Passports & Visas Information

Thank you for choosing & traveling with Asia Travel and Leisure – the holding company of Vietnam Travel, Laos Travel, Cambodia Travel, Myanmar Travel & Travel Thailand!

As you prepare for your upcoming trip with us, it’s essential to have all the necessary documentation to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. In the article below, we will provide you with important information about passports and visas for your destination country.

You will take responsibility to ensure that you’re in possession of a full passport with the correct validity for your travel destination. Vietnam and other South East Asia countries require a passport that is valid for at least six months following the date of departure from that country.

You will also take responsibility to ensure that you have the required visas to enter or pass through all the countries on your holiday. Visa requirements will vary depending on the nationalities of those who are going to travel, so if you have people in your group with different citizenship please ensure that you have checked the requirements for each person.

Visa requirements are subject to change at any time, so we recommend obtaining up-to-date information from the Government website’s foreign travel advice pages.

Obtaining a visa for Laos, Cambodia and Thailand has become more convenient, as you can now apply for a visa upon arrival at the airport. However, the process for obtaining a visa for Vietnam and Myanmar is somewhat more complex. In most cases, visitors need to apply for a visa in advance to enter Vietnam and Myanmar. If you need further assistance or worthy travel advice, please feel free to contact one of our Travel Consultants.

VIETNAM

For most tourists visiting Vietnam, a Tourist Visa is necessary to enter the country. Additionally, all travelers must ensure that their passports remain valid for at least 6 months beyond their planned departure date from Vietnam. Here, you will find comprehensive information about Vietnam visas, including visa exemptions, visa on arrival (VOA), visa approval letters (VAL), e-visas, visa fees, length of stay and more.

Vietnam extended a 45-day visa exemption to citizens of 22 European countries, effective from August 2025

Below is a complete list of 25 countries that are exempt from visa requirements:
– Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos and Kyrgyzstan (30-day visa).
– Brunei, Myanmar (14-day visa).
– Philippines (21-day visa).
– Japan, South Korea, Sweden, Norway, Russia, Denmark, Finland, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Belarus and Spain (45-day visa).
– Chile, Panama (90-day visa).
– Citizens of China, Cuba and North Korea holding normal passports endorsed “for public affairs” do not require a visa for Vietnam.
– APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) Holders from Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies are exempted to stay within 60 days without visa.
– Those who visit Phu Quoc Island directly without a visa can stay for up to 30 days. Foreigners and Vietnamese nationals with foreign passports who enter Vietnam through an international border gate and then travel to Phu Quoc Island for less than 30 days will also be granted a Vietnam visa exemption. If visitors wish to travel to other localities or stay on the island for more than 30 days after arriving in Phu Quoc, the immigration department will issue visas on the spot.

I. VIETNAM VISA APPROVAL LETTER:
Travelers who book their trips through Asia Travel & Leisure will receive a complimentary Visa Approval Letter, subject to their nationality and except for those listed in the “special countries” category. Our dedicated Travel Consultants will handle the necessary paperwork and send you the approval letter via email or fax.

Once you’ve received your Visa Approval Letter, you have two options for obtaining your Vietnam Visa. To streamline your immigration process, we recommend printing and completing the VIETNAM VISA FORM in advance.

Option 1: Visit the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in your home country (or the nearest one) with your Vietnam Visa Approval Letter to obtain the visa stamp.
Option 2: Opt for Visa on Arrival at Vietnam’s airports. This is the most convenient choice, especially if you’re short on time or don’t have access to Vietnamese Embassies in your vicinity. Simply bring a copy of your visa approval letter (you will be asked to show it when boarding your flight) and a passport-sized photo. Upon arrival in Vietnam, present these documents at the Visa on Arrival counter and pay the stamp fee to the immigration officers:
* 25 USD for single entry (<30 days),
* 50 USD for multiple entries up to 90 days,
* 95 USD multiple entries from 90 days to 180 days,
* 135 USD for multiple entries from 180 days to 365 days (cash only).
(Please note that the visa on arrival option is not applicable to Chinese citizens. Chinese citizens will need to get their visa stamp at the Vietnamese Embassy in China before being allowed to enter Vietnam)

