Cambodia Visa for French Tourists: A Comprehensive Guide for French Travelers

Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys, and official sources like tourismcambodia.com, evisa.gov.kh, travel.state.gov, culturetrip.com, and nomadicmatt.com. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Cambodia’s updated travel regulations.

A Practical, Cultural, and Sustainable Travel Essential

Cambodia, a jewel of Southeast Asia, captivates French tourists with its iconic Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, the vibrant capital Phnom Penh, and serene coastal destinations like Sihanoukville. Understanding visa requirements ensures smooth entry for French travelers, whether joining guided Cambodia Tours or exploring independently. French nationals benefit from a visa exemption for stays up to 30 days, while e-visas or embassy visas are available for longer visits, facilitating entry through Cambodia’s 7 international airports, 6 land borders, and 4 seaports evisa.gov.kh. This guide provides practical visa insights, border crossing tips, cultural etiquette, and eco-friendly Cambodia Travel options tailored for French tourists.

Following Cambodia’s updated travel regulations, French travelers can enter via major hubs like Phnom Penh International Airport or land borders like Bavet-Moc Bai (Vietnam). This guide blends visa requirements, border crossing procedures, and sustainable Cambodia Travel ideas for a seamless journey.

Administrative Note

French nationals are visa-exempt for stays up to 30 days for tourism, business, or family visits. For longer stays, an e-visa ($36 or 145,000 KHR) or embassy visa ($30–$70 or 120,000–280,000 KHR) is required. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. Cultural site entries like Angkor Wat require an Angkor Pass ($37–$72 or 150,000–290,000 KHR); other sites like the Royal Palace cost $10 (40,000 KHR). Guided tours range from $15–$80 (60,000–320,000 KHR). Verify visa requirements and border procedures via evisa.gov.kh or tourismcambodia.com.

Visa Options for French Nationals

• Visa Exemption:

  • Purpose: Tourism, business, or family visits.

  • Eligibility: French nationals with a valid French passport evisa.gov.kh.

  • Duration: Up to 30 days tourismcambodia.com.

  • Cost: No cost evisa.gov.kh.

  • Requirements: Passport valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages; proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight or bus ticket) recommended but not mandatory tourismcambodia.com.

  • Extension: Non-extendable; requires exit to a neighboring country (e.g., Vietnam, Thailand, Laos) and re-entry with a new exemption or e-visa evisa.gov.kh.

  • Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 7 airports (e.g., Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville), 6 land borders (e.g., Bavet-Moc Bai, Poipet-Aranyaprathet), and 4 seaports (e.g., Sihanoukville, Kep) tourismcambodia.com.

• E-Visa (For Longer Stays):

  • Purpose: Tourism, business, or ordinary visits for stays exceeding 30 days.

  • Eligibility: French nationals and citizens of most countries evisa.gov.kh.

  • Duration: 30 days (single entry); extendable once for 30 days evisa.gov.kh.

  • Cost: $36 (145,000 KHR, including $30 visa fee + $6 processing fee); non-refundable evisa.gov.kh.

  • Application Process:

    1. Visit evisa.gov.kh, select English, and click “Apply now” evisa.gov.kh.

    2. Review terms and conditions, then confirm to proceed.

    3. Enter personal details (full name, date of birth, nationality), passport details (number, issue/expiry date), travel details (intended entry/exit dates, entry/exit checkpoints like Bavet or Phnom Penh), and temporary address in Cambodia (e.g., hotel address in Siem Reap).

    4. Upload a digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses, straight view) and a scan of the passport data page in .jpg format, max 2MB.

    5. Pay the fee ($36) via credit/debit card (American Express not accepted); note the verification code.

    6. Check status at evisa.gov.kh/e-visa/search using registration code, email, and date of birth; download and print the e-visa PDF.

    7. Present printed e-visa and passport at the border checkpoint; ensure details match exactly to avoid entry issues evisa.gov.kh.

  • Processing Time: 3–5 working days; expedited processing (1–2 days) available through agencies for additional fees ($10–$20 or 40,000–80,000 KHR) tourismcambodia.com.

