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How to Cross a Land Border in Asia
Border Gate at Cambodia
Most people will never cross a border by land; they’ll pass through a departure gate or fly over one at 20,000 feet. However, people who are on very cheap holidays will more than likely cross the borders by travelling overland, and this is a very different thing altogether. The vast majority of Asia backpackers will, at some stage on their trip, be faced with an overland border crossing. The first one is always a little tense because frankly… who knows what to expect? I know my first one between Thailand and Cambodia was, anyway…
Unfortunately, borders seem to attract the kind of people looking to make a quick buck from the unsuspecting backpacker.
To be brutally honest, a bit of common sense will get you through fine, but that’s something that often lacking these days… so instead here’s 10 simple tips to get you to the other side.
How to cross a border by land
1. Make sure you have plenty of small change
For visa fees, taxis, etc. at borders, cash from either side will usually do but make sure they are small notes/coins… obviously nobody at the borders will have any change! It’s also good sense to carry a little stash of universal notes like US dollars – the greenback is accepted everywhere.
2. People don’t want to carry your bags for fun
At many land borders there’ll be people keen to “help you out”, be it by carrying your backpack from one post to the next or translating at the desk… These are not “border enthusiasts” they are people out to make a living. I’ve seen a lot of backpackers surprised when their “new friend” asks for payment.
3. Treat the border like a wall
It may seem like a good idea to book your taxi or bus before you cross so you get the VIP seats or the best deal, 95% of the time it’s not. Whoever is selling the service knows that once you’re across the border you won’t be coming back. Think about it!
4. The only officials are the ones at the desks
Sometimes a border crossing can be quite full-on because a lot of people are trying to get your attention like bus touts, duty free sellers and porters. It’s easy to mistake a well dressed, helpful person for an official. Go to the desk/window first and take your backpack with you!
5. Plan ahead
Get yourself on the internet. Backpackers are posting information every day about current border status, scams and what to do/not do. It’s a great resource and regularly updated by backpackers and locals alike.
6. Be patient
A lot of overland border crossings can take time, lots of paperwork and the fact people often arrive by the busload. Getting frustrated is a big mistake! Get a book out… relax… chat to people.
7. Carry a stock of passport pictures
Most land borders aren’t hooked up with the same technology as airports so you’ll need a passport picture or two of yourself. If you don’t have them they’ll usually be able to take some, but of course at an inflated price! It’s just good practice to keep a few tucked into your passport.
8. One night’s accommodation
I’ve found it’s always a good idea to have enough cash for at least one night’s accommodation and food, simply because banks nowadays are crazy about card fraud and regardless of whether you pre-warn them or not, a lot of them will put your card on hold once it pops up in a new country when you’re trying to get cash out – at least until they speak to you.
9. Time difference
If there is a time difference, make sure you’re aware of it and that what time both border posts close. Both sides may well close at 5pm, but if the other side of the border is an hour ahead, you’ll be spending a night in no-man’s land.
10. Be polite and smile
Remember that for the people around the border, this is their job and their livelihood. Some snotty backpacker having a moan about the heat or how long it takes won’t help anyone. Practice a few words of the language on them, smile, then thank them. Treat them as you would want to be treated!
Borders can be a great place to meet other backpackers they are only daunting if you’re unprepared. Above all just use some common sense and a smile, under no circumstances lose your temper! Crossing borders is all part of backpacking and once you’ve got a few under your belt you’ll wonder what you worried about.
Article written by Terry Fletcher, beforeyoubackpack.com
Linda says:
April 16, 2012 at 7:55 am
hey guys, on enetering vietnam overland , do you have to have a specific entry point on the visa you have already obtained from the vietnamese embassy?
Regards Linda
In reply to Linda | Kuan says:
April 16, 2012 at 8:49 am
The international crossings are generally open to all foreign nationalities who are in possession of a valid passport and visa, while local crossings are open only to locals (on each side of the border) who are able to cross back and forth using some form of border pass. The most popular overland international border crossing from Vietnam to Cambodia is the Bavet/Moc Bai crossing. To Laos the Nam Phao / Cau Treo crossing is the most popular. While travel to China passes through both the Dong Dang / Ping Xian and Lao Cai / Hekou crossings — depending on where in China you’re headed.