Choose the option that aligns with your preferences, and then kindly provide us with the following details:
– Your Full Name (Exactly as it appears in your Passport):
– Gender:
– Date of Birth:
– Passport Number:
– Passport Expiration Date:
– Nationality:
– Date of Entry:
– A scanned copy of your passport (please email this to us).
Once we receive enough information, we will submit it to the Vietnam Immigration Office. You can expect to receive your visa approval letter within a processing time of 3 to 5 business days.

NOTE:
– Visa On Arrival for Vietnam is exclusively applicable when you arrive by air at the international airports of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), Hanoi, Danang and Nha Trang.
If you plan to travel overland (by boat or road) from Laos or Cambodia into Vietnam, it is advisable to obtain your visa in advance. This is because the services provided by Vietnam Immigration Offices at the borders (such as Vinh Suong – Chau Doc or Moc Bai) can be complex and time-consuming.
– Citizens of the following countries are required to pay a visa processing fee of 40 USD to 130 USD per visa to obtain a Vietnam Visa Approval Letter (the processing time typically ranges from 7 to 10 working days. For more details, please feel free to contact us).

II. VIETNAM EVISA:
From 15th August 2023, Vietnam offers e-visas to citizens from all countries and territories, granting them a 90-day stay with multiple entries permitted.

Foreigners planning to enter Vietnam from abroad can apply for an e-visa either personally or through inviting or guaranteeing agencies and organizations.
The e-visa fee (25 USD/ single entry) is to be paid through the electronic payment gateway provided by the Immigration Department. Please note that this fee is non-refundable in the event of an application being declined.

Applicants are required to complete an application form available on two separate websites, one in Vietnamese and the other in English, both managed by the Ministry of Public Security. According to the directive, it takes three working days for tourists to receive notification regarding the approval status of their applications. Successful applicants will receive a code via email, which they can use to print the visa or access it through the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department for presentation upon arrival.

To view a step-by-step guide on obtaining a Vietnam E-visa, please click here.

Below is a list of border gates where foreigners can enter and exit Vietnam using an E-visa:

International Airports (13): Noi Bai (Ha Noi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Cam Ranh (Khanh Hoa), Da Nang, Cat Bi (Hai Phong), Can Tho, Phu Quoc (Kien Giang), Phu Bai (Thua Thien Hue), Van Don (Quang Ninh), Tho Xuan (Thanh Hoa), Dong Hoi (Quang Binh), Phu Cat (Binh Dinh), Lien Khuong (Lam Dong).

Land Border Gates (16): Tay Trang (Dien Bien), Mong Cai (Quang Ninh), Huu Nghi (Lang Son), Lao Cai, Na Meo (Thanh Hoa), Nam Can (Nghe An), Cau Treo (Ha Tinh), Cha Lo (Quang Binh), La Lay and Lao Bao (Quang Tri), Bo Y (Kon Tum), Moc Bai and Xa Mat (Tay Ninh), Tinh Bien and Vinh Xuong (An Giang), Ha Tien (Kien Giang).

Sea Border Gates (13): Hon Gai and Cam Pha (Quang Ninh), Hai Phong, Nghi Son (Thanh Hoa), Vung Ang (Ha Tinh), Chan May (Thua Thien Hue), Da Nang, Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa), Quy Nhon (Binh Dinh), Dung Quat (Quang Ngai), Vung Tau (Ba Ria – Vung Tau), Ho Chi Minh City, Duong Dong (Kien Giang).

Requirements for E-Visa Approval:
– Foreign nationals located outside Vietnam;
– Holding a valid passport;
– Not falling under any of the entry suspension categories specified in Article 21 of the Law on Foreigners’ Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence in Vietnam.

