Cambodia is currently one of the most open and visitor-friendly countries in Southeast Asia following COVID-19 travel restrictions.
As of 17 March 2022, visa-on-arrival has been reinstated for most visitors, and all COVID-19 travel-related testing requirements have been lifted.
Do I need a visa to visit Cambodia?
The simple answer is yes: most nationalities need a visa to enter the Kingdom of Cambodia, including citizens of Australia, the European Union, the UK, and the US. The main exceptions are citizens from the Association of Southeast Asian (ASEAN) neighbors who are granted visa-free access; these countries include Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Some other Asian nationalities, including Japan and South Korea, may also enter Cambodia without a visa in most circumstances. Citizens of Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, and Sudan need to make advance arrangements for a Cambodian visa.
A 1-month tourist visa costs US$30; easily extendable business visas cost US$35. Online tourist e-visas cost US$36, which includes a US$6 processing charge.
Do I need a photograph?
Photos are no longer required with visas for those arriving at airports, although some land crossings still require them and charge US$2–3 if you do not have one.
What about visas during the time of COVID-19?
Cambodia suspended its visa-on-arrival program in June 2020 but made the bold decision to reinstate it with immediate effect from 17 March 2022. It is also possible to apply for a Cambodian e-visa online.
It is also possible to apply for longer-stay visas at Cambodian embassies around the world.
What you need to know when applying for a Cambodian visa
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Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your planned entry, or you won’t be allowed to enter the country.
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Cambodian visas take up an entire passport page–unless you are entering on a tourist e-visa, which takes up about a quarter-page.
Are there any special entry requirements related to COVID-19?
Cambodia made headlines by reopening for fully vaccinated travelers on November 15, 2021, following the pandemic. Some pre-departure and arrival testing remained in place until recently, but the requirement for COVID-19 travel testing was lifted in a decisive move towards normality beginning in March 2022. Visitors can travel freely throughout Cambodia without quarantining, and there are no curfews enforced anywhere in the country.
However, unvaccinated travelers must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival, either in a pre-booked hotel or a designated government facility.
Can I extend my Cambodian visa?
Those seeking employment in Cambodia should consider a business visa, as it is easily extendable for longer durations, including multiple entries and exits. Conversely, a tourist visa can be extended only once for 1 month and does not permit re-entry. Overstaying a visa currently incurs a fee of US$10 per day.
Visa extensions are issued at the immigration office located directly across from Phnom Penh International Airport. Arranging extensions is straightforward, taking only a couple of days. The cost is US$45 for 1 month (for both tourist and business visas), US$75 for 3 months, US$155 for 6 months, and US$285 for 1 year. Additionally, some hotels and travel agencies in Phnom Penh offer assistance for a nominal fee.
Where can I enter Cambodia?
Cambodia has three international gateways for air entry: Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville, along with numerous land borders with neighboring Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos. Generally, the formalities at Cambodia’s international airports are smooth.
Crossing at land borders is typically straightforward as well, although immigration officers might try to extract extra cash, either for the visa itself or through other scams. For those crossing from Thailand, immigration officials may demand payment in baht and significantly round up the exchange rate. While overcharging is also an issue at the Laos border, it is usually less problematic at Vietnam borders. Consequently, arranging an e-visa in advance can help avoid any potential delays or surcharges.
Departure from Cambodia during COVID-19
No PCR test is needed to leave Cambodia, although you should confirm whether a “Fit-to-Fly” PCR test or rapid antigen test is required for your onward travel, whether it involves a stay in another country, transit through another nation, or returning to your home country.
Currently, COVID-19 testing labs are available in several cities across Cambodia, including multiple facilities in Phnom Penh, one in Siem Reap, one in Sihanoukville, and one in Battambang. Therefore, it is practical to use the labs in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, so making one of these cities your departure point from Cambodia is advisable if a Fit-to-Fly certificate is necessary.
