Visas for Vietnam and Cambodia

Thank you for choosing AmaWaterways! A once-in-a-lifetime journey aboard the beautiful AmaDara in Vietnam and Cambodia is closely approaching. We kindly ask all traveling guests to carefully read the following information to ensure their reservation has been finalized accordingly.

1) Passport validity and accuracy of passport names must be confirmed at initial payment

All guests must have the correct name(s) exactly as it appears on the passport. This will ensure Your Entry Visa to Vietnam and Intra-Asia Air is ticketed and issued correctly. It also avoids declined entry to Vietnam or any airline imposed change fees for you should the name on the air tickets not match your FULL name shown on your passport. Travelers that obtain their visas for Vietnam and Cambodia prior to departing from home must ensure their passports have at least FOUR empty visa labeled pages and are valid for at least SIX months from the date of entry to Vietnam or Cambodia.

2) Visa for Vietnam and Cambodia

Travelers from North America need separate visas to enter both Vietnam and Cambodia.

Obtaining your Vietnam and Cambodia Visa

For information on how to obtain your visas, please view our visa letters below:

Visa Instructions (Charms of the Mekong) 7-Night Cruise-Only Program

Visa Instructions (Charms of the Mekong) 15-Night Cruise and Land Full Program

Visa Instructions (Riches of the Mekong) 7-Night Cruise-Only Program

Visa Instructions (Riches of the Mekong) 15-Night Cruise and Land Full Program

Important: For assistance correcting any misspellings, omissions or incorrect information on your Vietnam visa, please contact the Vietnam Immigration Department as soon as possible:

Online Support:

E-visa Support Form

Email:

contact@immigration.gov.vn

foreigners@immigration.gov.vn

Phone:

+842438264026

Emergency: +842438260114

Click here to contact the Vietnam Embassy in Washington, DC

Click here to contact the Vietnam Consulate in San Francisco

For your convenience, Cambodian visas will be available on board AmaDara cruises sailing from the Vietnam to Cambodia direction (Charms of the Mekong itinerary) only.

If you have reserved our Riches of the Mekong itinerary from Cambodia to Vietnam, you must apply for your Cambodian visa through the Cambodia e-Arrival App within 7 days prior to your arrival to Cambodia.

Please review the above linked Visa Instructions for further details.

Please note: Cambodia E-visas are NOT accepted for visitors entering Cambodia from Vietnam by river cruise ship.

Border Crossing Points on the Mekong River

You will need this information for your visa applications:

Riches of the Mekong

Exit Cambodia: Phnom Penh

Enter Vietnam: Vinh Xuong Landport

Charms of the Mekong

Exit Vietnam: Vinh Xuong Landport

Enter Cambodia: Phnom Penh

Thailand Digital Arrival Card

If you have reserved our post-cruise Bangkok extension, you must register for a Digital Arrival Card at least 72 hours prior to arrival in Thailand.

Please visit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card website, click the “Arrival Card” option, and enter personal information as required, ensuring all fields marked with an asterisk (*) are completed. For more information, please view the “Cruise and Land Full Program” visa letters linked above.

Citizens of countries outside North America should consult the appropriate consulates in their home country to determine if any visas are required.

Online Check-In

AmaWaterways’ online Cruise Check-In process is intended for the convenience of our valued guests. We require that each step of your Cruise Check-In is completed to board our ships. To complete, visit our website's Cruise Check-in. In addition to providing the information required for embarkation, the Cruise Check-In process:

• Ensures your personal information, as it appears on your passport, is correct
• Provides us with an emergency contact in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Allows you to pre-register for all your shore excursions (does not apply to Egypt or Africa cruises)



IMPORTANT: Mekong River Cruise Checklist

Print out this handy checklist to ensure you stay on top of important dates for completing your Cruise Check-In, as well as vital details about applying for your Vietnam visa. This document also includes handy contact information should your Vietnam visa include any errors.

