Border Runs And Land Border Crossings: 2026 Guide Hub
A border run means leaving a country and coming back to start a new visa-free stay. In 2026 the rules have tightened in many of the places where border runs were most popular, and some of the best-known crossings are closed. This hub collects every border run and land crossing guide on Fast Onward Tickets, organized by region, with the current status of each crossing.
Country Rules Come First
Before you choose a crossing, check whether a border run still works for the country you want to return to:
- Thailand border run rules for 2026: 30 days visa-free and two land entries per calendar year
- Costa Rica border run guide, plus border runs by plane and the proposed border run bill
- Vietnam visa runs by city and nationality
- Bali visa runs and Bali visa extensions
- Mexico tourist card (FMM)
Thailand, Laos And Malaysia
Thailand cut visa-free stays to 30 days and capped land entries at two per calendar year from September 15, 2026. Every Thailand-Cambodia land crossing has been closed since June 2025.
| Crossing | Countries | Key note |
|---|---|---|
| Nong Khai to Vientiane | Thailand → Laos | Open 06:00-22:00. Easiest run from Bangkok |
| Chiang Khong to Huay Xai | Thailand → Laos | Open 06:00-22:00. Main run from Chiang Mai |
| Mukdahan to Savannakhet | Thailand → Laos | Open 06:00-22:00. Thai consulate in Savannakhet |
| Nakhon Phanom to Thakhek | Thailand → Laos | Open 06:00-22:00. Cross-border bus only |
| Chong Mek to Vang Tao | Thailand → Laos | Open 06:00-20:00. Walk-across land border |
| Sadao to Bukit Kayu Hitam | Thailand → Malaysia | Open 05:00-23:00. MDAC required |
| Padang Besar | Thailand → Malaysia | Immigration in the train station |
| Sungai Kolok to Rantau Panjang | Thailand → Malaysia | Open, but serious security advisories |
| Mae Sai to Tachileik | Thailand → Myanmar | Effectively closed to foreign tourists |
| Aranyaprathet to Poipet | Thailand → Cambodia | Closed since June 2025 |
| Hat Lek to Cham Yeam | Thailand → Cambodia | Closed since June 2025 |
| Johor Bahru to Singapore | Malaysia → Singapore | MDAC and SG Arrival Card |
| Miri to Brunei (Sungai Tujoh) | Malaysia → Brunei | Open about 06:00-22:00 |
Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos And China
Vietnam has no visa on arrival at land borders, so you need an e-visa that names your entry port, or a visa exemption.
| Crossing | Countries | Key note |
|---|---|---|
| Moc Bai to Bavet | Vietnam → Cambodia | Open 06:00-22:00. E-visas work both ways |
| Ha Tien to Prek Chak | Vietnam → Cambodia | Open about 07:00-18:00 |
| Lao Bao to Dansavanh | Vietnam → Laos | Open 07:00-22:00. Lao visa on arrival |
| Lao Cai to Hekou | Vietnam → China | Arrange China entry in advance |
| Nong Nok Khiene to Trapeang Kriel | Laos → Cambodia | The only Laos-Cambodia crossing |
Mexico And Central America
Mexico’s FMM allows up to 180 days, but officers decide the number and have been giving fewer days to repeat visa runners.
| Crossing | Countries | Key note |
|---|---|---|
| Tijuana and San Ysidro | USA → Mexico | Get your FMM stamped at the crossing |
| Mexicali and Calexico | USA → Mexico | Quieter alternative to Tijuana |
| Nogales | USA → Mexico | FMM at the Km 21 checkpoint |
| Ciudad Juárez and El Paso | USA → Mexico | Several bridges, all 24 hours |
| Chetumal to Belize | Mexico → Belize | BZ$40 Belize exit fee by land |
| Benque Viejo to Melchor de Mencos | Belize → Guatemala | BZ$40 Belize exit fee |
| La Mesilla | Guatemala → Mexico | Highland route to San Cristóbal |
| Tecún Umán to Ciudad Hidalgo | Guatemala → Mexico | Pacific route; security advisories |
| Peñas Blancas | Costa Rica → Nicaragua | Main Costa Rica border run |
| Paso Canoas | Costa Rica → Panama | Busy Pan-American crossing |
| Sixaola to Guabito | Costa Rica → Panama | Caribbean side, near Bocas del Toro |
South America
Argentina still allows border runs, but officers can refuse or shorten entries for people who appear to be living there as tourists.
| Crossing | Countries | Key note |
|---|---|---|
| Rumichaca (Ipiales to Tulcán) | Colombia → Ecuador | Only official Colombia-Ecuador crossing |
| Huaquillas to Aguas Verdes | Ecuador → Peru | Only official Ecuador-Peru crossing |
| Tacna to Arica | Peru → Chile | Integrated controls; long holiday queues |
| Kasani to Yunguyo | Peru → Bolivia | Tourist route via Copacabana |
| Desaguadero | Peru → Bolivia | Direct route to La Paz |
| Cristo Redentor pass | Argentina → Chile | Frequent winter closures |
| Buenos Aires to Colonia ferry | Argentina → Uruguay | About an hour by fast ferry |
| Gualeguaychú to Fray Bentos | Argentina → Uruguay | Cheapest land route from Buenos Aires |
| Concordia to Salto | Argentina → Uruguay | Over the Salto Grande dam |
| Puerto Iguazú to Foz do Iguaçu | Argentina → Brazil | US citizens need a Brazil e-visa |
| Ciudad del Este (Friendship Bridge) | Brazil → Paraguay | Stop for your stamps |
| Posadas to Encarnación | Argentina → Paraguay | Take the 8-minute train |
| Chuy to Chuí | Uruguay → Brazil | Immigration posts are out of town |
Caucasus And Central Asia
Georgia gives many nationalities a full year per entry, while Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan now count rolling limits that runs cannot reset.
| Crossing | Countries | Key note |
|---|---|---|
| Sarpi (Batumi to Turkey) | Georgia → Turkey | Open 24 hours |
| Sadakhlo | Georgia → Armenia | Easiest run from Tbilisi |
| Korday (Almaty to Bishkek) | Kazakhstan → Kyrgyzstan | Runs no longer reset your stay |
How To Make A Border Run Go Smoothly
- Know the limit, not just the stamp. Many countries now count days over a rolling window, such as 90 days in 180, so a new stamp does not always mean new days
- Do not make it a habit. Officers look for passports full of back-to-back runs. Spending a few nights in the other country helps
- Get every stamp. At open-town borders like Chuy or Ciudad del Este, it is easy to miss an exit or entry stamp and cause problems later
- Cross in daylight and check current advisories, especially in border regions with security warnings
- Carry proof of onward travel. It is the simplest way to show you will leave again on time
Bring Proof Of Onward Travel
Whichever crossing you use, the officer stamping you back in wants to know when you will leave. A confirmed onward booking answers that quickly. Our complete guide to proof of onward travel explains what officers and airlines accept, and Fast Onward Tickets can provide an onward flight reservation in minutes.
The Bottom Line
Border runs still work in many places, but the rules are stricter than they were a few years ago and several classic crossings are closed. Check the country rules first, pick a crossing that is open, and travel with a clear plan for leaving. We update these guides as rules change.