Short answer
Foreigners staying in Vietnam need a permit from the provincial police to enter a commune on the land border. Since 17 November 2025, tourism, service and economic zones inside the border area are exempt.[1][2] The permit costs 10 USD per person and takes up to 5 working days.[3]
What changed on 17 November 2025
Decree 299/2025/NĐ-CP amended the land border rules in Decree 34/2014/NĐ-CP. It took effect the day it was signed.[1]
Tourism areas no longer need a permit
The permit is still required for the land border area, but tourism, service and economic zones are now excluded. Coastal border areas already had this exemption.[1] Quang Ninh Police give Binh Lieu as the first example: foreigners visiting this provincial tourism area no longer need a border permit.[2]
A new list of border communes
Vietnam merged its provinces and communes in 2025, so the decree replaces the old list. The land border area is now 248 communes and wards in 22 provinces: any commune whose boundary touches the national border.[1]
Tour companies must notify ahead
A Vietnamese organisation that takes foreigners into the land border area needs an introduction letter. It must tell the provincial Border Guard and police at least 24 hours before arriving, and the staff travelling with the group must carry ID.[1]
Where riders meet the border area
Many of the best roads in the north run close to China and Laos. These communes on or near the northern loops are on the official list:[1]
Tuyen Quang (formerly Ha Giang)
Dong Van, Lung Cu, Sa Phin, Pho Bang, Son Vi, Xin Man, Pa Vay Su
Cao Bang
Dam Thuy, Trung Khanh, Dinh Phong, Ha Lang, Tra Linh, Lung Nam, Tong Cot
Lao Cai
Bat Xat, Y Ty, A Mu Sung, Trinh Tuong, Muong Khuong, Si Ma Cai, Pha Long
Lai Chau & Dien Bien
Sin Suoi Ho, Phong Tho, Dao San, Muong Nhe, Sin Thau
The list continues along the Laos and Cambodia borders, including A Luoi (Hue), Lao Bao (Quang Tri) and communes in Tay Ninh and An Giang.[1] A tourism area inside one of these communes may be exempt, so check the exact place you are staying.
How to get the permit
- Who issues it: the Immigration Management office of the provincial police where you are staying, or of the border province you are going to.[1]
- How to apply: through the organisation or person who invites or sponsors you, such as your tour operator, on official form NA14. If you are going for your own private business, you can apply in person.[3]
- Time and fee: up to 5 working days from a complete application. The fee is 10 USD per person.[3]
- What to carry: the permit, your passport, and your visa or residence papers. Show them when the authorities ask.[1]
Riding in without one
On 22 September 2026, commune police in Lung Nam, Cao Bang, stopped a US tourist in the border area who could not show a permit. They recorded an administrative violation and passed the case to the provincial immigration office.[4]
Build the permit into your plan, not your excuse at a checkpoint.
Before you book
- Check whether your route or overnight stops fall in a listed border commune.
- Allow at least 5 working days before you reach the border area for the permit to be issued.
- Keep your passport and visa on you while riding, not at the hotel.
Planning a ride through the far north? Ask us on WhatsApp which stops on your route are in the border area.
Sources
- [1]Vietnam Border Guard (Bộ đội Biên phòng Việt Nam). Full text of Decree No. 299/2025/NĐ-CP of 17 November 2025, amending the Government decrees on border defence and national borders. 12 December 2025. bienphongvietnam.gov.vn
- [2]Immigration Management Division, Quang Ninh Police. Điều chỉnh quy định cấp giấy phép vào khu vực biên giới đất liền (Changes to the land border area permit). 17 December 2025. congan.quangninh.gov.vn
- [3]Ministry of Public Security, Public Service Portal. Procedure 1.000931: Issuing permits for foreigners to enter restricted and border areas, at provincial police. dichvucong.bocongan.gov.vn
- [4]Cao Bang Provincial Police. Phát hiện công dân nước ngoài vào khu vực biên giới không có giấy phép (Foreign national found in the border area without a permit). 24 September 2026. congan.caobang.gov.vn
This page summarises official Vietnamese sources for riders. It is not legal advice, and border rules can change at short notice. Check with the provincial police immigration office before you travel.
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