Getting A Chinese Visa in New Zealand (Feb-2012)
The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in New Zealand website
China requires citizens of all nationality to obtain a visa prior arrival. In general, it is advisable to obtain the visa in the home countries where the respective local Chinese Embassy or Consulate is located at. New Zealand is one of the countries where you can easily obtained a Chinese visa. For a New Zealand passport holder, the single-entry Chinese visa fee is $140 per person and it takes about 5 to 7 working days. A traveler named RandomLife00 shared with us Thorntree (23-Feb-2012):-
I had to apply just 2 weeks ago. The Chinese Embassy is in Wellington and you can apply there so don’t have to print anything. You need a passport photo, a copy of your itinerary, and have to hand over your passport. You can do express services for more money so can get it the next day if you don’t want to stay in Wellington but that costs about $30 or so extra, maybe more. Also you need to list all the places you will visit in China and exact dates so be prepared. It is open 9-12 and 2-5 i think.
Notice on rules for photos attached to Chinese visa application form
Snapshot of the Chinese Visa Application Service Center notice
Recently some of the photos submitted by Chinese visa applicants have not met the qualifications laid out, e.g. incorrect size, too big or too small; taken a long time ago, not within six months of the application; dark color, too dim, not clear; not taken in front of a white or light blue background; printed on regular printing paper, not on photograph paper; cut from existing scenic or family pictures. The above-mentioned unqualified photos affected the visa assessment and decision-making process and delayed the issuance of visa. Therefore, it is necessary to reaffirm the rules for photos attached to Chinese Visa Application forms. Please provide qualified photos in order to facilitate your visa application.
Rules for photos attached to Chinese visa application form
1. Recent color identity photo taken within six months, in front of a plain white background (or light-blue background for applicants with white hair)
2. Full face centered to the camera, no hair accessories, and eye-glasses should be removed if they reflect light and distort the applicant’s eyes
3. Taken with uniform lighting: no shadows, glare or flash reflections
4. Glossy finish photographic paper, no matte-finish ones; no stain, crease or scratch
5. Photo size 48mm high X 33mm wide, the height of the face measures between 28-33mm from chin to the crown of head (natural top of head); the width of the face measures between 21-24mm
Source Chinese Visa Application Service Center
Getting A Chinese Visa in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam (Feb-2012)
The Chinese Embassy in Vietnam's website, vn.china-embassy.org
Pretty much anyone who plans to go to China would need to secure a visa before going to the country. The good news is that it is possible to get a Chinese visa in quite a number of places. Two of the most popular places are Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and Bangkok (Thailand). Now, you can also easily obtain the Chinese visa at Ho Chi Minh. A traveler named romedian shared with us Thorntree (5-Feb-2012):-
Just came back from the Chinese embassy in Ho Chi Minh. No rush service offered (for US citizen, at least) – just the standard 4-5 business days processing. Cost is $140. However, a round-trip ticket and an invitation letter are needed to apply for visa – I didn’t have those, since I am planning to travel by train.
So, I just went to one of the countless travel agencies on Pham Ngu Lao. Many of them offer to open a visa for you, for $190 and according to them “it takes one week”. That’s what I decided to do, since for the $50 difference that I’m paying the agency – they will take care of the invitation and round-trip ticket requirement. Anyway – just gave in my passport and hopefully will pick it up with a visa in a week.
Getting A Myanmar Visa in Vientiane, Laos (Dec-2011)
Myanmar visa in a passport
As Myanmar now no longer has a visa-on-arrival facility, it is necessary to apply for a Myanmar visa prior to arrival. Some tourists opt to do so in neighbouring Asian countries. Compared to the hectic, bustling capitals in other Southeast Asian countries, Vientiane’s deliciously relaxing atmosphere makes it feel like the small town that it is. While you are there, you can also opt to get a Myanmar visa. A traveler nicknamed KirstyB shared her experience on getting a Myanmar visa in Vientiane on Travelfish (14-Dec-2011):-
Getting to the Embassy
The embassy is located about 7/8 kilometres from the centre (in the direction of the Friendship Bridge). If you take a tuk tuk, make sure the driver knows where he’s going! A tuk tuk will charge up to 80,000 kip for a round trip and with hard bargaining 50,000 kip. Remember you’ll need to do that twice – once to drop off and once to collect. Alternatively you can rent a bike for 10,000 kip and cycle there easily (20 minutes) – head along the main road and when you reach the Indian Embassy on the left hand side turn left (if you get as far as the Singapore Embassy you’ve gone too far) and the Myanmar Embassy is just a bit furtherup. Another option would be a bus – get off at the Indian Embassy and walk from there. Money saving tip: if there are 2 of you, you both need to go to submit the application but only 1 needs to go and collect it; meaning if you cycle total transport cost will be 30,000kip.
Cost
20 US dollars – only US$ acceptable, not kip.
Processing Time
4 working days ie apply on a Monday morning, collect on Thursday afternoon. Express service is not available (officially).
