Cambodia Visa for UK Citizens

Planning a trip from Britain to Cambodia? Whether you want to explore the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, relax on the beaches of Sihanoukville, or experience the bustling markets of Phnom Penh, you will need a valid visa. This guide covers everything UK citizens need to know about obtaining a Cambodia visa in 2026 – from application methods and fees to entry requirements and common mistakes to avoid.

Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for Cambodia?

Yes. British passport holders must have a valid visa to enter Cambodia. There is no visa-free arrangement between the United Kingdom and Cambodia. Without a valid visa, you will be denied entry at the airport or border crossing.

The good news is that obtaining a Cambodia visa as a UK passport holder is straightforward. Cambodia offers three main pathways for British travellers:

e-Visa – apply online from anywhere before your trip
Visa on Arrival (VoA) – obtain at the airport or land border
Embassy or Consulate Visa – apply in advance at the Cambodian Embassy in London

All three methods are available to UK citizens. The e-Visa and Visa on Arrival are by far the most popular choices because they are quick, affordable, and do not require an in-person embassy visit.

Cambodia e-Visa for UK Citizens

The Cambodia e-Visa is the most convenient option for British travellers. You can complete the entire application from your computer or smartphone before departure, and receive your visa approval letter by email – all without leaving the UK.

How to Apply for the Cambodia e-Visa from the UK

Visit the official Cambodian e-Visa website (evisa.gov.kh)
Create an account and start a new application
Fill in your personal details, passport information, and travel plans
Upload a digital passport photo (JPEG format, 600×400 pixels minimum, max 2MB)
Upload a scan of your passport bio page (JPEG or PDF)
Pay the fee using a credit or debit card
Receive your e-Visa approval letter by email within 3 business days
Print the approval letter and carry it when you travel

e-Visa Costs for UK Citizens

The total cost for a Cambodia Tourist e-Visa is USD 36, which includes:

Visa fee: USD 30
Processing fee: USD 6

This is a flat fee – there are no additional charges for UK citizens. Payment is made online by credit or debit card during the application process. The fee is charged in US dollars, so your bank may apply a small currency conversion charge if paying from a British pound account.

e-Visa Validity and Entry Points

The Cambodia e-Visa is:

Single entry only – you can enter Cambodia once
Valid for 3 months from the date of issue
Allows a stay of up to 30 days
Accepted at 3 international airports and select land border crossings

The e-Visa is accepted at the following entry points:

Airports:
– Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH)
– Siem Reap International Airport (REP)
– Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS)

Land border crossings:
– Bavet (Cambodia-Vietnam border)
– Poi Pet (Cambodia-Thailand border)
– Cham Yeam (Cambodia-Thailand border)
– Tropaeng Kreal (Cambodia-Laos border)

Important: Not all land border crossings accept the e-Visa. If you plan to cross at a smaller or remote checkpoint, confirm in advance or obtain a Visa on Arrival instead.

Visa on Arrival for UK Citizens

If you prefer not to apply online or need a visa at the last minute, Visa on Arrival (VoA) is readily available to UK citizens at all international airports and most major land border crossings.

VoA Requirements

To obtain a Visa on Arrival, bring the following:

Passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining
One passport-size photograph (4 cm x 6 cm, white background)
Completed arrival/departure card (distributed on the plane or at the immigration counter)
US dollars in cash – the visa fee must be paid in USD. Cambodian riel and British pounds are not accepted at immigration counters

VoA Process

Fill out the arrival/departure card (usually provided on the plane)
Complete the visa application form at the immigration counter
Submit your passport, photo, completed form, and the visa fee
Wait for processing – typically 15 to 30 minutes at airports
Receive your passport with the visa stamp

VoA Costs

Visa Type	VoA Fee
Tourist Visa (T)	USD 30
Business Visa (E)	USD 35
Transit Visa (D)	USD 25

Visa on Arrival fees are payable in US dollars only. ATMs are available at international airports but not always at land border crossings. British travellers should bring enough USD cash before departure or withdraw from airport ATMs upon arrival.