US Guests: Click here for your Mekong River Cruise Checklist (USD)

Canadian Guests: Click here for your Mekong River Cruise Checklist (CAD)

Your Essential Mekong River Cruise Packing Guide

It is always advisable to travel light in Southeast Asia, so “if in doubt, leave it out.” Vietnam and Cambodia are tropical countries with hot and humid weather. Bring lightweight easy-care clothing that includes some long-sleeved items for protection from mosquitoes and sun, raingear, and sturdy and comfortable walking shoes that you won’t mind getting wet or muddy. You might also pack a few casually elegant items to wear at the Welcome and Farewell dinners.

Other recommended items:

• Shorts and/or long cotton pants
• T-shirts and long-sleeved cotton shirt
• Sweater, sweatshirt, or warm wrap for chilly nights
• Bathing suit, cover-up and flip flop
• Small flashlight
• Camera equipment and extra batteries, chargers/accessories
• Converter and electrical adapter (220v)
• Travel-sized deodorant, toothpaste, disinfectant wipes, insect repellent, etc.
• Prescription medications in original containers (to be packed in carry-on bag, not checked luggage)
• Small first aid kit with aspirin, antibacterial cream, etc .
• Feminine products and cosmetics
• Hat with brim, sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses
• Money belt or other secure place to keep passport and cash
• Day pack large enough to hold camera, binoculars, etc
• Photocopies of your passport and other important documents

Please note: Hanoi and Ha Long Bay can sometimes reach colder temperatures during the Fall and Winter seasons, make sure to bring extra layers.

Religious Site Visits

When visiting religious sites, we kindly ask guests to be respectful of the local culture and its customs. Shoulders and knees should be covered, and some sites may require you to remove your shoes upon entry. Shoes that can be easily slipped on and off are useful during these excursions.

Carry-On Luggage

Prepare your carry-on luggage with the necessary essentials. Our suggestions for what to pack:

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, comb or hair brush, razor, feminine products and cosmetics
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Hand sanitizer, tissues and antibacterial wipes
• Based on current airline regulations in place, you may be required to wear a medical grade mask (or N95/KN95) so you may want to have several with you in order to change during the flight.
• Basic first aid kit: medications for upset stomach, prescriptions, aspirin, antiseptic cream, cold medicine, vitamins and bandages
• Prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses
• Converters, adapters, chargers and power cords
• Personal ear buds or headphones to use with our Quietvox commentary systems during shore excursions
• Travel umbrella
• Camera and extra memory cards
• Smart phone
• Proof of vaccination or negative PCR test, if required

Important: Pack a sufficient supply (including two weeks beyond your planned return) of any medications you are taking, copies of the prescriptions and the telephone/fax numbers of your doctor. Some countries require prescription drugs be carried in their original container with the label clearly visible.

For safety reasons, the use of your personal curling iron, hair straightener, kettle and heating pad is not allowed on board the ship.

Tips for Long Flights

• Wear loose-fitting clothing and comfortable shoes.
• Based on current airline regulations in place, you may be required to wear a medical grade mask (or N95/KN95) so you may want to have several with you in order to change during the flight.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol and carbonated drinks and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Alleviate ear pressure by chewing gum, yawning, swallowing or gently blowing your nose.
• Periodically walk up and down the aisle to stretch your legs and get blood circulating. You can also do a few isometric exercises while seated.
• Try to sleep during your overnight flight – an eye mask, noise cancelling headphones and a light sweater or scarf may help you to be more comfortable and sleep so you can acclimate to the local time more quickly.
• Avoid wearing contact lenses during your flight, as recirculated cabin air tends to dry them out.

TSA Secure Flight Program

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires all passengers to provide Secure Flight passenger data when reserving airline travel. This includes your full name, date of birth and gender as it appears on non-expired government-issued travel documents (e.g., passport, re-entry permit, alien registration card, “green card,” photo ID, etc.). Any missing or incorrect information can cause unnecessary delays at the airport. If you reserved your airline tickets through AmaWaterways and have not yet provided us with this Secure Flight passenger data, please contact our office as soon as possible at 800-626-0126 or 818-428-6198 (if dialing from outside of the U.S.). Please refer to your local transportation authorities for more information.

