Cambodia Visa for Panamanians: A Comprehensive Travel Guide for 2026-2027

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 evisa.gov.kh, tourismcambodia.com, travel.state.gov, cambodiatravel.com, and culturetrip.com. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Cambodia’s updated travel regulations.

Travelers, please note: The Visa on Arrival (VOA) program was discontinued in 2022. Panamanian travelers can use visa exemptions (if eligible), apply for an e-visa online via evisa.gov.kh, or obtain a visa through a Cambodian embassy for border crossings. This guide details visa requirements, border crossing procedures, and travel tips for a seamless journey into Cambodia by land, air, or sea.

A Practical, Cultural, and Sustainable Travel Essential

Cambodia, a captivating Southeast Asian gem, is renowned for its cultural landmarks like Angkor Wat’s ancient temples, Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, and the serene beaches of Sihanoukville cambodiatravel.com. Understanding visa requirements for border crossings ensures smooth entry for Panamanian travelers, whether joining guided Cambodia Tours or traveling independently. Panamanian citizens benefit from a 30-day visa exemption, while e-visas or embassy visas are available for longer stays, facilitating entry through Cambodia’s 6 land borders, 10 international airports, and 5 seaports tourismcambodia.com. This guide provides practical visa insights, border crossing tips, cultural etiquette, and eco-friendly Cambodia Travel options for Panamanian travelers.

Following Cambodia’s updated travel regulations, the country is accessible via multiple border checkpoints, including popular land borders like Bavet (Vietnam), Poipet (Thailand), and O’Smach (Thailand). This guide blends visa requirements, border crossing procedures, and sustainable Cambodia Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.

Administrative Note

Panamanian travelers enjoy a 30-day visa exemption for tourism, while longer stays require an e-visa ($36 or 145,000 KHR) or embassy visa ($30–$50). Passports must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. Cultural site entries like Angkor Wat cost $37–$72 (Angkor Pass); guided tours range from $15–$80 (60,000–320,000 KHR). Temporary residence registration with local police is required within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or hosts. Verify visa requirements and border procedures via evisa.gov.kh or travel.state.gov.

Visa Options for Panamanian Citizens

• Standard Visa Exemption:

  • Purpose: Tourism or short visits.

  • Eligibility: Panamanian passports evisa.gov.kh.

  • Duration: Up to 30 days evisa.gov.kh.

  • Cost: No cost evisa.gov.kh.

  • Requirements: Passport valid for 6 months with two blank pages; proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight or bus ticket) recommended travel.state.gov.

  • 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 10 airports (e.g., Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville), 6 land borders (e.g., Bavet, Poipet, O’Smach), and 5 seaports (e.g., Sihanoukville, Koh Kong) tourismcambodia.com.

• **E-Visa (For Longer Stays or Non-Exempt Nationalities):

  • Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for stays exceeding exemption periods.

  • Eligibility: Available to Panamanian travelers for longer stays evisa.gov.kh.

  • Duration: Up to 30 days (single entry) evisa.gov.kh.

  • Cost: $36 (145,000 KHR) 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 evisa.gov.kh.

    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 Poipet), and temporary address in Cambodia (e.g., hotel address) evisa.gov.kh.

    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 evisa.gov.kh.

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

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

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

  • Processing Time: 3–7 working days; expedited processing (1–2 days) available through agencies for additional fees ($10–$30 or 40,000–120,000 KHR) evisa.gov.kh.

  • Extension: Non-extendable; requires exit and re-entry with a new e-visa (visa run) evisa.gov.kh.

  • Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 10 airports, 6 land borders (e.g., Bavet, Poipet), and 5 seaports evisa.gov.kh.

• Embassy/Consulate Visa:

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

  • Eligibility: Available to all nationalities travel.state.gov.

  • Duration: Typically 30–90 days (single or multiple entry); longer for work/study visas travel.state.gov.

  • Cost: $30–$50 (120,000–200,000 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 Panama City, or nearby in Bangkok or Beijing) travel.state.gov.

  • Extension: Extendable for 1–3 months with a sponsor; fees vary ($10–$30 or 40,000–120,000 KHR) evisa.gov.kh.

• Key Restrictions:

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

  • Temporary residence registration is mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or hosts travel.state.gov.

  • Overstay penalties: $10/day; potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.

• Important Note: The Visa on Arrival program was discontinued in 2022. Panamanian travelers must use visa exemptions, e-visas, or embassy visas for border crossings evisa.gov.kh.

Key Border Crossing Checkpoints

• Land Borders (6): Popular checkpoints include Bavet (Vietnam, near Moc Bai), Poipet (Thailand, near Aranyaprathet), O’Smach (Thailand, near Surin), and Preah Vihear (Thailand, near Kantharalak). Open 7:00 AM–7:00 PM (some 24/7); expect immigration queues during peak seasons tourismcambodia.com.

• Airports (10): Major entry points include Phnom Penh International Airport, Siem Reap International Airport, and Sihanoukville International Airport; immigration open 24/7 tourismcambodia.com.

