VRS
Saigon Visa Run Moc Bai Cambodia Border

Moc Bai Border Crossing
Complete Guide from Saigon

Everything you need to know about crossing the Moc Bai border from Ho Chi Minh City — operating hours, visa fees, required documents, step-by-step instructions, and insider tips for a smooth same-day visa run.

Book Your Visa Run → Moc Bai is ~2 hours from Saigon
6AM-10PM Daily operating hours
~80 km From HCMC center
$43 Cambodia visa on arrival

Overview

About the Moc Bai Border Crossing

The Moc Bai border crossing (Cửa khẩu Mộc Bài) is the primary land border checkpoint between Vietnam and Cambodia in the southern region. Located in Tay Ninh province, approximately 80 kilometers northwest of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), it is the closest and most heavily trafficked land border for travelers coming from southern Vietnam.

The Moc Bai crossing connects directly to Bavet, Cambodia, on the Cambodian side. Together, the Moc Bai–Bavet border complex handles the vast majority of overland traffic between southern Vietnam and Cambodia. For anyone doing a Saigon visa run, Moc Bai is the standard choice — the drive takes about two hours each way on the well-paved National Highway QL22, making same-day round trips easily achievable.

Because of its proximity to Ho Chi Minh City and its relatively efficient processing, this border crossing is used by thousands of travelers every month for visa renewals, tourist entries, and business trips. Whether you are extending your stay in Vietnam or heading into Cambodia for travel, understanding the Moc Bai border hours, fees, and procedures will save you time and frustration.

Schedule

Moc Bai Border Hours

The Moc Bai border crossing hours are consistent seven days a week. Unlike some smaller land borders that close for lunch or shut early, Moc Bai maintains a full daily schedule:

Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily, including weekends and public holidays.

Both the Vietnam exit/entry gates and the Cambodian immigration counters operate within these hours. The border does not close for a midday break, so you can cross at any point during this window. For a typical Moc Bai visa run, most travelers aim to arrive between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM to allow plenty of time for processing, waiting, and the return drive.

While the border is open until 10:00 PM, departing from Saigon later than mid-afternoon is generally not recommended for same-day returns. The combined procedures at both Vietnamese and Cambodian immigration, plus the two-hour drive each way, mean that an early start is strongly advised.

Documents

What You Need to Cross Moc Bai

Having the right documents ready before you leave Saigon will save you time at the border and prevent unnecessary delays.

Valid Passport

Your original passport with at least six months of remaining validity. Photocopies are not accepted at either Vietnamese or Cambodian immigration.

Current Vietnam Visa

If you are doing a visa run, your current Vietnam visa should still be valid. The exit process requires a valid visa stamp or exemption letter.

Cash for Cambodia Visa

Cambodia visa on arrival is paid in cash — either USD or VND. Cards are not accepted. Have the exact amount ready to speed up the process.

Passport Photo

One passport-sized photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses). If you do not have one, some vendors near the border offer photo services for a small fee.

Pen

You will need to fill out a Cambodia visa application form at the border. Having your own pen means you do not have to queue to borrow one.

Phone with WhatsApp

If you are doing a guided visa run, your driver and coordinator will communicate with you via WhatsApp for real-time updates and support.

Step by step

Moc Bai Border Crossing Process

Here is exactly what happens when you arrive at the Moc Bai border from Saigon. The process is straightforward, but knowing the order helps you move faster.

Arrive at Moc Bai Checkpoint

Your driver will drop you at the Vietnam departure area. From your pickup in Saigon, the drive takes approximately two hours on QL22. There are signs in both Vietnamese and English directing you to the exit gates.

Exit Vietnam Immigration

Proceed to the Vietnamese immigration counter. Present your passport and current visa. The officer will check your documents and stamp your passport with an exit stamp. This usually takes 3 to 5 minutes unless there is a queue.

Send the Exit Stamp Photo

If you are using a visa run service, take a clear photo of the new exit stamp and send it via WhatsApp immediately. This triggers the processing of your new Vietnam visa. A delayed photo can push your return back by hours.

Walk to Cambodian Immigration

After exiting Vietnam, walk through the short no-man's-land between the two countries. Follow the pedestrian path to the Cambodian immigration building on the Bavet side. The walk takes about 3 to 5 minutes.

Apply for Cambodia Visa on Arrival

At the Cambodian visa counter, fill out the application form, submit your passport and photo, and pay the visa fee. Processing takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on the queue. Once approved, you will receive your Cambodia visa sticker.

Enter Cambodia & Return

With your Cambodia visa in hand, proceed through Cambodian passport control to officially enter Cambodia. For a visa run, you typically turn around immediately and re-enter the departure hall to start the journey back through Vietnamese immigration once your new visa is ready.

Fees & eligibility

Cambodia Visa on Arrival at Moc Bai

Most nationalities can obtain a Cambodia visa on arrival at the Moc Bai border. This is a tourist visa (type 'T') valid for 30 days, extendable once for an additional 30 days within Cambodia. The process is handled entirely at the border immigration counter — no pre-approval is needed.

Visa Fees

The standard tourist visa fee for Cambodia at the Moc Bai border is approximately 1,100,000 VND (~$43 USD). The fee varies slightly by nationality, but for most travelers it falls in this range. Paying in USD is generally preferred by Cambodian immigration, though VND is also accepted.

Here is a quick breakdown of the different fees you may encounter:

Visa Type Fee (USD) Fee (VND) Validity
Tourist Visa (T) $30 – $43 ~1.1M VND 30 days (extendable)
Ordinary Visa (E) $35 – $45 ~1.2M VND 30 days (extendable)
Expedited / 'Fast Track' $50 – $60 ~1.5M VND Same-day processing

Nationality Restrictions

While the Cambodia visa on arrival is available to most nationalities, there are a few exceptions. Citizens of Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Iraq, Iran, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and a small number of other countries may be required to apply for a Cambodia e-visa in advance or obtain a visa from a Cambodian embassy before traveling. If you hold a passport from one of these countries, check with your nearest Cambodian embassy or consulate before heading to the border.

