Cambodia Tourist Visa: Requirements and Application Process

You can consider applying for a Cambodia tourist visa if you are not eligible for Visa on Arrival (VOA) and/or your e-Visa application was refused. 

If you are eligible, I recommend applying for e-Visa first. But if you must apply for a Cambodia tourist visa, then this guide will help. 

If you haven’t already, I recommend reading the Cambodia Visa Guide to learn more about available visa options for tourists, their eligibility, and requirements.

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Understanding Cambodia Tourist Visa

Tourist visa validity

The Cambodia tourist visa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue. You must enter Cambodia within this validity period. 

Duration of stay

The allowed duration of stay for the Cambodia tourist visa is 30 days. You can extend your stay once for another 30 days from the immigration office in Phnom Penh or an agent within the country. 

Allowed number of entries

Cambodia tourist visa is single-entry only. Only a few Visa-Exempt passport holders, such as Japan, South Korea or China are eligible to get multiple-entry tourist visas of 3-year validity. 

Allowed ports of entry

With a tourist visa in your passport, you can enter Cambodia through any international border, airport, or seaport.

When to apply

The processing time for Cambodian tourist visas usually depends on the embassy where you apply but most get processed within 3 business days. Considering holidays and delays, I recommend applying at least 1 week before your trip. 

To summarize:

• Earliest to apply: 3 months before traveling
• Latest to apply: 1 week before traveling

Tourist visa extension

Tourist visas can be extended once for another 30 days of stay. You can extend your Cambodia tourist visa at the Immigration office in Phnom Penh. To extend in any other city or province, you will have to use an agent.

The extension process takes about one week. You will have to apply for your visa extension at least one week before your visa expires. 

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Cambodia Tourist Visa Requirements

Who requires it?

The below 10 countries require a tourist visa to travel to Cambodia.

1. Afghanistan
2. Algeria
3. Bangladesh
4. Iran
5. Iraq
6. Nigeria
7. Pakistan
8. Saudi Arabia
9. Sri Lanka
10. Sudan

These above 10 nationalities are also eligible for Cambodia e-Visa. I suggest applying for an e-Visa as it saves time and a trip to the embassy. But if you plan to use a Cambodian border that does not accept e-Visas, then you must apply for a tourist visa from the nearest Cambodian embassy. 

Nationals that are eligible for Cambodia Visa on Arrival (VOA) are also eligible to apply for a tourist visa from the embassy. 

There have been instances of travelers with “weak” passports, especially African passports getting refused Visas on Arrival and sent back. I do not know the specific reasons, I believe it’s based on the judgment and mood of the immigration officers at the border. If you hold such a passport, I recommend a tourist visa from the embassy or an e-Visa. 

That said, regardless of where you are from, always apply for the e-Visa first. If your e-Visa is refused (the chances are slim but it may happen), only then go for a visa from a Cambodian embassy.

Documents required

The following are required for a Cambodia tourist visa application.

• Original passport
• Copy of passport biodata page
• Copy of previous Cambodia visa sticker (if you held a Cambodia visa before)
• Copy of latest visa, residence permit or stay permit stamp (if applying from a third country)
• Duly filled out and signed visa application form (See example form)
• One recent photograph
• Copy of flight itinerary to Cambodia

Apart from the above, the embassy may request the following documents if necessary.

• Proof of financial support (bank statements)
• Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings)

Passport requirements

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of entry into Cambodia. Your passport must have at least 2 blank pages for visa sticker and stamps. 

Photo requirements

The photo must meet the following requirements.

• Must of size 4 x 6 cm
• Must be the latest, taken within the last 3 months
• Must be in color against a white background

Flight itinerary to Cambodia

You must submit your flight tickets to and out of Cambodia. These are not fully paid flight tickets. This is only a flight itinerary for visa application. Do not purchase flight tickets before your visa is approved. 

Tourist visa fee

The tourist visa fee is 30 USD. It may be payable in the local currency.

Processing time

The Cambodia tourist visa processing time is 3 business days. Most embassies process applications within this time frame. The day you submit the application is not counted. It may also be longer in some cases.

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Tourist Visa Application Process

How to apply for tourist visa at the embassy?

Begin by checking if the embassy where you will apply requires you to book a slot at a specific time and date.

Also, check if they have the application form uploaded on their website. To save some time, you can print and fill it out beforehand.

Gather all documents and scans and go to the embassy. You will submit and pay. Return after 3 business days to collect your passport with the visa inside.

How to extend tourist visa in Cambodia?

You can extend your Cambodia tourist visa at the Immigration office in Phnom Penh. To extend anywhere else, you will have to use an agent.

The process to extend in Phnom Penh is below. 

• Go to the Cambodian Immigration Department office in front of the airport (Google Maps link)
• Go early in the morning, preferably around opening time at 8 AM
• Fill out the visa extension form, submit your passport, and pay the extension fee of 30 USD
• Go back to the immigration office after one week to pick up your passport.

NOTE: The immigration office will keep your passport for one week. Make sure to apply at least one week before your tourist visa expires. 

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Entry Procedure at the Border

Pre-requisite: Passport and visa

Before your trip, make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival. Make sure your Cambodia tourist visa is still valid at the time of entry. 

Within 7 days before your trip: Cambodia e-Arrival card

Make sure to submit the Cambodia e-Arrival Card (CeA) online within 7 days before you arrive in Cambodia. Download, screenshot or print the QR code after submitting the arrival card. You will have to show this QR code at immigration in Cambodia.

If you prefer using your cell phone, you can download the Cambodia e-Arrival App (Apple App Store or Google Play Store) and fill out the form. You don’t need to download the QR code. You can open the app and show the QR code at immigration in Cambodia. The QR code in the app can be accessed without the internet. 

At the airport: Immigration

At the immigration in Cambodia, present your passport, visa and e-Arrival card QR code. You may be asked how long you plan to stay in Cambodia, proof of onward ticket, etc. If traveling on a one-way ticket, I recommend getting a cheap onward ticket online. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best option for a tourist visa for Cambodia?

The easiest tourist visa option for Cambodia is Visa on Arrival. It is the cheapest and is available at all ports of entry. However, 10 countries are not eligible and others may undergo extended scrutiny.

The e-Visa is the next best option. It is simple and costs just a little more than the VOA. However, it’s not available at all borders.

If neither of the above is suitable for your situation, apply for a tourist visa at the embassy.