How to Get a Visa for Cambodia – A Step-by-Step Guide for Travelers
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Cambodia welcomes millions of international visitors every year, and getting a visa is a straightforward process for most nationalities. Whether you’re planning a short visit to explore Angkor Wat or preparing for a longer stay, it’s important to understand how to get a visa for Cambodia before you travel.
Let’s break down everything you need to know:
✅ 1. Do I Need a Visa to Visit Cambodia?
It depends on your nationality.
🔹 Citizens of over 230 countries can enter Cambodia visa-free for short stays:
- Allowed stay: Up to 14 or 30 days , depending on your country
- Includes:
- ASEAN nations (Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, etc.)
- Some African, South American, and Caribbean countries
📌 Tip: Always check with your local embassy or official Cambodian immigration sources for the latest updates.
💰 2. Types of Visas for Tourists
If your country isn’t part of the visa exemption program, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa before or upon arrival.
🎟️ e-Visa (Electronic Visa):
- Available online at https://www.evisa.gov.kh
- Allows stays of up to 30 days
- Single-entry only
- Valid for tourism purposes
- Cost: $36 USD
🛎️ On-Arrival Visa:
- Available at major border crossings and airports including:
- Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH)
- Siem Reap International Airport (REP)
- Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS)
- Land borders with Thailand, Vietnam, Laos
- Similar to e-Visa but requires filling out forms and waiting in line
- Cost: $30–$35 USD
📌 Note: Both the e-Visa and on-arrival visa require:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months
- One recent passport-sized photo
- Return ticket
- Proof of accommodation
🧾 3. Required Documents for a Tourist Visa
Whether applying online, on arrival, or through an embassy, here’s what you’ll typically need:
- ✅ Valid passport (at least 6 months from date of entry)
- ✅ Completed application form (online or on paper)
- ✅ Recent passport-sized photo (4 cm x 6 cm)
- ✅ Confirmed return ticket
- ✅ Hotel bookings or proof of accommodation
- ✅ Sufficient funds (bank statement or credit card)
- ✅ Visa fee payment
🌐 4. Applying for a Visa Through the Embassy
For some nationalities, applying through a Cambodian embassy or consulate may be required or preferred.
Steps:
- Find your nearest Cambodian embassy using the official list:
https://www.mfaic.gov.kh/embassies-abroad - Prepare all required documents as listed above.
- Submit your application either in person, by mail, or through a visa agency.
- Pay the visa fee — varies by country (usually between $25–$50).
- Wait for processing — usually takes 3–7 business days .
📌 Tip: Some embassies offer expedited service for an extra fee.
🛠️ 5. Long-Term Visas (Work, Study, Marriage, etc.)
For those planning to stay longer than 30 days or move to Cambodia for work, study, or family reasons, a long-term visa is required.
Common types include:
- Business Visa (E-class)
- Student Visa
- Family Reunification Visa
- Retirement Visa
Process:
- Secure a sponsor or employer in Cambodia.
- The sponsor applies for a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) from the Immigration Department.
- Once approved, submit final visa documents at the embassy.
- Upon arrival, register with the Department of Immigration within 7 days.
📌 Note: These visas often take 1–3 months to process and require more documentation.
🔄 6. Extending Your Visa in Cambodia
If you entered Cambodia on a tourist visa and wish to stay longer, you can extend your visa at the Department of Immigration in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap.
Key Details:
- Extension allowed for an additional 30 days
- Requires:
- Original passport
- Passport photo
- Bank receipt of payment (~$40–$50)
- Completed application form
📌 Important: Overstaying your visa can result in fines, deportation, or future entry bans.
🧳 7. Special Notes for Post-Pandemic Travel (2025)
As of early 2025, Cambodia has fully reopened its borders with no mandatory quarantine, PCR tests, or vaccine requirements for entry.
However, always check the latest updates from:
- Official Cambodia e-Visa site: https://www.evisa.gov.kh
- Your local Cambodian embassy
✈️ Summary Table: Entry Options for Cambodia
| Type | Duration | Cost | Extendable | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa-Free Entry | 14–30 days | Free | ❌ No | 230+ nationalities |
| e-Visa | 30 days | ~$36 | ✅ Yes | Most nationalities |
| On-Arrival Visa | 30 days | ~$30–$35 | ✅ Yes | Most nationalities |
| Embassy Visa | Varies | $25–$50 | ✅ Yes | All nationalities |
| Long-Term Visa | Varies | Varies | ✅ Yes | Work, study, spouse |
📌 Final Tip:
Always verify the latest visa requirements based on your nationality and purpose of visit. With proper planning, getting a visa for Cambodia is a smooth process — so nothing stands between you and your dream trip!
