Visa Run to China via Huu Nghi, Mong Cai, Lao Cai: Who Can Go, Tips 2026

A visa run to China via Huu Nghi (Lang Son), Mong Cai (Quang Ninh) or Lao Cai only works if you are visa-exempt for China or already hold a Chinese visa, because 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. You must already hold a document to re-enter Vietnam.

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Three common gates

Gate	Chinese side	From Hanoi
Huu Nghi	Youyiguan, Pingxiang	About 170 km
Mong Cai	Dongxing	About 300 km
Lao Cai	Hekou	About 260 km

There are also Tra Linh, Thanh Thuy and the Dong Dang and Lao Cai railway stations; see all 27 land gates.

Who can go?

Citizens of countries with China’s 30-day unilateral visa exemption (check the current list before you go).
Holders of a valid Chinese visa.
Other nationalities: apply at the Chinese Embassy in Hanoi or the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, or do a visa run to Laos or Cambodia instead.

Documents

Passport valid for at least 6 months.
A Chinese visa or proof of exemption.
A document to re-enter Vietnam: an e-visa naming your gate, a residence card, a 5-year exemption certificate or visa exemption.
Payment and map apps that work in China if you stay overnight.

Tips

China is 1 hour ahead of Vietnam; the Chinese side may close earlier than you expect.
Security checks on the Chinese side are thorough; do not carry prohibited items.
Do not overstay your Vietnam visa before exiting.
Repeated visa runs can lead to questions; see is a visa run legal?.