Can I Get a Visa on Arrival in Cambodia?

Your Complete Guide to Landing, Lining Up, and Walking Out with Your Cambodia Visa in Minutes!

The Quick Answer

Can I get a visa on arrival in Cambodia? Yes, absolutely! Most travelers can obtain a visa on arrival in Cambodia at all major airports and land borders for just $30 USD. You’ll need a passport valid for 6+ months, a passport photo, and cash. Since January 2025, you must also complete the free e-Arrival card online within 7 days before arrival. The process typically takes 15-30 minutes at airports, though expect longer queues during peak season. Can I get a visa on arrival in Cambodia? It’s one of Southeast Asia’s most straightforward visa processes.

Cambodia’s Visa on Arrival – Simpler Than You Think

Picture this: you’ve just landed at Siem Reap’s gleaming new airport, ready to explore the magnificent temples of Angkor. But wait—do you have your visa sorted? Here’s the good news that’ll make you smile: Cambodia makes it incredibly easy to get your Cambodia visa on arrival right at the airport or border crossing.

Cambodia visa on arrival requirements are refreshingly simple. Most nationalities can walk up to the visa counter, pay their $30 USD, and walk away with a valid 30-day tourist visa in minutes. No advance applications, no complicated embassy visits, no stress. The Cambodian tourist visa on arrival system processes over 4 million visitors annually—that’s roughly 65% of all tourists choosing this convenient option over pre-arranged visas.

But here’s what changed recently: starting January 1, 2025, Cambodia introduced the mandatory e-Arrival card system. Think of it as your digital boarding pass for immigration—you fill it out online within 7 days of arrival (completely free), get a QR code, and breeze through immigration faster than ever.

Can I Get a Visa on Arrival in Cambodia? Your Step-by-Step Process

At Airports (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville)

The Cambodia airport visa on arrival process is wonderfully streamlined:

Before Your Flight (1-7 days prior)
- Complete your e-Arrival card at arrival.gov.kh (free)
- Print or save the QR code to your phone
- Gather your documents: passport (6+ months validity), passport photo, $30 USD cash
Upon Landing
- Follow “Visa on Arrival” signs
- Present your passport, photo, and QR code
- Pay the Cambodia visa fee of $30 USD
- Receive your visa sticker and entry stamp

The whole process? Usually 15-20 minutes outside peak season, though it can stretch to 60-90 minutes during busy periods like December holidays.

At Land Borders

Cambodia land border visa on arrival works similarly at major crossings like Poipet (Thailand border) and Bavet (Vietnam border). The process is identical—passport, photo, $30 cash—though you might wait longer at busy crossings like Poipet, especially on weekends.

Cambodia VOA vs e-Visa: Which Should You Choose?

Here’s where it gets interesting. Cambodia offers both Cambodia VOA and e-Visa options, both costing exactly $30 USD since the January 2025 fee alignment.

Choose Visa on Arrival if:

You’re traveling spontaneously
You prefer handling everything on-site
You’re arriving at off-peak times
You don’t mind potential queues

Choose e-Visa if:

You want guaranteed processing
You’re traveling during peak season (December-February)
You prefer everything sorted before departure
You’re entering through a remote border crossing

Pro tip? About 65% of tourists still choose VOA despite e-Visa availability—it’s just that convenient!

Understanding Your Cambodia Visa Options

Visa Type	Where to Get	Cost	Validity	Stay Duration	Extension
Cambodia ordinary visa on arrival (Tourist)	Airports, major borders	$30 USD	3 months from issue	30 days	Once, for 30 days
Cambodia business visa on arrival	Airports only	$35 USD	3 months from issue	30 days	Multiple times
e-Visa Tourist	Online only	$30 USD	3 months from issue	30 days	Once, for 30 days
e-Visa Business	Online only	$35 USD	3 months from issue	30 days	Multiple times

Essential Documents for Your Cambodia Visa Application Process

The Cambodia visa application process couldn’t be more straightforward. You need exactly three things:

Passport – Must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival date
Passport photo – Standard 2×2 inches, recent, white background
Cash payment – $30 USD exact change preferred

That’s it! No bank statements, no flight bookings, no sponsor letters. Just these three items and you’re golden.

