The thorny issues of passport validity and visas are two of the least enjoyable, but essential parts of arranging a holiday.

Whilst making your booking we will be happy to advise on the latest visa requirements for UK passport holders. Two basic requirements are that you have at least 6 months validity left on your passport on your date of return to the UK and have 2 free pages for each country visited for the visas.

If your passport has been endorsed in any way, please check with the relevant embassy (details are below).

Cambodia

A visa is required for UK Citizens to enter Cambodia on holiday. Ahead of travel you can apply for an e-visa online via the Kingdom of Cambodia website: (www.evisa.gov.kh/). This currently costs US$36 per person and can be arranged up to 3 months before you travel.

Please note that if arriving by boat via the Mekong from Vietnam you will have to arrange the visa on arrival as outlined below.

Alternatively you can get a visa on arrival at Phnom Penh Airport, Siem Reap Airport and at a number of land borders. This currently costs US$30 per person (US$ cash only) and you will also need 2 recent passport photos.

You no longer need to show a pre-arrival COVID-19 test, full COVID-19 vaccination card or certificate, or a passenger’s health declaration on arrival in Cambodia. This applies at all land, sea or air entry points.

Remote temperature checkers will still be in use at entry and exit gates.

Laos

A visa is required for UK Citizens to enter Laos on holiday. Ahead of travel you can apply for an e-visa online via the official Laos visa website: (https://laoevisa.gov.la/index). This is for a single visit of up to 30 days in the country and currently costs US$50 per person. You will need your passport details and to upload an electronic passport size photo to complete the application. 

To enter Laos UK Citizens must show proof that they have been fully vaccinated against Covid. Laos will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 vaccination record (not NHS appointment card). Your final vaccine dose must have been administered at least 14 days prior to travel. 

Fully vaccinated individuals do not require pre-departure or on arrival tests. Unvaccinated individuals will be required to take an ATK test a maximum of 48 hours before departure.

You can also get a visa on arrival for US$50, payable in US Dollar, Thai Baht or Laotian Kip - cash only. Notes should be in good condition as defaced or ripped bills will not be accepted by the authorities. A small surcharge (a dollar or 2) may be made on weekends or public holidays. You will also need 2 passport photos that are no more than 6 months old and clearly show your whole face with a good likeness. Queues are likley at airports, so the e-visa is the favoured method.

Either visa process is applicable assuming you are arriving via the international airports in Vientiane, Luang Prabang or Pakse. Some overland borders do not offer visas and your consultant will talk to you about this when putting together your holiday.

Thailand

UK Citizens don't need a visa to enter Thailand on holiday for stays of less than 30 days. For further up-to-date information, please refer to the Thai Embassy website: www.thaiembassyuk.org.uk

There are also currently no Covid restrictions.

Vietnam

UK Citizens don't need a visa to enter Vietnam on holiday as long as the holiday is a single visit of 15 days or less in the country. Those staying for longer or entering more than once will need to have arranged their visa before they arrive. This can be easily done online in the form of an e-visa.

There are also currently no Covid restrictions.

For further up-to-date information please refer to the Vietnam Embassy website: www.vietnamembassy.org.uk

Myanmar (Burma)

All visitors to Myanmar currently need to purchase COVID-19 medical insurance from Myanma Insurance. This is required regardless of any other insurance cover you may have.

You will be required to present proof that you were fully vaccinated at least 14 days before your arrival in Myanmar with an accepted vaccine.

You will also be expected to take a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Diagnostic Test at the airport, regardless of your vaccination status. You should bring 15,000 MMK with you or be prepared to convert cash at one of the exchange counters. If the test result is negative, you will be free to leave. Travellers who display symptoms or test positive will be isolated and taken to a hospital or hotel designated by the Ministry of Health at their own expense.

A visa is required for British nationals to enter Myanmar on holiday. The easiest way to arrange this is obtain an e-visa online. You will need to upload a recent colour passport size photo and pay $50US per person. For more details please visit the Myanmar government website: http://evisa.moip.gov.mm/. It’s a very easy to use system and your visa authorisation letter will be emailed to you usually within 24 hours. You must travel with this letter as you will need to show it at check-in and on arrival. Passports should have six months validity beyond intended length of stay.

The standard tourist visa is a single entry visa that allows you to travel in Myanmar for 28 days from the date of your proposed entry. Please note: only obtain your visa once you are within 3 months of your return date from Myanmar as the visa expires 3 months after being issued online.

The e-visa service can be used if entering via Yangon, Mandalay or Nay Pyi Taw international airports or by land (at Tachileik / Mae Sai, Myawaddy / Mae Sot and Kawthaung / Ranong).

Alternatively you can obtain a package tour visa via the Myanmar Embassy in London or at other embassies worldwide. Please advise us if you wish to obtain your visa this way so that we can provide you with your EVT letter ahead of you visiting the embassy or posting your application.

Sri Lanka

UK Citizens do require a visa to enter Sri Lanka on holiday. This currently costs $35 and is an easy process via the official Sri Lanka website: www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/. It usually just takes 24 hours to process and once approved you will just receive an email confirmation that you’ll need to take with you when you travel.

To enter Sri Lanka UK Citizens must show proof that they have been fully vaccinated against Covid. Sri Lanka will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 vaccination record (not NHS appointment card). Your final vaccine dose must have been administered at least 14 days prior to travel.

Unvaccinated travellers aged 12 and above entering Sri Lanka, will need to show proof of either a negative PCR test (taken no more than 72 hours before embarkation), or a negative Rapid Antigen Test report (taken within 48 hours before embarkation). Self-swab tests will not be recognised.

Please Note: All the above information is correct at the time of writing, but rules and regulations can change at any time. We will change the website as soon as we become aware, but cannot be held responsible for any additional charges incurred. Non UK passport holders should check with the travel consultant or relevant Embassy for appropriate rules and regulations.