Touring - SE Asia Entry Requirements

Hi all,

I am about to embark on a tour of SE Asia beginning in KL. Most countries say that they require you to have an onward/return ticket for entry, but obviously cyclists have no such thing. I was wondering if anyone has had any hassles at the borders due to this? Also, do immigration officials ask to see proof of funds? Cheers.

I have never had that problem on the Malaysia Thai or Singapore borders

the biggest hassle was arriving at the lao border with no visa took about 3 hours to get one then paid my$30 USD as the large sign said then he said $32 so I paid that then went to get passport stamped that cost another $1 and also $1 for the bridge toll. the funny thing about it was that they gave me and offical receipt for the extra dollars that stated it was an overtime fee.

They did not care what I had in my bags or anything like

Same here. I was worried about onward ticket problems so we got the Thai visa in advance from the consulate in Los Angeles even though there is no advanced visa requirement.

Once, when flying on a one-way ticket to South Africa, we had problems with Virgin Atlantic. They would not allow us to board the flight without a return ticket and forced us to buy a fully refundable ticket which, after being permitted entry to South Africa, they gladly refunded.

So, worse case, you buy a refundable ticket if they give you are hard time, enter Malaysia, then get the refund.

Or you could get an onward ticket to some cheap place if you think the first airline will not take you to
KL on a one way which would most likely be the case as it becomes the airlines problem to return you if there is a problem getting in I doubt there will be a problem getting in though more likely with the airline


You can get a ticket KL to Phuket for 30 RM or Padang (indonesia) 10 RM
thats about 27 USD and 9 US and just never use the ticket
you could buy online but you pay more than that due to tax etc but its still cheap

www.airasia.com

But don't even think about taking our bike on them or buy a second ticket just for the bike as there limit is 15 KG per person and they are real strict

I flew to vietnam.. crossed the border to Cambodia. No hassle.
I have put my best pictures here : http://jimmycactus.blogspot.com

Jimmy Cactus

This may be some help...

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html

There are links on that page that will give you all the information you need about entry requirements for any country, including current changes. For example, travel to Singapore only requires a passport for a stay of less than 90 days. No visa. Checking in with the embassy is optional, not required.

You will have a lot of research to do if you are visiting more than one or two countries.

I've crossed into Thailand about 8 times on my bike and have never been asked anything. But you know I've been reading the LP thorntree and thaivisa and there are reports of immigration wanting to see a ticket of some sorts.

I've entered Cambodia a couple times on my bike and have never been asked anything.

I've entered Laos a couple times and have never been asked anything. I also did the visa on arrival, but at Savahnakhet, and it was much quicker, and they do charge extra for Sundays, but then they got me for $1US also.

I find that as a bicycle tourist that I am not screwed over as much as a regular tourist. In entering Cambodia I have always just paid the $20.00 visa fee and not 1000 baht.

Have a good trip,

Bob