As a backpacker in Southeast Asia crossing borders becomes a regular undertaking. Each country has a different rule of entry and some countries will require you to apply for a visa before you travel. As visa requirements often change, for travellers in South East Asia it can be difficult to plan things like budget and duration of travel. Here, we’ve done our best to compile the latest visa information in South East Asia to make it easier for you to plan your trip! Please be aware that information regarding visas is particularly vulnerable to change and make sure you check. if you have new knowledge of a change in border crossing information! If you have new information, blog it here.

Brunei Darussalam:

Nationals of most European countries (this includes 25 countries in the European Union), Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and New Zealand do not need to apply for a Tourist Visa for visits of up to 30 days.

USA citizens can stay for up to 90 days.

Citizens of Indonesia, Thailand, Canada, Japan, Switzerland and Norway will receive a 14 day entry.

Other nationalities need to apply for a visa in advance which takes 1-3 days to process. For single entry, the visa costs B$20 or multiple entry B$30. If you require a multiple entry visa for a period longer than three days the cost will be B$50.

72 hour transit visas are also available for most nationalities provided that the traveller can show a ticket for an onward destination.

Passports must be valid for up to 6 months before entering and the embassy recommends that you travel with at least two unused pages in your passport.

Cambodia:

Most nationalities can obtain a one month tourist Visa upon arrival which costs around $20.

At land border crossings, notably the Thai/Cambodian border, the fee can be more expensive as the cost is paid in Thai baht and is sometimes rounded up considerably (currently 1200 baht).

You will need two passport photos to apply, or you will be charged extra (usually only $1-2).

Visa extension: Visa extensions can be obtained at Phnom Penh immigration office – opposite the International Airport. Tourist visas can be extended one month (around US$35). Some guest houses and travel agencies will also offer the service for a fee. For longer extensions ask for details at the Immigration Office.

See Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation for further information and contact details.

East Timor:

Nationals from most European countries, Australia, Canada and the USA do not need to arrange a visa in advance.

Visas must be applied for in advance, as they are no longer granted on the land border.Passports must be valid for up to 6 months before entering.

It is important to note that there are no currency exchange facilities at the airport or other border posts, so you will need to take cash before you travel.

Visa extension: Visas can be extended for 30 days, costing up to $45. You must have a valid reason for staying.

Penalty for late departure: Penalties range from $70 – $150 US Dollars if the period does not exceed 30 days.

Indonesia:

For visa extensions, go to the Jakarta Indonesia immigration office.

Nationals of Australia, Canada, USA, UK and most European countries are eligible for a 30 day visa upon entry, which costs around $25 USD (cost varies depending on point of entry). Payments can be made in US Dollars only.

Please note – the previous $10, 7-day visa is no longer available.You will need 2 passport photographs and your passport must be valid for up to 6 months before entering.

Vietnam:

Visas for entering Vietnam must be arranged in advance. You can do this at the Vietnamese embassies in whichever country you are in and some travel agencies also offer the service. Visas can also be obtained in advance via Vietnam Airlines online via www.vietnamvisaconsultant.com

The service will email you a letter of approval before you travel which you must show to the airline before you board the plane. When you arrive at the airport then you must show the letter, pay a fee of $10 USD and receive your visa.

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