Visas

Cambodia - Vietnam - Laos - Myanmar

It is possible to get a visa on arrival but only at certain places and this is often difficult. It is recommended that you obtain a visa in advance from the Embassy if you intend to travel overland.

Cambodia

Cambodia Border Crossings

Airport
1. Phnom Penh International Airport
2. Siem Reap International Airport

Overland
1. Poipet (border with Thailand)*
2. Bavet (border with Vietnam)*
3. Khorm Samnor (border with Vietnam)*
4. Veng Kham (border with Lao)
5. Osmach (border with Thailand)*
6. Koh Kong (border with Thailand)*
*Indicates that visa-upon-arrival facilities are available. However, if travelling overland, Indochina Services recommends obtaining visas in advance from the Embassy.

Visa upon Arrival

Requirements
1. Visa application form
2. Passport size photograph (x1)
3. Valid passport
4. US $ 20 in cash (subject to change)

Procedure
Hand over the passport, application form and visa fee to the visa counter upon arrival.

Processing
Time Approximately 20 - 60 minutes; processing time may vary.

Other
1. Single entry tourist visa valid 4 weeks
2. Visa stamp requires 1 full page
3. No prior registration or approval from authorities necessary

Visa From The Embassy of Cambodia

Requirements
1. Visa application form
2. Passport size photograph (x1)
3. Passport (valid for at least 3 months)
4. Photocopy of passport
5. Bank cheque or cash for visa fee (please contact embassy for current fees)
6. Self-addressed and stamped envelope

Procedure
All above-mentioned documents must be sent to the nearest Cambodian Embassy for the visa stamp.

Processing Time
Please contact embassy

Other
1. Single entry tourist visa valid 4 weeks
2. Visa stamp requires 1 full page
3. No prior registration or approval from authorities necessary

Laos

Laos Border Crossings

Air
1. Airport Vientiane International Airport
2. Luang Prabang International Airport
3. Pakse International Airport

Overland
1. Friendship Bridge, Vientiane Nong Kai (Thailand)*
2. Houeixay Chiang Khong (Thailand)*
3. Thakhaek Kanorn Phanom (Thailand)*
4. Savannakhet Mukdahan (Thailand)*
5. Pakse Chongmek (Thailand)*
6. Densavanh Lao Bao (Vietnam)*
7. Keoneua Cau Treo (Vietnam)*
8. Mahaxai Chalo (Vietnam)*
9. Nam Khan Qui Son (Vietnam)*
10. Boten Bohan (China)*
11. Veun Kham Stung Treng (Cambodia)
12. Xieng Kok (Myanmar)

*Indicates that visa-upon-arrival facilities are available.

Visa upon arrival

Requirements
1. Visa application form (available upon arrival at the entry points specified above)
2. Passport size photograph (x1)
3. Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity
4. US $30 in cash (fees subject to change)

Procedure
Hand over the passport and application form to the visa counter upon arrival to obtain a visa.

Processing
Time Approximately 10 - 40 minutes; times may vary

Other
1. Single entry tourist visa valid 15 days
2. Visa stamp requires 1 full page
3. No prior registration or approval from authorities necessary.

Visa from the Embassy of Laos

equirements
1. Visa application form (x2)
2. Passport size photograph (x2)
3. Valid passport
4. Visa application fee in cash or bank cheque (please contact embassy for current visa fees)

Please contact the Embassy for Procedures and Processing time.

Other
1. Single entry tourist visa valid 30 days
2. Visa stamp requires 1 full page

Visa Exemptions

Citizens of the following countries are exempt from applying for a 30-day tourist visa (for longer stays, they must follow specified application procedures):
- Cambodia
- Malaysia
- Vietnam
- Singapore

Vietnam

Vietnam Border Crossings

irport
1. Hanoi International Airport
2. Da Nang International Airport
3. Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) International Airport

Overland
1. Mekong River (border with Cambodia)
2. Moc Bai (border with Cambodia)
3. Vinh Xuong/Khorm Samnor (border with Cambodia)
4. Lak Sao (border with Laos)
5. Lao Cai (border with China)

Visa upon Arrival

Note: This visa is only available if you already have an invitation letter obtained prior to arrival.

Requirements
1. Visa application form (available upon arrival at the airport)
2. Passport size photograph (x2)
3. Valid passport
4. US $25 in cash
5. Visa invitation letter from Vietnam authorities

Procedure
1. Hand over the passport and application to the visa counter upon arrival to get the visa stamp.

