As I previously mentioned in the article about obtaining a tourist visa to Laos in Hanoi, in some cases it is advisable to get a visa in advance. For example, if you decide to cross a less-frequented land border crossing (not accepting e-visa) or just want to spare yourself any unnecessary complications at the border.

 

After several friends warned me of unfair practices at the Thai-Cambodian border (they might charge you 35 USD for a visa on the bus and another 35 USD at the border), I decided for a safer option - getting the visa beforehand in Hanoi.

 

The official address of the Cambodian embassy in Hanoi is at 71 Tran Hung Dao Street. However, the visa processing is being handled in the building with the entrance from Quang Trung street during Mo-Fri, 8:30 to 11:00 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM. Before entering the office of the consular department, they will first let you fill out the application, accompanied with one passport photo and a copy of the passport data page. In the office, the clerk checks the information and charges a 35 USD fee (same fee as at the border). If you do not have USD, doesn't matter, the clerk accepts VND as well, at 22,000 VND for 1 USD.

 

The standard processing time is three business days, for a surcharge of 5 USD till the second business day. We submitted the request on Wednesday morning and picked up the visa on Friday at 10 AM. Everything went smoothly and without complications. The staff at the embassy was amiable and helpful.