Let’s be honest…when you dream of your amazing upcoming trip to Asia it’s unlikely you’re looking forward to sorting out the all-important official government paperwork in order to get your travel visas. However, since it's absolutely necessary we've put together a guide for each of the Asian countries that we Stray in.
Requirements for your Southeast Asia visas can change. We always recommend that you check this information with the relevant embassies before you travel.
How to get a visa for:
BHUTAN
Cost: $50USD
All tourists (except those from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives) will need a visa to enter Bhutan. These visas must be obtained through your tour operator and approved at least 30 days before your trip. Stray applies for the visa on your behalf. You just need to provide us with a scanned copy of your passport which shows both the photo and information page.
Once approved, you will be sent a visa clearance letter with confirmation code. You'll need to print this document and bring it with you to the border, where your visa will be stamped into your passport, and away you go!
BORNEO (MALAYSIA)
Cost: Free
Borneo is an island shared by three nations. On the Stray route, we visit the Malaysian part of Sabah. Most countries (including New Zealand, Australia, United Kingdom, United States and most of Europe) are issued a free 3 month visa on arrival. Your work here is done!
Good to know: Yellow fever vaccination proof is required only if you have been in an infected area in the 5 days prior.
Check if you need a visa here.
CAMBODIA
Cost: $30-35USD (plus processing fee up to $5USD)
With Stray you can enter Cambodia from either Laos, or Thailand, depending on the pass you've chosen.
From Laos
There are 2 border crossings at Don Kralor, one is a river crossing at the village of Veun Kham, which is closed to foreigners. The second crossing is a road crossing on the main highway which is open to foreigners. This is the border you will cross with Stray.
Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival from the Cambodian border. Check here to see if you can. If so, just bring your passport, $30-40USD in cash, and a colour passport photo to the border.
Good to know: Cambodia has an online visa system, however this border crossing does not have the capacity to process E-visas. If you arrive at this border with an E-Visa, you will be required to pay again. Sometimes a processing fee of $1-5USD is added to your visa price.
From Thailand
The same rules apply, when you arrive at the border, jump off the bus with your passport, $30-40USD in cash, and a colour passport photo in hand. The same bus that you get off in Thailand will meet you on the Cambodian side, and there is an English-speaking staff member from the bus company available to assist you if necessary.
Check your country's requirements here ('Who need visa' tab).
LAOS
Cost: $30-50USD (depending on where you're from)
Visitors from most countries can get a visa on arrival at the Laos border. With Stray, you'll be coming from Thailand via the Houay Xai border crossing and you'll have your Guide with you to help you apply and pay for your visa. At the border you'll need your passport, a colour passport photo, and USD in cash. Your Guide will give you a visa application form to fill out.
Good to know: Sometimes a processing fee of $1-5USD is added to your visa price.
THAILAND
Cost: Free
54 countries are exempt from paying the visa fee for Thailand (check yours here). If you're crossing a land border, you will get a 15 day visa; if you fly into an international airport, you get 30days. So you just need to show up with your passport and you'll be granted your visa. Voila!
Check your visa requirements here.
VIETNAM
Cost: $25USD (E-Visa)
You need to obtain your Vietnamese visa before arriving at the border. Most travellers can do this online. We recommend getting this organised several weeks in advance so that you can travel with assurance. Once you've completed the application and paid the fee, you'll be emailed the visa, which you need to print and bring with you to the border. You can also obtain a visa by visiting the Vietnamese embassy in your home country.
Good to know: You must make sure the entry date you put on your visa application is on or after the day you plan to enter Vietnam. If you arrive at the border before the entry date on your visa you will be refused entry and told to come back on the entry date.
HOT TIPS
- Double triple check that your passport is valid for 6 months after you return from travelling.
- Print colour passport photos before you go, and keep them somewhere safe.