Who Needs a Visa for Cambodia?
Cambodia requires a visa for nearly all foreign nationals. Whether you are arriving for tourism, business, or transit, you will need to obtain a valid visa before or upon entry. Only citizens of a handful of ASEAN countries – such as Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Myanmar – are exempt from visa requirements for stays of up to 14 or 30 days, depending on nationality.
For everyone else, Cambodia offers several pathways to secure a visa:
- e-Visa – applied for entirely online through the official portal
- Visa on Arrival (VoA) – obtained at international airports and major land border crossings
- Embassy or Consulate Visa – obtained in advance from a Cambodian diplomatic mission
US citizens, UK citizens, Indian citizens, Australian citizens, and Canadian citizens all require a visa. There is no visa-free arrangement for Western passport holders. If you hold a passport from one of these countries, plan to apply through one of the three routes listed above.
Types of Cambodian Visas
Cambodia issues several visa categories. The two most common for travellers are the Tourist Visa (Type T) and the Business Visa (Type E).
| Visa Type | Code | Purpose | Validity | Stay Per Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | T | Sightseeing, leisure travel | 3 months (single entry) | 30 days |
| Business Visa | E | Work meetings, commercial activity | 3 months (single entry) | 30 days |
| Ordinary Visa | E | Long-term stays, convertible | 3 months | 30 days |
| Khmer Visa | K | Cambodian descendants | 3 months | 30 days |
| Diplomatic Visa | A | Government officials | Per arrangement | Per arrangement |
| Courtesy Visa | B | International organisation staff | Per arrangement | Per arrangement |
| Official Visa | C | Foreign government employees | Per arrangement | Per arrangement |
| Transit Visa | D | Short transit through Cambodia | 3 months | 7 days |
The Tourist Visa (T) is by far the most common for leisure travellers. The Business Visa (E) is required if you plan to work, attend conferences, or conduct commercial activity. The Ordinary Visa is essentially the same as the Business Visa but is specifically intended for those who wish to extend their stay beyond 30 days.
For detailed information on each category, see our guide to Cambodia visa types.
Required Documents for a Cambodia Visa
The documents you need depend on the visa type and the method of application. Here is a comprehensive checklist for the most common scenarios.
Standard Document Checklist (Tourist Visa)
- Valid passport – must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Cambodia
- Passport-size photograph – one recent colour photo (4 cm x 6 cm), white background, taken within the last 6 months
- Completed visa application form – available online for e-Visa or at the border for VoA
- Proof of onward travel – a return flight 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 payment – varies by visa type and application method (see below)
Additional Documents for Business Visa
- Letter of invitation from a registered Cambodian company or organisation
- Business registration documents of the inviting company
- Cover letter from your employer explaining the purpose of your trip
e-Visa Application Requirements
When applying for a Cambodia e-Visa, you need to upload digital copies of your documents:
- Digital passport scan – bio-data page, clearly legible
- Digital passport photo – JPEG or PNG format, minimum 600 x 400 pixels
- Valid email address – the e-Visa approval letter will be sent here
- Credit or debit card – for paying the processing fee online
The e-Visa is available to citizens of most countries. It is a single-entry visa valid for 3 months from the date of issue, permitting a stay of up to 30 days. Processing typically takes 3 business days. Check our Cambodia visa processing time guide for current estimates.
Visa on Arrival Requirements
If you opt for a Visa on Arrival, bring the following to the border:
- Passport with at least 6 months validity
- One passport photo (4 x 6 cm)
- Completed arrival/departure card (distributed on the plane or at the border)
- US dollars in cash for the visa fee – ATMs are available at airports but not always at land crossings
Visa on Arrival is available at Phnom Penh International Airport, Siem Reap International Airport, Sihanoukville International Airport, and major land border crossings including Poi Pet (Thailand), Bavet (Vietnam), and others.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a Cambodia visa, you must meet the following conditions:
- Nationality – citizens of virtually all countries are eligible. A small number of nationalities face restrictions or require pre-approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Passport validity – minimum 6 months remaining from the intended date of entry
- No criminal record – applicants with serious criminal convictions may be denied entry
- Sufficient funds – you should be able to demonstrate access to adequate financial resources for your stay
- Purpose of visit – must match the visa type (tourism for T visa, business for E visa)
Nationalities With Restrictions
Citizens of a few countries – including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and some African and Middle Eastern nations – may face additional scrutiny or require advance approval. If your nationality falls into this category, apply through a Cambodian embassy or consulate rather than using the e-Visa or Visa on Arrival system.
Cambodia Visa Fees
Fees depend on the visa type and how you apply:
| Visa Type | e-Visa Fee | Visa on Arrival Fee | Embassy Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist (T) | $36 USD | $30 USD | $30-40 USD |
| Business (E) | Not available online | $35 USD | $35-50 USD |
| Transit (D) | Not available online | $25 USD | $25-35 USD |
The e-Visa fee includes a $6 processing surcharge. Visa on Arrival fees are payable in US dollars only – Cambodian riel and other currencies are not accepted at immigration counters.
For a full breakdown, visit our Cambodia visa fee page.
Cambodia Visa 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 still be fully visible)
- Glasses: no tinted glasses; clear prescription glasses are acceptable if they do not obscure your eyes
For digital e-Visa applications, the photo must be in JPEG or PNG format with a minimum resolution of 600 x 400 pixels. The file size should not exceed 2 MB.
For more details, see our Cambodia visa photo requirements guide.
