Visa Requirements for Traveling to Cambodia

If you’re planning a trip to Cambodia, one of the first things to consider is the visa you’ll need. Getting a visa for Cambodia isn’t complicated, but knowing the options ahead of time will save you a lot of headaches. Whether you’re staying for a few days or a few weeks, here’s everything you need to know about Cambodia’s visa requirements.

Visa Types for Cambodia

Cambodia offers several types of visas, depending on the purpose and length of your stay. Below are the main categories:

• Tourist Visa (T-class): This is the most common visa for travelers visiting Cambodia for leisure. It’s valid for 30 days.
• Business Visa (E-class): This visa is intended for people visiting Cambodia for business or work-related activities. Like the tourist visa, it is also valid for 30 days but can be extended multiple times, unlike a tourist visa.
• K Visa (for Cambodian descent): If you have Cambodian heritage, you can apply for the K visa, which allows for indefinite stays.
• Diplomatic/Official Visa: If you’re on an official mission or representing a government, you can apply for a diplomatic or official visa. These are usually pre-arranged by your embassy or organization.

The majority of travelers will need either a tourist or business visa, so let’s look at how to get these, step by step.

How to Apply for a Visa to Cambodia

Option 1: Visa on Arrival

Most travelers can get a visa upon arrival at major entry points, like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap International Airports, or at many border checkpoints. Here’s how to do it:

• Fill out the visa application form, which can be found at the airport or border crossing.
• Provide two passport-sized photos.
• Pay the visa fee on arrival: $30 USD for a tourist visa and $35 USD for a business visa.
• Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months and has at least one blank page.

You’ll get your visa stamped into your passport on the spot, and you’re good to go.

Option 2: E-Visa (Electronic Visa)

If you want to skip the line at the airport or border, Cambodia also offers an e-visa which allows you to apply online before your trip. It’s a convenient way to save time, and it works for most nationalities.

Steps to apply for the e-visa:

• Visit the official e-visa website at https://www.evisa.gov.kh/.
• Fill out the online form with your personal information and travel details.
• Upload a recent passport-sized photo.
• Pay the visa fee online via credit card: $36 USD (which includes a $6 processing fee).
• Wait for your approval letter, which usually arrives within 3 business days.

Once approved, print out the e-visa and carry it with you. When you arrive in Cambodia, just present it at immigration.

E-visas are typically issued for 30-day stays and are valid for 90 days from the approval date. Be aware that e-visas are only valid at specific entry points:

• Phnom Penh International Airport
• Siem Reap International Airport
• Cham Yeam (Koh Kong)
• Poipet (Banteay Meanchey)
• Bavet (Svay Rieng)

Visa Exempt Countries

Most travelers will need a visa to enter Cambodia, but there are a few exceptions. Citizens from the following countries can enter Cambodia without a visa for a certain number of days:

• ASEAN Countries: Citizens from countries like Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines enjoy visa-free travel to Cambodia for stays ranging from 14 to 30 days, depending on the country.

If you’re from one of these countries, check with your local embassy or online before traveling to ensure there are no changes.

Extending Your Visa

If you fall in love with Cambodia and want to stay longer, don’t worry—you can extend your visa pretty easily.

Tourist Visa Extension

Tourist visas can be extended one time for an additional 30 days. To extend your visa, you can either go through an immigration office in Cambodia or use a travel agency to handle it for you. Agencies that specialize in visa services are all over the larger cities.

Expect to pay around $45–50 USD for the extension. You’ll also need to hand over your passport for a few days while they process it. After that, you can continue enjoying your stay!

Business (E-class) Visa Extension

If you entered the country on a business visa, you have more flexibility. Extensions are typically available in four types:

• 1 month (single entry)
• 3 months (single entry)
• 6 months (multiple entries)
• 12 months (multiple entries)

Just like with tourist visa extensions, you can apply directly through the immigration office or use a third-party agency. Prices vary depending on the duration and number of entries.

Overstaying Your Visa

Overstaying your visa is not something you want to do in Cambodia. If you stay longer than your visa allows, there’s a fine of $10 USD for each day that you overstay. Fines need to be paid when leaving the country, and overstaying by too many days could cause problems when you exit—or when you try to come back in the future.

Special Considerations

There are a few additional things you should keep in mind:

• Working in Cambodia: If you’re planning to work, teaching English or doing any paid tasks, make sure you apply for a business visa. Tourist visas are only for leisure activities.
• Border Crossings: It’s possible to get a visa on arrival at land borders between Cambodia and Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. However, the process can be slower compared to airports, and you may even face long lines. Always confirm visa procedures ahead of time to avoid hassles.
• Scams: Be cautious of visa scams, especially near land borders. Some people might try to overcharge you in unofficial checkpoints. It helps to know the current visa prices beforehand, and always use official entry points.

Visa Process Tips

Here are some practical tips to make your Cambodia visa process go smoothly:

• Always keep a copy of your passport and visa with you when traveling within Cambodia.
• If you’re applying for an e-visa, print out multiple copies. Some immigration officers may want to keep a copy when you enter and exit.
• Carry small bills in US dollars for paying visa fees. Cambodia uses both its local currency and USD, so it’s handy to have this on you.
• Double-check your visa’s expiration date to avoid overstay fines.

Traveling to Cambodia is a breeze with the right visa in hand. The process is straightforward and offers flexibility with options like visa extensions and e-visas. By preparing ahead, you can focus on enjoying everything this beautiful country has to offer—its temples, beaches, and rich culture. Safe travels!