Cambodia visa requirements: entry options for travelers

Visa-on-arrival for most nationalities

Visa-on-arrival (VOA) is available at Cambodia's international airports and most land borders. You arrive with a completed TM.8 form, passport-sized photograph, and cash (typically USD, though some border posts accept other currencies). Processing occurs at the immigration desk, usually within 30 minutes to one hour. This option suits travelers without advance planning or those without reliable internet access. However, queues at popular entry points like Phnom Penh International Airport can be lengthy during peak arrival times. Land border crossings (Poipet, Cham Yeam, Koh Kong) also offer VOA, though conditions and wait times vary significantly.

Processing time at airport

Typically 30 minutes to 1 hour

Document required

Passport, completed TM.8 form, 1 photo

Available at

International airports, major land borders

E-visa: online application route

Cambodia's official e-visa platform (evisa.gov.kh) allows advance application from most countries. You upload a passport scan and photograph, pay online, and receive approval via email within 1–3 business days. The e-visa can be printed and presented at arrival, or some borders accept digital copies. This option eliminates border queues and payment uncertainty, making it preferred by travelers with predictable arrival schedules. The platform is straightforward but occasionally experiences technical delays; applications submitted 5–7 days before arrival provide a safety margin. Service fees apply; verify current pricing on the official portal.

Processing time

Typically 1–3 business days

Application method

Online at evisa.gov.kh

Presentation at arrival

Printed or digital copy accepted at most ports

Visa-free and ASEAN nationals

Several nationalities enjoy visa-free access to Cambodia for short stays, typically 14–30 days depending on passport. ASEAN member states (Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Philippines, Myanmar) generally receive preferential treatment with longer visa-free windows or streamlined visa-on-arrival. Non-ASEAN developed nations (Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, UK, USA) typically require either VOA or e-visa. Passport strength and bilateral agreements determine exact durations and access routes. Always check your specific nationality's eligibility before assuming visa-free entry.

ASEAN nationals

Typically 14–30 days visa-free or fast-track VOA

Common Western nationalities

Require VOA or e-visa

Visa-free stays

Duration varies; check with nearest embassy

Visa duration and extensions

Tourist visas typically grant 30 days from date of entry. Extensions are possible through the Immigration Department in Phnom Penh or via local travel agents in provincial towns; expect additional processing fees and paperwork. Overstaying incurs daily fines (typically USD per day) and potential passport stamps or deportation for serious violations. If you plan to remain beyond 30 days, securing an extension beforehand or applying for a longer visa category before arrival is advisable. Visa rules and extension policies change; confirm current terms with official sources.

Standard tourist visa duration

30 days from arrival

Extension availability

Through Immigration Department (Phnom Penh) or agents

Overstay penalty

Daily fines; varies by duration

Passport requirements and entry planning

A passport with at least six months validity from your arrival date is standard for Cambodia entry. Most tourism visas are single-entry, meaning you cannot leave and re-enter without a new visa. If you plan onward travel to Thailand, Vietnam, or Laos, factor in separate visa applications or visa-free allowances for those countries. Traveler's checks and credit cards are accepted at major banks and hotels in Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville, but cash (USD) is essential for smaller towns, visa fees, and border transactions. Always carry a photocopy of your passport's biographical page separately from your original.

Passport validity minimum

6 months from arrival date

Visa type

Typically single-entry for tourists

Recommended currency

USD (widely accepted); local riel also used

Frequently asked

Can I get a visa on arrival at Sihanoukville airport?

Sihanoukville International Airport does not currently operate scheduled commercial flights; most tourists arrive via Phnom Penh International Airport or overland. If you arrive at Phnom Penh, visa-on-arrival is available at the airport immigration desk. For overland entry to Sihanoukville region (via Koh Kong or Thailand border), VOA is also available at those crossings.

How much does a Cambodia tourist visa cost?

E-visa and VOA fees vary and change periodically. The official e-visa portal (evisa.gov.kh) displays current pricing. Visa-on-arrival fees at borders may differ from online rates and sometimes include unofficial surcharges. Check official sources before arrival to budget accurately, or use your embassy's website for verified fee information.

Do I need a visa if I'm a UK or US citizen?

UK and US citizens do not qualify for visa-free entry and must obtain either a visa-on-arrival or e-visa before or upon arrival. E-visa is often the more convenient option, as it avoids border queues and payment uncertainty. Both are valid single-entry tourist visas typically lasting 30 days.

Can I extend my stay beyond 30 days?

Yes. Extensions are processed by the General Department of Immigration in Phnom Penh or through authorized travel agents in provincial towns. Extension fees apply and processing takes several days. Alternatively, exit and re-enter Cambodia with a new visa, though this incurs additional visa costs and border formalities.

What happens if I overstay my visa?

Overstaying incurs daily fines (amount varies with duration of overstay). Serious overstays may result in passport annotations, deportation, and potential bans on re-entry. It is not advisable to overstay; obtain an extension or plan your departure within your visa validity window.

Can I work on a tourist visa?

No. Tourist visas are explicitly for leisure and sightseeing only. Employment requires a separate work permit and business visa, obtainable through your employer or a Cambodian immigration consultant. Tourists working on visitor visas risk fines, deportation, and future entry bans.