Vietnam Visa RequirementsFor Cambodia passport holders
Cambodian citizens enjoy 45-day visa-free access to Vietnam under the bilateral Cambodia-Vietnam agreement, one of the most generous visa-free arrangements in Southeast Asia.
Great news! Cambodia passport holders can enter Vietnam without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 45 days.
No visa is required for Cambodian passport holders. Present your valid passport at any international port of entry in Vietnam. The 45-day stay is generally not extendable without obtaining a proper visa. Carry proof of onward travel and accommodation details as immigration officers may request these.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Cambodia to Vietnam: What You Need to Know
Cambodia and Vietnam share a long historical and geographical relationship, including a common border with multiple active crossing points. The two countries formalized a bilateral visa-free agreement allowing stays of up to 45 days, which is longer than the standard 30-day ASEAN norm. Vietnam is a popular destination for Cambodian travelers for tourism, business, medical care, and visiting relatives. The Vietnam-Cambodia relationship, while complex historically, is pragmatic and cooperative today through ASEAN frameworks and bilateral trade agreements.
How to Get There
Fly from Phnom Penh (PNH) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) in 45 minutes with Vietnam Airlines or Cambodia Angkor Air. Hanoi (HAN) is reachable in about 1.5 hours. The Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City bus journey takes 6-8 hours via Moc Bai. Multiple operators run direct buses. Domestic Vietnamese trains and buses connect all major cities affordably.
Money & Banking
Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND). USD is partially accepted but VND is preferred and gives better value. ATMs dispense VND widely. Credit cards accepted at hotels and larger restaurants. Daily budget: $25-40 (budget), $60-100 (mid-range). Tipping is not culturally standard but appreciated in tourist-facing services.
Practical Tips
The Moc Bai-Bavet land border crossing is the most popular route between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh, with numerous bus operators offering direct service. Book international bus tickets in advance during Cambodian and Vietnamese public holidays. Carry some Vietnamese Dong (VND) for taxis and street food; USD is accepted in tourist areas but at a lower exchange rate. Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity from your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Cambodian citizens need a visa to visit Vietnam?
No. Cambodian passport holders can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days under the bilateral Cambodia-Vietnam visa exemption agreement.
Is the 45-day visa-free stay for Vietnam the same at all entry points?
Yes. The 45-day visa-free stay applies at all international ports of entry in Vietnam, including airports, sea ports, and land border crossings.
Can I extend my 45-day visa-free stay in Vietnam?
The visa-free 45-day allowance is generally not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a proper Vietnamese visa (tourist or business) before or after entering. Applying for a Vietnam e-Visa before your trip and overlapping it with the end of your visa-free stay is one approach.
What is the most convenient land border crossing between Cambodia and Vietnam?
The Moc Bai-Bavet crossing is the busiest and most convenient, connecting Phnom Penh with Ho Chi Minh City. The Xa Mat-Trapeng Phlong crossing is another option for travelers in northern Cambodia.
Are there direct flights from Phnom Penh to Hanoi?
Yes. Vietnam Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air operate direct flights from Phnom Penh (PNH) to Hanoi (HAN) in approximately 1.5 hours. Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) is closer at 45 minutes.
What currency should I bring to Vietnam?
The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the local currency. ATMs are widely available in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. USD is partially accepted in tourist areas but using VND gets better prices. Exchange USD or KHR at banks or authorized exchange offices.
Can Cambodians study or work in Vietnam on a visa-free entry?
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism and short visits only. Study, work, or long-term stays require proper visa categories.