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.xuatnhapcanh.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 SONG TIEN LANDPORT.
If you wish to attain a visa on arrival, Pandaw can assist with an invitation letter and support on arrival. Please send your passport copy and full travel itinerary to our team at least 30 days in advance. The fee is $100 USD and includes on arrival support from a local visa agent.
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': SONG TIEN LANDPORT
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.
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 along with one passport photo 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.
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.
THAILAND
Visa not required. 30 days visa waiver for most Western countries if arriving by flight. For land/water arrivals 15 days.
INDIA
Indian Visa must be obtained at the Indian embassy in your home country before arrival or online at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in.
Please note that for guests travelling on the 21-night Bangladesh reposition cruise that E-visa will not be accepted at the river borders and a paper version muiltiple entry visa for India will need to be attained prior to your travel.
A visa on arrival for Bangladesh will be arranged onboard so no need to pre-arrange your Bangladesh visa.
BHUTAN
If your expedition includes extensions which visit Bhutan please ensure you send Pandaw Cruises a copy of your passport as well as flight tickets (either to arrive into Paro, or depart from Paro) at least 50 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
The easiest way of arranging a visa to Myanmar is to use official government e-visa service. Apply at http://evisa.moip.gov.mm, pay by credit card and receive your visa by e-mail. Alternatively please arrange your visa at the Myanmar Embassy in your home country.
Please note: Thai citizens enter Burma visa-free but need a pre-arranged visa when visiting Mergui.
Updated on 30th August 2023
