Vietnam
U.S. citizens traveling to Vietnam must have a valid passport (with six months validity beyond the stay) and a visa, which is easily obtained via the official 90-day, multi-entry E-visa for US$50, or a single-entry e-visa for US$25. The process takes about 3 working days. E-visas allow entry through 42 designated international borders.
Key Vietnam Visa Information for U.S. Citizens (2026)
- E-Visa (Recommended): The Vietnam National Electronic Visa system is the most common method, allowing up to 90 days for single or multiple entries.
- Validity & Processing: E-visas are valid for up to 90 days and usually processed within 3 working days
- Cost: US$25 for single-entry; US$50 for multiple-entry (fees paid via bank transfer).
- Requirements: A passport with at least six months' validity, a scanned passport photo, and a portrait photo.
- Visa on Arrival (Approval Letter): Requires contacting a travel agency for a "written approval letter" before departure.
- Important Notes: You must enter/exit on the same passport. E-visas must be used at specific, designated international border gates.
It is advised to use only the official Vietnamese National Electronic Visa system to avoid scams.
Cambodia
U.S. citizens traveling to Cambodia require a visa, with the most convenient option being an e-Visa or visa-on-arrival for a 30-day stay. An e-Visa costs roughly $36, while visa-on-arrival is $30, requiring a passport valid for six months, a passport photo, and a completed arrival form.
Key Information for U.S. Citizens
- eVisa (Recommended): Apply online at the official Cambodian government website before travel to avoid queues.
- Visa on Arrival: Available at major airports (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap) and land borders.
- Requirements: A passport with at least 6 months validity, at least one blank visa page, and a 2x2 passport-style photo.
- Fees: Typically $30 for a tourist visa (Type-T), plus processing fees for the e-Visa.
Duration: The tourist visa is valid for a single 30-day entry.
- Mandatory Documentation: Travelers must complete the mandatory Cambodia e-Arrival card before or upon arrival.
Important Tips
- Overstay Penalty: Overstaying the visa results in a fine of $10 per day.
- Currency: U.S. dollars are widely accepted and often preferred; ensure bills are crisp and new.
- Health: Check CDC recommendations for malaria and traveler's diarrhea medication.
- Fingerprinting: Airports now collect fingerprints digitally upon arrival.
Thailand
U.S. citizens traveling to Thailand for tourism or short business stays (up to 60 days) generally do not need a visa, benefiting from a visa exemption. Travelers must complete a Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before departure. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the arrival date.
Key Thailand Visa Information (2026):
- Visa Exemption (60 Days): U.S. citizens entering by air or land for tourism can stay for up to 60 days without a visa. This can be extended once for an additional 30 days at a Thai Immigration office.
- Digital Arrival Card (TDAC): Mandatory for all foreign nationals to complete online 3 days before arrival
- Longer Stays (>60 Days): For stays longer than 60 days, you must apply for a visa in advance via the official Thai e-Visa website.
- Types of Visas:Tourist Visa (TR): Valid for 60 days, extendable by 30 days.
- Destination Thailand Visa (DTV): 5-year visa for remote workers or cultural activities, allowing 180-day stays per entry.
- Non-Immigrant Visas: For business, education, or retirement (e.g., O-A, O).
- Entry Requirements: Immigration may request proof of an onward/return ticket and proof of funds (e.g., 20,000 THB per person).
- Overstaying: Fines, detention, and deportation are possible.
- It is highly recommended to apply for visas through the official e-Visa system at least 15 business days in advance.
