Visa Entry for Countries Near Thailand: Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam +

If you’re based in Thailand and planning a short trip to a nearby country, visa rules can make all the difference in how easy your getaway is to plan. The most common short trips are based around visa runs, but why not use the opportunity to spend a few days in another country.

Here’s a breakdown of visa options for popular nearby destinations, including which ones offer visa on arrival (VoA), e-Visas, or visa-free access.

This guide is primarily targeted at travellers from the UK, EU, US, Canada, and Australia. Nationals of other countries such as India, South Africa, or Southeast Asian nations should double-check the specific visa and entry requirements that apply to them before travelling.

Visa rules and border policies are subject to frequent change, especially as many countries are increasingly adopting digital travel and health systems (e.g., e-Visas, electronic arrival cards, health declarations).

To avoid surprises or denied entry:

• Always consult official government or embassy websites for the most current information before booking your trip.
• Check entry rules for your specific nationality and passport type.
• Keep an eye out for new requirements like digital registration and biometric data collection.

Staying informed helps ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

Country-by-Country Snapshot

Country-by-Country Deep Dive

1. Laos

UK/EU/US/CA/AUS:

Visa on Arrival (VoA):

• Available for most nationalities including UK/EU/US/Indian travellers.
• Duration: Valid for 30 days, with the option to extend twice for up to 90 days total.
• Cost: Typically US $35–40, payable in cash (USD only) at the border or airport.

Additional requirements:

• Bring passport-sized photos (2 copies) to avoid extra fees or delays.
• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date.

Entry points accepting VoA:

• Major international airports: Wattay (Vientiane), Luang Prabang, Pakse.
• Selected land borders with Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia (check in advance).
• VoA is convenient but queues and cash-only payment may cause slight delays.

e-Visa

• Duration: Valid for 60 days from approval, allowing a 30-day stay.
• Cost: Around US $50–52, paid online during application.
• Processing time: Usually 3 working days, but can take up to a week during busy periods.
• Entry points: Accepted at all major international airports and several main land crossings.
• Advantages: Faster, no need for photos or cash on arrival, less waiting time.
• Apply at the official Laos e-Visa portal.

2. Cambodia

UK/EU/US/CA/AUS:

Visa on Arrival (VoA):

• Valid for 30 days
• US $30 for tourist visa,
• US $35 for business visa,
• + US $6–7 processing fee (in some cases). Payable in cash — USD preferred.
• Bring passport photos and ensure passport has at least 1 month validity beyond departure.

e-Visa:

• US $30, available online.
• Valid for entry at main airports (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville)
  • Also accepted at some land borders:
    • Bavet (from Vietnam),
    • Poi Pet and Cham Yeam (from Thailand).
    • Not valid at all border crossings, especially smaller or remote ones.

Tip: Cambodia widely uses USD for most transactions, including visas. Small notes ($1s, $5s, $10s) are best. ATMs often dispense USD, but it’s safest to carry it in cash.

3. Vietnam

UK/EU/US/CA/AUS:

e-Visa (most common option):

• Valid for up to 90 days,
  • US $25 for single entry,
  • US $50 for multiple entry,
• Processing time: 3–5 working days, though delays are possible.
• Accepted at 33 international checkpoints, including all major airports, seaports, and many land borders (e.g., from Laos, Cambodia, China).

Visa on Arrival (VoA):

• Only available if you arrange a pre-approval letter through a travel agency before arriving.
• Generally used by travellers who can’t access e-Visas or are flying into specific airports (like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang).
  • Requires:
    • Approval letter printed out,
    • Passport valid for 6 months,
    • 1–2 passport photos,
    • Cash payment of stamping fee (USD $25 for single entry / $50 for multiple entry).
    • Not available at land borders.

Tip: Most travellers should use the e-Visa — it’s simple, fast, and valid for entry by air, land, or sea. VoA is mainly a fallback for certain situations.

4. Myanmar

UK/EU/US/CA/AUS:

Visa required for all nationalities — no visa-free access.

e-Visa (recommended):

• Cost: US $50,
• Valid for 90 days from issue,
• Permits a 28-day stay, single entry only.
• Processing time: 3 working days (can be longer during holidays).
• Entry points: e-Visa is accepted at 3 international airports:
  • Yangon,
  • Mandalay,
  • Nay Pyi Taw,
• and land borders with Thailand:
  • Tachileik (opposite Mae Sai),
  • Myawaddy (opposite Mae Sot),
  • Kawthaung (opposite Ranong).

Visa on Arrival (VoA):

• Not available for UK, EU, US, or most Western travellers.
• VoA is limited to a few nationalities only (e.g. China and India) and only valid at select airports.
• Western travellers must apply in advance, either via e-Visa or embassy.

5. Singapore:

UK/EU/US/CA/AUS:

• Visa-free entry for tourism, business, or social visits.
• Stay up to 90 days per visit.
• Just ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
• No visa, no fee, no paperwork required in advance.

Entry requirements:

• Proof of onward or return travel may be requested.
• May be asked for evidence of sufficient funds (rare for tourists).
• Travellers from Thailand by land can cross at Woodlands or Tuas checkpoints — the process is smooth but can involve queues, especially at weekends and holidays.
• SG Arrival Card (online health/travel declaration) must be submitted within 3 days of arrival via the official ICA website or mobile app. This is free and takes just a few minutes.

6. Malaysia

UK/EU/US/CA/AUS:

• Visa-free entry for tourism purposes.
• Allowed stay of up to 90 days per visit.
• Passport should have at least 6 months validity from date of entry.
• No visa application or fee required before travel.
• Must complete MDAC arrival form online within 3 days before arrival.

7. Indonesia

UK/EU/US/CA/AUS:

• Visa on Arrival (VoA) / e-VoA:
• Available for 30 days initially,
• Extendable once for an additional 30 days (total 60 days max).
• VoA can be obtained upon arrival at major international airports, seaports, and select land border crossings.
• VoA fee: US $35, payable in cash or card at airports (varies by location).
• e-VoA can be applied for online before travel via the official Indonesian immigration site or authorized providers.
• e-VoA fee: US $35

Entry points accepting VoA/e-VoA include:

• Airports: Soekarno-Hatta (Jakarta), Ngurah Rai (Bali), Juanda (Surabaya), and others,
• Seaports and selected land borders (limited). Smaller ports/land crossings may not accept VoA.
• Passport requirements: Valid for at least 6 months from date of entry, with at least two blank pages.

Important Note on Entry

Having a valid visa or visa exemption does not guarantee entry into any country. Immigration officers at the border have the authority to refuse entry if they are not satisfied with your documentation or intentions.

Common additional requirements upon arrival may include:

• Proof of onward or return travel (such as a flight ticket out of the country).
• Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay (cash, bank statements, or credit cards).
• Sometimes, accommodation details or an invitation letter may be requested.

To avoid issues at immigration:

• Always carry a copy of your return or onward ticket.
• Have access to funds to demonstrate you can support yourself during your visit.
• Be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans honestly and clearly.