Entering Cambodia from Laos by land is a convenient way to visit both Southeast Asian countries.
Moreover, travelers can cross the Laos to Cambodia border with an eVisa. Getting the visa in advance makes the border crossing process more streamlined and hassle-free. It takes just a few minutes to apply online.
Find further information about crossing the border from Laos to Cambodia with an eVisa below.
How to Get from Laos to Cambodia by Land
You can get from Laos to Cambodia by crossing the land border. The Cambodia eVisa can be used at the Tropeang Kreal border post, making this a convenient option for foreign visitors.
This crossing connects the Champasak province in Laos with the Stung Treng province in Cambodia.
Tour operators offer transport packages from Si Phan Don (4,000 Islands) to Cambodia. A bus takes passengers to the border and, after completing the crossing procedures, onwards to Phnom Penh.
Other ways to travel from Laos to Cambodia
You may also fly from Laos to Cambodia with an eVisa. The flight time is around 1 hour 37 minutes. Techo, Seam Reap, and Sihanoukville International Airports all accept the Cambodia online visa.
Laos is a landlocked nation, which means it is not possible to travel by boat from Laos to Cambodia. There is also no Laos to Cambodia train.
Visa to Enter Cambodia from Laos
Most foreigners need a visa to enter Cambodia. This includes passport holders from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Travelers are advised to apply for an eVisa when using the Tropean Kreal border crossing.
Although Cambodia visas on arrival are available at the land border, this involves filling out forms at the border and paying the exact fee in cash.
People who already have their approved Cambodian visa before reaching the border can make the trip with greater peace of mind.
Advantages of crossing the Cambodia Laos border with an eVisa
- No visa forms to fill out at the border
- Visa fee paid securely online by card
- Avoid being charged an extra fee for assistance
- Streamline the border crossing process
Apply for a visa to cross the border from Laos into Cambodia
Travelers can apply for the Cambodia eVisa online from Laos, or any other part of the world, from a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
Applicants should submit their request several days before they plan to make the Laos to Cambodia border crossing: It takes 3 to 4 days to process.
To meet Cambodia’s visa requirements, the traveler’s passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the date of arrival. They need to fill out the Cambodia eVisa application form with basic personal details, passport data, and other travel information.
Once the application has been reviewed and approved, the traveler receives their Cambodia eVisa by email. The visa must be presented with the passport used to apply, on entering Cambodia.
Anyone without an eVisa will need to complete the visa forms by hand before being able to continue their journey to Cambodia.
Things to consider at the Cambodia/Laos Border Crossing
The border crossing from Laos to Cambodia is generally straightforward and safe. However, as in the case of the Vietnam/Cambodia border, travelers should be aware of possible scams on both sides of the border. These generally involve immigration officials trying to charge foreigners extra money such as:
- Passport stamp: The police officer often charges 2 dollars to stamp the passport to exit Laos. The same may then occur in Cambodia when the official stamps your passport to enter the country.
- Medical check: The officials claim that there will be a medical check and charges 1 dollar. Rather than a medical exam, they issue a paper with health guidelines and relevant phone numbers.
- Visa on arrival: As previously mentioned, the easiest option is to get a Cambodia eVisa before traveling and have it printed and ready to show the immigration officials. This avoids any extra visa charges at the border.
- Helpers: People claiming to be “helpers” may ask travelers for their passport before reaching the official checkpoint. They will offer to get the paperwork done. This can be avoided by having an eVisa prepared. Travelers are strongly advised not to give their passport to anyone except the immigration officials.
It is advisable to carry some cash, even when in possession of an eVisa, when making to Laos to Cambodia border crossing in case requested by officials.
The majority of travelers cross from Laos to Cambodia without any issues. With the eVisa, tourists can stay and explore Cambodia for up to 30 days. It is a single-entry permit, which means it can be used to enter the country once.
