Hi. Has anyone done a visa turnaround (exit China, walk back in) at the Vietnam border without Vietnam visa? I've done it a few times at Laos border.

Yes, was wondering if Ozzies can get a Visa at the Vietnam border; like HeKou for example

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I don't think Hekou is changing anytime soon, so this over six month old info should still be good. Answer is: No.

It's physically possible to just exit China and walk back downstairs and re-enter without even crossing the bridge to the Vietnam side. However, last time I asked if it was possible to do this, and the answer seemed to be "no." The actual answer was "go get a visa from a travel agency in town" to my couple of attempts at asking. So, I assume they still won't let you out without a Viet visa. This was not an issue for me as I already got one in Kunming.

If you're not opposed to staying a night in Hekou, you could try to exit-reenter. Maybe it works. If it doesn't, you just pay the same 400rmb to some travel agency in town for a Viet visa and then cross. But make sure you got a few days left.

Not really possible to do this, without a visa for Vietnam, and I think you can no longer get at Hekou or the border, instead have to get in Kunming, takes a few days. So as a viable option for a visa run, not so good. But the new train to Hekou from Kunming and the new highway means it is lot quicker to get there and back.

Not really possible to do this, without a visa for Vietnam, and I think you can no longer get at Hekou or the border, instead have to get in Kunming, takes a few days. So as a viable option for a visa run, not so good. But the new train to Hekou from Kunming and the new highway means it is lot quicker to get there and back.

If you'll go through the hassle to go all the way down there why not just spend a night or two in laocai or sapa? There are yha hostels over in sapa and tourism in Vietnam for a day or two is similar to china price wise.