Planning to enter Vietnam from Cambodia, Laos or China by land? Understanding the Vietnam visa land border crossing rules for 2026 can help you avoid delays and choose the right entry point. Vietnam accepts electronic visas at designated international border gates, but not every crossing can be used with an e-visa. At Tubudd, we recommend checking your visa approval, confirming your intended border gate is authorised and preparing your travel documents before setting off.

Can You Enter Vietnam by Land with an E-Visa in 2026?

Yes. Foreign travellers can enter Vietnam by land with a valid e-visa, provided they use an authorised international border gate and meet the applicable immigration requirements.

Vietnam's e-visa is available to eligible foreign nationals of all countries and territories. It can be issued for a maximum of 90 days, with either single or multiple entry, depending on the visa granted. The e-visa application must be made while the applicant is outside Vietnam.

Before travelling, check three essential details:

• Your visa validity: Your planned arrival date must fall within the validity period shown on your approved e-visa.
• Your entry point: The land border gate you plan to use must be authorised for e-visa entry.
• Your entry permission: Your visa type and entry conditions must match your travel plans.

For example, if you are travelling from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City by bus, you may plan to cross at Moc Bai. If you are travelling from Vientiane to Hanoi, you may consider a designated crossing between Laos and Vietnam, depending on the route offered by your transport provider.

Do not assume that an e-visa approved for Vietnam allows you to enter through any border checkpoint. Check the official list before booking your journey.

Vietnam Land Border Crossings That Accept E-Visas in 2026

Vietnam expanded the list of international border gates authorised for e-visa entry and exit under Government Resolution No. 389/NQ-CP, dated 2 December 2025. The additional gates increased the overall number of authorised ports of entry and exit to 83 across land, air and sea routes. 

The following land border gates are listed in the official e-visa information. Because border administration and place names may change, verify the exact checkpoint and its current operational status before travelling.

This list is intended as a practical planning reference, not a guarantee that every checkpoint is open to every traveller at every hour. Transport services, operating hours and local procedures can differ.

For the most reliable confirmation, consult the official Vietnam e-visa portal and check its designated border-gate list before departure.

Which Vietnam Land Border Crossing Should You Choose?

The most suitable crossing depends on where you are travelling from and where you want to go in Vietnam.

Entering Vietnam from Cambodia

Travellers coming from Cambodia commonly consider Moc Bai, Ha Tien, Tinh Bien or other designated crossings, depending on their route.

Moc Bai is a popular option for overland travel between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City. It is worth checking bus departure points, transfer arrangements and the time required for immigration formalities.

Ha Tien may be useful for travellers heading towards southern coastal destinations or Phu Quoc connections. However, crossing the land border and travelling onward to an island involves separate transport arrangements.

Before leaving Cambodia, confirm that your Vietnam visa is approved and valid for your intended arrival date. If you need a Cambodian visa or have a specific permitted stay in Cambodia, check those requirements separately.

Entering Vietnam from Laos

Travellers travelling overland from Laos have several authorised options, including Lao Bao, Cau Treo, Cha Lo, Nam Can and Na Meo.

The best route depends on your starting point and destination. For instance, Lao Bao may be relevant for travel between central Vietnam and Laos, while Cau Treo can be useful for some routes towards Ha Tinh and northern-central Vietnam.

Mountain roads and long-distance bus journeys can take longer than expected. Check the route with your transport operator and allow enough time for immigration procedures at the border.

Entering Vietnam from China

Travellers arriving from China can consider designated crossings such as Mong Cai, Huu Nghi, Lao Cai and the authorised railway checkpoints at Dong Dang and Lao Cai.

Choose your crossing based on your destination and whether you plan to travel by road or rail. A railway border checkpoint is not necessarily interchangeable with a nearby road checkpoint, even when the locations have similar names.

If you are travelling by train, confirm the international service, ticket arrangements and immigration procedures before departure.

What Documents Do You Need to Enter Vietnam by Land?

Prepare your travel documents before arriving at the border. Having an approved visa does not remove the need to meet the other applicable entry conditions.

A valid passport

Check that your passport is valid for the period required under the rules applicable to your nationality and visa category. Six months of remaining validity is a common requirement and a prudent planning benchmark, but you should confirm the specific conditions before travelling.

Make sure the passport is in good condition and has sufficient blank pages if required.

An approved Vietnam e-visa

If your nationality and circumstances require an e-visa, apply through the official portal at evisa.gov.vn.

Check that the approved visa details match your passport, including your name, passport number, nationality, validity dates and entry type.

Do not rely on an application receipt as proof that your visa has been approved.