• Seaports (5): Key ports include Sihanoukville, Koh Kong, and Kampot; 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 nod 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., Wat Phnom in Phnom Penh); carry a lightweight scarf ($1 or 4,000 KHR) culturetrip.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. A guest shared: “Respecting Cambodian customs eased our border crossing and trip.” culturetrip.com

• Customs: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 800–4,000 KHR); avoid littering at cultural sites like Angkor Wat or Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace; complete residence registration within 24 hours (handled by hotels) travel.state.gov.

• Tip: Say “arkun” (thank you) to officers or guides; use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($1 or 4,000 KHR) to support sustainable Cambodia Travel; keep passport handy for checks. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen respectful travelers thrive at Cambodia’s borders and cultural sites.”

General Tips:

• Language: Carry a phrase card ($1 or 4,000 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.

• 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 ($1–$2 or 4,000–8,000 KHR/day) or tuk-tuks ($0.50–$2 or 2,000–8,000 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 evisa.gov.kh, tourismcambodia.com, travel.state.gov, cambodiatravel.com, and culturetrip.com. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.

1. Self-Guided Visa-Prepared Exploration

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

• Visa Tips: Use 30-day exemption or e-visas ($36); carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; register temporary residence at hotels evisa.gov.kh.

• Schedule: Daily; 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); Angkor Wat accessible anytime (Angkor Pass $37–$72).

• Cost: Entry: Royal Palace $10 (40,000 KHR); Wat Phnom $1 (4,000 KHR); Angkor Pass $37–$72; transport (tuk-tuk: $0.50–$2 or 2,000–8,000 KHR; bicycle: $1–$2 or 4,000–8,000 KHR/day); local purchases: $0.20–$10 (800–40,000 KHR).

• Location: Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Cambodia.

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

• Tip: Confirm exemption eligibility or apply for e-visas early; check evisa.gov.kh; a guest from Panama noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless after crossing at Bavet.”

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

• Details: 1-day group tour visiting Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace and Wat Phnom after crossing at Phnom Penh International Airport or Bavet; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Phnom Penh hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.

• Visa Tips: Ensure valid exemption or e-visa; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; guides assist with residence registration travel.state.gov.

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

• Cost: $20–$30/person (80,000–120,000 KHR, includes transport and entry).

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

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

• Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest from Panama noted: “Legend’s tour ensured visa compliance and cultural immersion after Bavet.”

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

• Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Angkor Wat in Siem Reap after crossing at Poipet; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Siem Reap, lunch, and Angkor Pass ($37); low to moderate difficulty.

• Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry e-visa or exemption for multi-city travel; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm eligibility evisa.gov.kh.

• Schedule: Daily; departs 5:00 AM from Siem Reap hotels for sunrise; returns by 3:00 PM.

• Cost: $40–$50/person (160,000–200,000 KHR, includes pass).

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

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

• Tip: Book via localvietnam.com (Cambodia partner sites); a guest from Panama noted: “The combo tour was visa-ready and enriching after Poipet.”

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

• Details: 2–3 day tour combining Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, Wat Phnom, and Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat after crossing at Phnom Penh or Poipet; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and Angkor Pass ($37); low to moderate difficulty.

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

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

• Cost: $80–$150/person (320,000–600,000 KHR, includes pass).

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

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

• Tip: Book Cambodia Tours via legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+855 23 728 000); a guest from Panama noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart cultural journey.”

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

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

• Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend cultural visits with eco-friendly activities 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 festivals; warm and dry (25–35°C); check dates at tourismcambodia.com.

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

• Year-Round Opportunities: Dry season (November–April) for comfortable border crossings and cultural visits; February for optimal conditions cambodiatravel.com.

Dry season (November–April, 20–35°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 experiences; expect rain at land borders like Poipet. Morning crossings (7:00 AM–11:00 AM) avoid crowds and heat. Verify forecasts via accuweather.com.

• Verify Visa Needs: Check eligibility for 30-day exemption or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.kh; use embassy visas for non-exempt nationalities or specific needs evisa.gov.kh.

• Border Crossing Tips: Choose major land borders like Bavet or Poipet 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; keep a photocopy of passport bio page separately; provide proof of onward travel for exemptions travel.state.gov.

• Residence Registration: Confirm hotels or hosts register your stay with local police 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 nearest Cambodian embassy (e.g., in Panama City, or nearby in Bangkok or Beijing).

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 ($2 or 8,000 KHR), tour bookings.

• Clothing: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits; lightweight scarf ($1 or 4,000 KHR); quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($2 or 8,000 KHR) for wet season; lightweight clothing like cotton or linen and light jacket ($3 or 12,000 KHR) for dry season; waterproof shoes ($3 or 12,000 KHR); hat ($2 or 8,000 KHR).

• Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($2 or 8,000 KHR); snacks ($0.20–$1 or 800–4,000 KHR, e.g., nom banh chok); small backpack ($2 or 8,000 KHR); sunscreen ($1 or 4,000 KHR); insect repellent ($1 or 4,000 KHR).

