Visa run
Need to renew your Vietnam visa at the Moc Bai border? The Moc Bai international border gate is the busiest land crossing between Vietnam and Cambodia. We help travelers from HCMC, the Mekong Delta, and southern Vietnam plan their visa run to Moc Bai with clear logistics, document preparation, and real-time support so nothing goes wrong at the border.
Logistics
Moc Bai is approximately 70 km northwest of HCMC near the town of Tay Ninh. The drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by car or bus. Public buses leave from Ben Thanh station and An Suong station daily from 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM. A private car or taxi is around 800,000-1,200,000 VND one way. We can help coordinate transport as part of your visa run plan.
Your passport with at least 6 months of validity, your current Vietnamese visa or extension documents, two passport-sized photos, and cash for Cambodian visa fees if entering Cambodia (approximately $30-$40 USD). Make copies of all documents before you go — the border office can make copies but it's faster to arrive prepared.
The Moc Bai border gate is open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Tuesday through Thursday are usually quieter. Monday and Friday can be busy with weekend traffic. Arrive at the border by 8:00 AM if possible to allow plenty of time for processing, especially if you plan to complete your run and return the same day.
How it works
You travel to the border, exit Vietnam, enter Cambodia (or just the border zone), and immediately re-enter Vietnam with a fresh visa stamp. This resets your stay period. Some travelers can do this in a single day from HCMC, though an overnight stay in Tay Ninh or Bavet (Cambodia side) gives more flexibility.
Depending on your nationality, you may qualify for a new visa exemption upon re-entry, or you may need to arrange an e-visa or visa on arrival before crossing. We check your specific situation and help you prepare the right documents before you go.
Who needs this
Your 30-day tourist visa or 90-day e-visa is nearing its end and you want to extend your stay in Vietnam. A border run to Moc Bai gives you a fresh entry stamp and a new stay period.
If you entered Vietnam under a visa exemption program (for example, citizens from certain ASEAN countries or European nations), you typically get 15-45 days. A border run resets the exemption period when you re-enter.
If your visa has already expired, do NOT attempt a border run on your own. Overstay penalties must be cleared at the immigration office before you can exit or re-enter Vietnam legally. Contact us first if you think you may have overstayed.
FAQ
Yes, many travelers complete the Moc Bai visa run in a single day from HCMC. The round trip takes approximately 4-6 hours including border processing. You exit Vietnam, enter Cambodia, and re-enter with a fresh visa. Start early — leave HCMC by 6:00 AM to have plenty of time for both border crossings.
Yes, you typically need to purchase a Cambodian visa on arrival at Moc Bai (Bavet). The cost is approximately $30-$40 USD depending on your nationality. Bring cash in USD — the border accepts US dollars. Citizens of certain countries may be eligible for Cambodia's eVisa system, which you can arrange in advance.
If you're based in Da Nang, Hoi An, or central Vietnam, the Lao Bao border crossing (to Laos) is much closer — about 3-4 hours by road from Da Nang. Check our Lao Bao visa run page for details specific to central Vietnam. The Moc Bai crossing is best for travelers in HCMC and the south.
Need help planning?
For travelers based in Da Nang, Hoi An, or central Vietnam — Lao Bao is the closer border crossing to Laos.
Before attempting a border run, check if extending your current visa is a more convenient option without leaving the country.
Need a new visa before your current one expires? Our urgent service can help in 1 hour to same day.