What you need for the Thailand - Cambodia Border Immigrations (Episode 3)

    After four and a half hours, the train was nearing the border – you’ll know without checking your phone, as there are border gates with traditional steeples or roofs visible from a distance. Soon, the train stopped, and everyone disembarked.

    The immigration office was right next to the railway station. The Thai side of the border was quite well-equipped – there were small, good restaurants, ATMs, and most importantly, a Seven-Eleven.

    I went directly to immigration because I was eager to leave Thailand, as my 14-day visa-free stay had already expired. Following the sign that read “Passport Control and Departure,” I headed up to the second floor. Exiting Thailand was quite straightforward - you simply hand your passport to the officer, and they stamp it. In my case, I had overstayed by one and a half days, so I needed to pay a fine of 1,000 THB. As a rule, there’s a fine of 500 Baht per day for overstays, up to a maximum of 20,000 Baht for 40 days or more. The officer was nice and didn’t even ask me why I had overstayed.

Thai side of the border

Cambodia side of the border

    I felt relieved as my anxiety about overstaying was finally over, and I moved on to the Cambodian side of immigration. After crossing the road and going up the stairs to the right of the border crossing station, as indicated on the signs, I reached immigration for foreigners entering Cambodia.

    As a Myanmar citizen, I didn’t need a visa to enter, so I hadn’t prepared anything in advance and felt anxious again. I asked an officer who was really helpful if I needed to complete any forms, and he handed me a yellow form or an immigration card (shown in the picture below). I filled out the form, and that was all I needed apart from my passport.

Immigration card

    If you do require a visa to enter Cambodia, you can obtain a visa-on-arrival for $30. You’ll need to bring a passport photo and fill out the same yellow form. Officers will take your passport, yellow form, and photo and return your passport with a visa sticker in it. Be cautious, as some people have been scammed – you may be asked to pay more than $30, which you should refuse.

    The line was longer than on the Thai side - I waited about 15 minutes. When you reach the immigration officer, they may ask where you’re going, how long you’ll stay, and where you’ll be staying - nothing to worry about. They will then stamp your passport and allow you to enter. None of my luggage or backpack was checked.

    (continue reading on episode 4)