Info Travel provides visa run transfers from Sa Pa to Lao Cai border gate (China), about 35 km and 1 hours each way. Same-day return if you are visa-exempt for China or already hold a Chinese visa. We arrange the e-visa to re-enter Vietnam, pick you up by private car and guide you through immigration on both sides; quotes depend on pick-up point, group size and nationality.
How do foreigners in Sa Pa do a visa run?
Sa Pa has many long-stay travellers, guides and foreign homestay owners. The car drives about 1 hour from Sa Pa to Lao Cai border gate.
Visa run route from Sa Pa
| Pick-up | Sa Pa, Lao Cai city |
| Border gate | Lao Cai border gate |
| Other side | Hekou (China) |
| Distance | About 35 km |
| Time each way | About 1 hours |
| Same-day return | Yes (China visa exemption or visa needed) |
| China visa | Not issued at the border; exemption or visa in advance |
What does the visa run package include?
- Free check of your nationality and passport, and the best option (e-visa, visa exemption, neighbouring country visa).
- A Vietnam e-visa to return, with Lao Cai as the entry port; urgent e-visa available.
- Private 4–16 seat car picking you up at your hotel, home or office in Sa Pa, Lao Cai city.
- Staff guiding you through Vietnamese exit, China entry and re-entry to Vietnam.
- Drop-off at your door afterwards.
Sample itinerary
- 6:00–7:00: pick-up in Sa Pa.
- About 1 hours later: arrive at Lao Cai, clear Vietnamese exit and enter China.
- Return and enter Vietnam with your e-visa or visa exemption (usually 1–2 hours for both sides).
- Afternoon: back in Sa Pa.
Documents to prepare
- Passport valid for at least 6 months with blank pages.
- Details for the e-visa (passport scan, portrait photo) or confirmation that you are visa-exempt.
- USD cash for the China visa (if not exempt you must have a visa in advance).
- Do not overstay before the trip, or you will be fined on exit (overstay fines).
Things to know
- If you are not visa-exempt for China, get a Chinese visa first or go back to Hanoi for an air visa run.
- People working in Sa Pa need a work permit and LD visa or a residence card; a visa run does not replace work documents.
- Many back-to-back visa runs can lead to questions at entry; see is a visa run legal?.
- If a company or relative can sponsor you, an extension inside Vietnam may be easier.
FAQ
Which border gate is nearest to Sa Pa for a visa run?
Lao Cai, about 35 km; see the Lao Cai border gate.
Can I return the same day?
Same-day return if you are visa-exempt for China or already hold a Chinese visa.
How much does a visa run from Sa Pa cost?
It includes the car and guide service fee, the Vietnam e-visa fee (25 USD single, 50 USD multiple entry) and the China visa if needed. Send your nationality, group size and date via Zalo/WhatsApp for an all-in quote.
Book a visa run from Sa Pa
Contact Info Travel at Zalo/WhatsApp: +84327828822 / Hotline: +84903782118. See the nationwide visa run service and 27 land border gates.
