VISA INFORMATION

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 citizens of 80 countries 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 entry visa of up to 30 days currently via the E-visa scheme.

For those requiring multiple entry to Vietnam, we are advised that guests should apply for a second E-visa on the date of departure from Vietnam, allowing at least 3-days out of country before returning on the second E-visa. Multiple entry visas are not currently being issued.

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 are unable to attain an E-visa for Vietnam, we strongly advise working with a local visa agent to attain the required paperwork to make an application from your local Vietnamese Embassy. Due to current demand, we are seeing delayed and limited services for visas and as such we would advise applying as early as possible.

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.

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.

VIETNAM VISA WAIVER SCHEME

Vietnam extends visa waiver for 25 countries, including UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. Travel visa free for up to 15 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.

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 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.

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 17th August 2022