Notes:
– E-visa holders within Vietnam may be eligible for a new visa if they receive an invitation or guarantee from an authority, organization, or individual in accordance with the Law on Foreigners’ Entry into, Exit from, Transit Through, and Residence in Vietnam.
– All foreign visitors entering Vietnam are required to adhere to Vietnamese law.

CAMBODIA

1. All nationalities need to apply for a travel visa, except for nationals from the following countries:
– Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Laos and Vietnam (30 days).
– Thailand, Myanmar, Brunei, Seychelles (14 days).
– Philippines (21 days).
2. Visa to Cambodia can be applied at ports of entry whether you come by air or by land.
Travelers are required to show your photo (3x4cm) and their valid passport. The Government Immigration distributes application forms upon arrival.
– If you arrive by air at Phnompenh International Airport or Siem Reap International Airport, it is very simple and just takes you few minutes to get visa done. The fee is 35 USD for a 30 day visa (Cash only).
– Obtaining a Cambodian visa is also possible at the Poit Pet border gate with Thailand (When you drive in from Thailand).
– From Vietnam you can enter to Cambodia via few border gates: Kaam Samnor in Prey Veng-Kandal Province or Vinh Suong at Chau Doc (Mostly people come by boat), Prek Chak in Kampot Province or Xa Xia at Ha Tien, Bavet in Svay Rieng Province or Moc Bai at Tay Ninh when you drive from Ho Chi Minh City.
A visa on arrival valids for a thirty-day stay. Visas can be extended at the Immigration Department in Phnom Penh City. A free visa (K) is expressly granted to the Cambodian living overseas.
3. Cambodia E-visa is now also available.
– All you have to do is complete the online application form available at the official website, pay by credit card online, and include uploading a recent passport-size photo in JPEG/ PNG format. The visa will be approved within three business days, allowing you to breeze by that lengthy line and get a jump-start on your holiday.
– The Cambodia e-visa, valid for a thirty-day stay, is available only for a typical tourist visa for a single entry. It is currently not available for nationals from Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Arab Saudi, Algeria, Sudan (it means citizens of these countries must obtain visa at embassy). For a business visa, please apply at your nearest embassy or on arrival at all major check points.
– Tourists getting such a visa online can enter and exit Cambodia through Phnom Penh International Airport, Siem Reap International Airport, Sihanoukeville International Airport, Bavet International Border Checkpoint in Svay Rieng, Cham Yeam International Border Checkpoint in Koh Kong, Poipet International Border Checkpoint in Banteay Meanchey, and Tropaeng Kreal Border Post Stung Treng.

LAOS

1. LAOS VISA ON ARRIVAL:

Laos Visa is easy to obtain on arrival at all port of entry including the most popular international airports of:
• Wattay International Airport in Vientiane Capital.
• Luang Prabang International Airport in Luang Prabang Province.
• Pakse International Airport in Champasak Province.

and Border Checkpoints such as:

• China – Laos Border gate:
– Mohan – Botene, Yunnan to Luang Namtha Province.

• Thailand – Laos Border gate:
– Chiangkhong – Houixay, Chiang Rai to Bokeo Province.
– Nakaxeng – Kaenthao, Loei to Sayabouly Province.
– Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I, Nongkhay-Vientiane Capital.
– Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II, Moukdahan-Savannakhet Province.
– Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge III, Nakorn Phanom-Khammouane Province.
– Chongmek – Vangtao, Ubol Ratchathani to Champasak Province.

• Vietnam – Laos Border gate:
– Nameo – Banleui, Thanh Hoa to Huaphanh Province.
– Lao Bao – Dansavanh, Quang Tri to Savannakhet Province.

• Cambodia – Laos Border gate:
– Dong Calor – Veun Kham, Cambodia to Champasak Province.

Visa Form is available at the Counter of Immigration right on arrival gate. Or you can download it and fill all information in the Visa Form in advance to save your time.

WHO CAN GET LAO VISA-ON-ARRIVAL?

