If a company or relative can sponsor you, an extension inside Vietnam (5–7 working days, no need to leave) is usually easier than a visa run. Without a sponsor, the usual route is a new e-visa plus a visa run through a gate such as Moc Bai. If you stay a year or more and qualify, a temporary residence card is cheaper per year.
Quick comparison
| Visa run | Extension in Vietnam | Residence card | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Requirement | New entry document or visa exemption | A sponsoring agency, organisation or individual | Eligible LD, DT, TT, DN… visa |
| Leave Vietnam | Yes | No | No |
| Time | 1 day (Ho Chi Minh City via Moc Bai) | 5–7 working days | 6–15 working days |
| Government fee | E-visa 25/50 USD + neighbouring visa | By visa type (25–135 USD) + 10 USD | 145–165 USD |
| Info Travel service fee | Quoted by route | From 2,500,000 VND | From 6,200,000 VND |
| New stay | Up to 90 days (e-visa) or 45 days (exemption) | By visa type, up to 12 months for some | 2–10 years |
When to do a visa run
- Nobody can sponsor an extension.
- You are visa-exempt and your 45 days are ending.
- You want to combine it with a trip to Cambodia or Laos.
When to extend inside Vietnam
- A Vietnamese company, relative or organisation can sponsor you.
- You do not want to spend a day at the border.
- You want to avoid questions from repeated entries. See the extension procedure.
When to get a residence card
When you work, invest or live with family in Vietnam for a year or more. See residence card service.
FAQ
Can a tourist e-visa be extended inside Vietnam?
Yes if an eligible agency, organisation or individual sponsors you; otherwise you usually need a new e-visa and an exit.
Is a visa run cheaper than an extension?
Usually, if you travel yourself, but it costs a day and repeated entries can lead to questions.
My visa is about to expire. What first?
Contact us at least 7–10 days before expiry to choose the right option and avoid overstay fines.
Need help?
Info Travel handles fast e-visas, visa extensions, residence cards and free visa run advice at Zalo/WhatsApp: +84327828822 / Hotline: +84903782118.
