Frequently asked questions
Short answers to the questions travellers ask most, plus extensions, insurance, e-Visa timing and passport validity.
Do I need a visa for Vietnam and Cambodia from the UK?
For Vietnam, no: UK passport holders can visit visa-free for up to 45 days for tourism or business. For Cambodia, yes: get the USD 30 tourist e-Visa from evisa.gov.kh at least 4 days ahead, or a visa on arrival. Both Cambodia options allow 30 days. This is correct as of 8 October 2026.
Can I cross from Vietnam to Cambodia overland on an e-Visa?
Yes, as long as your Vietnam e-Visa lists the land border gate you use, because e-Visas are restricted to the entry and exit points chosen when you apply. On the Cambodian side, UK FCDO advice says visas on arrival are available at land border crossings. If you plan to return to Vietnam, Australian and US travellers need a multiple-entry e-Visa.
How much does a Southeast Asia visa cost for 40 days?
It depends on where you spend the 40 days. A UK passport covers 40 days in Vietnam visa-free at no cost. Splitting 40 days between Vietnam and Cambodia costs USD 30 in official fees on a UK passport (the Cambodia e-Visa), or USD 55 on an Australian or US passport (a USD 25 single-entry Vietnam e-Visa plus the Cambodia e-Visa). Thailand's visa exemption is 30 days, so 40 days in Thailand alone needs a visa such as the TR e-Visa. Official portals avoid agent mark-ups.
Which Southeast Asian countries are visa-free for UK citizens?
As of the dates on this page: Vietnam (up to 45 days), Thailand (up to 30 days for tourism), Malaysia (90 days), Singapore (stay decided at entry, usually 30 to 90 days) and the Philippines (30 days). Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Myanmar and Timor-Leste need a visa, e-Visa or visa on arrival.
Do I need a work visa to work remotely in Southeast Asia short term?
There is no single regional rule, and visa-free or tourist entry is meant for tourism. UK FCDO advice says Thailand's visa exemption covers tourism only, not business activities, and that working in Cambodia needs a business visa and a work permit. Check the destination's immigration authority before you work there, even for a foreign employer.
Is gov.uk the official source for Southeast Asia visas?
GOV.UK travel advice is the UK government's summary of each country's entry rules and a reliable starting point, but the destination country sets and enforces them. Apply only through the destination's official portals, such as evisa.gov.vn for Vietnam and evisa.gov.kh for Cambodia, and confirm anything unclear with that country's embassy.
Can I extend a visa-on-arrival?
It depends on the country. In Thailand, eligible visitors can apply for an extension through the Thai immigration authorities. Cambodia allows extensions through licensed agents or immigration. Vietnam has no automatic extensions: any extension is decided by its Immigration Department and must be requested before your permitted stay ends, and an e-Visa obtained while in Vietnam only starts after you exit and re-enter. Always check current rules.
Do I need travel insurance?
Most countries here do not legally require it for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical costs and evacuation from remote areas can be expensive. Some long-stay visas may require proof of insurance.
How early should I apply for an e-Visa?
GOV.UK advises applying for a Cambodia e-Visa at least 4 days ahead and a Laos e-Visa at least 5 days ahead. Applying at least 7 days before travel leaves a margin for Vietnam and Cambodia. Use only the official government portals linked above, not third-party paid services.
What about the six-month passport rule?
Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia all require a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date you arrive, according to GOV.UK (checked 15 Oct 2026). Laos and Vietnam also need 2 blank pages and Thailand 1. Check other countries before you travel, and renew early if expiry is within 12 months.
