November 13, 2019
vietnam e-visa

How to cross the border from China to Vietnam with the e-visa

If you have been thinking of traveling from China to Vietnam, there are a few things that you must keep in mind. One of the most important aspects to consider is getting a valid Vietnam visa in order to enter the country. The e-Visa is an excellent option for travelers as it is an electronic travel authorization that you apply for online. It allows applicants to travel in Vietnam for up to 30 days on a single-entry visa. In order to apply for the visa, you must have a valid passport.

It is not difficult to cross the border between China and Vietnam, however it is not really a common way to travel to the country either. There are three main border crossings that you can go to. The three crossings are:

  1. Mong Cai Landport (in Hoa Lac ward, Mong Cai city, Quang Ninh province, Vietnam)
  2. Huu Nghi Landport (17km from Lang Son city, Lang Son province, Vietnam)
  3. Lao Cai Landport (Lao Cai city, Lao Cai province, Vietnam)

All of the border crossings are situated in the northeast region of Vietnam. You can get entry into Vietnam from Mong Cai Landport to visit Halong Bay. One of the quickest ways to enter Vietnam is through the Lao Cai – Hekou border to visit Sapa town.

If you want to get to Hanoi then going through the Huu Nghi Landport (Friendship border gate) is a good alternative as there are several buses and trains available.

How to get to Hekou and reach Lao Cai

In order to get to Hekou, you must travel by bus or train there. The train is an excellent choice since it is both cheaper and offers beautiful sceneries. Note that you will have to go through several security checks before boarding the train.

When you arrive to Hekou, be sure to avoid the taxis and instead search for the green buses that will take you straight to the border. Once you arrive to the border, you will need to enter a building that as an “Exit” sign above the door. Please remember to bring the immigration ticket you completed when you entered China. You must also have your e-Visa with you along with a valid passport.

After you have passed all security checks in China, you will be allowed to cross the bridge that separates China from Vietnam. After walking a few hundred meters, it is time for the Vietnamese authorities to look through your documents.

Once your documents and Vietnam e-Visa has been checked, you can continue your trip. There will be minivans that can take you to Sapa, or if you prefer, to Hanoi. You can go there by train.

Disclaimers: This is a commercial / private website for consulting and supporting to get visa for Vietnam, NOT an official website of the government.