Cambodia is one of the easiest countries in Southeast Asia to get a visa for. The Cambodia e-Visa system is genuinely simple three steps, $36, and you have your visa emailed to you within a few days. No embassy visit, no interview, no complicated paperwork.
That said, there are a few things the official portal does not make obvious, and there are plenty of third-party websites that will happily charge you double for the same service. This guide covers everything you need to know, including what has changed recently.
As always, confirm critical details on the official Cambodia e-Visa portal before applying.
What Is the Cambodia e-Visa?
The Cambodia e-Visa is an electronic tourist visa (T-class) that allows you to enter Cambodia for tourism purposes. It was introduced in 2006 by Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, making it one of the earliest e-visa systems in Asia.
The e-Visa allows a single entry with a stay of up to 30 days. It must be used within 90 days of issue.
You apply online, pay online, and receive the approved visa by email as a PDF. Print it out and present it at immigration when you arrive.
Who Needs a Cambodia Visa?
Most foreign nationals need a visa to enter Cambodia, including children and infants.
ASEAN citizens are exempt. Citizens of the following 9 countries can enter Cambodia visa-free:
Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
The duration of visa-free stay varies typically 14 to 30 days depending on nationality and bilateral agreements.
Everyone else needs either an e-visa, visa on arrival, or embassy visa.
How Much Does the e-Visa Cost?
The e-Visa costs $36 USD when applied through the official government portal at evisa.gov.kh.
This is a single fee there is no separate processing charge on the official site. The fee covers the visa processing, issuance, and email delivery.
Warning about third-party sites: Many websites charge $50–100+ for the same e-visa by adding “service fees” or “processing fees” on top of the government charge. These sites are not affiliated with the Cambodian government. Always apply directly through evisa.gov.kh to pay only the official $36.
Payment methods accepted: Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, Alipay, WeChat Pay.
The fee is non-refundable whether your application is approved or refused.
How to Apply: 3 Simple Steps
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
You need very little:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your arrival date and at least one blank page
- A recent passport photo digital file in JPEG format, white background
- A credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay) or Alipay/WeChat Pay
- Your travel dates and accommodation address in Cambodia
Step 2: Complete the Online Application
- Go to the official Cambodia e-Visa portal
- Create an account (useful for tracking your application)
- Fill in your personal details, passport information, and travel dates
- Upload your passport photo and passport data page
- Double-check everything especially your passport number, name spelling, and travel dates. Mistakes here can cause your visa to be invalid.
Step 3: Pay and Wait
- Review your application one final time
- Pay the $36 fee
- Download the PDF confirmation of your application
- Wait 3 business days for processing (sometimes faster, occasionally longer during peak periods)
- Receive your approved e-Visa by email
- Print two copies one for entry, one for exit
That is genuinely it. The process takes about 15 minutes.
Where Can You Enter Cambodia with an e-Visa?
The e-Visa is not accepted at all entry points. Make sure you are entering through one of these:
Airports:
- Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH)
- Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI)
- Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS)
Land borders:
- Bavet (Svay Rieng) from Vietnam
- Tropaeng Kreal (Stung Treng) from Laos
Important: The e-Visa is NOT accepted at Thailand land borders (Poi Pet, Cham Yeam). If you are entering Cambodia overland from Thailand, you will need a visa on arrival instead see below.
Visa on Arrival (Alternative to e-Visa)
If you prefer not to apply in advance, or if you are entering through a border that does not accept e-visas, you can get a visa on arrival at most major entry points.
Cost:
- Tourist visa (T-class): $30 USD (cash only, US dollars)
- Business visa (E-class): $35 USD
What you need:
- Valid passport (6+ months validity, one blank page)
- Two recent passport-sized photos (4cm × 6cm)
- Cash in US dollars (exact change preferred)
- Proof of onward travel (departure ticket)
Processing time: A few minutes at land borders; approximately 10–15 minutes at airports.
Nationalities ineligible for visa on arrival: Citizens of Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, and Sudan must apply for an e-visa or embassy visa in advance.
The Cambodia e-Arrival Card (Mandatory)
Since 1 July 2024, all visitors to Cambodia must complete the Cambodia e-Arrival (CeA) card online before arrival. This replaced the old paper arrival/departure cards.