Opening Times
Hours are 9am to noon and 1pm to 4pm (I think). Definitely 9am open but don’t quote me on the 4pm close. As usual check for public holidays.
Requirements
In addition to the fee you will need to complete a fairly short form, twice over. Three identical passport photo’s are required although they will return one when you pick up your visa. IMPORTANT – they are really strict on the background colour of the photos and they MUST be white. I had 2 different sets of options and both were rejected even though one had only a slightly off white background and the other a very pale grey one. If yours are rejected you’ll have to go to the photoshop just across the street and pay 30,000 kip for 6 photos (although I did manage to bargain this down to 25,000). You don’t get a receipt slip which is slightly disconcerting but I assume they don’t get a sufficient number of applications to consider this necessary!
Validity
Our visas are valid for entry within 3 months of the issue date for the normal 28 day stay.
Overall Vientiane was a straight forward place to obtain visas; it took a bit of time but I think that was probably because the guy processing our application didn’t have much to do – he sat with us on the sofa whilst we filled in the form, took it away, brought it back for us to stick on our photos, took it away again and came back to collect the money and we had a little chat too. In the time we were there we were the only ones submitting an application and one other couple turned up to collect. This does beg the question why they need 4 working days.
Guide: What to do with an expired Vietnam visa
The Noi Bai International Airport in the northern region of Vietnam.
A visa that is going to expire in a few days can easily be extended at different offices at Vietnam. However, you are still safe to go out of the country in case that you’ve overstayed your Vietnam visa for 2 days. There is a 48-hour limit once the visa expires. An extra fee may be charged, depending on the discretion of the Immigration officer on duty. A traveler named Gillian shared with us on one-step-travel (2011):-
“We got our Vietnamese visa from an agent in Bangkok, Thailand about 6 weeks before we planned on being in Vietnam. We didn’t know where else we might be able to get it and so pretty much guessed at how long we would take through northern Thailand and Laos to get there.
Vietnamese visas are strict. You must declare your entry date, may not arrive early, and must leave 30 days after entry. It cost 1350 Baht or about $44 each.
At the time that we received the visa we had not yet booked flights. Jason was pretty good at the whole booking flights over the internet thing by now so he had his eye on a number of possible flights and, when one came up that looked good, he booked it lickety split.
It was about a month later, while we were in Laos, that he checked the tickets and realized that we were booked to leave Vietnam 31 days after entry…a day later than allowed. Yep, checked, double checked, counted out the days…one day late. Shit. We briefly looked into changing the ticket; the non refundable, non changeable ticket and then thought ‘meh…how bad could it be?’.
We arrived at the airport super early, dressed in the best clothes we had; not wanting to leave anything to chance and wanting to appear like the ‘good travellers’ we were. Our plan was to play it cool; don’t point out the visa error; and maybe even act surprised if they noticed.
Right away, at the check in counter, the attentive agent noticed that our visa had expired the day before. We looked at her and immediately confessed that, yes, we had accidentally booked flights a day late…so much for our acting careers; over before it’s begun!
She pantomimed/explained that we couldn’t have a boarding pass and instructed us to leave our bags and go to speak with the immigration officer. In retrospect that’s exactly what you should do; leave your bags unattended in a foreign country with a strict drug policy while you go to discuss your invalid visa. Not. So. Smart.
We found the agent and presented ourselves. What a sorry heap of nerves, anxiety, and fear we were. So much for playing it cool. I was sweaty, shaky and red as a beetroot as we pantomimed/explained our situation and how sorry we were to have made such a stupid, rookie mistake.
He was gruff, if not slightly amused, as he called over another agent and began talking on the phone to someone I assumed was his supervisor. There was a lot of tsk-tsking and stern looks before he explained how lucky we were and how kind he was being as he waived all fines and signed the all-important document that would allow us to retrieve our bags and a boarding pass.
I tell the story light-heartedly but let me be clear; I don’t think it’s a good idea to screw around with visitation or immigration policy in any country. The rules are clear and it’s not hard to follow them. You can be sure that, from that day forward, we double and triple checked absolutely every entry/exit plan we had. It’s just not worth the risk.”
5 Common Mistakes With Vietnam Visa On Arrival
Sample of a Vietnam visa in a passport
We have listed here a few mistakes that travelers may usually make in order to help you avoid the same things when applying for a visa on arrival to Vietnam.
1. Getting visa on arrival right at the arrival airport in Vietnam
Many people think that they can get a visa directly at Vietnam airport without applying online. That is NOT true, you may end up with delaying/canceling your flights or waiting at the airport until the visa is approved or even if you can get board, you can be expelled. Thus, you need to apply for visa on arrival online prior to your trip in order to pick up your visa at the arrival airport in Vietnam.
