How to Apply for a Cambodian e-Visa – Your Complete 2025 Guide to Skip the Lines and Fast-Track Your Temple Adventure
Your Quick Cambodia e-Visa Roadmap
How do I apply for a Cambodian e-visa? Simple—head to the official evisa.gov.kh portal, submit your documents, pay USD $30 for tourist visas (reduced from $36 in 2025), and get approval in about 3 business days. But here’s what most travelers miss: you also need to complete the free e-Arrival form within 7 days before your flight.
How do I apply for a Cambodian e-visa successfully? Follow our step-by-step process below, verify your entry point accepts e-visas, and print multiple copies of your approval certificate. This preparation can save you 60-90 minutes at immigration—time better spent exploring Angkor Wat or sampling street food in Phnom Penh.
Overview: Why Cambodia’s e-Visa System Actually Works (And How to Use It Right)
Let’s be honest—visa applications can be a nightmare. But Cambodia got this one right. Their Cambodia e-visa application process is refreshingly straightforward, especially after the major updates in 2025.
The Cambodia online visa system handles two main types: Tourist (Type T) for $30 and Ordinary/Business (Type E) for $35. Both are single-entry visas valid for 3 months from issue, allowing a 30-day stay. Processing typically takes 3 business days, though I’ve seen approvals come through faster.
What makes this system particularly smart? It’s fully integrated with Cambodia’s new e-Arrival card system. This digital immigration form became mandatory for air arrivals in 2024, and completing both together creates a seamless entry experience.
But here’s the catch—and it’s important—not all border crossings accept e-visas. You’ll need to verify your specific entry point before applying.
How Do I Apply for a Cambodian e-Visa? The GQ Guide to Getting It Done Right
Think of applying for your Cambodia tourist evisa like planning the perfect outfit—preparation matters, timing is everything, and attention to detail makes all the difference.
1. Check Your Route First (This Step Trips Up Many Travelers)
Before diving into the Cambodia e-visa application process, verify your entry point accepts e-visas. Here’s the current list:
Airports (All Support e-Visas):
- Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH)
- Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI)
- Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS)
Land Borders (Limited Support):
- Cham Yeam (Koh Kong, from Thailand)
- Poi Pet (Banteay Meanchey, from Thailand)
- Bavet (Svay Rieng, from Vietnam)
- Tropaeng Kreal (Stung Treng, from Laos)
Flying into Siem Reap for Angkor? You’re good. Crossing at a remote land border? Double-check the official list at evisa.gov.kh.
2. Gather Your Cambodia e-visa documents needed
The Cambodia e-visa requirements are mercifully simple:
- Passport scan (minimum 6 months validity)
- Digital photo (4×6 cm, white background)
- Travel details (arrival date, accommodation info)
- Payment method (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Diners, UnionPay, Alipay, WeChat Pay)
Pro tip: Take your passport photo against a plain wall with good lighting. The automated system can be picky about shadows and backgrounds.
3. Navigate the Cambodia e-visa official portal
Head to evisa.gov.kh—the only legitimate site. Here’s how do I apply for a Cambodian e-visa step-by-step:
- Security verification (CAPTCHA)
- Complete personal info (match your passport exactly)
- Upload documents (passport scan + photo)
- Review everything twice (mistakes cause delays)
- Pay securely (USD $30 for tourist, $35 for business)
- Save your application reference
The system supports group applications up to 10 people—perfect for family trips or small tour groups.
4. Master the Cambodia e-visa processing time
Standard processing takes 3 business days, though I’ve seen approvals in 24-48 hours. Here’s what affects timing:
- Peak season applications (December-February) may take longer
- Incomplete documents trigger manual review
- Group applications sometimes need extra processing time
Apply 1-2 weeks before travel. Too early (more than 90 days out) can actually cause delays with “too early” pending notices.
5. Complete Your Cambodia e-arrival card (Critical Step Many Miss)
This is where many travelers stumble. Cambodia’s e-Arrival system became mandatory for air arrivals, and you must submit it within 7 days before your flight. The good news? It’s completely free.