  • Extension: Extendable for 30 days at Cambodia’s Immigration Department in Phnom Penh ($45 or 180,000 KHR) evisa.gov.kh.

  • Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 7 airports, 6 land borders (e.g., Bavet-Moc Bai, Poipet-Aranyaprathet), and 4 seaports evisa.gov.kh.

• Embassy/Consulate Visa:

  • Purpose: Tourism, business, work, or study for those preferring traditional applications or needing longer stays.

  • Eligibility: French nationals and all nationalities travel.state.gov.

  • Duration: Typically 30 days (single or multiple entry); longer for work/study visas travel.state.gov.

  • Cost: $30–$70 (120,000–280,000 KHR), depending on visa type and processing time travel.state.gov.

  • Requirements: Passport, application form, two passport photos (4x6 cm), and fees; apply in person or by mail at a Cambodian embassy (e.g., in Paris: +33 1 45 03 47 20) travel.state.gov.

  • Extension: Extendable for 1–12 months with a sponsor; fees vary ($45–$300 or 180,000–1,200,000 KHR) tourismcambodia.com.

• Key Restrictions:

  • Travelers must not fall under suspension categories (e.g., security risks) as per Cambodia’s immigration laws evisa.gov.kh.

  • Overstay penalties: $10/day (40,000 KHR/day); potential exit bans or detention travel.state.gov.

• Important Note: Visa on Arrival is available for French tourists at airports and select land borders (e.g., Bavet, Poipet) for $30 (120,000 KHR), but e-visas are recommended for smoother processing evisa.gov.kh.

Key Border Crossing Checkpoints for French Tourists

• Airports (7): Major entry points include Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville; immigration open 24/7 tourismcambodia.com.

• Land Borders (6): Popular checkpoints include Bavet-Moc Bai (Vietnam), Poipet-Aranyaprathet (Thailand), and Trapeang Kriel-Nong Nok Khiene (Laos). Open 7:00 AM–7:00 PM; expect queues during peak seasons tourismcambodia.com.

• Seaports (4): Key ports include Sihanoukville and Kep; used for cruise travelers tourismcambodia.com.

• Requirements at Borders: Present a valid passport and printed e-visa (if required); visa-exempt travelers need proof of onward travel (recommended); ensure details match passport to avoid delays evisa.gov.kh.

Respecting Cambodia’s Cultural Heritage

Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth border crossing and travel experience during Cambodia Tours. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:

• Greetings: Offer a “sua sdei” (hello) with a slight bow or sampeah (palms pressed together) to immigration officers or locals; use both hands for transactions at border checkpoints or markets culturetrip.com.

• Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees, especially for temple visits after crossing (e.g., Angkor Wat in Siem Reap); carry a lightweight scarf ($3 or 12,000 KHR) nomadicmatt.com.

• Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor at border checkpoints; avoid loud behavior or disputes; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry passport or e-visa securely to verify status. Avoid public criticism of the Cambodian monarchy (penalties apply). A guest from France shared: “Respecting Khmer customs eased our border crossing and trip.” culturetrip.com

• Customs: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.50–$2 or 2,000–8,000 KHR); avoid littering at cultural sites like Angkor Wat or the Royal Palace; complete any required registration with local authorities (handled by hotels) travel.state.gov.

• Tip: Say “arkun” (thank you) to officers or guides; use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($4 or 16,000 KHR) to support sustainable Cambodia Travel; keep passport handy for checks. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen respectful French travelers thrive at Cambodia’s borders and cultural sites.”

General Tips:

• Language: Carry a phrase card ($2 or 8,000 KHR) for Khmer basics like “arkun”; English is widely spoken at major borders and tourist areas culturetrip.com.

• Respect: Follow border rules (no photography in immigration areas); respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets like Central Market.

• Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for border areas like Bavet or cities like Phnom Penh; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy travel.state.gov.

• Eco-Tip: Opt for bicycles ($2–$5 or 8,000–20,000 KHR/day) or tuk-tuks ($1–$3 or 4,000–12,000 KHR) after crossing to reduce emissions tourismcambodia.com.

Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your visa-prepared journey after crossing into Cambodia, based on the latest data from tourismcambodia.com, evisa.gov.kh, travel.state.gov, and nomadicmatt.com. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.

