Cambodia e-Arrival Card: New Digital Entry Form for 2026
The Cambodia e-Arrival Card is a digital entry form that replaces the traditional paper arrival and departure card (T/D card) at all Cambodian international checkpoints. Every foreign visitor entering Cambodia must complete this electronic form before passing through immigration. The system launched to streamline border processing, reduce paper waste, and speed up passenger throughput at airports and land crossings. This guide explains how the e-Arrival Card works, what information you need to provide, and how to fill it out correctly so you pass immigration without delays.
What Is the Cambodia e-Arrival Card?
The Cambodia e-Arrival Card is an online digital form that collects passenger information required by Cambodian immigration authorities. It replaces the paper arrival card (also called the T/D card or disembarkation card) that travelers previously filled out by hand on the plane or at the immigration counter.
The digital system requires all arriving foreigners to submit their information electronically before reaching the immigration desk. You complete the form on your phone, tablet, or computer through the official website. Once submitted, you receive a QR code that immigration officers scan at the checkpoint.
Key features of the e-Arrival Card:
- Mandatory for all foreign visitors entering Cambodia through any international checkpoint
- Free to complete – there is no government fee for the arrival card itself
- Completed online before arrival – no paper forms at the airport
- QR code receipt – your confirmation is a scannable code on your phone or printed paper
- Valid for one entry – you must submit a new e-Arrival Card each time you enter Cambodia
The system applies to tourists, business travelers, transit passengers, and anyone entering on a visa or visa exemption. Holders of e-Visas, visas on arrival, and diplomatic visas all need to complete the e-Arrival Card.
How the e-Arrival Card Works
The Cambodia e-Arrival Card process involves a few straightforward steps. Completing the form before your flight or border crossing ensures a faster immigration experience.
Step-by-step process:
- Visit the official e-Arrival Card website – Access the portal through the official Cambodian government site. You can complete the form on any internet-connected device.
- Enter your personal details – Fill in your full name, nationality, date of birth, passport number, and passport expiry date exactly as they appear on your passport.
- Provide travel information – Enter your flight number or mode of arrival, date of entry, and the purpose of your visit (tourism, business, transit, etc.).
- Add accommodation details – Specify where you will stay in Cambodia. This can be a hotel name and address, or the address of a host if staying with friends or family.
- Answer health and customs declarations – Complete the health screening questions and declare any goods subject to customs inspection.
- Submit the form – Review all entries for accuracy, then submit. You will receive a QR code by email or on-screen.
- Present the QR code at immigration – Show the code on your phone screen or a printed copy to the immigration officer upon arrival.
The entire process takes about 10 to 15 minutes if you have your passport and travel details ready. You can complete the form up to several days before your arrival date.
Information Required on the e-Arrival Card
The e-Arrival Card asks for several categories of information. Having these details prepared in advance speeds up the submission process.
Personal information:
- Full name (as printed on passport)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Nationality
- Passport number
- Passport expiry date
- Country of residence
Travel details:
- Flight number or transport mode (air, land, sea)
- Date of arrival in Cambodia
- Port of entry (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, land border crossing)
- Purpose of visit (tourism, business, employment, study, diplomatic, transit)
- Duration of intended stay
Accommodation information:
- Name of hotel or accommodation
- Address of accommodation in Cambodia
- City or province of stay
Declarations:
- Health declaration (symptoms, recent travel to affected regions)
- Customs declaration (dutiable goods, currency amounts exceeding USD 10,000)
- Whether you are carrying restricted or prohibited items
All fields marked as mandatory must be completed. Incomplete submissions may be rejected, requiring you to resubmit before passing through immigration.
Who Needs to Complete the e-Arrival Card?
Every foreign national entering Cambodia must complete the e-Arrival Card regardless of visa type or nationality. There are very few exceptions.