Cambodia Passport Validity and Entry Points

Your Cambodia passport validity requirement is non-negotiable: 6 months minimum from your arrival date. Immigration officers check this religiously, and airlines won’t let you board without it.

Cambodia visa entry points accepting VOA include:

Airports:

Phnom Penh International Airport
Siem Reap Angkor International Airport
Sihanoukville International Airport

Major Land Borders:

Poipet (Thailand border) – busiest crossing
Bavet (Vietnam border) – popular for Ho Chi Minh City travelers
Tropaeng Kreal (Laos border) – scenic route option

Cambodia Travel Information – The Enchanting Mysteries Of Cambodia: The Ultimate Travel Handbook

The New e-Arrival Card System: What You Need to Know

Since January 2025, Cambodia’s Cambodia e-Arrival card system is mandatory for all air arrivals. It’s actually pretty smart—one digital form replaces four separate paper forms you used to fill out on the plane.

The e-Arrival system includes:

Electronic Visa on Arrival processing
Immigration form
Health declaration
Customs declaration

Complete it at arrival.gov.kh within 7 days of your flight. Takes about 5 minutes, costs nothing, and saves significant time at the airport. Your QR code is your golden ticket to faster processing.

Can I Extend My Cambodia Visa While in the Country?

Absolutely! Cambodia visa extension is possible and relatively painless. Tourist visas can be extended once for an additional 30 days. You’ll need to visit the Immigration Office in Phnom Penh (or Siem Reap for tourists staying there). Cost is around $45 USD and processing takes 1-2 business days.

Business visas are more flexible—they can be extended multiple times, making them popular with longer-term visitors and digital nomads.

Avoiding the Dreaded Overstay Fine Cambodia

Let’s talk about something nobody wants to experience: overstay fine Cambodia penalties. The fine is $10 USD per day, which might not sound like much until it adds up. Stay 10 days over? That’s $100 USD plus potential detention and deportation risks for excessive overstays.

My advice? Set a phone reminder for your departure date minus one week. That gives you time to either book your exit flight or arrange an extension without stress.

Real-World Experience: What Actually Happens

I’ve walked through this process dozens of times with travelers, and here’s what typically unfolds:

Peak Season Reality (December-February):

Airport queues: 60-90 minutes
Border crossings: up to 2 hours at Poipet
Solution: Consider e-Visa or travel during shoulder season

Off-Peak Experience (April-June, September-November):

Airport processing: 15-20 minutes
Smooth border crossings: 30-45 minutes
Much more relaxed overall experience

The Land Border Wild Card: Poipet can be chaotic—hundreds of people, multiple visa windows, and occasional “processing delays.” Bavet is generally smoother but still busy. My tip? Travel early morning for shorter queues.

Special Considerations for Siem Reap and Angkor Visitors

If you’re heading to Siem Reap to explore the temples, the new Siem Reap Angkor International Airport makes VOA processing much smoother than the old airport. The dedicated VOA counters handle hundreds of visitors daily during peak temple season.

Planning a 5-day Siem Reap itinerary? Your 30-day VOA gives you plenty of time to explore not just Angkor but the entire region at a relaxed pace.

How do I apply for a Cambodia eVisa online

Frequently Asked Questions: Your Burning Visa Questions Answered

Do I need a visa to visit Cambodia? Yes, unless you’re from an ASEAN country or hold one of the few passport types with visa exemptions. Most Western travelers need a visa.

How long does a Cambodia tourist visa last? Your tourist visa is valid for 3 months from the issue date, but you can only stay 30 days per entry. Think of it as a 3-month window to use a 30-day stay.

Can I extend my Cambodia visa while in the country?
Tourist visas can be extended once for 30 additional days. Business visas can be extended multiple times, making them better for longer stays.

How do I apply for a Cambodia eVisa online? Visit our detailed e-Visa guide for step-by-step instructions, but honestly, VOA is often just as fast.

How long does it take to get a Cambodia eVisa? Official processing time is 3 business days, though many travelers report receiving theirs within 24-48 hours.