Processing Time
1. Approximately 30 minutes upon arrival for visa stamp; processing time may vary
2. 4 to 7 days for visa approval through the Vietnam authorities prior to arrival

Other
1. Single entry tourist visa valid 4 weeks
2. Visa stamp requires 1 full page

Visa from the Embassy of Vietnam

Requirements
1. Visa application form (x2)
2. Passport size photograph (x2)
3. Valid passport
4. Visa application fee in cash (please contact embassy for current visa fees)
5. Visa approval number from Vietnam authorities

Procedure
1. Visa approval number. This may be obtained through the embassy or through Indochina Services. Submit the following details to visa@is-intl.com or complete the online application under www.booking.indochina-services.com:
-Passport details
-Dates of travel
-Port of entry

Processing Time
1. 7 to 9 days for visa approval
2. Please contact embassy for processing time for visa

Other
1. Single entry tourist visa valid 4 weeks
2. Visa stamp requires 1 full page

Urgent Visa
Tour operators can obtain an urgent visa approval letter within 72 hours (3 working days) with additional surcharges (Please contact visa@is-intl.com)

Multiple Entry
Tour operators can obtain a multiple entry visa approval letter with additional surcharges (Please contact visa@is-intl.com)

Visa Exemptions

Citizens of the following countries are exempt from applying for a 30-day tourist visa (for longer stays, they must follow specified application procedures):
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Laos
- Philippines
- Malaysia
- Thailand
- Singapore
- South Korea

Myanmar

Border Crossings

Airport
- Yangon International Airport*+
- Mandalay International Airport+
- Bagan International Airport

Overland
- Tachilek (Thailand)
- Kawthaung (Thailand)
- Muse (China)

*Indicates that visa-upon-arrival facilities are available.
+Indicates that online visas are accepted

Visa on Arrival
Note: This visa is only available if you already have an approval letter obtained prior to arrival. Because the approval letter process can be time consuming, Indochina Services recommends the online visas as the most convenient method (see details below).

Requirements
1. Valid passport
2. USD 20 in cash
3. Visa approval letter from the Myanmar authorities

Procedure
1. Request a visa approval letter from the Myanmar authorities (may be done through INDOCHINA SERVICES at visa@is-intl.com with a valid tour booking - additional charges may occur)
2. Hand over the passport and application to the visa counter upon arrival to get the visa stamp.

Processing Time
3-5 days for the visa approval letter; approximately 20 minutes upon arrival at the airport. The visa letter request must be submitted at least 20 days prior to arrival of the client, though rush services are possible (additional charges may apply).

General Information
Single entry tourist visas are valid for 4 weeks
A visa stamp requires 1 full page

Visa From The Embassy of Myanmar

Requirements
1. Visa application form (x1) and arrival form (x1)
2. Passport size photograph (x2)
3. Valid passport
4. Visa application fee (please contact embassy for current fees)
5. Self-addressed and stamped envelope

Procedure
All the above-mentioned documents should be sent to your nearest Myanmar Embassy by registered mail for a visa stamp. Once the authorities approve the visa, the passport is posted back to you in your self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Processing Time
Please contact the embassy for visa processing time

Other
Single entry tourist visas are valid for 4 weeks
A visa stamp requires 1 full page
No prior registration or approval from authorities necessary.

Vietnam Travel Tips

Health Care Service

Travellers tend to worry about contracting infectious diseases when in the tropics, but infections are a rare cause of serious illness or death in travellers. Pre-existing medical conditions such as heart disease, and accidental injury (especially traffic accidents), account for most life-threatening problems. Becoming ill in some way, however, is a relatively common thing. Fortunately, most common illnesses can either be prevented with some common-sense behaviour or be treated easily with a well-stocked traveller’s medical kit.

Heath care system in Vietnam

Health issues and the quality of medical facilities vary enormously depending on where and how you travel in Vietnam. Most major towns in Vietnam will have a public hospital, but these can be poorly equipped and overcrowded. Also you will probably need a Vietnamese speaker to assist with translation. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have a few well equipped private hospitals with English speaking staff, while it is often hard to see a doctor in rural areas.
Pharmacies can be found in almost every town. Write down the name of the medicine you want to buy, or use body language to explain, as not many pharmacist can communicate in English.
Prior to departure, you may want to consult your doctor on vaccination and get well-prepared for a small first-aid-kit. The following vaccines are recommended: Polio, tetanus, yellow fever, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis. Your personal kit must have solution to stomachache, headache and such.