Airport Security and Check-in

Please arrive at least three hours before international flights and at two hours before domestic flights this will allow ample time to check-in and get through Customs and TSA security check points.

Late or Missed Flights

If you miss a flight, immediately advise an airline representative that you are a cruise guest bound for a specific location/date/time to meet your ship. If your flight is cancelled, await instructions from the airline regarding alternate travel arrangements and contact your travel advisor for assistance. Typically, airlines will do everything in their power to get you on the next available flight. Once you know your new flight information, please call the emergency contact number listed within our Contact Information section and your electronic Travel Documents.

Travel Protection Insurance

We strongly recommend you purchase travel protection insurance that includes coverage related to Covid-19. If you purchased travel protection insurance, please make sure to write down important information such as the insurance company’s telephone number and your policy number.

For the most up-to-date vaccination and Travel Insurances requirements at port of entry, please visit:

• Vietnam National Administration of Tourism at https://vietnam.travel/node/1336
• Embassy of Cambodia in USA at https://www.embassyofcambodiadc.org/arrival-procedure.html
• Tourism administration of Thailand at https://www.tourismthailand.org/home

Baggage

International air carriers are often very strict about the size and weight of baggage and carry-on luggage. Please contact your air carrier or visit its website for specific requirements prior to your departure, as size and weight limitations vary according to the airlines. It is also important to check Intra Asia Air flight regulations as these too may vary. Passengers on international flights are usually allowed one piece of checked luggage and one carry-on bag per person. Some airlines limit each checked bag to a maximum of 62 linear inches (158 linear cm) and weight do not exceed 50 lbs. (23 kg). Your carry-on should not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (55 x 35 x 22 cm) or weigh more than 15 lbs. (7kg). International air carriers may impose fees for baggage that is too large or heavy and/or require you to remove certain articles in order to meet weight restrictions. Current security regulations require that all liquid items in your carry-on bag be no larger than 3 oz. and contained in a clear quart-sized plastic bag.

Intra-Asia Luggage Restrictions (Applies to all flights within Southeast Asia)

Passport validity and accuracy of passport names must be confirmed at initial payment. All guests must have the correct name(s) exactly as it appears on the passport. This will ensure your Intra-Asia Air is ticketed and issued correctly.

• One Checked-in baggage must not exceed 50lbs/23kg in weight and to a maximum of 62inches (158 cm)
• One Carry-on baggage plus one small item, such as ladies purse or a small handbag, must not exceed 22lbs/10kg in weight. One Carry-on must not exceed a maximum of 45 inches (115cm) and one small item must not exceed 33 inches (85cm) and must fit under the seat in front of you.

*An extra fee will apply for overweight and/or each additional piece of checked in luggage. Fees to be paid by guests directly to Vietnam airlines counter at Hanoi or Siem Reap airport.

NOTE: Airlines may impose fees for excess baggage and/or require you to remove articles and place them in another bag if weight/size limits are exceeded. AmaWaterways is not responsible for any additional fees imposed by airlines. Also, storage space may be limited on board your ship and/or motorcoaches/ tender boats, and porters may refuse to carry heavy, oversized suitcases. For these reasons, we recommend bringing only one suitcase and one carry-on bag per person. Vietnam Airlines has banned the use of lithium backup batteries on all of their flights. If you plan to carry one of these devices in your hand luggage, it must be declared at check-in and inspected for any irregularities.

It is a good idea to place your itinerary and contact information inside your checked bag, just in case it goes temporarily astray.

Mobile Phones

Please contact your service provider for information on overseas usage. Your phone will need to be set up for international roaming.

Vaccinations & Medications

Please check with your doctor and local consulates for any applicable vaccination requirements or recommendations based upon your itinerary destinations and past medical and travel history.

Depending on your health history, your physician may also recommend malaria pills or certain booster shots, such as tetanus and/or Hepatitis A and B. Anti-diarrhea medicine may also be advised, in case you are sensitive to certain spices or unfamiliar ingredients commonly used in Southeast Asia.