VoA Availability by Entry Point

Airports with VoA:
– Phnom Penh International Airport
– Siem Reap International Airport
– Sihanoukville International Airport

Land borders with Thailand:
– Poi Pet / Aranyaprathet
– Cham Yeam / Hat Lek
– Koh Kong / Hat Lek

Land borders with Vietnam:
– Bavet / Moc Bai

Land borders with Laos:
– Tropaeng Kreal / Nong Nok Khian
– Dom Kralor / Veun Kham

e-Visa vs Visa on Arrival: Which Should UK Citizens Choose?

Both options work well for British travellers. The right choice depends on your travel style and priorities.

Factor	e-Visa	Visa on Arrival
Apply before trip	Yes	No
Processing time	3 business days	15-30 minutes on arrival
Tourist visa cost	USD 36	USD 30
Business visa available	No (online)	Yes
Photo required	Digital upload	Physical photo
Entry points	Limited (3 airports + select borders)	All airports + most borders
Convenience	High – no queues	Low – wait at immigration
Best for	Advance planners	Last-minute or overland travellers

Choose the e-Visa if you want peace of mind before departure, prefer skip-the-line entry, and are flying from the UK directly into one of the three major airports.

Choose Visa on Arrival if you are travelling overland from Thailand or Vietnam, need a last-minute visa, or need a Business Visa (which is not available through the e-Visa portal).

Cambodia Visa Requirements for UK Citizens

Regardless of which application method you choose, the following requirements apply to all British passport holders:

Passport Requirements

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Cambodia
Your passport must have at least one blank page for the visa stamp
If your passport expires within 6 months of entry, airlines may deny boarding
Both standard and burgundy post-Brexit UK passports are accepted

Photo Requirements

Cambodia has specific requirements for visa photos:

Size: 4 cm x 6 cm (passport size)
Background: plain white
Recency: taken within the last 6 months
Expression: neutral, eyes open, looking directly at the camera
Headwear: none allowed unless for religious reasons (face must be fully visible)
Glasses: no tinted glasses; clear prescription glasses acceptable if they do not obscure your eyes

For e-Visa applications, the photo must be in JPEG or PNG format with a minimum resolution of 600 x 400 pixels and a maximum file size of 2 MB.

Additional Documents

Proof of onward travel – a return ticket or itinerary showing you will leave Cambodia within the visa validity period
Proof of accommodation – hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from a host in Cambodia
Visa fee – payable in US dollars for VoA, or by credit/debit card for e-Visa

Cambodia Visa Fees for UK Citizens (2026)

Here is a complete breakdown of Cambodia visa costs for British passport holders:

Method	Tourist Visa	Business Visa	Transit Visa
e-Visa	USD 36	Not available online	Not available online
Visa on Arrival	USD 30	USD 35	USD 25
Embassy	USD 30-40	USD 35-50	USD 25-35

Key notes on fees:

The e-Visa fee includes a USD 6 processing surcharge – the extra cost buys you the convenience of applying online
Visa on Arrival fees are payable in US dollars only – Cambodian riel and British pounds are not accepted at immigration counters
Embassy fees vary depending on the specific diplomatic mission
Children and infants need their own visa – the same fees apply regardless of age
Your bank may charge a foreign transaction fee when paying in USD from a GBP account

For a full breakdown of all costs, see our Cambodia visa fee guide.

How to Get a Cambodia Visa from the UK

UK citizens can obtain a Cambodia visa from Britain through the Cambodian Embassy in London:

Embassy of Cambodia in London – the sole Cambodian diplomatic mission in the United Kingdom, located at 64 Brondesbury Park, Willesden Green, London NW6 7AT

Embassy Application Process

Contact the Cambodian Embassy in London
Obtain the visa application form (available online or in person)
Complete the form and gather required documents (passport, photo, fee)
Submit your application in person or by post (check with the embassy for postal applications)
Wait 3-5 business days for processing
Collect your passport with the visa stamp

Embassy visas are useful if you need a Business Visa with specific entry requirements, or if you prefer the security of having your visa before departure. For most British tourists, however, the e-Visa is faster and more convenient.