Everyone except for citizens of the countries list under “Who cannot get Lao Visa on Arrival” below

WHO CAN’T GET LAO VISA-ON-ARRIVAL?
Travelers holding passports from the following countries are not eligible for Laos visas on arrival: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Jordan, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya (Libyan Arab Jamahiriya), Mozambique, Nauru, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Suriname, Syria (Syrian Arab republic), Swaziland, Tonga, Turkey, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

According to notice No. 1232 issued on 1 October 2009, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lao PDR, nationals on the list above must obtain their visas at Lao Embassies or Lao Consulates abroad before enting Laos. However, there is an exception for those nationals who are on official visits and holding a guarantee from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lao PDR.

Requirements:
– Your original passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity and a blank page for a visa sticker.
– A Visa Application Form, filled out and signed by the applicant (available at visa window at Lao ports of entry or given before landing if you are arriving by plane).
– Two (2) recent passport-type photographs (If you are unprepared (cannot provide the photo) there will be an extra fee (few dollars) for scanning your photograph from your passport, and placing it onto your visa application form).
– Visa fee (in cash).

The cost of Laos Visa depends on which passport you are holding. The price list is on display at the visa counter. If you are citizen of USA, UK or European citizen, the fee is 35 USD, Canadian: 42 USD, Sweden: 31 USD.
Australia and other countries is 30 USD.
Note: On weekends, Lao public holidays, before 8 A.M and after 4 P.M weekdays, there is a $1 over time fee. In addition an entry fee (2,500 Kip or so) may be charged.

2. LAOS EVISA

Laos eVisa is now available for these following countries: see list. You can apply it yourselves at Laos Official Online Visa at this link: https://laoevisa.gov.la/.

Applicant can apply in 3 simple steps to apply Laos eVisa:
– Step 1: Provide the application details and upload the necessary documents.
– Step 2: Review your application and pay the fee online.
– Step 3: Download the eVisa Approval Letter.

Laos eVisa fees:
The eVisa payment is the last step of your application process after submitting your details and the required documents. Applicants should note that the eVisa fee is non-refundable.

Processing time:
The processing time of the eVisa is usually 03 working days after submitting the application and pay the visa fee, provided that all information supplied by applicants meets the criteria and accepted by the Lao Government Authorities, otherwise the processing time could be longer.

Laos eVisa can be used to enter through these following designated ports:
1. Wattay International Airport (Vientiane Capital).
2. Lao – Thai Friendship Bridge I (Vientiane Capital).
3. Luang Prabang International Airport (Luang Prabang).
4. Lao – Thai Friendship Bridge II (Savannakhet Province).
5. Pakse International Airport (Champasak Province).
6. Lao – Thai Friendship Bridge IV (Bokeo Province).

* All visa’s fee are payable in cash only (US dollars or Thai baht). For further information, please contact a Travel Consultant.