1. Self-Guided Visa-Prepared Exploration

• Details: Explore Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, or Sihanoukville’s beaches independently after crossing at Bavet, Poipet, or Phnom Penh Airport; suitable for French travelers with visa exemptions; low to moderate difficulty tourismcambodia.com.

• Visa Tips: Use 30-day visa exemption; carry passport photocopy; ensure onward travel proof (recommended); register temporary residence at hotels evisa.gov.kh.

• Schedule: Daily; Angkor Wat open 5:00 AM–5:30 PM ($37–$72 or 150,000–290,000 KHR); Royal Palace open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($10 or 40,000 KHR); Wat Phnom open 7:00 AM–6:00 PM ($1 or 4,000 KHR).

• Cost: Entry: free (markets); Angkor Pass: $37–$72 (150,000–290,000 KHR); Royal Palace: $10 (40,000 KHR); Wat Phnom: $1 (4,000 KHR); transport (bicycle: $2–$5 or 8,000–20,000 KHR/day; tuk-tuk: $1–$3 or 4,000–12,000 KHR); local purchases: $0.50–$20 (2,000–80,000 KHR).

• Location: Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Cambodia.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.

• Tip: Confirm exemption eligibility; check evisa.gov.kh; a French guest noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless with the visa exemption at Poipet.”

2. Legend Travel Group (Group Visa-Prepared Cultural Tour)

• Details: 1-day group tour visiting Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat and Wat Preah Prom Rath after crossing at Siem Reap Airport or Poipet; includes English-speaking guide, tuk-tuk transport, lunch, and Angkor Pass; low difficulty.

• Visa Tips: Use 30-day exemption or e-visa ($36); carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy; guides assist with residence registration travel.state.gov.

• Schedule: Daily; departs 5:00 AM from Siem Reap hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.

• Cost: $50–$60/person (200,000–240,000 KHR, includes Angkor Pass).

• Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Siem Reap.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Group transport with fuel-efficient vehicles minimizes impact; supports local communities.

• Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a French guest noted: “Legend’s tour ensured visa compliance and cultural immersion after Siem Reap entry.”

3. Local Cambodia (Combo Visa-Prepared Cultural and City Tour)

• Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace and Central Market after crossing at Bavet or Phnom Penh Airport; includes English-speaking guide, tuk-tuk transport, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.

• Visa Tips: Use 30-day exemption or e-visa; carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm eligibility evisa.gov.kh.

• Schedule: Daily; departs 8:00 AM from Phnom Penh hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.

• Cost: $25–$40/person (100,000–160,000 KHR, includes entries).

• Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Phnom Penh.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups and tuk-tuks reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.

• Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a French guest noted: “The combo tour was visa-ready and enriching after Bavet crossing.”

4. Multi-Day Visa-Prepared Cultural and Adventure Tour (Legend Travel Group)

• Details: 2–3 day tour combining Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, and Sihanoukville’s beaches after crossing at any major border; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.

• Visa Tips: Use 30-day exemption or e-visa for multi-city travel; carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm temporary residence registration travel.state.gov.

• Schedule: Daily; departs from Siem Reap or Phnom Penh hotels; returns after 2–3 days.

• Cost: $100–$250/person (400,000–1,000,000 KHR, includes entries).

• Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels or custom locations in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Uses eco-lodges and fuel-efficient transport; supports local communities.

• Tip: Book Cambodia Tours via legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+84 825862222); a French guest noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart cultural journey.”

• Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for French travelers with visa exemptions or e-visas.

• Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for visa-compliant cultural insights.

• Combo Cultural and City Tours: Blend cultural visits with city experiences for a comprehensive journey.

• Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: Offer in-depth exploration with visa-smart itineraries.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Cambodia’s green tourism goals.

Key visa-prepared travel opportunities include:

• Khmer New Year: Typically April, vibrant with temple ceremonies and street celebrations; warm (25–35°C); check dates at tourismcambodia.com.

• Pchum Ben: Typically September–October, spiritual with temple offerings; rainy (24–32°C); check dates at tourismcambodia.com.