2. Visa on arrival at the Border
Visa on arrival works for air travel only, it means there is NO on arrival visa for overland/border crossing or sea/water entry. Therefore, in case you DO NOT enter Vietnam by air, we highly recommend you to apply for visa at Vietnam Embassies/Consulates where you are living or staying in advance.
3. Spelling/Typo mistakes
Many applicants fill in the Application form with WRONG details: full name on passport, passport number or date of birth, passport expiration date. Normally, that may not be a big problem, however, in some cases; they will be refused by airlines at the departure airport since the information on your visa approval letter does not match those in your passport. So, make sure you submit everything correctly and carefully.
4. Visa Validity
Many think that the visa validity will start from the date they enter Vietnam, not from the date they submitted, however, it is not. The visa validity will commence from the date of entry printed in your visa approval letter, not from the date you will enter the country. Thus, please make sure that you make a clear plan of when to enter before ordering a visa to Vietnam.
5. Visa Extensions
Many people think that it is easy to extend a visa once they are in Vietnam, however, in fact, it is not that easy, and extending a visa may be a costly and time consuming process. So, if possible, just apply for a 3 month visa in advance instead of a 1 month one to save money on visa extension.
Source Pattaya Daily
Getting A Myanmar Visa in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Nov-2011)
The Myanmar visa gate isn’t marked, which can be a hassle to identify
Visa requirements to visit Myanmar change on a regular basis and it’s best to check with the Myanmar Embassy in your country before making your travel plans. The safest approach is to assume you will need one. If there is no Myanmar Embassy in your country, both Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and Bangkok (Thailand) are good places where you can drop by for a quick visit and get your Myanmar visa before flying off. A recent article in a blog has updated information regarding applying for a Myanmar tourist visa in Kuala Lumpur.
Getting There
The Myanmar Embassy is at 8C Jalan Ampang Hilir 55000
Tel: 603 425 15595
Ampang Park LRT. There are two exits which bring you up on the two different sides of the road (Jalan Ampang). The exit on the left as you come up the escalators brings you out on the correct (South) side of the road, but it doesn’t really make that much difference.
Head East along Jalan Ampang (hint, the sun rises in the East). You should pass a big McDonalds on the left and then cross over the 6 lane Jalan Tun Razak. Keep going East for about ten minutes walk, past the Embassies for China on the right; France, Spain and Thailand on the left, until you go under an elevated pedestian bridge, then past a crazy steakhouse on the right (Victoria Station) (it has a train sticking out the side of it). 50m after the Steakhouse, turn right just after residential towerblock, Lanson Place.
Walk 200m to the roundabout, take the first (left) exit from it and the Myanmar Embassy is the first gate on the left. The visa gate isn’t marked and is a bit of a melee. If you reach the sign for the embassy, you’ve gone to far. Inside the gates, tourist visas are processed on the right side. Residents join the massive crowd on the left. Ask for an application form at the window. There are different forms depending on what you are applying for.
Requirements
- passport (with 6 months validity, IIRC
- two passport photos (for me they just took a scan of the photo; embedded the image on the visa printout and gave me back one of the photos when I collected the visa),
- copy of the data page of your passport on A4 paper
- cash in MYR
- If you are going for the express service (2 working days), you have to supply flight printouts (tickets/itineries); but that seems to be just to support the urgency of your request – ordinary turnaround timers don’t need to show flight info.
Flight tickets only needed for express service.
Hours
Application 0930-1230; Collection 1600-1700. The collection date and time is noted on your receipt.
Turnaround Time
They say five working days for standard, but mine was Tuesday morning to Friday afternoon (Nov 2011). The sign for the Express service says 2 working days. Some people ahead of me were pushing for a next day turnaround, as they had flights booked for the day after. Their application was accepted, but they had to have the tickets as proof of the urgency. I don’t know the outcome, but I wouldn’t risk cutting it that fine, myself.
Price
80MYR for standard (5 working days); 150 for express (2 working days)
Form
Pretty straightforward. Ask for it at the window as there are different forms for the different types of visa on offer. Don’t put your occupation as a journalist, especially if you aren’t one.
Other
There doesn’t seem to be any photocopying facilites or photo-booths in the immediate area. I have read that you can get pictures taken at the KL Convention Centre (KLCC) about 2km West of the Embassy. The visa-clock starts ticking when you enter Myanmar. You get 28 days. You have to enter Myanmar within 3 months of getting the visa, otherwise it expires.
