Hanoi to Huu Nghi Border Visa Run

Huu Nghi (the Friendship Pass) is the closest international border to Hanoi and the fastest Visa Run available: about three hours each way on the expressway, with the crossing done the same day. It sits in Lang Son province opposite Pingxiang in China's Guangxi region.

The catch is simple: to use it, you must be allowed into China. As of our last review, 50 nationalities — including British, Canadian, most EU, Australian, New Zealand, Japanese and Korean passports — are covered by China's unilateral visa-free policy, alongside anyone who already holds a valid Chinese visa. See the full list of China visa-free countries. It does not work for US, Indian, Filipino or South African passports without a Chinese visa. For those travellers we recommend Na Meo or Lao Bao.

Huu Nghi Border at a glance

Who this route is best for

• UK, EU, Australian, NZ, Japanese, Korean and other China visa-free passport holders
• Anyone holding a valid multiple-entry Chinese visa
• Travellers who need to be back in Hanoi the same evening
• Residents of Bac Ninh and Bac Giang, who are on the way

Itinerary

1. 05:00–05:30Pick-up in Hanoi (Old Quarter, Tay Ho, Cau Giay or your address for private trips).
2. 08:30–09:00Arrive Huu Nghi. Use the electric shuttle to the Vietnamese exit hall; exit stamp.
3. 09:30–10:00Cross to the Chinese side (shuttle between the gates), Chinese entry and exit procedures. Short walk or lunch in Pingxiang if time allows.
4. 11:30–12:30Return to the Vietnamese entry counter with your printed new e-visa or visa-exempt passport. New entry stamp.
5. 13:00–17:00Drive back to Hanoi. Drop-off at your pick-up point.

Times are indicative and depend on traffic, queues and border processing on the day.

Huu Nghi Border Visa Run pricing

Transport prices are per route, round trip from Hanoi. Official government visa fees (Vietnam e-visa, Laos visa) are paid separately at cost — see the full fee breakdown.

See transport prices for every route and every government fee →

What is included

• Eligibility and document check before booking
• Vietnam e-visa application support with the correct entry port
• Check of your China visa or visa-free eligibility
• Round-trip transport from Hanoi
• 24/7 online English-speaking coordinator
• Written step-by-step instructions on WhatsApp

Not included: government visa and border fees (paid by you at the official rate), meals, accommodation, personal expenses, and any express surcharges you choose.

Things to know before you go

• China's visa-free policy is time-limited and the list of countries changes. We confirm your passport's status on the day you book, and again before departure.
• Your new Vietnam e-visa must list Huu Nghi Landport as the entry port and be valid from your return date.
• The border closes at 19:00. If Chinese processing is slow you may have a shorter stop in Pingxiang; plan no fixed appointments in Hanoi that evening.
• Officers on both sides may ask about the purpose of your visit and your onward plans. Answer simply and truthfully.

Huu Nghi Border Visa Run FAQ

Other routes from Hanoi

Compare all three routes on the routes overview, or read the full Hanoi Visa Run service page. Prices for every route are on the pricing page.

Border hours, visa-on-arrival availability, visa-free lists and fees are set by the Vietnamese, Lao and Chinese authorities and change without notice. Information last reviewed 2026-09-08. We verify your individual case before every booking and do not guarantee visa issuance or entry decisions.