How to Get Visa for a Vietnam and Cambodia Tour: Latest & Ultimate Guide

Most international travelers need a visa for Vietnam and Cambodia tours. Vietnam and Cambodia have been working to make the Visa application process more convenient. A range of visa options are available to help you plan your trip.

Recommend choosing from convenient online e-visas to arrange everything ahead of time, or you can plan to take advantage of the visa-on-arrival system. Here’s the latest information on both countries' visa policies, keep reading to find out how to get a visa for a Vietnam and Cambodia tour.

Do You Need a Visa for Vietnam and Cambodia? Separate Visas Needed

Yes, citizens of most countries will need to obtain a visa for Vietnam and Cambodia. The two countries have different visa processes, with several options. Choosing the best way to get a visa depends on how you are traveling through the region.

A popular Vietnam and Cambodia travel itinerary starts by flying into Hanoi, traveling through Vietnam, and then flying to Cambodia and departing from Siem Reap. For this itinerary, you should first apply for a Vietnam e-visa and then take advantage of Cambodia’s visa on arrival at the airport in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap.

Traveling overland from Cambodia to Vietnam is another popular route. The most convenient visa option in this case is to arrange everything in advance. Cambodia’s e-visa system allows you to skip the line at the airport and proceed directly to immigration. For Vietnam, you will need to apply online for a pre-approved letter that allows you to obtain a visa at the land border. With everything organized ahead of time, you will have a smooth transfer from Cambodia.

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E-Visa is Highly Recommended for a Vietnam and Cambodia Tour

There are three main types of visas for Vietnam and Cambodia: e-visa, visa on arrival, and embassy application. For travelers heading to both Vietnam and Cambodia, we recommend applying for an e-visa. It’s quick and easy to apply for, saving you time upon arrival.

Visas for Vietnam
Citizens of 26 countries are eligible for visa exemptions when entering Vietnam for stays between 14 and 90 days. All other travelers can choose between three ways of obtaining a Vietnam visa.

Vietnam E-visa
Vietnam’s e-visa is the most recommended way to enter the country. Travelers can apply through the official website at https://evisa.gov.vn/. E-visa are available for stays of up to 90 days with options for single or multiple entry. A single-entry, 90-day e-visa costs 25 USD and can be used to enter through major airports and land and sea borders. Visa processing time is three working days.

Vietnam e-visa.

Vietnam Visa on Arrival
Vietnam’s visa-on-arrival system is different from most other countries. Before arriving, a pre-approved letter must be obtained online or through an authorized travel agency. The pre-approval letter is presented at the airport on arrival, and the visa is issued. These visas can be arranged for one or three-month stays at a cost of 25 or 50 USD, respectively. The visa on arrival can only be used for entry at major airports in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Hai Phong, Da Lat, or Nha Trang. The processing time for the pre-approved latter is two business days.

A pre-approved letter for Vietnam Visa on Arrival.

Visa through the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate
Visas can also be obtained through the nearest Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate. This is a slower process, but it can be used to apply for any type of visa that stays between one month and one year. It is valid at any point of entry. The fee varies depending on the Embassy or Consulate. Visa processing time is usually five business days.

Vietnam Visa Exemptions

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Visas for Cambodia
Citizens of 11 countries, including all ASEAN member states, can enter Cambodia visa-free for stays between 14-30 days. Other travelers can choose between three different Cambodia visa options.

Cambodia E-visa
Cambodia’s e-visa allows you to smoothly enter through major airports and border crossings. A 30-day visa can be applied for through the official website at https://www.evisa.gov.kh/. The cost is 30 USD plus a 6 USD processing fee. It takes three business days to process, after which you will receive an e-visa confirmation by email that can be presented at immigration.

Cambodia e-visa sample.

Cambodia Visa on Arrival
A Cambodia visa on arrival is available at the airports in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and at major border crossings. There will be a separate line at the airport for a visa-on-arrival application counter. The visa on arrival is valid for a 30-day stay and costs 30 USD. At busy times, the lines can be long, so be prepared for a wait.