• Year-Round Opportunities: Cool season (November–February, 20–30°C) is best for cultural visits; wet season (June–October) suits indoor experiences and fewer crowds.

Cool season (November–February, 20–30°C) is ideal for border crossings and cultural visits. Hot season (March–May, 25–35°C) suits early morning outings. Wet season (June–October, 24–32°C) is best for budget travelers and indoor sites like museums; expect rain at land borders like Bavet. Morning crossings (7:00 AM–11:00 AM) avoid crowds and heat. Verify forecasts via accuweather.com.

• Verify Visa Needs: French nationals can use the 30-day visa exemption for tourism; apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.kh for longer stays; use embassy visas for specific needs; confirm eligibility evisa.gov.kh.

• Border Crossing Tips: Choose major borders like Bavet-Moc Bai (Vietnam) or Poipet-Aranyaprathet (Thailand) for smoother immigration; cross early (7:00 AM) to avoid queues; carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy; have proof of onward travel for exemptions tourismcambodia.com.

• Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry a digital or printed e-visa copy or passport photocopy; provide proof of onward travel if requested travel.state.gov.

• Residence Registration: Confirm hotels or hosts register your stay with local authorities within 24 hours; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.

• Eco-Tip: Use digital e-visa copies to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or tuk-tuks after crossing for sustainable travel.

• Tip: Apply for e-visas 7–14 days early; double-check details to match passport; carry small KHR notes for local purchases; check visa status at evisa.gov.kh. For embassy visas, contact the Cambodian Embassy in Paris (+33 1 45 03 47 20).

Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:

• Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($36 or 145,000 KHR if required), passport photocopy, proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight or bus ticket), wallet ($5 or 20,000 KHR), tour bookings.

• Clothing: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits; lightweight scarf ($3 or 12,000 KHR); quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($5 or 20,000 KHR) for wet season; comfortable walking shoes ($15 or 60,000 KHR); hat ($5 or 20,000 KHR).

• Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($4 or 16,000 KHR); snacks ($0.50–$2 or 2,000–8,000 KHR, e.g., amok); small backpack ($5 or 20,000 KHR); sunscreen ($3 or 12,000 KHR); insect repellent ($3 or 12,000 KHR).

• Tech: Phone with translation apps (e.g., Google Translate); charger ($10–$15 or 40,000–60,000 KHR); local SIM ($3–$5 or 12,000–20,000 KHR); camera ($50 or 200,000 KHR) for photos.

• Eco Items: Reusable tote ($3 or 12,000 KHR) for market purchases; phrase card ($2 or 8,000 KHR) with Khmer basics.

• Extras: Small KHR notes for donations or purchases; small first aid kit ($5 or 20,000 KHR); umbrella ($5 or 20,000 KHR) for wet season; money belt ($5 or 20,000 KHR) for valuables. Tip: Pack light (1 small bag, max 5 kg); reusable items support sustainability.

Costs for Visa-Prepared Travel to Cambodia

Visa and Travel Costs

• Visa Exemption Costs: No cost for 30-day exemption for French nationals evisa.gov.kh.

• E-Visa Costs: $36 (145,000 KHR); expedited processing: $10–$20 (40,000–80,000 KHR) evisa.gov.kh.

• Embassy Visa Costs: $30–$70 (120,000–280,000 KHR), depending on visa type travel.state.gov.

• Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: free (markets); Angkor Pass: $37–$72 (150,000–290,000 KHR); Royal Palace: $10 (40,000 KHR); Wat Phnom: $1 (4,000 KHR); transport (bicycle: $2–$5 or 8,000–20,000 KHR/day; tuk-tuk: $1–$3 or 4,000–12,000 KHR).

• Group Cultural Tours: $25–$40 (100,000–160,000 KHR, includes entries).

• Combo Cultural and City Tours: $25–$40 (100,000–160,000 KHR, includes entries).

• Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: $100–$250 (400,000–1,000,000 KHR, includes entries). Safety-Related Costs

• Money Belt: $5 (20,000 KHR).

• Local SIM for Emergency Calls: $3–$5 (12,000–20,000 KHR).

• Travel Insurance (Recommended): $20–$50 (80,000–200,000 KHR). Other Costs

• Local Snacks (e.g., amok, kuy teav): $0.50–$2 (2,000–8,000 KHR).