Alex Beaudin says:
February 16, 2012 at 5:10 am
Thanks for these info, really accurate. I would just add that beside that crazy steakhouse with the train sticking out, there is now a photo place where you can get six passport photos for 15rm and also get your passport photocopy there. It takes about 10 minutes. ALso when I got to the embassy, there was a huge melee of residents in front of it, but I just walked in right away because i was there for a visa.
Getting A Chinese Visa in Bangkok, Thailand (Nov-2011)
Chinese Visa fees to be paid in Thai Baht in Bangkok, Thailand (Nov 2011)
With my Tibet to Ireland by land trip just around the corner, I had to apply for my Chinese visa while I was in Bangkok, and to be honest it was surprisingly easy! Read up on how to do it, where the Chinese embassy in Bangkok is and how much a Chinese visa costs.
What you need for your Chinese visa:
• Passport (with 6 months minimum before it expires)
• Passport application form (you get this when you walk in)
• Supplementary application form because you’re not from Thailand (you get this when you walk in)
• 1 or 2 Passport photos depending on nationality (you can get them done on the same street as the embassy, $4 for 6)
• The money for your visa, payable only in Thai baht
Where is the Chinese embassy in Bangkok:
• It is 5 minutes walk from the Phra Ram 9 MRT stop (the subway in Bangkok).
• From the station, take Exit 1
• Up the escalator and when you leave the station outside, take a u-turn
• Walk for 400m or so, past Tesco Lotus
• At Soi 3 (there’s a sign), you’re there! It’s on your left
*If you’re staying on Khao San Road, get a taxi/tuk-tuk/motorbike (about $3) to Siam BTS station, from there you can connect to Phra Ram BTS easily.
How do I apply for my Chinese Visa in Bangkok?
• Get to the embassy between 9 – 11.30am, any later and you’ll be refused.
• Go to the second floor, as you walk in, tell the guy behind the desk you want to apply for a tourist visa, he gives you two forms, fill them in and press the button on the machine for a number.
• Wait for your number, hand over your forms, passport and passport photo – tell them do you want to wait 3 days, 2 days or next day for your visa. The faster it is the more expensive it will be (see below)
*This should only take 10 minutes or so total.
Collecting your Chinese Visa in Bangkok
• Again arrive between 9 -11.30am on the correct day on your receipt.
• Queue up on the far side, pay your bill.
• Requeue again and collect your visa.
• Check out your brand new shiny Chinese visa.
*This takes less than 10 minutes total
How much does a Chinese Visa in Bangkok cost?
It ranges between $40 to $140 depending on how fast you want it, how many entries you want and what nationality you are – check out the pic (above) taken in the embassy to find out how much you’ll have to shell out.
NOTE: If you want a multi-entry 6 month or one year visa (like I wanted) you can only get it if you have a previous Chinese tourist visa of any kind in your passport OR you have a work permit to live in Thailand. If you don’t have that, the maximum you can get is the double entry.
Published by Johnny, onestep4ward.com
Getting an Indonesian Visa in Phnom Penh, Cambodia (April-2012)
Indonesia's Phnom Penh mission
For most people, getting a visa for Indonesia is relatively straightforward as quite a number of nationalities are eligible to get the 30 days Vietnam Visa On Arrival. Depending on where you apply for a Vietnam tourist visa, it may take a few days and you may be asked for a sponsor. The rules at the embassy seem to change depending on with whom you speak. It is possible to get an Indonesian Visa at Phnom Penh, but you will need a letter of introduction. A traveler, dc1 reported this on Thorntree (16-Apr-2012):-
I’ve just returned from there, hoping to obtain a 60 day tourist visa to enter Indonesia which would allow me time to travel through Ambon; Banda Islands; Kei etc….. with extensions per month.
I visited the Embassy just over a week ago and was told I was unable to get a 60 day tourist visa. Today I spoke to the Consular who informed me that to enter Indonesia with a 60 day tourist visa would require a letter from someone who currently lives in Indonesia – I had hoped they would change their mind from that same answer I had received last week…. Happy Khmer New Year etc!!!!
I did ask him would this not make the 60 day visa a Social Visa as opposed to a Tourist Visa!! He stated that the Cambodia Embassy would not give out a 60 day Tourist Visa to non Cambodian (resident) applicants. He was very friendly and stated he looked forward to seeing me again soon with the letter of introduction!!
I did mention that other Indo Embassies work in different ways with regard to the 60 day Tourist Visa – he stuck to his guns and stated it was their policy. All this information is well displayed at the reception area at the front of the Embassy…. with a big sign saying “NO EXTRA CHARGES” which I thought was nice of them ;-)
Though, they still say you can enter Indo on a 7 day visa!