A Complete Guide to Applying for a Tourist Visa to Cambodia
Cambodia offers a deep dive into history with opportunities to visit Angkor Wat or relax on the beaches of Sihanoukville. However, for a successful trip to the country, having a foolproof itinerary is not all. Before you start packing for your trip, do apply for the Cambodia tourist visa, allowing you entry into Cambodia.
Places in Cambodia, such as Angkor Wat, the beaches of Sihanoukville, Siem Reap, and Phnom Penh, are on the bucket list for many. However, traveling overseas usually involve following a lot of rules and regulations that are often difficult to navigate. For those planning a trip to Cambodia in the near future, we have simplified the application process.
Here, we bring to you a clear, step-by-step guide to the Cambodian tourist visa application process—who needs one, how to apply, what documents to prepare, and how long it takes.
Is a Visa Necessary For Visiting Cambodia?
If you belong to one of the ASEAN countries, then you need not apply for a visa when visiting Cambodia, with treaties in place offering visa-free travel.
For another 220 countries, that include all major nations like most of Europe, the US, Canada, Australia, India, and others, travelers will have to apply for a Cambodia Tourist Visa (Type T). This allows a 30-day stay in Cambodia for tourism only, and the application for this can be filed online.
Travelers may also apply for a Visa on Arrival, using the necessary documentation, when they reach their port of entry.
What are the Different Categories Available For a Tourist Visa to Cambodia?
If you are planning to travel to Cambodia as a tourist, you will have to apply using the Type T, Cambodia Tourist Visa. This visa is meant exclusively for tourism purposes, and people holding this visa are prohibited from seeking any form of employment or conducting business-related activities when on their travels.
By availing the Type T Tourist Visa (eVisa) to Cambodia, the visa holder gets to stay in the country for a continuous period of 30 days. Further, the visa you obtain will stay valid for up to 3 months from the date it is issued. Thus, applicants have to complete their trip within this period. With its quick online application process and easy approvals, this is the most recommended visa for travelers.
Alternatively, as a traveler, you can file an application for a Visa on Arrival once you reach the immigration checkpoint in Cambodia. The Visa on Arrival for Cambodia that one gets from applying at the immigration checkpoint, too, allows people to stay in the country for 30 days. However, applicants need to check if their nationality is eligible for this option.
To compare, here’s how the eVisa and Visa on Arrival differ from each other:
The Cambodia e-Visa Application vs the Visa on Arrival
| Features | Cambodia e-Visa Application | Visa on Arrival for Cambodia |
|---|---|---|
| Application Method | Through the website | At the port of entry |
| Processing Time | 3-5 business days | Based on the length of the queue at the Cambodian immigration checkpoint. |
| Validity | Allows 30 days of stay in Cambodia; Stays valid for 90 days from the date of issue | 30 days of stay |
| Entry Type | Single Entry | Single Entry |
| Benefit | Prior approval before arriving at the entry port. | Meant for last minute plans |
With the approved Cambodia e-Visa application, travelers can gain entry at the following ports:
- Phnom Penh International Airport
- Preah Sihanouk International Airport
- Siem Reap International Airport
- Cham Yeam (Thailand)
- Poi Pet (Thailand)
- Bavet (Vietnam)
- Tropaeng Kreal Border Post (Laos)
How to Apply for a Cambodian eVisa: Simplified Step-by-Step Guide
To file an application for the Cambodia Tourist Visa, you need to go through the below simple steps:
- Visit the website.
- Fill out the available form.
- Upload all requested documents.
- Cross-check all details.
- Pay the fee.
- Apply and retain a copy.
From application to approval, it will take you around three to five business days to get the Cambodia tourist visa (Type T). Further, the Type T visa will stay valid up to 3 months from the date it is issued. Thus, we recommend that you apply well in advance, allowing a window of opportunity to address any potential issues.
Necessary Documentation Meant For The Online Cambodia Visa Application
For your travels to Cambodia, you will have to apply using the Cambodia e-visa application. To complete this, you will need a passport that has 6 months of validity, a photograph, funds for making the application, proof of onward travel, and a local address as proof of accommodation.
Further, you will need to meet the Cambodia visa photo requirement, which asks for a recently taken passport-sized photograph in a JPEG or PNG format for easy uploads.
Be sure to carry every item in this Cambodia Tourist Visa (Type T) Documentation Checklist for a quick and easy Cambodia online visa application.
Documents Required to File an Application for the Cambodia Tourist Visa
| Item | Required For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | All Visa Types | This should mandatorily have a validity of 6 months or more. |
| Passport-Size Photo | All visa types | Should be recent and in a JPEG/PNG format. |
| Completed Application Form for the Visa | All visa categories available | Online for eVisa; paper form for VoA and embassy visa |
| Fee Payment | All available visa categories | To be made using a valid mode of payment (bank card) |
| Printed Copy of the eVisa | eVisa | Carry 2 printed copies—one for entry, the other as a backup |
| Proof of Return/Onward Travel | Requested at the entry checkpoint | Flight/train/bus ticket out of Cambodia |
| Proof of Accommodation | Requested at the entry checkpoint | Hotel reservation or the address of your host |
| Proof of Sufficient Funds | Requested at the entry checkpoint | Need to be submitted as a proof of the means of travel. |
Additionally, all travelers are advised to keep the following optional (but recommended) documents on hand in case the officials ask for additional clarification:
- Travel Insurance
- Extra passport photos
- Copy of passport bio page (as backup)
Visa on Arrival: The Process Followed at the Border Checkpoint
If you choose to go the Visa-on-Arrival route, this is available at most but not all major airports, ports, and land borders. Thus, before traveling, we advise you to check if your particular port of entry is offering a Visa on Arrival.
At the immigration checkpoint, you will have to provide your passport, all necessary documentation, passport-sized photos, and the fee for your visa application. Fill out all the immigration forms given to you at the arrival hall, check them, and submit them along with supporting documents to the immigration officer.
Usually, it will take the immigration officials around 15–30 minutes to process your Visa on Arrival application. However, this waiting time will vary with the number of people in the queue, awaiting the process. In the event that your Visa on Arrival is rejected, no matter the reason, you will be sent back to your country of origin. This is why we advise all eligible travelers to apply in advance using the Cambodia e-Visa application.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure that your Cambodia online visa application is approved on time, be sure to avoid the following mistakes:
- Offering missing, incomplete, or inaccurate supporting documentation.
- Using old or blurry photos that do not meet the Cambodia visa photo requirement.
- Offering insufficient proof of funds to support your travel.
- Having inconsistencies in the travel itinerary.
- Lack of passport validity.
Tips for a Successful Application Process with the Cambodia Tourist Visa (Type T)
To ensure the highest chances of approval for your Cambodia online visa application, you can try out the following tips:
- Carry the soft copy of all documentation that may be requested when you work on the application.
- Make sure your passport has the necessary validity before you apply.
- Be accurate on the visa application form.
- Be sure to upload all necessary supporting documents in the mentioned format.
- Go over your application multiple times to root out any mistakes.
- Apply well in advance to address any mistakes that come up.
Traveling to Cambodia with a Tourist Visa
Getting a Cambodia Tourist Visa is quick and easy with the Cambodia online visa application. All you need are the right supporting documents and an accurately filled application, and you’re all set to explore Cambodia.
Planning your Cambodian getaway? Download our Cambodia Tourist Visa checklist and get started on your application.
Check Eligibility for Cambodia e-Visa and apply for Cambodia e-Visa 5 days prior to your scheduled flight to Cambodia. British citizens, Portuguese citizens, Ecuadorian citizens and Georgian citizens are eligible to apply online for Cambodia e-Visa.