Acclimatization

Adjusting to the tropical climate of South Vietnam can take a while, but you can lessen the degree of discomfort by heeding a few suggestions.

• Wear loose-fitting, natural fibre clothing and open shoes, which give good skin ventilation. Perspiration and dampness can cause bacterial and fungal growth, which cause itching and rashes.
• Increase fluid intake to prevent dehydration. Water and fruit juices are best. Sachets of re-hydration powder are a useful addition to your luggage. When mixed with water the powder forms a refreshing drink designed to rebalance the levels of salt in the body. This is especially useful if you have had a bout of "Travellers Tummy"
• Increase physical activity gradually until you become accustomed to the heat and humidity. Limit outdoor activity to early morning, or late afternoon and evening.
• After bathing, dry thoroughly and apply powder.
• Use a fan to circulate air instead of air-conditioning. This will greatly speed up the process of acclimatisation.
• The sun shines over half of a day along the country, so make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen, wear a hat to protect you head and a sun block to protect exposed areas of the body. Additionally, the dust rate in the air is quite high in industrial cities; it is advisable you buy a small mask just like the local in case you are allergic.
• Vietnam is a tropical country, which entails many kinds of dangerous bacteria and insects. Mosquito repellents are essential. If there are cases of malaria or dengue fever, you should go to doctor immediately.

The Water

Tap water comes from various sources. In major towns and cities it may have passed through a treatment plant. However, this is no guarantee of its purity so don't drink it.
Bottled water is provided in most hotels, and can also be bought easily and inexpensively at most shops. Make sure the seal is intact before you buy. Avoid ice cubes unless you are sure they are made from purified water.

Malaria

If you are going to high risk area such as Ca Mau seek medical advice before you leave. Such advice is best obtained from organisations like the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, in London, who have the latest information. Some strains of Malaria parasite are now resistant to the more common anti-malarial drugs. Therefore, it is important to check ensure that you have the correct medication for the country you are going to visit.
Generally it is wise to take sensible precautions to avoid insect bites at all times. If windows are fitted with insect screens use them. The sensible use of an insect spray to kill any invaders is also recommended. Several different brands are available in the shops.

Rabies

Rabies is endemic in Vietnam so if you are bitten by an animal seek medical advice immediately. You should also ask your doctor about vaccination against rabies before you leave home.

HIV-AIDS

If you don't know how this disease is transmitted find out right now!
If you do require an injection of any kind, watch carefully to see that the doctor or nurse uses a new syringe and needle, or take on with you. Condoms are widely available throughout the country.
The bottom line is having your travel insurance ready before the trip.

Some international hospitals/clinics in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (American, French and German doctors on staff)

In Hanoi: (Tel code: 84-4)

• Bach Mai Hospital
  Giai Phong Street, Tel:
  Large local hospital with a well-equipped and staffed foreigners wing.
  
  
• Hanoi French Hospital
  1 Phuong Mai Str.
  Tel: 577-1100, emergency: 574-1111
  Professionally managed and staffed family health clinic with dull emergency medical services including medevac. Foreign and local doctors include experts in tropical medicine, natal care, psychology and other discriplines.
  
  
• Family Medical Practice
  Unit 109-112, Van Phuc, Blog A1, Kim Ma Str.
  Tel: 843-0748 (24hours)
  Professionally managed and staffed family health clinic with dull emergency medical services including medevac. Foreign and local doctors include experts in tropical medicine, natal care, psychology and other discriplines.
  
  
• Vietnam-Korea Friendship Hospital
  12 Chu Van An Str.
  Tel: 843-7231
  
• International SOS
  31 Hai Ba Trung Str.
  Tel: 934-0666, emergency: 934-0555

In Ho Chi Minh City: (Tel code: 84-8)

• Saigon International Clinic
  8 Alexandre de Rhodes Str., District 1
  Tel: 823-8888
  
• Columbia Asia
  8 Alexandre de Rhodes, Dict 1, Tel: 848-823 8888
  
• Gia Dinh International Hospital
  1 Trang Long Str., Bin Thanh District
  Tel: 803-0678
  
• Franco-Vietnamese Hospital
  6 Nguyen Luong Bang, District 7, Tel: 844-411 3333
  
• Franco Vietnamese Hospital
  6 Nguyen Luong Bang Str., District 7
  Tel: 411-3333
  
• International SOS
  65, Nguyen Du Str.
  Tel: 829-8520, emergency: 829-8424