MYANMAR

1. E-visa Online System is currently available to tourists from 100 countries and Taiwan.
2. You will be required the following information when apply Tourist E-visa to Myanmar:
(a) Your passport validity must have at least (6) months.
(b) You have to upload one COLOR PHOTO (4.8 cm X 3.8 cm) taking during last (3) months.
(c) You will need your Visa, Master or American Express credit cards for the payment of 50 USD (normal process) or 56 USD (express process).
3. Visa processing information
(a) The validity of E-Visa approval letter is 90 days from the issued date. If it is expired, entry will be denied.
(b) Length of stay is (28) days from the date of arrival in Myanmar.
(c) E-Visa service is non refundable.
(d) You will receive an email acknowledgement within 1 hour after successful payment.
(e) The processing time is upto (3) working days.
4. If the applicant has child(ren) under (7) years old on the same passport, you have to put the name of that child, date of birth in the minor section of the application form.
5. Tourists must stay in registered hotels, motels, inns, guest house and resort during your stay in Myanmar.
6. The applicant should complete individual personal data whether passenger is FIT or package tour.
7. E-Visa is only valid for a single entry. Re-entry will require a new visa.
8. Currently passengers with e-Visa are only permitted to enter via following ports:
(a) Yangon International Airport
(b) Mandalay International Airport
(c) Nay Pyi Taw International Airport
(d) Tachileik Land Border Checkpoint
(e) Myawaddy Land Border Checkpoint
(f) Kawthaung Land Border Checkpoint
(g) Tamu Land Border Checkpoint
(h) Rih Khaw Dar Land Border Checkpoint
We will announce other port of entry in due course.
9. If you are visiting Myanmar via cruise, please contact our travel consultant for Pre-arrangement Visa on Arrival. You will not be able to use E-Visa to enter Myanmar via seaport.
10. If the decision is not allowed to entry, you may return by the same flight.
11. Ordinary passport holders from the following countries are giving visa exemption for 14 days.
(a) Brunei
(b) Cambodia
(c) Indonesia
(d) Japan (30 days)
(e) Laos
(f) Philippines
(g) Singapore (30 days)
(h) South Korea (30 days)
(i) Thailand (by air via Yangon, Nay Pyi Taw or Mandalay only)
(k) Vietnam
Japan, Korea Republic, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China and Macau Special Administrative Region of China tourists get visa exemption until 30th Sep 2020.
12. Passport holder from the following countries and Taiwan are eligible to apply E-Visa:

EMBASSIES OF MYANMAR ABROAD.

THAILAND

1. Generally, a foreign citizen who wishes to enter the Kingdom of Thailand is required to obtain a visa from Royal Thai Embassy or apply visa on arrival. However, nationals of certain countries do not require a visa if they meet visa exemption requirements as follows:
(a) they are nationals of countries which are exempted from visa requirements when entering Thailand for tourism purposes. Such nationals will be permitted to stay in the Kingdom for a period of not exceeding 30 days.
(b) they are nationals of countries which hold bilateral agreements with Thailand on the exemption of visa requirements.

2. For more information, please see Summary of Countries and Territories entitled for Visa Exemption and Visa on Arrival to Thailand in the table as below:
Explanation:
15 = Can enter 15 days as tourists (Visa on arrival)
30 = Can enter 30 days as tourists
0  = Must apply for visa before travelling to Thailand.

3. To apply for a visa, a foreigner must possess a valid passport or travel document that is recognised by the Royal Thai Government and comply with the conditions set forth in the Immigration Act of Thailand B.E.2522 (1979) and its relevant regulations. In addition, the visa applicant must be outside of Thailand at the time of application. The applicant will be issued with a type of visa in accordance to his or her purpose of visit.

4. In general, applicants are required to apply for a visa in person. However, Royal Thai Embassies and Royal Thai Consulates-General in some countries and in some cases may also accept applications sent through representatives, authorised travel agencies or by post. Please enquire at the Royal Thai Embassy or Royal Thai Consulate-General where you intend to submit your application of acceptable ways of application.

5. Please note that the period of visa validity is different from the period of stay. Visa validity is the period during which a visa can be used to enter Thailand. In general, the validity of a visa is 3 months, but in some cases, visas may be issued to be valid for 6 months, 1 year or 3 years. The validity of a Thailand visa is granted with discretion by the Royal Thai Embassy or Royal Thai Consulate-General and is displayed on the visa sticker.

6. On the other hand, the period of stay is granted by an immigration officer upon arrival at the port of entry and in accordance with the type of visa. For example, the period of stay for a transit visa is not exceeding 30 days, for a tourist visa is not exceeding 60 days and for a non-immigrant visa is not exceeding 90 days from the arrival date. The period of stay granted by the immigration officer is displayed on the arrival stamp. Travellers who wish to stay longer than such period may apply for extension of stay at offices of the Immigration Bureau in Bangkok, located at Government Center B, Chaengwattana Soi 7, Laksi, Bangkok 10210, Tel 0-2141-9889 or at an Immigration office located in the provinces.

