Vietnam Visa Runs Explained: Lynn Visa Review and Pro Tips

Vietnam currently allows unlimited 90-day e-visa extensions with no mandatory cool-off periods, making it one of the most expat-friendly countries in Southeast Asia for long-term stays. Visa runs cost approximately 3,170,000 VND ($124 USD) for standard service, occurring roughly 4 times per year, adding about $40-50 monthly to your cost of living in Vietnam.

After three years of living in Da Nang, visa runs have become as routine as my morning Vietnamese coffee. For those of us who've chosen long-term life in Vietnam without formal work visas or residency, understanding this system isn't optional, it's essential. Here's everything you need to know about maintaining your legal status in Vietnam through 2026, including my honest review of the service I use.

What Is a Visa Run?

A visa run involves leaving Vietnam to get an exit stamp in your passport, entering another country for their entry and exit stamps, then returning to Vietnam on a newly activated visa. You're essentially going in and out of the country to reset your authorized stay period. For those of us on e-visas (currently valid for 90 days), this means making the trip roughly four times per year.

The concept sounds simple, but the logistics matter. You need the right visa waiting for you when you return, proper timing to avoid gaps in legal status, and reliable transportation to borders that might be hours from major cities. Getting any of this wrong creates headaches ranging from fines to deportation. If you're considering living in Da Nang long-term, understanding visa runs is essential.

Vietnam's Current Policy

Good news for long-term expats: Vietnam currently has no limits on e-visa issuance and requires no mandatory cool-off periods between visa runs. This makes Vietnam ideal for extended stays compared to other Southeast Asian countries that have cracked down on this practice. Thailand, for example, has become increasingly hostile to serial tourists, with immigration officers sometimes refusing entry to people with too many stamps.

Vietnam, by contrast, seems to understand that long-term visitors contribute economically. As long as you follow the rules, leaving before your visa expires, having proper documentation for re-entry, the system works smoothly. That said, policies can change, and I'd recommend checking current regulations before each trip rather than assuming consistency.

Three Methods for Visa Runs

DIY by Land

You arrange buses, visas, and border logistics yourself. This is the cheapest option but requires planning, research, and comfort with navigating foreign bureaucracy in countries where English isn't widely spoken. The savings can be significant, maybe 30-40% less than package options, but the stress and time investment might not be worth it for everyone. I did DIY runs my first year; the learning curve was steep.

Package by Land

Services handle transportation, visa processing, and all border logistics. Costs about 20-30% more than DIY but removes the headaches entirely. Someone else deals with the paperwork, border officials, and timing. You just show up with your passport and follow instructions. For most long-term expats, this is the sweet spot between cost and convenience.

By Air

Book flights and accommodations to a neighboring country like Thailand, Cambodia, or Singapore. Most expensive option but lets you combine a visa run with actual leisure travel. If you've been wanting to visit Bangkok or Siem Reap anyway, timing it with your visa expiration makes practical sense. The downside is cost, flights plus hotels plus food adds up quickly compared to a one-day land trip.

Lynn Visa Service Review

For land border packages to Laos from Central Vietnam, I recommend Lynn Visa. I've used them for my last six visa runs, and their operation is professional, reliable, and reasonably priced. The buses are comfortable VIP coaches with charging ports, air conditioning that actually works, and enough legroom for tall Westerners like me.

Typical Day Timeline

Here's what to expect on a Lynn Visa run to Laos:

• Before 7 AM: Complimentary breakfast available at their office (the fresh egg banh mi is genuinely excellent, I look forward to it)
• 7 AM: Bus departs from their Da Nang office
• 8:30-10:15 AM: Bathroom breaks at convenience stores along the route
• Noon: Lunch stop at a local Vietnamese restaurant near the border (about 30,000 VND, bring cash)
• 12:30 PM: Border arrival and Vietnamese exit processing
• 3-4 PM: Laotian immigration, entry stamp, brief time in Laos, exit stamp
• Late Afternoon: Vietnamese re-entry with new visa activated
• Evening: Return journey with dinner and bathroom stops
• 9:30-10 PM: Arrival back at their office

Yes, it's a long day. Bring entertainment, snacks, and a positive attitude. But you're legally sorted for another 90 days.

Current Costs (2026)

• Standard visa run: 3,170,000 VND (approximately $124 USD)
• Expedited visa run: 4,070,000 VND (approximately $159 USD)

These prices include transportation, visa processing fees, and all border costs. The expedited option processes your new e-visa faster, useful if you're cutting timing close. For more information about living in Vietnam as an expat, explore our comprehensive guides.

Why I Recommend Them

Lynn Visa staff handle all passport processing at both borders. You hand over your documents and wait while they handle the bureaucracy. They have relationships with officials on both sides, which helps if issues arise. Emergency expedited services are available for people who've waited too long and need fast turnaround. And the transportation is genuinely comfortable for what amounts to a 15-hour day of mostly sitting.

I've heard stories about cheaper operators with broken-down buses, confusing instructions, and stressed-out customers scrambling at borders. The extra money for a professional service buys peace of mind.

Budget Planning

Factor visa runs into your monthly budget from day one. At roughly $125 every 90 days, that adds approximately $40-50 per month to your cost of living. For the privilege of legally residing in one of Southeast Asia's most liveable countries, that's a small price. Some people treat visa run days as mini-adventures; I've made friends on these buses and enjoyed conversations that broke up what could otherwise feel like tedious bureaucratic obligation.

Vietnam rewards those who respect its systems. Handle your visa situation properly, and you can enjoy years of coastal sunrises, incredible food, and affordable living without immigration anxiety. Connect with other expats on Expatslist to share visa run experiences and tips.