Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos: 2025 Visa & Entry Rules for US & EU Travelers

Southeast Asia, with its enchanting landscapes, vibrant culture, and exquisite cuisine, has become a top destination for travelers worldwide. Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, in particular, offer an unforgettable experience. However, before embarking on this adventure, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific entry requirements for each country.

Vietnam - Lan Ha Bay - Mr Linh's Adventures

Vietnam: A Warm Welcome, With or Without a Visa

For stays of 45 days or less, French citizens and many other European countries (the full list is available in the appendix at the end of this article) enjoy a visa exemption. You only need to present a passport valid for at least six months after your departure date from Vietnam, as well as proof of onward travel within 45 days of arrival.
If your stay exceeds 45 days, you have several options. The tourist e-visa, accessible online, allows for multiple entries with a maximum duration of 90 days. You can also opt for a traditional visa by contacting the Vietnamese embassy in Paris (address at the end of the article). Finally, some travel agencies offer an invitation letter service, making it easier to obtain a visa on arrival.

American citizens, on the other hand, must obtain a visa for Vietnam. They can choose between the e-visa, visa on arrival (at certain airports), or a traditional visa by visiting the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in the United States.

The island of Phu Quoc, a true gem of Vietnam, offers a visa exemption for all nationalities for a maximum stay of 30 days. This is granted provided you have a passport valid for at least six months and a round-trip ticket to a country other than Vietnam.

► Vietnam 2025 - New Entry Regulations into Vietnamese Territory

Vietnam - Ha Giang Province - Mr Linh's Adventures

Important Information

Border authorities have the final decision on whether to allow a traveler to enter the country.
Any overstay beyond the authorized period must be regularized with the Vietnamese immigration service before leaving the country.
French minors must have an identity document (passport), a form signed by one of the parents with parental authority, and a photocopy of the signing parent's identity document.
It is advisable to verify the information provided, as regulations can change frequently.

► Plan your 2025 vacation in Vietnam: 7 unique experiences not to be missed!

Cambodia, Phnom Penh - The Silver Pagoda - Royal Palace - Mr Linh's Adventures

Cambodia: Between Tradition and Modernity

Cambodia requires a visa for all travelers, whether they are French, European, or American. Two types of electronic visas are available online: the tourist visa (type T) and the business visa (type E).

The e-Visa: A Simplified Entry Point to Cambodia

Valid for a single entry, it allows a maximum stay of 30 days. It is advisable to apply at least one week before your departure to avoid any setbacks.
The application is made online via the official Cambodian government website. To obtain an e-Visa, you will need a recent passport photo, a scanned copy of your passport, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card).
The process is quick: once the application is submitted and paid for, you will receive an approved visa certificate. This document must be presented at immigration checkpoints.

Visa on Arrival

It is possible to obtain a visa on arrival at the dedicated immigration service counters at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports, at land border crossings from Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, as well as at maritime and river border crossings (Sihanoukville, Oknha Mong, Stung Hav, and Phnom Penh). You must complete a form on site.

Cambodia, South Gate of Angkor Wat - Mr Linh's Adventures

Cambodia e-Arrival

Since September 1, 2024 (postponed to the beginning of this year), a new formality has been introduced: the Cambodia e-Arrival application.
The E-Arrival Card is a digital arrival form designed to replace traditional paper cards. It centralizes all the information needed by the Cambodian immigration services, thus considerably simplifying entry procedures.
Travelers can submit their application online via the official website [www.arrival.gov.kh] or the mobile application (available on the App Store and Google Play). To do this, you will need a passport photo, a scanned copy of your passport, and your flight information. The application also allows you to manage other formalities such as health and customs declarations.
Once your application is validated, a QR code is generated. This code, to be presented to immigration officers upon your arrival (on your mobile device or printed), certifies your entry authorization.
If you are unable to complete the form before your arrival, tablets are available in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports.
Important: The E-Arrival Card does not replace the visa. You must still obtain a tourist visa or an electronic visa (e-visa) to enter Cambodia.

► Traveling from Vietnam to Laos

Laos, Vietiane - Pha That Luang - Mr Linh's Adventures

Laos: An Authentic and Spiritual Journey

Laos also requires a visa for French, European, and American citizens. However, Swiss citizens do not need a visa for stays of less than 15 days.
The visa is generally valid for 3 months from the date of issue, allowing a stay of 29 days from the date of entry.
Two options are available to you: the e-visa, which can be applied for online and allows a maximum stay of 30 days (cost: 50 USD), or the visa on arrival, available at the main international airports and certain border crossings (see appendix).
To enter Laos, you will need to present a passport valid for at least six months, a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation and sufficient funds, as well as a passport photo.

Tips and Useful Information

Before leaving, it is strongly recommended to consult the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country to obtain the most recent information on entry regulations. It is also wise to scan or photograph your important documents (passport, driver's license, bank cards) in case of loss or theft.

Vietnam - Ban Gioc Waterfalls - Mr Linh's Adventures

Useful Links

✓ Embassy of Vietnam in France
✓ Embassy of Cambodia in France
✓ Embassy of Laos in France

► More practical informations on our Embassy Locator page


Adventure to Vietnam & Cambodia	Vietnam - Cambodia - Laos tour	Explore Vietnam and Laos

APPENDICES

Main Entry Points to Vietnam Accepting e-Visa

e-Visa holders for Vietnam can enter and exit the country through 42 international checkpoints. Here are the main ones, grouped by type:

♦ International Airports
• Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
• Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
• Da Nang International Airport1
• Cam Ranh International Airport (Khanh Hoa)
• Cat Bi International Airport (Hai Phong)
• Can Tho International Airport
• Phu Quoc International Airport (Kien Giang)
• Phu Bai International Airport (Hue)
• Van Don International Airport (Quang Ninh)
• Tho Xuan International Airport (Thanh Hoa)
• Dong Hoi International Airport (Quang Binh)
• Phu Cat International Airport (Binh Dinh)
• Lien Khuong International Airport (Lam Dong)

♦ Land Border Crossings:
• Mong Cai Border Gate (Quang Ninh)
• Lao Cai Border Gate
• Lang Son Border Gate (Huu Nghi)
• Ha Tien Border Gate (Kien Giang)
• Moc Bai Border Gate (Tay Ninh)
• Bo Y Border Gate
• Cha Lo Border Gate
• Nam Can Border Gate
• La Lay Border Gate
• Lao Bao Border Gate
• Xa Mat Border Gate
• Tinh Bie Border Gate
• Cau Treo Landport
• Na Meo Landport
• Song Tien Landport
• Tay Trang Landport

♦ Seaports:
• Ho Chi Minh City Port
• Da Nang Port
• Hai Phong Port
• Nha Trang Port
• Quy Nhon Port
• Hon Gai Port
• Cam Pha Seaport
• Nghi Son Seaport
• Chan May Seaport
• Dung Quat Seaport
• Vung Tau Seaport
• Duong Dong Port

It is important to check the latest updates regarding authorized entry points, as this list may be modified by the Vietnamese authorities. Similarly, ensure that the entry point indicated when applying for the e-visa is accurate, as entry may be refused otherwise.