Cambodia visas: What you need to know

Following on from our post about Vietnam visas, in this post we’ll tell you everything you need to know about applying for a visa for Cambodia.

Visas are one of the main worries when you’re planning on travelling abroad – which is hardly surprising. If you get it wrong, there’s a lot at stake!

Luckily, the visa application process for entering Cambodia is pretty simple, and this post will cover everything you need to know so you can stop worrying and get on with planning your holiday.

Do I need a visa to travel to Cambodia?

Citizens of the majority of countries require a visa to visit Cambodia, with the exception of citizens of ASEAN nations (Association of Southeast Asian Nations).

The standard visa is valid for 30 days from your date of arrival into Cambodia.

It is important to not that multiple entry visas are not available, so if you plan on leaving Cambodia and returning (to visit Vietnam or Laos, or to go on a boat cruise for example) you will need a separate visa for each visit.

How do I apply for my Cambodia visa?

There are two different options:

• Apply online for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)

OR

• Obtain a Visa on Arrival (VOA)

METHOD 1: Apply online for an ETA

Visit the website https://www.evisa.gov.kh/ and follow the process described. All you need is the following:

• Valid passport (with validity exceeding six months from your date of entry to Cambodia)
• A recent passport-sized photo in digital format (JPG or PNG)
• A valid credit card (Visa or MasterCard)

ETA processing should take no more than three working days but can take up to two weeks, so make sure that you make your application in plenty of time if you opt for this method. When it arrives, print off TWO copies to take with you.

It is very important to note that an ETA is not valid at all entry points to Cambodia. The following entry points WILL accept an ETA:

• Siem Reap (REP) International Airport
• Phnom Penh (PNH) International Airport
• Cham Yeam (Koh Kong) border crossing (Thailand)
• Poi Pet (Banteay Meanchey) border crossing (Thailand)
• Bavet (Svay Rieng) border crossing (Vietnam)

If you are arriving via an entry point that is not mentioned above, you will need a VOA.

N.B. You may leave Cambodia via any crossing or airport regardless of what kind of visa you have.

METHOD 2: Obtain a VOA

Unlike the VOA process for Vietnam, obtaining a VOA for Cambodia is simple and risk-free, as it does not involve the use of a third party.

No prior preparation is required – just arrive at any international border or entry point (including river crossings and all airports) with the following:

• Valid passport (validity must exceed that of the visa by at least six months)
• One completed application form (only available on arrival at the VOA desk)
• Two passport-sized photographs of yourself, taken no more than one year ago
• Your visa fee, to be paid in US dollars

On presentation of these items you will be issued with a visa. Simple as that.

So which method do you recommend?

If you know that you will be arriving in Cambodia via one of the entry points mentioned above, we suggest obtaining an ETA before you travel as it will allow you to pass more quickly through immigration. Visa queues can sometimes be lengthy, so you’ll be glad you made the effort after a long flight!

If you are travelling last-minute, would like to keep your travel plans flexible, or are planning to enter Cambodia via an alternative entry point to the airports mentioned above – you will need to use the VOA service.

What does it cost?

There is a price difference between these two visa services, but it’s so small that it shouldn’t really be a factor in your decision.

As of October 1 2014, a VOA costs 30 USD and an ETA costs 37 USD (the extra $7 is a processing fee).

What’s an Electronic Travel Authority?

An Electronic Travel Authority (also referred to as an Electronic Visa or E-Visa) is just a visa that’s issued online and printed off at home.

N.B. This is not the same as a letter of approval for travel to Vietnam, which must be exchanged for a full visa on arrival in the country. An ETA for Cambodia is equivalent to an ordinary visa and does not need to be exchanged on arrival.

And that, folks, is everything you ever need to know about Cambodia visas - so go on, get applying!