Physical Requirements

AmaWaterways' itineraries are as varied and active as you want them to be. Shore excursions and land packages require a moderate-to-challenging amount of walking and sites may have steps and/or uneven terrain. The embarkation/disembarkation points between ship and shore may not be able to accommodate guests with mobility issues.

Due to uneven terrain, cobblestones, stairs, temples, dirt roads and a lack of accessible facilities, our itineraries are not recommended for guests with limited mobility requiring the use of mobility aids like wheelchairs, scooters or any other mechanical devices. We kindly request guests requiring special assistance be accompanied by a companion who is physically able to provide such assistance, as AmaWaterways crew is unable to assist guests with personal tasks or hygiene needs. If there is uncertainty of a prospective guest’s fitness to travel or ability to independently care for their personal needs, please inform AmaWaterways as soon as possible. This will allow us to consider and discuss possible accommodations to ensure your safety and comfort during the cruise.

Throughout your river cruise it is likely the ship will be docked next to one or two other river ships. It is important to note that in these cases, disembarkation/embarkation may include walking up the stairs and through the adjacent ship(s) lobby or Sun Deck to reach the shore. You may also need to embark or disembark via a narrow gangway or occasionally cross an uneven surface to enter or exit the ship. These are typical situations that are beyond the control of AmaWaterways.

Accessible Facilities

Due to lack of space and facilities, shipboard accommodations and storage for mobility aids like wheelchairs, scooters or any other mechanical devices are unavailable and accessible facilities are extremely limited in most destinations. In addition, motorcoaches, boats and minibuses used for transfers and shore excursions are not equipped with the devices and tools necessary for full accessibility.

Mobility Devices

Guests may bring personal mobility devices (wheelchairs, electric scooters and walking frames) onboard our ships. However, devices must be stored in the guest’s stateroom and cannot be used in the dining room or lounge and must adhere to local standards and limitations. AmaWaterways Cruise Managers, crew and guides are unable to push wheelchairs on board or on shore.

Transfers and shore excursions adhere to a set schedule and cannot be adjusted for unexpected delays due to physical limitations. AmaWaterways and its affiliates are not responsible for any denial of services by airline carriers, cruise vessels, hotels, motorcoaches, local guides/operators or other independent suppliers.

Medical Conditions

There is no doctor or nurse aboard your cruise. Please consult your physician prior to traveling if you have a medical condition that might pose limitations during your trip. Please advise us at time of the booking if you have any medical conditions requiring special attention during your trip.

Special Diets

Please let us know prior to your departure if you have any special dietary requirements (e.g. vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, etc.). We will make every effort to accommodate your requests, with the resources available to us.

Drinking Water

We advise using bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth when traveling through this part of the world. A supply will be readily available on board during your cruise. If you visit a restaurant on your own during your journey, always request bottled drinks opened at the table (to ensure purity) and refuse ice cubes. Drink often to avoid dehydration, too.

Street Food

Please be cautious when sampling any food purchased from street vendors, as hygiene standards may not be up to Western standards. It is best to avoid dairy products, salads, and any food that is uncooked or fruit that you have not peeled yourself. In general, it is advisable to avoid street food throughout your experience.

AmaWaterways School Project In Cambodia

AmaWaterways is very proud to provide financial support to the ODA Free Village English School in the Siem Reap province of Cambodia. This school helps local children improve their English language skills and broaden their future employment opportunities. Surrounded by the famous temples of Angkor, residents of the area rely primarily on tourism. Guests touring the Angkor Archeological Park as part of their Cruise & Land itinerary will have a chance to visit this school during an excursion to the nearby Banteay Srei temple. Many of our guests are profoundly touched by the friendliness of the local children and wish to contribute something to their education. If you wish to bring some items from home to donate to the school, here are a few suggestions: Very simple story books with lots of pictures, UNO cards, wooden jigsaw puzzles, pencils with erasers, jumbo felt tip pens, dry erase markers, highlighters, Post-It notes, small notebooks, building blocks, toothbrushes, and small tubes of toothpaste, soap and shampoo.