Cambodia Visa vs Laos Visa — Compared for 2026

Cambodia issues a paid eVisa online; Laos still mostly issues Visa on Arrival in cash USD at the border. If you are crossing overland or flying in, Cambodia is the more predictable of the two. Here is the full side-by-side.

Comparados lado a lado

De un vistazoCambodia VisaeVisa (online)Laos VisaVisa on Arrival (and eVisa for some)
Common routeOnline eVisaVisa on Arrival at major checkpoints
Cost$80 USD all-inclusiveUSD 30–45 cash depending on nationality
Apply in advance?Yes — pre-approvedMost travellers pay on the day
Processing time24–72 hoursOn the spot, 15–45 minute queue
Stay durationUp to 30 daysUp to 30 days
Photo at the border?No — already on the applicationYes — bring a printed passport photo
Cash needed?NoYes — USD cash, exact change preferred
Best forPredictable, pre-paid entryWalk-up overland crossings if you carry USD

Veredicto

Ventajas y desventajas

Cambodia Visa

eVisa (online)

Ventajas

  • Pre-approved before flying
  • No cash required at the border
  • Photo handled in the application
  • All-inclusive $80 USD

Contras

  • Not free — every nationality pays the same flat fee
  • Single entry only on the tourist route

Laos Visa

Visa on Arrival (and eVisa for some)

Ventajas

  • No advance planning required for most travellers
  • Available at all major Lao airports and main land borders
  • Lower USD headline cost
  • Simple paperwork at the counter

Contras

  • USD cash only — ATMs can be down at remote posts
  • Printed photo required at the counter
  • Queue times unpredictable in peak season
  • No online refund if turned away

Preguntas frecuentes

Can I cross from Cambodia to Laos overland?

Yes — the Trapeang Kreal / Veun Kham crossing is the standard route. Cambodia eVisa works on the Cambodian side; Laos issues Visa on Arrival on the Lao side. Carry USD cash and a passport photo for the Laos leg.

Does Laos have an eVisa?

Yes — Laos runs an eVisa for some nationalities, but the Visa on Arrival route remains the most common in practice. Check your passport eligibility before relying on either.

Which border posts accept the Cambodia eVisa from Laos?

The main Trapeang Kreal crossing accepts the Cambodia eVisa. Smaller, less-trafficked posts can be unpredictable — confirm before committing to a specific overland route.

How much USD cash should I carry for the Laos border?

Plan for USD 30–45 for the visa itself plus USD 5–10 for incidental fees that some posts charge. Bring exact change in clean, undamaged notes — torn or marked bills are sometimes refused.

Is Cambodia or Laos cheaper to visit?

Day-to-day costs are similar — both are low-cost SE Asia destinations. The visa fee is the only meaningful difference and even that nets close to even once you factor in photo and cash handling.

Can I do both countries in one trip?

Easily — a 10–14 day loop covers Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, the Mekong border crossing and 4000 Islands in southern Laos. The 30-day Cambodia visa is more than enough for that itinerary.

Solicitar el eVisa de Camboya

Pre-aprobado antes de volar, todo incluido $80 USD. La aprobación generalmente llega en 24–72 horas.