A visa run is a procedure that many long-term travelers and foreigners who want to extend their stay in a particular country legally face. The idea is that a person who has already used up their days in country A travels to a neighboring country B for a short period of time. After the short trip, they return to country A to renew or «zero out» their stay limit. Thus, a visa run allows a person to stay in country A longer than the original visa or without the need to obtain a long-term residence permit. This method can be both inconvenient and expensive, and an opportunity for a short trip to another country.
Where is visa run most common?
Serbia, Montenegro and Thailand is one of the most well-known destinations for visa travel among digital nomads. The region attracts many tourists, expats and remote workers, many of whom are looking to extend their stay in the country longer than the 30-day or 60-day tourist visa allows. For example, the rules state that after leaving Thailand and returning to the country, immigration officials grant an additional 30 days of stay. It is also possible to apply for a 60-day visa at any of the Thai embassies around the world. However, extending a visa at the Bangkok immigration office does not count as visa travel, so we will not cover that process here.
Digital nomads and expats living in Bangkok often choose neighboring countries like Vietnam, Laos or Cambodia to extend their Thai visas. This process usually involves a short flight to Hanoi, Vientiane or Phnom Penh, where you can spend a few days while the new visa is processed. After that, they return to Thailand with renewed visas, which allows them to continue enjoying life in the country without a long break
In fact, visa runs are most common in countries where you can visit without a visa, but there are still restrictions on the length of stay in the country.
After the well-known events, many citizens of the Russian Federation and Belarus moved to the Balkans. In Montenegro and Serbia, visa-runs have become a fairly common practice. However, there was a case when border guards refused entry, citing an excess of the permissible number of border crossings - more than six times. The exact reasons for the count are unclear, but we recommend that you apply for a local residence permit if possible. This, as a rule, will not be more expensive than regular visa-run costs, but will add, at a minimum, social insurance.
Filipp- CEO DNC
Are there any restrictions on the number of visa trips?
In theory, yes, there are limits on the number of visa visits, but in reality the rules are often vague and country-specific. For example, in Georgia, which is considered a great place for digital nomads, most visitors get a 365-day tourist visa upon arrival. To extend it, you just need to leave the country and return again, and as far as I know, you can do this an unlimited number of times. However, it’s best to check with your embassy for the latest requirements.
Border Run: What is it?
You may have heard the term «border run» and noticed that it is not officially recognized. It is often confused with «visa run», but some believe there is a difference.
Visa run:
- Traveling to another country to apply for a visa at the embassy of the country you wish to return to.
- Traveling to obtain a new tourist visa upon return.
Border run:
- Traveling across a border to obtain a tourist visa upon return through immigration.
- Crossing a border to revalidate an existing visa.
These terms are often used interchangeably and the difference is minor. However, applying through an embassy can be a safer and more permanent option, especially in countries such as Thailand. Land border crossings are often more complicated, especially if you do not plan to spend the night abroad. Some countries, such as Thailand, have a limit on the number of land crossings you can use.
Tips for a successful visa run
- Take your time: Try to take your time with your trip. Spend a few weeks or months exploring your new destination before returning. In Thailand, for example, short visa runs can raise suspicions from immigration authorities.
- Connect with the community: Join forums and Facebook groups where digital nomads and expats share experiences and advice.
- Read the official rules: Learn the laws and procedures of the Immigration Department. Knowing the rules will help avoid misunderstandings.
- Advance Tickets: Have tickets on hand in case of entry denial. This will confirm your intentions to return and give you time to safely plan your next trip.
- Use low-cost airlines: Find cheap flights and extend visa stays for longer.
- Explore Land Crossings: Find out if there are accessible and convenient land routes that may better suit your plans.
Following these guidelines will help you minimize risks and manage your visa travel effectively.