The Moc Bai border gate serves as a crucial crossing point for foreigners needing to renew their Vietnamese visas through a visa run – a process where travelers temporarily exit Vietnam to Cambodia and return with a new visa. This border crossing has become increasingly popular for those with expiring visas who lack sufficient time to return to their home country.
A Moc Bai visa run involves a structured process: exiting Vietnam, briefly entering Cambodia, then returning to Vietnam with the appropriate visa approval letter specifically for Moc Bai entry. This option is particularly valuable for visa exemption holders, APEC card holders who’ve reached their maximum stay period, or travelers needing to convert their visa type. To ensure a smooth border crossing, you’ll need a valid passport (with at least six months validity), a Vietnam visa approval letter designated for Moc Bai entry, passport photos, and payment for processing fees which vary based on your desired visa duration.
In the following sections, we’ll explore the specific cases suitable for a Moc Bai visa run, detail the exact application procedures, explain the fee structure, provide information about operating hours, and share practical tips from experienced travelers to help you navigate this process efficiently.
Ready to plan your visa run? Contact our Moc Bai visa run service experts at HOTLINE 1900 63 63 50 for personalized guidance tailored to your specific situation.
Who should consider a visa run Vietnam Cambodia at Moc Bai border gate?
The Moc Bai visa run process is helpful for several situations that foreigners often face. Are you wondering if this option is right for you? Consider applying for a visa run Vietnam Cambodia at Moc Bai border gate in these cases:
- Foreigners who already have a Vietnam visa that will expire soon and don’t have enough time to return to their home country to apply for a new one
- People entering Vietnam under visa exemption programs, 5-year visa exemptions, or those with APEC Business Travel Cards who need to exit and re-enter Vietnam after their 6-month stay period ends
- Foreign nationals who need to change their visa type to match their purpose for legally living and working in Vietnam, allowing them to remain in compliance with immigration laws
>>> If your current visa is about to expire but you need to stay longer in Vietnam, you might consider a Vietnam visa extension instead of going through the visa run Cambodia Vietnam procedure. This option allows you to extend your stay without leaving the country.
4 easy steps for a successful visa run Vietnam through Moc Bai border gate
If you need to do a Moc Bai visa run, follow these detailed steps to ensure a smooth process:
Step 1. Get an entry approval letter or e-visa for Vietnam
- For entry approval letter
- For e-visa application:
The process for applying for an entry approval letter has become easier as you can now do it online. Here’s what you need to do:
- Register for an electronic identification account on the Ministry of Public Security’s public service portal
- Access the portal and begin your application for an entry approval letter
- Prepare these basic documents:
- Entry approval letter application form for foreigners (NA2 form)
- Copy of your passport
Depending on your visa type, you’ll need additional documents:
| Visa type | What you need to prepare |
| Tourist visa | Your travel itinerary showing places you plan to visit |
| Business visa | Introduction letter, work schedule, explanation letter, commitment letter |
| Work visa | Your work permit (must be certified) |
| Family visit visa | Documents proving family relationships (birth certificates, marriage certificates, household registration) |
Complete all information and submit your documents, then click “sign declaration” to finish. The approval usually takes 7-10 working days. You can check your application status online.
Important: In your application, make sure to request visa pickup at Moc Bai international border gate.
If you prefer the e-visa option, you’ll need:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months with at least 2 blank pages
- Two 4x6cm passport photos
- Clear digital photos of your passport information page
- A bank account or credit card for paying the visa fee online
Make sure your photos meet the required specifications. If you’re unsure about the exact requirements, check our guide on Vietnam visa photo size to avoid any issues with your application.
The application process is simple:
- Visit the Vietnam Immigration Portal and select “Foreigners”
- Upload your passport photos and information
- Fill in all required information carefully
- Pay the $25 USD visa fee
- Wait 7-10 days for processing
If approved, you can download your e-visa from the tracking section of the website.
Need help with your Vietnam entry approval or e-visa application? Our visa experts can handle the entire process for you. Contact HOTLINE 1900 63 63 50 for professional assistance.