Country-Specific Requirements
While the core requirements are the same for all nationalities, some countries have specific considerations:
United States Citizens
US citizens need a visa to enter Cambodia. The e-Visa, Visa on Arrival, and embassy visa are all available. There are no additional restrictions for American passport holders. For a complete guide, see Cambodia visa for US citizens.
United Kingdom Citizens
UK passport holders require a visa. The process is straightforward via e-Visa or VoA. See Cambodia visa for UK citizens for details.
Indian Citizens
Indian nationals must obtain a visa before or upon arrival. The e-Visa is the most convenient option. See Cambodia visa for Indian citizens.
Australian and Canadian Citizens
Both Australian and Canadian passport holders need a visa. The e-Visa and VoA are equally accessible. See our guides for Australian citizens and Canadian citizens.
Cambodia Visa Application Process
The application process varies depending on which method you choose:
Step 1: Choose Your Application Method
Decide between e-Visa, Visa on Arrival, or embassy application based on your nationality, travel dates, and entry point.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Collect all required documents as listed in the checklist above. Ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity remaining.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
- e-Visa: Fill out the online form at the official Cambodian e-Visa portal, upload your documents, and pay the fee.
- Visa on Arrival: Fill out the form at the immigration counter upon arrival and submit your documents.
- Embassy: Visit a Cambodian embassy or consulate with your documents and application form.
Step 4: Receive Your Visa
- e-Visa: Approval letter sent via email within 3 business days. Print it and carry it with you.
- Visa on Arrival: Visa sticker placed in your passport at the border. Processing time: 15-30 minutes.
- Embassy: Visa issued within 3-5 business days, depending on the mission.
For a detailed walkthrough, see our Cambodia visa application guide.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Insufficient passport validity – your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry. Airlines may deny boarding if you do not meet this requirement.
- Wrong photo size – the photo must be 4 x 6 cm, not the standard 2 x 2 inch used for US visas.
- No US dollars for VoA – Visa on Arrival fees are only accepted in US dollars. Bring exact change if possible.
- Applying for the wrong visa type – if you plan to work or extend your stay, you need a Business Visa (E), not a Tourist Visa (T).
- Not printing the e-Visa – while immigration can look up your e-Visa electronically, carrying a printed copy avoids delays and potential issues at the border.
Visa Extensions
If you wish to stay in Cambodia beyond the initial 30-day period, you can extend your visa:
- Tourist Visa (T): extendable once for 30 additional days. You must apply at the Immigration Department in Phnom Penh or through a travel agency.
- Business Visa (E): extendable for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months. The EB (Business) extension allows multiple entries.
- Ordinary Visa: same extension options as the Business Visa.
Overstaying your visa incurs a fine of $10 USD per day. If you overstay for an extended period, you may face deportation and a ban on re-entry.
For extension procedures and costs, see our Cambodia visa extension guide.
Entry Points Into Cambodia
You can enter Cambodia with a valid visa through the following ports of entry:
International Airports
- Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH)
- Siem Reap International Airport (REP)
- Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS)
Major Land Border Crossings
- Poi Pet / Aranyaprathet (Cambodia-Thailand) – busiest land crossing
- Bavet / Moc Bai (Cambodia-Vietnam) – main crossing on the Phnom Penh-Ho Chi Minh City route
- Koh Kong / Hat Lek (Cambodia-Thailand) – southern crossing
- Cham Yeam / Hat Lek (Cambodia-Thailand)
- Trapaeng Kriel / Nong Nok Khian (Cambodia-Laos)
Not all border crossings offer Visa on Arrival. If you are entering via a remote land border, confirm in advance whether VoA is available or obtain your visa through the e-Visa or embassy route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Cambodia?
Yes. US citizens must obtain a visa before or upon arrival in Cambodia. The easiest options are the e-Visa (applied for online) or the Visa on Arrival (obtained at the airport or border). Both allow a stay of up to 30 days.
How long does it take to get a Cambodia visa?
The e-Visa typically takes 3 business days to process. Visa on Arrival is issued on the spot within 15-30 minutes. Embassy visas take 3-5 business days depending on the mission.
What is the difference between a Tourist Visa and a Business Visa?
The Tourist Visa (Type T) is for leisure travel and allows a single 30-day stay. The Business Visa (Type E) is for commercial activity and can be extended for longer periods (1, 3, 6, or 12 months) with multiple-entry options.
Can I extend my Cambodia visa?
Yes. Tourist Visas can be extended once for 30 additional days. Business Visas can be extended for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months. Extensions are processed through the Immigration Department in Phnom Penh or via licensed travel agencies.
How much does a Cambodia visa cost?
Tourist e-Visa costs $36 USD (including processing fee). Visa on Arrival costs $30 USD for a Tourist Visa and $35 USD for a Business Visa. Embassy fees vary by country but are typically $30-50 USD.
What passport validity is required for Cambodia?
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Cambodia. This is strictly enforced – airlines will deny boarding if your passport does not meet this requirement.
Can I work in Cambodia with a Tourist Visa?
No. A Tourist Visa (Type T) does not permit any form of employment. If you plan to work in Cambodia, 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 international airports and most major land border crossings, including Poi Pet, Bavet, and Cham Yeam. However, some remote crossings may not support e-Visa. Check the official e-Visa portal for the current list of accepted entry points.
What happens if I overstay my Cambodia visa?
Overstaying incurs a fine of $10 USD per day. Extended overstays may result in deportation and a ban on future entry. If you need more time, apply for a visa extension before your current visa expires.
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.
