Borders are an inexhaustible topic of discussion for all long-haul travellers. Before we left and since we were in Southeast Asia, we read and re-read dozens of tips, tricks, warnings about this or that change of country. So here, after more than two months on the bike, in the chronological sense, our humble experience on the subject. Scoop in the key!
Singapore??-Malaysia??: Easy busy!
- Place of passage: Johor Bahru
- Date: June 18, 2019
- Visa cost: €0
- Duration: 30 days
The approach route is quite simple, we double dozens of trucks at a standstill and then we put in line with scooters and motorcycles. It rolls at pace to emigration and then all of a sudden everyone accelerates on the huge bridge 2-4 lanes, we do not make the smarts by bike. Malay immigration is quick and simple. A little intimidating as a bike trip but you get away with it.
Malaysia?? Thailand??: Quiet Emile 🙂
- Place of passage: Sungai Kolok
- Date: June 30, 2019
- Visa cost: €0
- Duration: 30 days
Despite its reputation, this border was a banality for us. We park the bikes, make the exit of Malaysia in a first building and then the entrance in a second a few meters further. Nothing sorcerer and no incident related to religious tensions or our means of transport.
Thailand??-Cambodia??: The Wild West
- Place of passage: Poipet
- Date: July 26, 2019
- Visa cost: $30
- Duration: 30 days
- To provide: 1 photo
In Poipet, the “trouble” begins. We are asked to pay US$30 to enter Cambodia except that we do not have any, that no bank offers directly back and that we have Bahts to sell. We therefore choose to try the option of paying in Thai currency with the rate of the day: $30 equivalent to 900 THB. But when we arrived at the visa office, the official did not lose sight of it: it was 1
200 THB, no less. We insist on 900 and then wait 1/4 of an hour before the official comes to ask us 100 thB more for his pocket probably … In the end we paid 1000 THB per person while we were asked 1200 when we arrived. It’s always $5 saved but a small victory for corruption.
Cambodia??-Laos??: The tenacious bakchich
- Place of passage: Nongnokkhiene
- Date: 12 August 2019
- Visa cost: $30
- Duration: 30 days
- To provide: 1 photo
At the first counter, which looks serious, we fill out the form and pay $30 official and posted. At the second wicket, two officials announce dagy: “$2 each for stamp”. We categorically refuse, Cléa pretends to call the Embassy and then explains to them with composure that no, we will not pay their bakchich. We wait (no luck for them, it rains and we are in no hurry) and the youngest of the soldiers finally gives in after 15min: visas stamped in pocket, and this time without concession!
Laos??-China??: Game over
- Place of application: Ventiane then Luang Prabang
- Date: 19 and 26 August 2019
- Visa cost: $30 (from Laos)
- Duration: 30 days
- To provide: scanned passport, current visa scanned, 1 photo, detailed itinerary, hotel reservation, A/R plane tickets, 3 latest bank statements, proof of insurance…
Before we even left, we were not reassured by the Chinese visa… Many friends have been denied their applications in third countries (from Iran for example) for obscure geopolitical reasons.
In Vientiane, we make a first attempt: in the hustle and bustle of the Embassy, the official examines our file and coldly announces “you don’t work in Laos, no visa for China“. We ask him when this measure was “2 months.” Disgruntled (we were not aware of this condition, mentioned on any official website), we leave empty-handed and ask the French embassy who refuses to help us. We are trying to call the Chinese Embassy to find out more: to no avail.
In Luang Prabang, 1 week later, we retry and arrive in front of closed doors and a terse statement: the Consulate is exceptionally closed this Monday, August 26. Having no assurance that it will reopen the next day, and knowing that the application is processed in 3 working days minimum with a local festival interspersed, we finally abandon this project to enter Yunnan in September.
We finally chose to head northeast, to the Houaphan region and then Vietnam. Recently, it is possible to apply for an e-visa for land borders, in this case Na Meo. In 48 hours, we received a positive response! Fingers crossed to make sure everything goes smoothly at the border and we can’t wait to discover this new country with a thousand and one facets by bike!
Laos?? Vietnam??: J-10!
- Place of request: Online
- Date: 09 September 2019
- Visa cost: $25 (e-visa)
- Duration: 30 days
- To provide: scanned passport, 1 photo scanned
Resources
- https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays-destination/malaisie/
- https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays-destination/thailande/
- https://www.lonelyplanet.fr/destinations/asie/cambodge/visa
- No serious website on the Cambodia-Laos border
- https://www.tourdumondiste.com/visas-chine
- https://www.tourdumondiste.com/visas-vietnam
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