7. Requirements for Tourist Visa On Arrival to Thailand:
(a) Hold the citizenship of a country on the list issued by the minister under the consent of the Council of Ministers of Thailand.
(b) Aim to enter Thailand for tourism for the period of not exceeding 15 days.
(c) Submit one headshot photo taken no longer than 6 months.
(d) Does not fall into the category of aliens prohibited from entering Thailand under the Immigration law.
(e) Possess the return ticket (flight) within 15 days. Open tickets do not qualify. Travelling overland out of Thailand by train, bus, etc to Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia (including en route to Singapore), Myanmar, etc is not accepted as proof of exiting Thailand.
(f) Truthfully notify the verifiable places to stay in Thailand.
(g) Present evidence of adequate finance, not less than 10,000 Baht (250US$) per person and 20,000 Baht (500US$) per family.
(h) Possess a passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months.
(i) A fee of 2,000 THB is payable upon entry and is subject to change without notice. It must be paid in cash and Thai currency only.

8. List of Thailand’s Immigration Checkpoints which provide facilities for issuance of visa on arrival:

• Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok
• Don Muang International Airport, Bangkok
• Chiangmai International Airport, Chiangmai
• Phuket International Airport, Phuket
• Hatyai International Airport, Songkhla
• U Tapao Airport, Rayong
• Mae Sai Immigration Checkpoint, Chiengrai
• Chieng Saen Immigration Checkpoint, Chiengrai
• Chieng Khong Immigration Checkpoint, Chiengrai
• Betong Immigration Checkpoint, Yala
• Sadoa Immigration Checkpoint, Songkhla
• Samui Airport, Surat Thani
• Sukhothai International Airport, Tak Immigration Checkpoint
• Bangkok Harbour Immigration Checkpoint, Bangkok
• Sri Racha Immigration Checkpoint, Chonburi
• Mabtaput Immigration Checkpoint, Rayong
• Nong Khai Immigration Checkpoint, Nong Khai
• Samui Immigration Checkpoint, Surat Thani
• Phuket Immigration Checkpoint, Phuket
• Satun Immigration Checkpoint, Satun
• Krabi Immigration Checkpoint, Krabi
• Songkhla Harbour Immigraion Checkpoint, Songkhla
• Chiangrai Airport Immigration Checkpoint, Chiangrai
• Surat Thani Airport Immigration Checkpoint, Surat Thani
• Sattahip Habour Immigration Checkpoint, Chonburi
• Khlong Yai Immigration Checkpoint, Trat
• Pong Nam Ron Immigration Checkpoint, Chanthaburi [cite: 1, 2]
• Aranyaprathet Immigration Checkpoint, Sakaeo
• Mukdahan Immigration Checkpoint, Mukdahan
• Tak Immigration Checkpoint, Tak
• Padang Besar Immigration Checkpoint, Songkhla
• Su-ngai Kolok Immigration Checkpoint, Narathiwat
• Nong Khai Immigration Checkpoint, Nong Khai
• Bueng Kan Immigration Checkpoint, Bueng Kan
• Phibun Mangsahan Immigration Checkpoint, Ubon Ratchathani
• Tha Li Immigration Checkpoint, Loei
• Nakhon Phanom Immigration Checkpoint, Nakhon Phanom
• Nan Immigration Checkpoint, Nan
• Ban Prakob Immigration Checkpoint, Songkhla
• Khuan Don Immigration Checkpoint, Satun
• Tak Bai Immigration Checkpoint, Narathiwat
• Bukit Tal Immigration Checkpoint, Narathiwat
• Samut Prakan Checkpoint, Samut Prakan
• Kanchanaburi Land Border Checkpoint, Kanchanaburi
• Prachup Khiri Khan Checkpoint at Hua Hin Airport, Prachup Khiri Khan
• Phusing Land Border Checkpoint, Sisaket
• Satun Checkpoint at Koh Lipe Marine Port, Satun
• Trang Airport, Trang.