Step 2. Required documents for exiting Vietnam through Moc Bai border
After receiving your approval:
- Gather all necessary documents based on your entry purpose
- Travel to Moc Bai border gate, which is about 70km from Ho Chi Minh City (approximately 2 hours by car or bus)
- At the border, present your passport and valid Vietnam visa to the officials
- Complete the exit procedures to leave Vietnam
Step 3. Complete Cambodia entry with visa on arrival and exit procedures
Once you’ve exited Vietnam:
- Walk to the Bavet border gate in Cambodia (it’s very close to Moc Bai)
- Complete entry procedures for Cambodia
If you’re from Thailand, China, South Korea, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Laos, Malaysia, Belarus, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cuba, Ecuador, Mongolia, Myanmar, Japan, Russia, Peru, Philippines, Seychelles, Singapore, or Slovakia, you won’t need a visa for Cambodia as these countries have visa exemption agreements according to Cambodia visa policy.
If your country isn’t on this list, you have two options:
- Cambodia e-visa
- Cambodia visa on arrival
- Valid for a 30-day stay
- Allows single entry
- Costs $37 USD
- Must be applied for in advance online
Note: Citizens of Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, and Pakistan cannot use the e-visa system.
- Valid for 30 days
- Single entry
- Costs approximately $35 USD (may vary by nationality)
- Can be obtained on the spot
For a visa on arrival Cambodia, bring:
- Passport valid for over 6 months with at least 2 blank pages
- Two 3x6cm color photos with white background (taken within 3 months)
- Your Vietnam entry approval letter
- Bus ticket showing travel via Moc Bai border
After entering Cambodia, you’ll need to exit again immediately (or after a short stay) to return to Vietnam.
Unsure about the Cambodia visa on arrival process? Our visa experts can help you prepare all necessary documents. Contact us at HOTLINE 1900 63 63 50 for assistance.
Step 4. Re-enter Vietnam and complete visa stamping at Moc Bai
The final step involves:
- Return to Moc Bai border gate
- Present your documents including your approval letter to Vietnamese immigration
- Complete entry procedures for Vietnam
- Wait approximately 15-30 minutes for visa stamping
- Pay the required fees
- Receive your passport with the new visa stamp
Visa run Vietnam Cambodia costs: updated fees
| Visa types | Duration | Entry type | Fee |
| Vietnam tourist e-visa | 30 – 90 days | Single | 25 USD |
| 30 – 90 days | Multiple | 50 USD | |
| Visa sticker at international airports, Consulates/Embassies | 30 days | Single | 25 USD |
| 90 days | Multiple | 50 USD | |
| 90 – 180 days | 95 USD | ||
| 6 months – 1 year | 135 USD |
These fees are set according to Circular No. 25/2021/TT-BTC of the Ministry of Finance and apply to all nationalities.
Additionally, if you’re obtaining a Cambodia visa on arrival, expect to pay approximately $35 USD, which may vary slightly based on your nationality.
Moc Bai border gate operating hours
For those planning a visa run Vietnam Cambodia, it’s important to know when the Moc Bai border gate operates:
- Every day of the week
- Opening time: 6:00 AM
- Closing time: 8:00 PM
During holidays and Tet (Vietnamese New Year), these hours might change. For urgent situations requiring immediate border crossing, officials may make special considerations if you have all required documents.
The best time to arrive for your Moc Bai visa run is early morning (between 7:00-9:00 AM) as this allows you enough time to complete all procedures on both sides and return to Ho Chi Minh City on the same day if needed.
Tips for Vietnam visa application at Moc Bai border gate
Here are some helpful tips to make your visa run Vietnam Cambodia through Moc Bai smoother:
- Payment method: The border gate only accepts cash payments. Prepare the exact amount in advance or bring a bank card to use at ATMs available at the border gate.
- Passport photos: If you haven’t prepared photos, don’t worry! There are photo services at the visa counter that can take and print photos meeting requirements for about 100,000 VND per photo.
- Timing: Arrive at the border gate early in the day. This gives you enough time to complete all procedures and return to Ho Chi Minh City on the same day if that’s your plan.
- Document preparation: Double-check all your documents before traveling to avoid delays. Having everything organized will make the process much faster.
- Language barrier: If you don’t speak Vietnamese, consider having translation apps ready or hiring assistance. Border officials may have limited English skills.
- Professional help: For a smoother experience, especially if it’s your first time, consider using our Moc Bai visa run service or Vietnam visa extension service that can help with document preparation and guide you through the entire process.
Be aware of the potential consequences if you overstay your visa before attempting to exit at Moc Bai. Check our guide on Vietnam visa overstay charge to understand the penalties and how to address this situation if it applies to you.
For foreign nationals seeking reliable assistance with Vietnam exit visa services via Moc Bai border crossing, contact VisaNow at HOTLINE 1900 63 63 50. We are committed to being your trusted partner and ensuring complete client satisfaction.
