VISAS
- This information is provided as reference only, please consult your local embassy for up to date information regarding visa requirements
- For those sailing downstream between Cambodia and Vietnam, please ensure that your Vietnam visa validity is dated to at least three days prior to your actual date of arrival in Saigon (this is because of the river border crossing)
- You need to check with your doctor that you are fit to travel and are up-to-date with all necessary prophylactics for the regions you will be travelling in
- You will need valid travel insurance to cover medical emergencies and loss of any personal possessions
- Visa fee may vary depending on nationality
- You will need at least one empty page for each country (visa sticker) and additional space on second page for entry/exit stamps for each country
VIETNAM VISA
If arriving by international airport
We advise attaining an E-visa for arrival in Vietnam via one of the main international airports. Vietnam E-visa is available to all citizens and can be applied for directly at the Vietnam E-visa webpage on the following link https://evisa.gov.vn.
You can attain a single or multiple entry visa of up to 90 days via the E-visa scheme.
If departing Vietnam via our upstream Mekong cruises into Cambodia, please note the port of exit to note on your E-visa application is Vinh Xuong international land and river border gate, An Giang province.
If arriving via river border (downstream Mekong sailings)
E-visas are now accepted at the river border and remain our recommended method of attaining a visa for Vietnam.
When applying for your Vietnam E-visa please use the following entry point in the section 'Allowed to entry through checkpoint': Vinh Xuong international land and river border gate, An Giang province
This is the border crossing we will use for our sailings and should be selected for those arriving in Vietnam via river with Pandaw. Please also note that your entry date in Vietnam will be 3 days before your scheduled arrival in Saigon.
Visa on arrival service is not available at the river border for Vietnam and all guests must have paper visa or E-visa to enter via the river border.
VIETNAM VISA WAIVER SCHEME
Vietnam extends visa waiver for 25 countries, including UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. Travel visa free for up to 45 days for most citizens (single entry only, please double check with the Vietnamese embassy in your home country before travelling). This also applies for the water crossing coming from Cambodia to Vietnam on the Mekong.
Digital Arrival Card
Foreign travelers entering Vietnam through major international airports (Tan Son Nhat - SGN, Hanoi - HAN, Phu Quoc - PQC, Cam Ranh - CXR, and Danang - DAD) must submit a Vietnam Digital Arrival Card within 3 days prior to arrival.
- Portal: https://prearrival.immigration.gov.vn
- Process: Submitting this declaration in advance transmits your details to immigration authorities, significantly expediting airport clearance.
- Requirement: Guests must save/download the generated QR code to present to immigration officers upon arrival.
CAMBODIA VISA
If Arriving via airport
You can get your visa on arrival at the airport in Siem Reap or apply for an e-visa at https://www.evisa.gov.kh.
If arriving via river border (Mekong upstream cruises)
We arrange the Cambodian visa on arrival at the river border. This visa fee is USD 35.- and please help us to have this amount in cash for processing.
Please note: Cambodia E-visa is not accepted at the river border if you are travelling from Vietnam to Cambodia on a Pandaw cruise.
Border crossing Vietnam: Vinh Xuong / Cambodia: Kaam Samnor.
Digital Arrival Card
Travelers to Cambodia are required to complete the Cambodia e-Arrival Card before arrival. We recommend completing this declaration 7 days prior to departure.
- Portal: https://arrival.gov.kh
- Process: Guests should take a screenshot or download the QR code to keep it easily accessible for immigration officers upon arrival.
- Important Note: The e-Arrival Card is an entry declaration only and DOES NOT replace a visa. Travelers requiring a visa must apply for one separately.
LAOS
Lao visa is available at Vientiane airport or border crossing Chiang Khong / Houixay. Please bring one passport photo. Price varies per nationality USD40 to USD55.
E-visas are also now accepted at the Laos-Thailand Friendship Bridge IV at Chiang Khong as well as international airports in Laos. Please use the official E-visa website only - https://laoevisa.gov.la.
Digital Immigration Registration
International travelers visiting Laos must complete a new Digital Immigration Registration form within 3 days prior to arrival or departure for those entering or exiting via the following checkpoints:
- Wattay International Airport (Vientiane)
- Luang Prabang International Airport
- Pakse International Airport
While this does not apply to our guests during their sailing (as we cross the border on a different river crossing), if you are flying in or out of one of the above airports, you will need to fill out an arrival and departure card at immigration.gov.la. This online form can be completed with the assistance of the onboard crew if needed ahead of your disembarkation. You will need to show the QR code generated by completing the form to the border agent.
THAILAND
Visa not required. 30 days visa waiver for most Western countries if arriving by flight. For land/water arrivals 15 days.
Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
International travelers visiting Thailand must now complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before entering the country. Submit your details at https://tdac.immigration.go.th at least 3 days of your arrival.
To complete your Thailand Digital Arrival Card:
- Visit https://tdac.immigration.go.th at least 3 days before your arrival date
- Click Arrival Card
- Fill in your personal details (passport, flight, hotel address in Thailand)
- Print your confirmation email for immigration
INDIA
Indian Visa must be obtained at the Indian embassy in your home country before arrival or online at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in.
Canadian Citizens: Due to ongoing political tensions, Canadian citizens may experience difficulties or delays in obtaining visas for travel to India. It is advisable to check the latest travel advisories and apply for your visa well in advance.
BHUTAN
If your expedition includes extensions which visit Bhutan please ensure you send Pandaw Cruises a copy of your passport, passport photo as well as flight tickets (either to arrive into Paro, or depart from Paro) at least 60 days prior to your travel date. Your passport must be:
- Ensure that it is the same passport that was used for the Bhutan visa application
- The passport validity can't be less than six months
- All passport will require at least 2 blank pages in their passport for Bhutan entry and exit stamp
Please visit http://cibtvisas.co.uk for further VISA information.
MYANMAR CRUISES
All foreign travelers entering Myanmar require a valid Tourist Visa, which allows a maximum stay of up to 28 days. Passengers are advised to allow at least 2 weeks for visa processing prior to departure.
Passengers may apply for a Myanmar Tourist Visa independently through the official eVisa portal. Alternatively, visa applications can be processed through an authorized travel agent. Additional service fees apply when the visa is processed through an agent. Please ensure that your passport remains valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from Myanmar.
Visit https://evisa.moip.gov.mm/home to apply for your visa online.
Updated on 8th September 2026