• Tech: Phone with translation apps (e.g., Google Translate); charger ($3–$5 or 12,000–20,000 KHR); local SIM ($1–$2 or 4,000–8,000 KHR); waterproof camera ($6 or 24,000 KHR) for photos.

• Eco Items: Reusable tote ($1 or 4,000 KHR) for purchases; phrase card ($1 or 4,000 KHR) with Khmer basics.

• Extras: Small KHR notes for donations or purchases; small first aid kit ($2 or 8,000 KHR); umbrella ($2 or 8,000 KHR) for wet season; money belt ($2 or 8,000 KHR) for valuables. Tip: Pack light (1 small bag, max 5 kg); reusable items support sustainability.

Costs for Visa-Prepared Border Crossing into Cambodia

Visa and Travel Costs

• E-Visa Costs: $36 (145,000 KHR); expedited processing: $10–$30 (40,000–120,000 KHR) evisa.gov.kh.

• Exemption Costs: No cost for 30-day exemption; 5-year exemption: $10–$50 (40,000–200,000 KHR) evisa.gov.kh.

• Embassy Visa Costs: $30–$50 (120,000–200,000 KHR), depending on visa type and processing time travel.state.gov.

• Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: Royal Palace $10 (40,000 KHR); Wat Phnom $1 (4,000 KHR); Angkor Pass $37–$72; transport (tuk-tuk: $0.50–$2 or 2,000–8,000 KHR; bicycle: $1–$2 or 4,000–8,000 KHR/day).

• Group Cultural Tours: $20–$30 (80,000–120,000 KHR, includes transport and entry).

• Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: $40–$50 (160,000–200,000 KHR, includes entry).

• Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: $80–$150 (320,000–600,000 KHR, includes entries). Safety-Related Costs

• Money Belt: $2 (8,000 KHR).

• Local SIM for Emergency Calls: $1–$2 (4,000–8,000 KHR).

• Travel Insurance (Recommended): $10 (40,000 KHR). Other Costs

• Local Snacks (e.g., nom banh chok, amok): $0.20–$1 (800–4,000 KHR).

• Souvenirs (e.g., silk, silverwork): $0.20–$10 (800–40,000 KHR).

• Donations: $0.20–$1 (800–4,000 KHR). Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

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

• Mid-range: $30–$60 (group tour, purchases).

• Luxury: $60–$100 (private tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $15–$100 for tours, visa fees (if applicable), and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; use visa exemptions to save on costs.

• Visa Tips: Check eligibility for 30-day exemption or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.kh; use embassy visas for non-exempt nationalities; confirm passport validity (6+ months) evisa.gov.kh.

• Border Crossing Tips: Choose major land borders like Bavet or Poipet 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.

• 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 (some 24/7); cultural sites open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; peak crowds in dry season (November–April); 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: Dry season (Nov–Apr, 20–35°C) ideal; hot season (Mar–May, 25–35°C) suits early mornings; wet season (Jun–Oct, 24–32°C) requires rain gear; check forecasts via weather.com.

• Safety Note: Secure valuables with a money belt ($2 or 8,000 KHR); beware of pickpocketing in markets or nightlife areas; carry emergency numbers (Police: 117, Tourist Police: +855 97 760 2001).

• Who needs a visa to cross into Cambodia? Panamanian citizens are exempt for 30 days; others require e-visas or embassy visas evisa.gov.kh.

• Which borders accept e-visas or exemptions? All 10 airports, 6 land borders (e.g., Bavet, Poipet), and 5 seaports accept e-visas and exemptions evisa.gov.kh.

• How much does a Cambodia visa cost? E-visa: $36 (145,000 KHR); embassy visa: $30–$50; exemptions: no cost evisa.gov.kh.

• Can visas be extended at the border? Exemptions and e-visas are non-extendable; embassy visas may be extendable with a sponsor evisa.gov.kh.

• What are the penalties for overstaying? Fines of $10/day; potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.

• Is Visa on Arrival available? No, discontinued in 2022; use exemptions or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.kh evisa.gov.kh.

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

• Cambodia Cultural Eco-Tour ($20–$30/person, 1 day): Guided temple and market tour with sustainable practices.

• Cambodia Cultural and Adventure Trail ($80–$150/person, 2 days): Explore cultural sites and eco-friendly activities.

• Cambodia Explorer ($150–$250/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 (+855 23 728 000) for your Cambodia Travel plans.

Mastering Cambodia Visa Border Crossing with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “sua sdei,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly journey through this Southeast Asian gem. With tour costs from $15–$250, sustainable Cambodia Tours, and attractions like Angkor Wat and Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, this trip offers adventure and sustainability for Panamanian travelers. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Cambodia Travel, leverage the 30-day exemption or apply for e-visas early via evisa.gov.kh, and respect local customs for the best experience. Note that Visa on Arrival is no longer available; plan accordingly. Safe travels!

Sources:

• evisa.gov.kh

• tourismcambodia.com

• travel.state.gov

• cambodiatravel.com

• culturetrip.com