"Last-Minute" Visa Border Run Possibilities

So far we know (based on multiple reports) of a few options for getting your new evisa while still in Vietnam on your current evisa:

1. Apply for a new evisa CORRECTLY, through the government website, while still in country and well in advance of the date needed.

2. Apply well in advance of the date needed through a trustworthy and willing visa agent. Not all agents are willing or able to process a new visa application for foreigners still in Vietnam, and most are refusing to do "last minute" applications (so-called "emergencies").

3. Plan to exit Vietnam (land border crossing or flight to another country) and then immediately apply for a new evisa online, necessitating as much as a weeklong stay outside Vietnam while waiting for the new visa to be approved.

However, one agent in central Vietnam has developed and successfully executed an additional alternate plan:

~~~ (From a social media post) ~~~

VISA AGENT:

"Yesterday, following extensive preparations, we orchestrated a special trip for a group of 12 individuals whose visas weren't ready for their planned journey. Departing from our Đà Nẵng office at 3:20 AM, they arrived at the Lao Bảo border crossing by 7:30 AM, smoothly navigating the check-out process in Vietnam and the check-in procedure in Laos. With a leisurely four-hour stop at a charming coffee shop in Laos, we had ample time to process their visas, which landed in their inboxes by 11:00 AM."

"Afterwards, they enjoyed plenty of relaxation time before boarding our _________ _________ bus for the journey home. By 5:30 PM, they were back at our office, each equipped with a shiny new 90-day visa. This option not only proves convenient but remains more cost-effective than flying to another country..."

QUESTION BY ME:

I assume this was an accommodation needed by people who did not apply for their new visa in advance through you?

is it still possible for people to apply well in advance through you and receive their visa before they go on a border run?

VISA AGENT:

...you are correct. They did not apply

soon enough.

~~~ END COPY ~~~

So, it stands to reason that an agent in HCMC should be able to arrange a special trip like that and process the visas within about 4 hours once you leave the country at Mộc Bài, avoiding the need for an overnight (or longer) stay in Cambodia.

NOTE: I've been wondering why so many people have been ending up having last minute visa problems.

After talking to a few nomads and travelers, it's clear that there is a significant part of the traveling population who doesn't want to commit to anything until the very last minute.

They like to keep their options open in case they suddenly discover a better thing to do or a better place to go.

When it comes to applying for the next eVisa while a person is still in country, it seems that that following that philosophy is causing a lot of problems for some people.

There's really no reason a person can't apply for their next evisa the day after they arrive in Vietnam, unless they are trying to keep all of their future travel options open.