Required to complete:
- All foreign passport holders entering Cambodia for any purpose
- Tourists with e-Visas or visas on arrival
- Business travelers and their dependents
- Diplomatic and official passport holders (may use a separate lane but still need the form)
- Transit passengers passing through Cambodian immigration
- Children and infants (parents or guardians complete the form on their behalf)
Exempt from completing:
- Cambodian citizens returning to the country
- Passengers who remain in the international transit area and do not pass through immigration
- Holders of Cambodian diplomatic immunity (case by case)
Parents traveling with children should complete a separate e-Arrival Card for each child. The form allows a parent or guardian to submit on behalf of a minor.
Where to Complete the e-Arrival Card
You can access the Cambodia e-Arrival Card through multiple channels. The form is available in several languages to accommodate the diverse range of visitors Cambodia receives each year.
Online portal:
The primary method is the official government website, accessible from any browser on a phone, tablet, or computer. The site works on both desktop and mobile browsers without needing to download an app.
At the airport:
If you did not complete the form before arrival, kiosks or designated areas at Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), Siem Reap International Airport (REP), and Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS) allow you to fill it out on the spot. However, completing the form in advance is strongly recommended to avoid queues.
At land border crossings:
Major land crossings such as Bavet (Cambodia-Vietnam), Poipet (Cambodia-Thailand), and Cham Yeam (Cambodia-Thailand) also support the e-Arrival Card system. Internet access is available at most crossings, but connection quality varies. Downloading or screenshotting your QR code before arriving at a remote border point is advisable.
e-Arrival Card vs. Paper Arrival Card
The shift from paper to digital is part of Cambodia’s broader modernization of its immigration systems. Here is how the two formats compare:
| Feature | e-Arrival Card | Paper Arrival Card |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Digital form online | Physical paper form |
| Completion time | 10-15 minutes | 10-20 minutes |
| When to complete | Before arrival (recommended) | On the plane or at the counter |
| Language options | Multiple languages on screen | Usually English and Khmer only |
| Confirmation | QR code (email or on-screen) | Stamped paper slip |
| Data accuracy | Auto-validation for common errors | Handwriting can be misread |
| Queue time at immigration | Faster (QR scan) | Slaver (manual review) |
| Environmental impact | Paperless | Paper waste |
The digital system eliminates common problems with the paper form, such as illegible handwriting, missing fields, and the need to carry a pen. It also allows immigration authorities to pre-process arrivals, reducing wait times at the immigration desk.
Tips for a Smooth e-Arrival Card Submission
Follow these practical tips to avoid problems with your Cambodia e-Arrival Card submission:
Before you travel:
- Complete the form at least 24 hours before departure – this gives you time to fix any errors without stress
- Use your passport exactly as printed – even small spelling differences between the form and your passport can cause delays at immigration
- Save your QR code offline – take a screenshot or download the QR code image in case you lose internet access at the border
- Print a backup copy – while the digital QR code is sufficient, a printed copy provides insurance against phone battery issues or technical glitches
At the immigration counter:
- Have your QR code ready – open the code on your phone before joining the queue, or hold your printed copy
- Keep your passport and boarding pass accessible – the officer will check these alongside your e-Arrival Card
- Answer any additional questions clearly – the e-Arrival Card pre-loads your data, but the officer may ask for clarification on certain fields
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Do not use a nickname – enter your legal name as it appears on your passport
- Do not guess your passport number – double-check the number and expiry date
- Do not leave mandatory fields blank – the system will flag incomplete submissions
- Do not submit the form for the wrong date – ensure the arrival date matches your actual travel plans
e-Arrival Card for Families and Groups
Traveling families and organized groups face additional considerations when completing the e-Arrival Card system.
For families with children:
- Each traveler, including infants, needs a separate e-Arrival Card submission
- Parents or guardians complete the form on behalf of children under 18
- The child’s own passport details must be used – not the parent’s passport
- Accommodation details can be the same for all family members
For tour groups:
- Tour operators can assist with group submissions
- Each group member still needs an individual form with their own passport details
- A single hotel booking can be referenced across multiple forms
- Group leaders should collect passport details from all members before the submission deadline
e-Arrival Card and Cambodia Visa Types
The e-Arrival Card is separate from your visa. You need both to enter Cambodia. Here is how the arrival card interacts with different visa types:
With an e-Visa:
You already have pre-approved entry authorization. The e-Arrival Card adds your arrival details (flight, accommodation, declarations) to the immigration system. Present both your e-Visa printout and your e-Arrival Card QR code at the immigration counter.