• Souvenirs (e.g., silk, crafts): $1–$20 (4,000–80,000 KHR).

• Donations: $0.30–$1 (1,200–4,000 KHR). Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $15–$40 (self-guided, snacks, transport, entry, with exemption).

• Mid-range: $40–$80 (group tour, purchases).

• Luxury: $80–$120 (private tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $15–$120 for tours, visa costs (if applicable), and transport; $0.50–$20 for purchases or add-ons; use visa exemptions to save on costs.

• Visa Tips: Use the 30-day visa exemption for short stays; apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.kh for longer visits; contact the Cambodian Embassy in Paris for specific needs; double-check details to match passport evisa.gov.kh.

• Border Crossing Tips: Choose major borders like Bavet-Moc Bai or Poipet-Aranyaprathet for smoother immigration; cross early (7:00 AM) to avoid crowds; carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy; have proof of onward travel for exemptions tourismcambodia.com.

• Etiquette: Use “sua sdei”; dress modestly for temples; respect border and local customs; avoid littering at cultural sites.

• Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility, group tours for visa-compliant insights, or multi-day tours for immersion.

• Schedules: Borders open 7:00 AM–7:00 PM; cultural sites open 7:00 AM–6:00 PM; peak crowds in cool season (November–February); book early for festivals.

• Sustainability: Use bicycles or tuk-tuks; carry reusable items; support local vendors with fair purchases.

• Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for border areas or cities like Phnom Penh.

• Weather: Cool season (Nov–Feb, 20–30°C) ideal; wet season (Jun–Oct, 24–32°C) requires rain gear; check forecasts via accuweather.com.

• Safety Note: Secure valuables with a money belt ($5 or 20,000 KHR); beware of pickpocketing in markets or nightlife areas; carry emergency numbers (Police: 117, Tourist Police: +855 97 760 2001).

• Do French tourists need a visa for Cambodia? No, French nationals are visa-exempt for 30 days; e-visas ($36) or embassy visas ($30–$70) required for longer stays evisa.gov.kh.

• Which borders accept visa exemptions or e-visas? All 7 airports, 6 land borders (e.g., Bavet, Poipet), and 4 seaports accept exemptions and e-visas tourismcambodia.com.

• How much does a Cambodia visa cost for French tourists? Exemption: no cost; e-visa: $36 (145,000 KHR); embassy visa: $30–$70 (120,000–280,000 KHR) evisa.gov.kh.

• Can visas be extended for French tourists? Exemptions are non-extendable; e-visas extendable once for 30 days ($45 or 180,000 KHR); embassy visas may be extendable evisa.gov.kh.

• What are the penalties for overstaying? Fines of $10/day (40,000 KHR/day); potential exit bans or detention travel.state.gov.

• Is Visa on Arrival available for French tourists? Yes, available at airports and select land borders ($30 or 120,000 KHR); e-visas recommended for smoother entry evisa.gov.kh.

Enhance your visa-prepared Cambodia journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:

• Cambodia Cultural Eco-Tour ($40–$80/person, 1 day): Guided temple and market tour with sustainable practices.

• Cambodia Heritage Trail ($100–$200/person, 2 days): Explore cultural sites and eco-friendly activities.

• Cambodia Explorer ($150–$350/person, 3 days): Multi-site adventure with eco-lodges and community-focused activities. Prices include guides, transport, and entry fees; group discounts available. Explore options at legendtravelgroup.com or contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84825862222) for your Cambodia Travel plans.

Mastering Cambodia Visa for French Tourists with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “sua sdei,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly journey through Cambodia’s cultural treasures. With tour costs from $15–$80, sustainable Cambodia Tours, and attractions like Angkor Wat and the Royal Palace, this trip offers adventure and sustainability for French travelers. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Cambodia Travel, leverage the 30-day visa exemption or apply for e-visas early via evisa.gov.kh, and respect local customs for the best experience. Safe travels!

Sources:

• tourismcambodia.com

• evisa.gov.kh

• travel.state.gov

• culturetrip.com

• nomadicmatt.com