Lao Cai International Border Gate in Lao Cai Province connects Vietnam with Hekou, Yunnan (China), in Lao Cai city, about 260 km from Hanoi by expressway and 35 km from Sa Pa. Foreigners can exit and enter here with a Vietnam e-visa, visa sticker, temporary residence card, 5-year visa exemption certificate or under visa exemption; the gate opens daily, but hours can change, so arrive before 16:00. Convenient for travellers in Sa Pa; Lao Cai international railway station nearby has also accepted e-visas since late 2025.
Lao Cai border gate at a glance
| Province | Lao Cai |
| Other side | Hekou, Yunnan (China) |
| Distance | in Lao Cai city, about 260 km from Hanoi by expressway and 35 km from Sa Pa |
| Opening hours | Daily; arrive before 16:00 (China is 1 hour ahead of Vietnam) |
| Vietnam e-visa entry | Yes (Resolution 127/NQ-CP) |
| Vietnam visa exemption | Applies as at every international gate |
China visa at Lao Cai
China does not issue visas at land borders. Citizens of about 50 countries (most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea…) can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days until 31 December 2026 under the pilot policy; other nationalities must get a visa in advance at the Chinese Embassy in Hanoi or the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City.
What to bring
- Passport valid for at least 6 months with blank pages.
- A document to re-enter Vietnam: a printed e-visa, temporary residence card, 5-year exemption certificate, or a nationality on the visa exemption list.
- A China visa (unless exempt).
- Small cash notes and 1–2 passport photos (4×6 cm).
Visa run via Lao Cai
A visa run means leaving and re-entering Vietnam to start a new permitted stay. At Lao Cai you clear Vietnamese exit, enter China, then come back and enter Vietnam with your new document. See the China visa run guide and is a visa run legal?.
Tips for crossing at Lao Cai
- When applying for the e-visa, select Lao Cai as your entry port; see e-visa ports of entry.
- Do not overstay before you exit: fines are 0.5–40 million VND under Decree 282/2025/ND-CP (overstay fines).
- After you return, your accommodation must file temporary residence declaration within 12 hours.
- If a company or relative can sponsor you, an extension inside Vietnam is often easier than a visa run.
FAQ
Does Lao Cai accept the Vietnam e-visa?
Yes. Lao Cai is on the list of land gates for e-visa entry and exit under Resolution 127/NQ-CP.
Can visa-exempt travellers use Lao Cai?
Yes. Visa-exempt foreigners may enter through any international border gate, including Lao Cai.
Can I cross at Lao Cai and come back the same day?
Yes, if you already hold a document to re-enter Vietnam and a China visa (or are exempt). Go early to allow for queues on both sides.
Need an e-visa or visa run help?
Info Travel arranges fast e-visas, visa extensions and free advice at Zalo/WhatsApp: +84327828822 / Hotline: +84903782118. See all 27 international land border gates of Vietnam.