Cambodia Visa Application Step-by-Step for UK Citizens

Here is a step-by-step guide for British citizens applying for a Cambodia e-Visa – the most popular method:

Step 1: Check Your Passport

Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended entry date. Both standard UK passports and post-Brexit blue passports are accepted. If your passport expires sooner, renew it through HM Passport Office before applying.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Passport scan (bio-data page)
Digital passport photo (JPEG, 600×400 px minimum, max 2MB)
Credit or debit card for payment (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express)

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

Visit the official e-Visa portal and fill in:
– Personal information (name, date of birth, nationality – select United Kingdom)
– Passport details (number, issue date, expiry date)
– Travel information (arrival date, entry point, accommodation)

Step 4: Upload Documents

Upload your passport scan and photo. The system will check if your images meet the requirements.

Step 5: Pay the Fee

Pay USD 36 by credit or debit card. The payment is processed securely through the official portal. Your bank will convert the amount to GBP at the prevailing exchange rate.

Step 6: Wait for Approval

Processing takes 3 business days on average. During peak travel season (November to February), it may take up to 5 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe.

Step 7: Print and Travel

Once approved, download and print your e-Visa approval letter. Carry it with your passport when you travel. Present it at the immigration counter upon arrival in Cambodia.

Flights from the UK to Cambodia

There are no direct flights from the United Kingdom to Cambodia. British travellers typically fly with one or two stops, with common transit hubs including:

Bangkok (BKK) – most popular transit point, with frequent connections to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap
Singapore (SIN) – well-connected to both London and Cambodian cities
Hong Kong (HKG) – another common transit option
Kuala Lumpur (KUL) – budget-friendly connections via AirAsia
Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) – convenient if combining Cambodia with Vietnam

Flight time from London to Phnom Penh is typically 14-18 hours including one stop. Book well in advance during peak season (November to February) for the best fares.

Cambodia Visa Extension for UK Citizens

If you want to stay in Cambodia beyond the initial 30 days, you can extend your visa:

Tourist Visa (T): extendable once for an additional 30 days. Apply at the Immigration Department in Phnom Penh or through a licensed travel agency. Cost: approximately USD 30-45.
Business Visa (E): extendable for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months. The EB (Business) extension allows multiple entries. Cost varies by duration (USD 50-280).

To apply for an extension, you will need:
– Your passport
– One passport-size photo
– The completed extension application form
– Payment in US dollars or Cambodian riel

Warning: Overstaying your visa incurs a fine of USD 10 per day. Extended overstays may result in detention, deportation, and a ban on re-entry. Always apply for an extension before your visa expires.

For detailed extension procedures, see our Cambodia visa extension guide.

Entry Points for UK Citizens

UK citizens can enter Cambodia through the following ports:

International Airports

Airport	Code	City
Phnom Penh International Airport	PNH	Phnom Penh
Siem Reap International Airport	REP	Siem Reap
Sihanoukville International Airport	KOS	Sihanoukville

Major Land Border Crossings

Crossing	Country	Notes
Poi Pet / Aranyaprathet	Thailand	Busiest land crossing
Bavet / Moc Bai	Vietnam	Main crossing on Phnom Penh-Ho Chi Minh City route
Koh Kong / Hat Lek	Thailand	Southern crossing
Cham Yeam / Hat Lek	Thailand	Accepts e-Visa
Tropaeng Kreal / Nong Nok Khian	Laos	Cambodia-Laos border

Not all border crossings offer Visa on Arrival or accept the e-Visa. If entering via a remote crossing, confirm in advance or obtain your visa through the embassy route.

Common Mistakes UK Citizens Make

Avoid these pitfalls when applying for a Cambodia visa from Britain:

Insufficient passport validity – your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry. Airlines will deny boarding if you do not meet this requirement.
Wrong photo size – Cambodia requires 4 x 6 cm photos, not the standard UK passport photo size. Measure carefully or use a visa photo service.
No US dollars for VoA – Visa on Arrival fees are only accepted in US dollars. British pounds are not accepted. Bring enough USD cash, especially if crossing at land borders where ATMs may not be available.
Applying for the wrong visa type – if you plan to work or extend your stay beyond 30 days, you need a Business Visa (E), not a Tourist Visa (T).
Not printing the e-Visa – while immigration can sometimes look up your e-Visa electronically, carrying a printed copy avoids delays and potential issues at the border.
Using an unofficial e-Visa website – only use the official Cambodian government portal (evisa.gov.kh). Third-party sites charge extra fees and may not deliver your visa.
Overstaying without extending – the USD 10 per day fine adds up quickly. If you need more time, apply for an extension before your visa expires.
Forgetting about currency conversion – all visa fees are in USD. If paying by card, your UK bank may charge foreign transaction fees. Consider using a travel card with no FX fees.