What You Get

The Cambodia tourist visa allows a single entry and a stay of up to 30 days. It can be extended once for another 30 days through the Cambodia immigration office in Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, or Siem Reap. For travelers doing a Moc Bai visa run, entering Cambodia briefly and immediately returning to Vietnam is standard — you do not need to stay in Cambodia for any minimum period.

Important: The Cambodia visa on arrival fee is paid directly to Cambodian immigration — it is not part of any visa run service fee. Bring cash in good condition (no torn or heavily marked bills) as damaged currency may be refused.

Logistics

Moc Bai to Saigon: Distance, Route & Travel Time

The distance from Saigon to the Moc Bai border is approximately 80 to 85 kilometers (50 to 53 miles) depending on your exact starting point in Ho Chi Minh City. The most common route takes drivers west on National Highway QL22 through Hoc Mon district and Trang Bang before reaching the border checkpoint in Tay Ninh province.

Under normal traffic conditions, the drive takes about 2 hours each way. Early morning departures (between 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM) generally benefit from lighter traffic, while afternoon returns can encounter congestion as you approach the western outskirts of HCMC. The road is well-maintained asphalt, suitable for all vehicle types including cars, vans, and motorbikes.

For anyone planning a same-day visa run, the total Saigon to Moc Bai distance for the round trip is roughly 160 to 170 kilometers. Combined with border processing time, the entire journey typically takes 6 to 8 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Pro tips

Tips for a Smooth Moc Bai Border Crossing

A little preparation goes a long way at the border. These tips come from years of running the Saigon-to-Moc Bai route and will help you avoid the most common mistakes.

  1. Start early. Aim to leave Saigon by 5:30 AM at the latest. This gives you a comfortable window for all border procedures and ensures you are back in the city by early afternoon.
  2. Bring the original passport. A passport copy is not accepted at either Vietnamese or Cambodian immigration. The original document is mandatory.
  3. Carry cash in USD. Cambodian immigration prefers USD for visa on arrival fees. Bring small bills (no larger than $50) and ensure they are in good condition.
  4. Have your passport photo ready. Attach it to the visa application form before submitting. A pre-glued photo saves time at the counter.
  5. Dress neatly. While there is no formal dress code, presentable clothing can help avoid unnecessary scrutiny. Avoid wearing singlets, flip-flops, or beachwear.
  6. Keep your phone charged. If using a visa run service, your coordinator will communicate via WhatsApp. A dead phone means no coordination.
  7. Check your Vietnam e-visa before departure. If you are using a new e-visa for re-entry, ensure all personal details (name, passport number, dates) are correct before you leave Saigon.
  8. Do not overstay. If your current visa expires the day of your run, process the exit before midnight. Overstaying even by a few hours can result in fines.

Quick checklist before you leave Saigon: Passport ✓ | Cash (USD/VND) ✓ | Passport photo ✓ | Pen ✓ | Phone (charged) ✓ | WhatsApp installed ✓ | Pickup address confirmed ✓

Frequently asked questions

Moc Bai Border FAQs

What are the Moc Bai border hours?

The Moc Bai border crossing is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, including weekends and public holidays. There is no lunch break.

How far is Moc Bai from Saigon?

The Moc Bai border is approximately 80 kilometers from central Ho Chi Minh City, with a driving time of about two hours via National Highway QL22.

Can I get a Cambodia visa on arrival at Moc Bai?

Yes, most nationalities can obtain a Cambodia visa on arrival. The fee is approximately $43 USD (1.1M VND), payable in cash. You will need a passport photo.

Do I need a Cambodia visa for a visa run?

Yes, you need to enter Cambodia to complete the exit process. The Cambodia visa on arrival is obtained at the border and allows you to enter, turn around, and return to Vietnam the same day.

Is Moc Bai open on weekends?

Yes, Moc Bai is open every day of the year, including Saturdays, Sundays, and Vietnamese public holidays. The hours remain 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Can I cross Moc Bai on a motorbike?

Yes, motorbikes can cross the Moc Bai border. You will need the vehicle's registration documents and your own valid passport with a visa or visa exemption letter.

What is the best time to cross Moc Bai?

Early morning is best. Arriving at the border between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM means shorter queues, cooler temperatures, and enough time for a relaxed same-day return.

How long does the border process take?

Exit from Vietnam takes about 5 to 10 minutes. The Cambodia visa on arrival takes 10 to 20 minutes. Total border processing time is typically 30 to 45 minutes in good conditions.

Explore more

Visa Run Guides & Resources

Learn more about visa runs from Saigon, pricing, transport options, and visa types.

Home — Saigon Visa Run Book your Moc Bai visa run with same-day return service from HCMC. How to Do a Visa Run Complete step-by-step guide to doing a visa run from Saigon to Moc Bai. Visa Run Cost Breakdown Detailed pricing for transportation, visa fees, and Cambodia border costs. 90 Day Vietnam Visa Everything about the 90 day Vietnam e-visa via the Moc Bai border run. Private Car Option Private car from Saigon to Moc Bai — comfort, flexibility, and faster timing. Full FAQ Quick answers about timing, documents, and Cambodia visa rules.

Book Your Moc Bai Visa Run

Ready to cross? Send your passport details, current visa expiry, pickup address in HCMC, and preferred date on WhatsApp to reserve your seat or private car.

Message on WhatsApp →