Cambodia Visa on arrival sample.

Visa through the Cambodian Embassy or Consulate
Traditional tourist visas can be obtained through the nearest Cambodian Embassy or Consulate. Applications can be made in person or by mail. Tourist visas are issued for stays of up to 30 days and cost 30 USD. The visa processing time is 3-5 business days.

Cambodia Visa Exemptions

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Which Visas Are Required for Land Border Crossings? Visa on Arrival Only

If you are entering Cambodia through a land border crossing, you will need to obtain a visa on arrival. Have all of your documents ready, including a passport-size photo, and fill in the application form. The cost is 30 USD plus an additional stamping fee. The fee can vary but is typically between 5-15 USD.

E-visas can be used only at the Bavet/Svay Rieng from Vietnam and several points from Thailand or Laos. When entering Vietnam overland, only e-visas are accepted.

Vietnam Ha Ten international border gate.

The Detailed Process of Applying for Visas for Vietnam and Cambodia Online

Before starting the online application process for your Vietnam and Cambodia visa, check the requirements and make sure you have the required documents and information prepared.

Vietnam E-visa Process

Before you start:
- Make sure you have a passport with at least 6 months’ remaining validity
- Prepare scans or electronic copies of your passport photo and data page, and a 2x2 inch portrait photo in jpg format

Four steps to apply for Vietnam e-visa
1) Go to the official website at https://evisa.gov.vn/
2) Upload your photos and passport scans and fill in the required fields
3) Pay the e-visa free
4) Write the registration code

After completing the application and payment, you can use the registration code to check on the process. Once approved, you will be able to download or print your e-visa to present at airport immigration.

Cambodia E-visa Process

Before you start:
- Make sure you have a passport with at least 6 months ’ remaining validity
- Prepare scans or electronic copies of your passport photo and data page, and a 4x6 cm portrait photo in jpg format

Three steps to apply for Cambodia e-visa
1) Go to the official website at https://www.evisa.gov.kh/
2) Upload your photos and passport scans and fill in the required fields
3) Pay the e-visa free

After the visa is processed, you will receive a confirmation by email. Download the pdf, and print out a copy to show at immigration.

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How Much is the Vietnam and Cambodia Visa Fee? From 61USD

The minimum cost for e-visas for a Vietnam and Cambodia trip is 61 USD. This includes the 25 USD e-visa for Vietnam, good for a stay of up to 30 days, and the 30 USD, 30-day e-visa for Cambodia, plus the 6 USD processing fee.

If you are arriving in Cambodia through one of the international airports, the visa on arrival has no extra processing fee, lowering the total visa cost for the trip to 55 USD. However, visa application lines can be long at peak times. The e-visa is the best way to pass through immigration quickly.

Long lines for Cambodia visa on arrival processing.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Visa Application for Vietnam and Cambodia

To ensure a smooth and successful trip, here are some practical tips for managing the visa process.

- Before traveling, make sure your passport has 6 months remaining validity and two blank pages.
- Vietnam and Cambodia have different photo size requirements. Prepare two 2x2 inch photos for Vietnam and two 4x6 cm photos for Cambodia.
- Your entry date on the Vietnamese visa application form must match the date of your flight ticket.
- Print your visa confirmation, e-visa, or pre-approval letter in case you have connection problems at the airport.
- USD is needed for Cambodian visa fees. In Vietnam, most strong currencies are accepted, including USD, Vietnamese dong, Euros, Australian dollars, and Great Britain pounds.

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Conclusion

Vietnam and Cambodia’s modern e-visa and visa-on-arrival systems make it easier to travel to the two countries than ever before. Depending on your Vietnam and Cambodia tour itinerary, you can arrange for e-visas in advance and enjoy a fast and smooth immigration process, or use the visa on arrival at major airports and land border crossings.

Armed with the most recent information, you’ll be prepared with everything you need. Knowing the visa process is covered, you can focus on enjoying a tour through two of the most fascinating countries in Southeast Asia.