Laden…
Loading…
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.
| At a glance | Cambodia VisaeVisa (online) | Laos VisaVisa on Arrival (and eVisa for some) |
|---|---|---|
| Common route | Online eVisa | Visa on Arrival at major checkpoints |
| Cost | AUD 80 all-inclusive | USD 30–45 cash depending on nationality |
| Apply in advance? | Yes — pre-approved | Most travellers pay on the day |
| Processing time | 24–72 hours | On the spot, 15–45 minute queue |
| Stay duration | Up to 30 days | Up to 30 days |
| Photo at the border? | No — already on the application | Yes — bring a printed passport photo |
| Cash needed? | No | Yes — USD cash, exact change preferred |
| Best for | Predictable, pre-paid entry | Walk-up overland crossings if you carry USD |
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.
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.
The main Trapeang Kreal crossing accepts the Cambodia eVisa. Smaller, less-trafficked posts can be unpredictable — confirm before committing to a specific overland route.
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.
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.
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.
Pre-approved before you fly, all-inclusive AUD 80. Approval typically lands within 24–72 hours.