SE Asia is a relatively easy place to visit for both US and UK passport holders, as most countries allow either entry without visa, or via visa on arrival. Myanmar and Vietnam are exceptions though, so you’ll need arrange those visas in advance. If you’re planning to visit any, or all, of these countries, be sure to check for up to date information, as visa rules can sometimes change without notice.
Brunei
US and UK passport holders can enter Brunei without a visa and can stay for up to 90 days.
Cambodia
US and UK passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival for $20. This will allow you to stay for a maximum of one month, but can be extended for one more month for a fee of around $45-50. Your hotel can arrange the renewal, and it usually takes a day or two. The maximum you can stay on a tourist visa is two months. If you want to stay longer, then you should get a business visa. See How To Stay In Cambodia Long-Term – Your Visa Options for further details.
Indonesia
US and UK passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival for $25. From April 2015 US and UK passport holders will be allowed visa-free entry. See Visa-free travel for nationals of 30 additional countries.
Laos
US and UK passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival for $30-$40. The exact costs depends on the exchange rate on the day. I paid $36 for my visa. We crossed into Laos at the Chiang Khong-Huay Xai border, and the visa formalities were very easy. See Crossing The Thai-Laos Border.
Malaysia
US and UK passport holders can enter Malaysia without a visa and can stay for up to 90 days. When we arrived in Kuala Lumpur we were stamped into the country in under 30 seconds.
Myanmar
US and UK passport holders need to get visas in advance to visit Myanmar. If you’re planning to get your Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok, see Hotels Near Myanmar Embassy.
Philippines
US and UK passport holders can enter Philippines without a visa and can stay for up to 30 days (from 1 August 2013 – previously 21 days).
Singapore
US and UK passport holders can enter Singapore without a visa and can stay for up to 90 days.
Thailand
US and UK passport holders can enter Thailand without a visa and can stay for up to 30 days. Visas can be extended within Thailand quite easily. See Thailand Visa Options For Long-Term Stays if you plan to stay longer. Note that previously you got a 15-day stay if arriving by land, but this has now been increased to 30 days, in line with arriving by air.
Timor-Leste (East Timor)
US and UK passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival for $30.
Vietnam
US and UK passport holders need to either get a visa in advance for Vietnam, or get a visa on arrival by first getting a visa approval letter. We got our visas in Bangkok – See the Renegade Travels Complete Vietnam Visa Guide for more details. UPDATE: It was announced in 17 June 2015 that UK passport holders (along with Germany, France, Italy, Spain) would be allowed visa-free entry for single-entry visits of up to 15 days.
Hotels In SE Asia
During our stay in SE Asia we booked the majority of our hotels through Agoda. Sign up with them, and you’ll get pints equivalent to 4-7% of the cost of the hotel. You can redeem these points for free stays at hotels. Just click the link below to find some great hotels at great prices.