The correct border gate

Make sure your intended entry checkpoint is on the authorised list for e-visas. If you are taking a bus or train, ask the operator which border gate the service uses.

A route advertised as travel to Vietnam by land may involve a different checkpoint from the one you initially expected.

Supporting travel information

It is useful to keep your accommodation details, onward travel plans and other relevant documents accessible. Immigration officers may ask questions about your trip or request supporting information, depending on your circumstances.

Keep digital copies of important documents, but ensure you can access your approved visa even if your phone battery runs low or mobile data is unavailable.

How to Apply for a Vietnam E-Visa Before a Land Border Crossing

If you need a Vietnam e-visa, follow the official application process before travelling.

Step 1: Access the official portal. Visit Vietnam's e-visa website. Avoid unofficial websites that imitate government services or charge additional service fees without clearly explaining them.

Step 2: Complete the application. Enter your personal details and passport information carefully. Errors can cause delays or complications.

Step 3: Select the correct entry information. Check your intended arrival date and ensure that the visa conditions suit your route and travel plans. If the application requires you to identify an entry checkpoint, select the correct authorised gate.

Step 4: Pay the application fee. The official fees are generally US$25 for a single-entry e-visa and US$50 for a multiple-entry e-visa. These fees are non-refundable if the application is refused. Check the latest instructions on the official portal before paying. 

Step 5: Wait for the result. Do not assume that submitting the application means you can enter Vietnam. Wait for the visa to be approved.

Step 6: Check the approved document. Verify the dates, passport details and entry conditions. Save a digital copy and carry a printed copy as a backup.

Apply well before your planned departure. Processing times can vary, so avoid booking a tight cross-border itinerary that depends on receiving approval at the last minute.

Can You Enter Vietnam Multiple Times with an E-Visa?

Yes, if you have been granted a multiple-entry e-visa, you can generally enter and leave Vietnam multiple times during the visa's validity, subject to its conditions and the rules applicable to each entry.

A single-entry e-visa, by contrast, is intended for one entry. Once you have used that entry to enter Vietnam, leaving the country normally means you cannot use the same single-entry permission to return.

This distinction matters for travellers following regional itineraries such as Cambodia–Vietnam–Laos or China–Vietnam–Cambodia.

Before leaving Vietnam and planning to return, check:

• Whether your approved visa is single-entry or multiple-entry.
• Whether the visa remains valid on your intended return date.
• Whether the return border gate is authorised for e-visa entry.
• Whether you meet any other entry conditions.

If your visa does not cover your planned return, obtain the appropriate permission before travelling back to Vietnam.

How Much Does a Vietnam Land Border Crossing Cost?

There is no single fixed price for an overland journey into Vietnam. Your total spending depends on the route, transport provider, visa requirements and any onward connections.

The Vietnamese e-visa fee does not cover your transport ticket, another country's visa or third-party service charges. Check each cost separately before travelling.

If you are crossing from Cambodia, Laos or China, you should also check whether you need a visa for the country you are leaving or entering. Vietnam's entry permission does not automatically grant permission to enter neighbouring countries.

Common Mistakes to Avoid at Vietnam's Land Borders

A few simple checks can help prevent unnecessary complications.

Assuming every border gate accepts e-visas. Only designated checkpoints can be used with an e-visa. Confirm your exact crossing before booking.

Confusing visa validity with permitted stay. Your visa has specific dates and conditions. Check the approved document rather than relying on a general description of e-visas.

Arriving before approval. An application in progress is not an approved visa.

Using a different passport. If you renewed your passport after applying, check with the relevant authority before travelling. Do not assume that the existing visa automatically transfers.

Leaving Vietnam with a single-entry visa and expecting to return. A single-entry visa generally cannot be reused after the first entry.

Ignoring transport arrangements. A bus or train may use a specific border gate, and the actual route may differ from what you expect. Confirm the checkpoint with the operator.

Relying on outdated border lists. Vietnam expanded its authorised e-visa entry and exit points in December 2025. Use the current official list rather than relying solely on older travel blogs. 

Conclusion

Entering Vietnam by land in 2026 is possible with an approved e-visa, provided you use an authorised international border gate and meet the applicable entry conditions. Before travelling from Cambodia, Laos or China, verify your visa validity, confirm the exact crossing used by your bus or train and prepare your passport and supporting documents. Because Vietnam's list of e-visa border gates was expanded in December 2025, checking the latest official information is especially important when using an unfamiliar route. Once your entry arrangements are confirmed, Tubudd can help you explore Vietnam through experiences shaped by local knowledge. Discover our custom tours in Vietnam to plan your next adventure.