Cambodia Visa
A Cambodia Visa is mandatory for nearly all foreign nationals traveling to the country. Generally, acquiring a visa is a straightforward process; however, it is essential to review the following information thoroughly prior to organizing your trip to Cambodia. Additionally, it is advisable to consult with a travel agent in your home country to verify any specific requirements applicable to your nationality, as visa regulations may change.
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Passport and Visa Requirements
An international passport, issued by your home country and valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry into Cambodia, is required. Additionally, one passport-sized photograph taken within the last 12 months is necessary.
Nationals from Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, and Myanmar are exempt from needing a tourist visa and can stay in Cambodia for a duration ranging from 14 to 30 days. Further details can be found here.
Visa Types and Fees
Cambodia provides various visa options for visitors, with tourist and business visas being the most prevalent.
Tourist (T) Visa
The cost of a tourist visa (T-type) is US$30, and it is valid for 30 days. This visa can be extended once for an additional 30 days. Numerous travel agencies in the area offer visa extension services, typically charging around $50, which includes the service fee.
Ordinary (E) Visa
The ordinary visa, classified as E-type, commonly known as a business visa, is priced at US$35 and is valid for a duration of 30 days. This visa can be extended indefinitely in increments of 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, or 1 year. Notably, the 6-month and 12-month extensions permit multiple entries into Cambodia. However, if a holder of a 1 or 3-month visa departs from Cambodia, the visa will become invalid, necessitating the acquisition of a new visa upon re-entry. The fees for extensions vary, ranging from $50 for a 1-month extension to $290 for a 1-year extension.
Since August 2016, various extensions of stay have been introduced for the E-type visa, including EB (business), EG (general), ER (retirement), ES (student), ET (technician), and EP (proposal). Most expatriates planning to reside long-term in Cambodia typically apply for an EB-type visa. Individuals over the age of 55 who do not intend to engage in employment may also qualify for the ER (retirement) visa.
Khmer (K) Visa
The K-type visa is exclusively available to individuals of Cambodian descent who enter Cambodia using a foreign passport. Applicants must provide valid documentation proving that one or both of their parents are Cambodian citizens. This visa is issued only once and is free of charge, allowing the holders to enter Cambodia an unlimited number of times.
Diplomatic (A), Official (B), and Courtesy (C) Visa
Diplomatic, Official, and Courtesy visas are provided for free, but you will have to meet very specific requirements for these visa types.
Applying for a Cambodian Visa
The majority of individuals opt to obtain a visa on arrival when visiting Cambodia. Nevertheless, it is also feasible to secure a visa in advance by applying online or by reaching out to a Cambodian embassy located abroad.
Visa on Arrival
A Cambodian visa on arrival can be acquired upon entry into the country, either at one of the international airports or at designated official checkpoints when crossing the land border.
Currently, Cambodia has two international airports: one situated in the capital city, Phnom Penh, and the other in Siem Reap. Visas to Cambodia can be obtained at both of these airports.
For those entering Cambodia via land, a visa can be applied for at one of the official checkpoints. These checkpoints are located at the following border crossings:
- Border crossings with Thailand: Poipet, Cham Yeam (Koh Kong), O’Smach
- Border crossings with Vietnam: Bavet, Kha Orm Sam Nor
- Border crossing with Laos: Dom Kralor.
The Poipet border crossing: As the primary entry point for many tourists traveling from Thailand, the Poipet border crossing can experience significant congestion, resulting in lengthy queues. It is advisable to arrive early in the morning, as the period around lunchtime tends to be particularly busy. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid weekends to minimize waiting times.
Important information: When applying for a visa on arrival in Cambodia, if you do not provide the necessary photograph, the official will typically impose an additional charge of US$1 on top of the standard visa fee. Furthermore, when obtaining a visa on arrival at overland borders, be prepared to pay a few extra dollars beyond the stated fee.
Online: e-Visa
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has implemented an online visa processing system for Cambodia, known as the e-Visa. Applicants are required to complete an online application form and submit a scanned copy of their passport along with a 4×6 photograph. The fee for the e-visa is US$35, which can be paid via credit card (comprising US$30 for the visa itself and a US$5 processing fee). The processing duration is three days, allowing for a stay of up to 30 days in Cambodia. The e-Visa remains valid for three months from the date of issuance and will be sent to your email; it is your responsibility to print it.
Entry into Cambodia with an e-Visa is permitted through the following international airports and land border crossings:
- Siem Reap – Angkor International Airport
- Phnom Penh International Airport
- Border crossings with Thailand: Poipet, Cham Yeam (Koh Kong)
- Border crossing with Vietnam: Bavet
To apply for the e-Visa, please visit the website: https://www.evisa.gov.kh/. It is advisable to review the most current e-Visa requirements, as they are subject to change.
Countries not eligible: Citizens from the following countries are ineligible to apply for an e-Visa: Afghanistan, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, and Nigeria. It is recommended to investigate the possibility of obtaining a visa on arrival or to contact the nearest Cambodian embassy for further assistance.
Visa Documentation
When applying for a visa on arrival, it is essential to complete the following three documents, regardless of whether you arrive by air or land. Specify the type of visa you are seeking, as it is not possible to convert a tourist visa into a business visa at a later stage.
- Visa Application
- Customs Declaration
- Arrival/Departure Card
Visa Extensions
Should you wish to remain in Cambodia for more than 30 days, you must extend your visa at the Immigration Department located in Phnom Penh. The office is situated at Nr 223, Confederation de Russie (Airport Road), directly across from Phnom Penh International Airport. You may reach them by telephone at +855 12 581 558.
If you are staying in Siem Reap or another city, there is no need to travel to Phnom Penh for the extension. You can simply request assistance from a local travel agency, which will handle the extension process for you. Please note that they will charge a fee for this service, and you may be required to provide a passport-sized photograph (4×6). Your passport and visa extension will typically be returned to you within approximately 10 working days.
For diplomatic, official, and courtesy visas, extensions can be processed at the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Phnom Penh.
Visa Scams
Exercise caution regarding visa scams at all overland border crossings, particularly at Poipet and Koh Kong. It is advisable not to allow anyone else to handle your visa application. The process is straightforward and the fee for a tourist visa is only $30. Be wary of drivers and touts who may offer assistance and attempt to convince you that the visa fee is $40 or higher.
At the Poipet immigration office, some officials may request an additional surcharge of 100 Baht, which is approximately $3. It is up to you to determine whether you wish to pay this extra fee. To avoid this charge, you might consider politely requesting a receipt or an explanation. However, it is essential to maintain a positive demeanor and refrain from displaying any frustration, as this may lead to further complications.