Key details:
- Must be completed at least 7 days before arrival
- Free of charge
- Covers immigration, health, and customs declarations in one form
- Apply through the official Cambodia e-Arrival portal or the CeA mobile app
- You receive a QR code present it (printed or on your phone) at immigration
This is separate from your visa. Even if you have an approved e-visa, you still need to complete the e-Arrival card.
Can You Extend Your Stay?
Yes. The initial 30-day tourist visa can be extended for an additional 30 days (one extension only).
To extend, visit the Department of Immigration in Phnom Penh or use a licensed visa agent. The extension fee is approximately $45 USD, though this can vary.
If you need to stay longer than 60 days total, you would need a different visa type (such as the E-class ordinary visa, which requires embassy application).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying through unofficial websites: Only use evisa.gov.kh. Third-party sites charge 2–3 times the official fee for the same visa.
- Trying to enter from Thailand with an e-visa: Thailand land borders do not accept e-visas. Use visa on arrival instead.
- Forgetting the e-Arrival card: This is separate from your visa and is now mandatory. Complete it at least 7 days before arrival.
- Not printing the e-visa: You need printed copies. Digital-only may not be accepted at all checkpoints.
- Passport photo issues: Use a white background, JPEG format, and a recent photo. Blurry or non-compliant photos cause delays.
Insufficient passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date.
Frequently Asked Questions
u003cstrongu003eHow long does the Cambodia e-Visa take to process?u003c/strongu003e
Standard processing is u003cstrongu003e3 business daysu003c/strongu003e. Some applications are approved faster. During peak travel seasons, it may take slightly longer.
u003cstrongu003eCan I get a visa on arrival instead?u003c/strongu003e
Yes, at airports and most land borders. The tourist visa on arrival costs $30 and requires 2 passport photos and cash in USD. However, some nationalities (including Bangladesh) are not eligible for visa on arrival and must use the e-visa or embassy route.
u003cstrongu003eIs the e-Visa valid for multiple entries?u003c/strongu003e
No. The Cambodia e-Visa is u003cstrongu003esingle entry onlyu003c/strongu003e. If you leave Cambodia and want to re-enter, you need a new visa.
u003cstrongu003eCan I work on a tourist e-Visa?u003c/strongu003e
No. The T-class tourist visa does not permit employment. You need an E-class (ordinary/business) visa for work, study, or long-term stays, which must be obtained through an embassy.
u003cstrongu003eWhat if my e-Visa is refused?u003c/strongu003e
Refusals are rare for the Cambodia tourist e-visa, but they do happen. The fee is non-refundable. You can reapply or apply through a Cambodian embassy instead.
u003cstrongu003eDo I need a COVID-19 test or vaccination?u003c/strongu003e
No. Cambodia has removed all COVID-19 entry requirements. No testing, vaccination, or quarantine is needed.
u003cstrongu003eWhat is the e-Arrival card? Is it the same as the e-Visa?u003c/strongu003e
No. The e-Arrival (CeA) card is a separate, free, mandatory digital form that all visitors must complete at least 7 days before arrival. It replaces the old paper arrival card. You need both an approved visa AND a completed e-Arrival card.
u003cstrongu003eHow much cash should I bring?u003c/strongu003e
Cambodia is heavily dollarised US dollars are accepted everywhere. Bring enough cash for your visa on arrival (if applicable) plus initial expenses. ATMs are available in cities but not always at land borders.
Need Help With Your Cambodia Visa?
Cambodia’s e-visa is one of the simpler ones out there, but if you are entering from Thailand overland, are from a restricted nationality, or want to make sure everything is in order before your trip, I can help.
Get Help With Your Cambodia Visa ➔Cambodia Visa
Application Assistance
What you get
✓Route assessment to determine whether you should use the e-Visa, visa on arrival, or go through an embassy based on your nationality and entry point.
✓Application walkthrough through the official portal, making sure you avoid third party sites that overcharge.
✓Document check covering passport validity, photo requirements and any extra documents needed for restricted nationalities.
✓Cambodia e-Arrival card assistance to help you complete the CeA form correctly before your trip.
✓Entry point guidance explaining which borders and airports accept which visa types, especially useful for overland crossings from Thailand.