With a visa on arrival:
You apply for the visa at the immigration counter upon arrival. Complete the e-Arrival Card before reaching the counter. The immigration officer processes your visa application and e-Arrival Card together, which speeds up the overall process.
With a business visa (E-class):
Business travelers complete the same e-Arrival Card as tourists but should select “business” as the purpose of visit. This aligns your arrival record with your visa type and avoids discrepancies if you later apply for a business visa extension.
With visa-free entry:
Citizens of ASEAN countries with visa-free arrangements still need to complete the e-Arrival Card. The form records your entry regardless of whether you hold a formal visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Cambodia e-Arrival Card the same as a visa?
No, the e-Arrival Card is not a visa. It is a digital arrival form that collects your travel and accommodation information for immigration purposes. You still need a valid visa (e-Visa, visa on arrival, or embassy-issued visa) or a visa exemption to enter Cambodia. The e-Arrival Card and the visa are two separate requirements.
How much does the Cambodia e-Arrival Card cost?
The Cambodia e-Arrival Card is free. There is no government fee to submit the form. Be cautious of unofficial websites that charge a fee for completing the form on your behalf – these are third-party services, not the official government portal. The arrival card itself costs nothing.
When should I complete the e-Arrival Card?
You can complete the e-Arrival Card at any time before your arrival in Cambodia. Most travelers fill it out 24 to 72 hours before their flight. Completing it early gives you time to correct any errors and ensures you have your QR code ready before departure. The form can also be completed at airport kiosks upon arrival, but this adds time to your immigration process.
What happens if I make a mistake on the e-Arrival Card?
If you notice an error before submitting, you can edit the form and resubmit. After submission, minor errors (such as a typo in your hotel name) usually do not cause problems. However, major discrepancies – wrong passport number, incorrect nationality, or mismatched arrival date – may require you to resubmit the form or explain the discrepancy to the immigration officer. Always double-check passport details before submitting.
Do I need to print the e-Arrival Card QR code?
Printing is not mandatory but recommended as a backup. The QR code can be displayed on your phone screen. However, phone batteries die, screens break, and internet access can be unreliable at border crossings. A printed copy costs nothing and eliminates these risks. Many experienced Cambodia travelers carry both digital and printed versions.
Can I complete the e-Arrival Card on arrival at the airport?
Yes, you can complete the form at airport kiosks or designated areas upon arrival. However, this is not recommended because it adds 10 to 15 minutes to your immigration process and creates a bottleneck if many passengers arrive without having completed the form in advance. Airlines may also remind you to complete the form before landing.
Do children need a separate e-Arrival Card?
Yes, every traveler including infants and children needs their own e-Arrival Card. Parents or guardians complete the form on behalf of minors using the child’s own passport details. A family of four needs four separate submissions. The accommodation and travel details can be identical across family members.
What languages is the e-Arrival Card available in?
The e-Arrival Card form is available in multiple languages including English, Khmer, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and several others. The English version is recommended for most international travelers as immigration officers at major checkpoints are proficient in English.
Is the e-Arrival Card required for land border crossings?
Yes, the e-Arrival Card is required for all entry points into Cambodia including major land border crossings such as Bavet (Vietnam border), Poipet (Thailand border), Cham Yeam (Thailand border), and Tropaeng Kreal (Laos border). Complete the form online before reaching the crossing and save your QR code offline in case of limited internet access at the border.
How long is the e-Arrival Card QR code valid?
The QR code is valid for a single entry. Once scanned and processed at immigration, it cannot be reused. If you leave Cambodia and re-enter, you must complete a new e-Arrival Card and receive a new QR code. The QR code does not expire before your arrival as long as the arrival date you entered matches your actual travel date.
