours. We recommend booking at least one day in advance, especially for weekend slots.

Most nationalities can obtain a Cambodia visa on arrival at the Moc Bai border. The process is straightforward:

  • Fill out a brief application form at the Cambodia immigration counter
  • Submit your passport and a passport photo (digital photo on your phone is usually sufficient)
  • Pay the fee of approximately 1,100,000 VND or 43 USD
  • Receive your visa and entry stamp within 10 to 20 minutes

Citizens of a few countries may need to apply for an e-visa before arriving at the border. If you are unsure whether your nationality qualifies for visa on arrival, check with us when booking — we can confirm based on your passport.

Yes, we operate every day of the week, including Saturdays and Sundays. The Moc Bai border is open seven days a week for both exit and entry.

Weekends tend to be slightly busier at the border, so immigration processing may take a bit longer. However, the total trip time rarely exceeds 8 hours even on peak days. We recommend:

  • Book at least 2 to 3 days in advance for weekend slots
  • Be ready for pickup on time to get ahead of the morning rush
  • Bring snacks and water — convenience stores are available near the border

Weekend visa runs are just as effective as weekday runs. Your new visa or entry stamp is valid from the date of re-entry regardless of the day.

If you have overstayed your Vietnam visa, you cannot simply cross the border and return without first settling the overstay. Here is what you need to know:

  • Overstay fines in Vietnam range from 500,000 VND to 15,000,000 VND depending on how long you have overstayed
  • The fine is paid on the spot at the border immigration office or at the Vietnam Immigration Department in Ho Chi Minh City
  • Minor overstays (a few days) are usually resolved at the border with a fine
  • Longer overstays or repeat violations may result in additional administrative procedures

Important: Contact us on WhatsApp before booking if you have overstayed. We can assess your situation and advise whether a standard visa run will work or whether you need to visit the immigration office in HCMC first.

Yes, absolutely. Obtaining a new 90-day Vietnam e-visa is the single most common reason travellers do a visa run from Saigon. The process works as follows:

  • 1. Apply for a new Vietnam e-visa through the official government portal at least 3 to 5 business days before your scheduled visa run. You can apply for a 90-day single-entry or multiple-entry e-visa.
  • 2. Once approved, you will receive an e-visa approval letter (a PDF). Save it on your phone and print a copy.
  • 3. On visa run day, exit Vietnam at Moc Bai. Enter Cambodia and wait for your new e-visa to become active (the validity starts from your intended entry date).
  • 4. Re-enter Vietnam at Moc Bai using your new 90-day e-visa. The immigration officer will stamp you in for up to 90 days.

For full details on the 90-day visa process, read our 90-day visa from Saigon guide.

A private car visa run gives you a dedicated vehicle and driver exclusively for your group. Unlike the shared van, you set the schedule and have the vehicle at your disposal throughout the trip.

This option is ideal for:

  • Families travelling with children or elderly members who need extra comfort
  • Groups of 3 or more — the per-person cost often beats the shared van price
  • Travellers with luggage who need trunk space (moving between accommodation, airport drop-offs, etc.)
  • Anyone who values flexibility — choose your pickup time, wait at the border in an air-conditioned car, and leave whenever you are ready

Private car prices start at 3,500,000 VND for one person. See our private car page for full pricing and details.

We offer flexible payment options to suit your preference:

  • Bank transfer in VND: Transfer to our Vietnamese bank account before or on the day of your trip.
  • Cash in VND or USD: Pay in cash at pickup. Exact change is appreciated.
  • Deposit for private cars: A partial deposit may be required to secure your vehicle and time slot. The balance is paid on the day.

All Cambodia visa fees and Vietnam visa fees are paid directly at the border to immigration officials. We do not handle those funds — this keeps pricing transparent and avoids any markups on official fees.

We do not currently accept credit cards or online payment gateways. Bank transfer and cash are our accepted methods.

Our cancellation policy is designed to be fair while protecting driver availability:

  • Free cancellation or reschedule: Up to 24 hours before your scheduled pickup. No fees.
  • Late cancellation (within 24 hours): A 50% late cancellation fee applies for shared van bookings.
  • Private car cancellation (within 12 hours): Charged at 100% due to the vehicle being reserved exclusively for you.
  • No-show: Full amount charged.

To cancel or reschedule, simply message us on WhatsApp. We understand that plans change — just let us know as early as possible. If your visa run is affected by circumstances beyond your control (e.g., a sudden visa rejection at the border), contact us immediately and we will work with you on a case-by-case basis.

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