Cambodia Travel Tips for UK Citizens

Beyond the visa, here are practical tips for British travellers heading to Cambodia:

Currency: The US dollar is widely accepted alongside the Cambodian riel. Most hotels, restaurants, and shops accept USD. Change is often given in riel. British pounds are not widely accepted.
ATMs: Available in cities and tourist areas. Withdraw in USD. International withdrawal fees may apply – check with your UK bank before departure.
SIM cards: Available at airports and convenience stores. Smart and Cellcard are the main providers. Tourist SIMs with data cost USD 3-5.
Safety: Cambodia is generally safe for tourists. Exercise normal precautions – watch for petty theft in crowded areas, and be cautious with tuk-tuk scams.
Health: No mandatory vaccinations, but hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and Japanese encephalitis are recommended. Consult your GP or a travel clinic before departure.
Internet: Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Mobile data is affordable and reliable in major cities.
Time difference: Cambodia is UTC+7, which is 7 hours ahead of GMT (6 hours during British Summer Time).
UK travel advice: Check the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) website for the latest travel advice and safety information for Cambodia.

For comprehensive travel information, see our Cambodia e-Visa guide and Cambodia visa requirements page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do UK citizens need a visa for Cambodia?

Yes. UK citizens must obtain a visa before or upon arrival in Cambodia. The easiest options are the e-Visa (applied for online at evisa.gov.kh) or the Visa on Arrival (obtained at the airport or border). Both allow a stay of up to 30 days.

How much is the Cambodia visa for UK citizens?

The e-Visa costs USD 36 (USD 30 visa fee + USD 6 processing fee). Visa on Arrival costs USD 30 for a Tourist Visa and USD 35 for a Business Visa. All fees are payable in US dollars.

Can UK citizens get a visa on arrival in Cambodia?

Yes. Visa on Arrival is available to UK citizens at all three international airports (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville) and most major land border crossings. You need a passport with 6 months validity, one photo, and USD 30 in cash.

How long does the Cambodia e-Visa take for UK citizens?

Standard processing takes 3 business days. During peak season (November to February), it may take up to 5 business days. We recommend applying at least 2 weeks before your intended travel date.

Can I extend my Cambodia visa as a UK citizen?

Yes. Tourist Visas (Type T) can be extended once for an additional 30 days. Business Visas (Type E) can be extended for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months. Extensions are processed at the Immigration Department in Phnom Penh or through licensed travel agencies.

What happens if I overstay my Cambodia visa?

Overstaying incurs a fine of USD 10 per day. Extended overstays may result in detention, deportation, and a ban on future entry. If you need more time, apply for an extension before your visa expires.

Is Cambodia visa-free for UK citizens?

No. Cambodia does not offer visa-free entry to UK citizens. All British passport holders must obtain a valid visa – either through the e-Visa portal, Visa on Arrival, or the Cambodian Embassy in London.

Are direct flights available from the UK to Cambodia?

No. There are no direct flights from the UK to Cambodia. British travellers typically fly with one stop via Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, or Kuala Lumpur. Total travel time is usually 14-18 hours.

Do children need a visa for Cambodia?

Yes. All travellers, including children and infants, need their own visa. Children must have their own passport with at least 6 months validity. The same visa fees apply regardless of age.

Can I work in Cambodia with a tourist visa?

No. Working in Cambodia on a Tourist Visa (Type T) is illegal and can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans. You need a Business Visa (Type E) and a valid work permit issued by the Ministry of Labour.

Is the Cambodia e-Visa accepted at all border crossings?

The e-Visa is accepted at all three international airports and several major land border crossings (Bavet, Poi Pet, Cham Yeam, Tropaeng Kreal). However, some remote crossings do not accept e-Visa. Verify the current list on the official e-Visa portal before travelling.

What currency should I bring to Cambodia?

US dollars are widely accepted throughout Cambodia. Bring USD in cash for Visa on Arrival fees, tips, and small purchases. British pounds are not commonly accepted. ATMs dispense both USD and Cambodian riel in major cities.