Visit arrival.gov.kh to complete your:
- Immigration information
- Health declaration
- Customs form
You’ll get a QR code confirmation—save this to your phone and print a backup copy.
6. Prepare for Cambodia e-visa entry points
Print multiple copies of your e-visa approval certificate. I always carry three: one for immigration, one backup in my carry-on, and another in checked luggage. Also save digital copies to your phone and cloud storage.
At immigration, present:
- Your passport
- Cambodia e-visa printing copy
- e-Arrival QR confirmation
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Cambodia E-Visa Fee Breakdown: What You’ll Actually Pay
Cambodia reduced visa fees on January 1, 2025—a welcome change that makes travel more affordable:
Visa Type | Previous Fee | New 2025 Fee | Savings |
---|---|---|---|
Tourist (T) | USD $36 | USD $30 | $6 (16.6%) |
Business (E) | USD $42 | USD $35 | $7 (16.7%) |
Payment methods include all major credit cards plus digital wallets like Alipay and WeChat Pay—helpful for travelers from Asia.
Cambodia E-Visa Validity and Usage Rules
Your Cambodia e-visa single entry visa has specific limitations:
- Valid for entry: 3 months from issue date
- Stay duration: Up to 30 days
- Entries allowed: Single entry only
- Extension option: Possible through immigration offices in Cambodia
Planning a longer trip? Consider applying closer to your departure date to maximize the 3-month validity window.
Real Traveler Case Studies: What Works (and What Doesn’t)
Case Study 1: The Siem Reap Success Story
Sarah, a solo traveler from Australia, applied for her Cambodia tourist visa online 10 days before her January flight to Siem Reap. She completed both the e-visa and e-Arrival applications, printed her documents, and sailed through SAI immigration in under 10 minutes.
Her smart moves:
- Applied during optimal timing window
- Used the Cambodia e-visa official portal only
- Completed e-Arrival 4 days before departure
- Printed backup copies of all documents
Result: Zero immigration delays, maximum temple exploration time.
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Case Study 2: The Group Application Win
A family of six traveling to Phnom Penh used the group application feature, submitting all Cambodia e-visa applications together. They verified PNH accepts e-visas, completed individual e-Arrival forms, and arrived with all documents organized.
With PNH seeing 27.2% growth in arrivals during the first half of 2025, their advance preparation proved crucial—they bypassed longer visa-on-arrival queues while other travelers waited.
Cambodia Visa On Arrival vs E-Visa: Which Should You Choose?
Here’s the honest comparison:
Choose E-Visa When:
- Flying into major airports (PNH, SAI, KOS)
- Traveling during peak season (December-February)
- You want predictable processing
- Time matters more than minor cost differences
Choose Visa on Arrival When:
- Entering at non-e-visa land borders
- Making last-minute travel decisions
- You prefer paying in cash
- Your entry point doesn’t support e-visas
Cambodia visa on arrival vs e-visa processing times tell the story: e-visa holders save 60-90 minutes on average. During peak season at Siem Reap, that time savings becomes even more valuable.
Cambodia E-Visa Extension: Planning Beyond 30 Days
Your initial Cambodia e-visa validity covers 30 days, but extensions are possible through Cambodian immigration offices. Tourist visa extensions typically cost $35-45 and can extend your stay by another 30 days.
For business travelers, Cambodia business e-visa holders often find it easier to extend or convert to longer-term permits once in-country.
Cambodia E-Visa Photo Requirements: Getting This Right
The automated system is strict about Cambodia e-visa photo requirements:
- Size: 4×6 cm (passport photo dimensions)
- Background: Plain white or light-colored
- Quality: Clear, recent photo (within 6 months)
- Format: JPEG or PNG
- Expression: Neutral, looking directly at camera
Common rejections happen due to shadows, busy backgrounds, or low-resolution images. When in doubt, visit a professional photo service.
Making the Most of Your Cambodia Adventure
Once you’ve mastered how do I apply for a Cambodian e-visa, you’re ready for Cambodia’s incredible experiences. Whether you’re planning to explore the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, discover Phnom Penh’s vibrant culture, or relax on southern beaches, proper visa preparation sets the foundation for an amazing trip.