What documents do I need for a Cambodia visa? Just three things: passport valid 6+ months, passport photo, and $30 USD cash. That’s genuinely it!

Peak Season vs Off-Season: Timing Your Arrival

Cambodia’s tourism follows predictable patterns that directly impact your VOA experience:

Peak Season (December-February):

700,000+ monthly arrivals
Longer queues at all entry points
Consider e-Visa or VIP processing
Book accommodations well in advance

Shoulder Season (March-April, October-November):

550,000+ monthly arrivals
Moderate queues, good weather
Sweet spot for temple visits

Low Season (May-September):

500,000+ monthly arrivals
Shortest queues, occasional rain
Great for budget travelers

The Money Talk: Costs and Payment Methods

Let’s break down the real costs:

Visa Fee: $30 USD (exact change appreciated) Processing: Immediate at VOA counters Extension: ~$45 USD for additional 30 days Overstay Fine: $10 USD per day (ouch!)

Payment Tips:

USD cash only at most borders
Some airports accept credit cards but cash is more reliable
Bring smaller bills ($5, $10, $20) for easier transactions
Keep extra cash for unexpected fees or tips

Looking Ahead: Cambodia Tourism Trends 2025-2027

Cambodia’s tourism is rebounding strongly. With 6.7 million visitors in 2024 and projections reaching 7.2-7.5 million in 2025, the VOA system is handling unprecedented volumes. The good news? Infrastructure improvements are keeping pace.

The unified e-Visa/e-Arrival platform launching late 2025 should further streamline processing. Cambodia is also targeting new markets—particularly Muslim travelers with halal-certified services and dedicated processing lanes.

What is the best time to visit Angkor Wat?

Your Next Steps: From Planning to Arrival

1 Week Before Travel:

Complete e-Arrival card online
Confirm passport validity (6+ months)
Prepare passport photos and USD cash
Review entry point information

Day of Travel:

Carry printed or digital QR code
Keep documents easily accessible
Budget extra time during peak season

Upon Arrival:

Follow VOA signage
Present documents confidently
Check your entry stamp date
Keep visa and entry stamp safe

Personal Reflection: Why Cambodia’s VOA System Works

After helping hundreds of travelers navigate Cambodia’s entry requirements, I genuinely appreciate how straightforward they’ve kept the VOA process. Sure, the e-Arrival card adds a step, but it actually speeds up processing once you’re there.

What impresses me most? Cambodia recognizes that tourism drives their economy—12% of GDP and counting—so they’ve prioritized making entry as smooth as possible. The $30 fee is reasonable, the requirements are minimal, and the process is transparent.

Compare this to some countries’ byzantine visa requirements, and Cambodia’s approach feels refreshingly tourist-friendly. They want you to visit, they want you to spend money, and they want you to return.

Ready to Explore Cambodia?

Can I get a visa on arrival in Cambodia? Absolutely—and now you know exactly how to do it efficiently. With your VOA knowledge locked down, you’re ready to explore everything from Angkor’s ancient temples to Phnom Penh’s bustling markets.

Need help planning your Cambodia adventure? Our team specializes in Southeast Asia journeys that combine cultural immersion with practical travel wisdom. Get in touch with us to start planning your perfect Cambodia experience.

Your Implementation Roadmap:

Complete e-Arrival card 3-7 days before departure
Prepare documents and $30 USD cash
Arrive with extra time during peak season
Keep extension option in mind for longer stays

Future Outlook: Cambodia’s VOA system will likely become even more streamlined with the unified digital platform launching in late 2025. The country’s commitment to tourism growth means continued investment in processing efficiency and traveler convenience.

Additional Resources:

Official Cambodia e-Arrival Portal – Complete your mandatory e-Arrival card
Cambodia Ministry of Tourism Statistics – Latest visitor data and trends
UK Foreign Office Cambodia Advice – Current entry requirements
US State Department Cambodia Information – American travelers’ official guidance

Ready to turn your Cambodia dreams into reality? Start with getting your visa on arrival sorted, then let the adventure begin!

Mattia

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