Cambodia and Laos Tours Visa Guide: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Traveling to Cambodia and Laos is now easier than ever. Many travelers don’t even need a visa thanks to visa-free rules for certain countries. And if you do need one, don’t worry — both countries offer fast and easy e-visas online. It’s the best option if you're flying into big cities like Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, or Luang Prabang.

For overland travelers, there’s also the visa on arrival. It’s great for those entering by bus or car from nearby countries. You just need a valid passport, a photo, and some cash. The guide explains what to bring, where to go, and how much to pay. Whether you're planning a short getaway or a longer adventure, this visa guide helps make your Cambodia and Laos tours smooth and stress-free.

Do You Need a Visa for Cambodia and Laos? Maybe Not

Visa-free entry is the easiest way to enter Cambodia and Laos. Travelers from some countries can take advantage of visa exemptions to visit Cambodia and Laos without a visa at all. Check to see if you’re eligible. If you are, in most cases, all that is needed is a passport with six months’ validity, and two blank passport pages.

Cambodia Visa-free Policy for 11 Countries
Cambodia offers visa-free entry for citizens of 11 countries. Visa-free entry is valid for stays of up to 14-30 days, depending on nationality. It is a sticker visa, so a valid passport with blank pages is required for processing. Travelers eligible for visa-free entry can enter through all major international airports and land border crossings.

Laos Visa-free Policy for 15 Countries
Laos has a similar program. Travelers from 15 countries can enter Laos visa-free for stays of between 14-30 days. Entry is open through international airports and major land-border crossings and requires a valid passport with two blank pages.

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E-Visa: The Most Convenient Visa for Cambodia and Laos Tours

If you do need a visa for Cambodia and Laos tours, e-visa is the most recommended one. Both Cambodia and Laos have convenient e-visa systems that make the process fast and straightforward.

Applying for an e-visa in advance lets you bypass the sometimes long lines at immigration, particularly when arriving at the major international airports in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and Luang Prabang.

Cambodia E-visa: 3 Days to Get at 30 USD
Cambodia’s e-visas can be applied for at the official government website: https://www.evisa.gov.kh. Processing usually takes three working days. The Cambodia visa costs 30 USD and is valid for a single entry for stays of up to 30 days.

Citizens of any country may apply. Simply fill in the online form, upload a passport photo, and scan of the information page. Payment can be made by credit card, UnionPay, or Alipay. After your visa is approved, download the e-visa certificate to present at immigration.

Holders of a Cambodian e-Visa may enter via the following entry points:
Phnom Penh International Airport
Siem Reap International Airport
Sihanoukville International Airport
Cham Yeam (Koh Kong Province) (from Thailand)
Poipet (Banteay Meanchey Province) (from Thailand)
Bavet (Svay Rieng Province) (from Vietnam)
Trapeang Kriel (Stung Treng Province) (from Laos)

It's an example of an E-visa of Cambodia.

Laos E-visa: 3 Days to Get at 50 USD
The Laos government's official e-visa site can be found at https://laoevisa.gov.la. E-visas are available for stays of up to 30 days for a cost of 50 USD. Payment can be made by credit card, and you will usually receive the Laos visa within three working days.

All citizens of Europe, North America, South America, Australia, New Zealand, and major Asian countries are eligible to apply for the e-visa. You’ll need an electronic passport-size photo and a scan of your passport page to apply.

Laos E-visas can be used at the following points of entry:
Luang Prabang International Airport
Pakse International Airport
Wattay International Airport (Vientiane)
Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge I (Vientiane)
Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge II (Savannakhet)
Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge IV (Houayxay)
Boten (road checkpoint)
Boten railway station

You will get the e-visa of Laos as the sample.

Visa on Arrival: Best for Overland Crossings Borders of Cambodia and Lao

A visa on arrival is a good choice for overland crossings where the infrastructure is not as well established as it is in major international airports. In both Cambodia and Laos, you can obtain a visa on arrival at the border crossing with no prior application.

The visa on arrival has to be used at the Veunkham-Nong nok khian border crossing. E-visas are not accepted there.

Cambodia Visa on Arrival
Cambodia visa on arrival is available for travelers from all countries visiting Cambodia for tourism or business. The visa allows for stays of up to 30 days and can be extended twice for a total stay of 90 days.

Before arriving at the border, you’ll need a passport-sized photo, a valid passport with one blank page, and the 30 USD visa fee in cash. Application forms will be available when you arrive.

You will get Cambodia visa on arrival on your passport.

Laos Visa on Arrival
The visa on arrival for Laos is also issued for stays of up to 30 days and can be extended twice. The cost ranges from 30 to 45 USD, depending on nationality. Payment should be made in USD, but sometimes Thai Baht is also accepted.

For Laos, you’ll need a passport with 6 months validity and two blank pages. The visa form is provided at immigration, and you should have two passport-sized photos. Pay the fee in cash, and it’s best to use exact change.

Eligibility is the same as for the e-visa. All travelers from North and South America, Europe, Australia, and major Asian countries can apply.

You will get Laos visa on arrival on your passport.

Border Tips to Keep Your Cambodia and Laos Tours Smooth

- Always make online applications through official government websites. Third-party agents can be unreliable or charge extra fees.
- Print out paper copies of all electronic documents in case of any connection issues when you are going through immigration.
- USD, exact change, in cash, is always best when paying for a visa on arrival in Laos and Cambodia.
- After receiving your passport back from the immigration office, double-check to ensure you have received the proper entry or exit stamp.
- Unofficial helpers in border areas will sometimes offer their services. They are best avoided.
- Immigration at land border crossings and the visa on arrival line at airports can move slowly, particularly during holidays and peak Southeast Asia tour seasons. Be patient.

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Conclusion

With the many visa options available for Cambodia and Laos tours, you can expect smooth and convenient travel. Some travelers can take advantage of visa-free entry, and e-visas and visas on arrival are available for almost everyone else. E-visas are the smart choice when arriving by air to move quickly through immigration and choose a visa on arrival for land border crossings.

For more information about having an unforgettable Cambodia and Laos tour, contact us anytime, and start planning a dream holiday in Southeast Asia.