The temples of Angkor alone justify the visa process—seeing sunrise over Angkor Wat or exploring the mysterious faces of Bayon Temple makes every step of preparation worthwhile. For official Angkor pass information and current pricing, visit the Angkor Enterprise website.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
After reviewing hundreds of traveler experiences, these errors pop up repeatedly:
Timing Mistakes:
- Applying too far in advance (90+ days)
- Forgetting the 7-day e-Arrival deadline
- Not allowing processing time during holidays
Documentation Errors:
- Blurry passport scans
- Photos with colored backgrounds
- Mismatched information between passport and application
Entry Point Confusion:
- Assuming all borders accept e-visas
- Not verifying specific crossing points
- Planning overland routes without checking compatibility
Tourism Trends: What the Numbers Tell Us
Cambodia’s tourism recovery has been impressive. The country welcomed 6.7 million international visitors in 2024, with air arrivals growing 23.7% in the first half of 2025. This growth affects visa processing—more travelers mean potentially longer processing times during peak periods.
Phnom Penh International Airport alone saw 1.06 million arrivals in the first six months of 2025, up 27.2% year-over-year. Siem Reap grew more modestly at 8.9%, but that still represents 341,000 travelers through SAI in just six months.
These numbers matter because they signal when to expect busier processing times and immigration queues. February typically sees the highest monthly arrivals, while June marks the beginning of lower-season travel.
Advanced Tips for Smooth Processing
For Peak Season Travel (December-February):
- Apply at least 2 weeks ahead
- Complete e-Arrival immediately after e-visa approval
- Arrive at airports with extra time for immigration
- Consider travel insurance for unexpected delays
For Group Travel:
- Use the group application feature (up to 10 people)
- Assign one person to handle all documentation
- Create shared digital folders for all travelers
- Plan airport meetup points in case of separated processing
For Business Travelers:
- Consider the Cambodia business e-visa for longer validity options
- Research extension procedures before arrival
- Connect with local contacts for immigration assistance
- Keep business invitation letters readily available
Technology Integration: The Digital Border Experience
Cambodia’s digital transformation deserves recognition. The integration between e-visa and e-Arrival systems creates a genuinely modern border experience. The mobile app received major updates in July 2025, improving user interface and adding features like passport scanning.
This technological approach positions Cambodia ahead of many regional competitors. While neighboring countries still rely heavily on paper processes, Cambodia offers a fully digital pathway from application to arrival.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Cambodia’s Visa System
Based on current trends and government announcements, expect continued digital integration. The fee reductions implemented in 2025 signal Cambodia’s commitment to tourism growth, and the streamlined processes should continue improving.
Future developments may include:
- Biometric pre-clearance programs
- Expanded payment gateway options
- Enhanced mobile app features
- Potential integration with regional travel systems
Your Next Steps: Ready to Apply?
So, how do I apply for a Cambodian e-visa successfully? You now have the complete roadmap. The process is genuinely straightforward when you understand the requirements and timing.
Start by verifying your entry point accepts e-visas, then gather your documents and head to the official portal. Remember to complete your e-Arrival form within the 7-day window, and always print backup copies of your approvals.
Cambodia’s temples, culture, and people await—and with proper visa preparation, you can focus on creating incredible travel memories instead of worrying about immigration delays.
Ready to start planning your Cambodia adventure? Our travel experts at Southeast Asia Journeys can help you design the perfect itinerary that maximizes your visa validity and ensures you experience the best of this incredible country. Connect with us to begin planning your journey.
Additional Resources:
- Official Cambodia e-Visa Portal: evisa.gov.kh – The only legitimate site for applications
- Cambodia e-Arrival System: arrival.gov.kh – Complete mandatory immigration forms
- Angkor Enterprise: Official ticketing and information for Angkor Archaeological Park
- UK Foreign Office: Current travel advice and entry requirements for Cambodia
These resources provide the most current information for successful visa applications and travel planning.