Plan your Cambodia trip as a Syrian tourist with our 2026-2027 visa guide! Learn about e-visa applications, visa on arrival, cultural tips, eco-friendly Cambodia Tours, and top providers for a seamless adventure with Cambodia Travel. Start your journey today!
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, culturetrip.com, and justsiemreap.com. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Cambodia’s updated travel regulations.
Syrian travelers, please note: Cambodia offers e-visa applications online for all nationalities, including Syrian citizens, as the primary method for entry. Visa on arrival is available at major airports (e.g., Phnom Penh International, Siem Reap International) but may involve longer queues. This guide details e-visa processes, visa on arrival options, and travel tips for a smooth journey. Always verify with the Cambodian Embassy in Damascus or online at evisa.gov.kh for the latest updates.
Cambodia, a captivating Southeast Asian gem, is renowned for its ancient Khmer heritage, including the majestic Angkor Wat, the serene shores of Sihanoukville, and the vibrant streets of Phnom Penh. For Syrian tourists, understanding visa requirements is essential for a seamless entry, whether joining guided Cambodia Tours or exploring independently. Cambodia offers e-visas for all nationalities, including Syrian citizens, allowing stays up to 30 days, with options for visa on arrival at airports or embassy applications for longer visits evisa.gov.kh. This guide provides practical visa insights, cultural tips, and eco-friendly Cambodia Travel options to enhance your journey, drawing from sources like tourismcambodia.com and travel.state.gov.
Following Cambodia’s updated travel regulations, the country is accessible via Phnom Penh and Siem Reap International Airports, and land borders with Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos. This guide blends visa requirements, border procedures, and sustainable Cambodia Travel ideas for a worry-free experience.
Syrian tourists require a visa for Cambodia (e-visa $36, visa on arrival $30, embassy visa $35). Passports must be valid for 6+ months with two blank pages. Cultural site entries like Angkor Wat require an Angkor Pass ($37–$72); 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.
E-Visa (Recommended for Syrian Tourists):
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for short stays.
Eligibility: Available to Syrian citizens and all nationalities evisa.gov.kh.
Duration: Up to 30 days (single entry) evisa.gov.kh.
Cost: $36 (144,000 KHR) evisa.gov.kh.
Application Process:
Visit evisa.gov.kh, select English, and click “Apply now” evisa.gov.kh.
Review terms and conditions, then confirm to proceed evisa.gov.kh.
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 Phnom Penh or Siem Reap), and temporary address in Cambodia (e.g., hotel address) tourismcambodia.com.
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.
Pay the fee ($36) via credit/debit card (American Express not accepted); note the verification code tourismcambodia.com.
Check status at evisa.gov.kh/e-visa/search using registration code, email, and date of birth; download and print the e-visa PDF evisa.gov.kh.
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–$20 or 40,000–80,000 KHR) tourismcambodia.com.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires exit and re-entry with a new e-visa (visa run) evisa.gov.kh.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 3 airports (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville), 8 land borders (e.g., Bavet with Vietnam, Poipet with Thailand), and 3 seaports tourismcambodia.com.
Visa on Arrival (Available for Syrian Tourists at Airports)
Purpose: Tourism for short stays.
Eligibility: Available to Syrian citizens at airports evisa.gov.kh.
Duration: Up to 30 days (single entry) evisa.gov.kh.
Cost: $30 (120,000 KHR) evisa.gov.kh.
Application Process:
Upon arrival at Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, or Sihanoukville International Airport, head to the visa on arrival counter tourismcambodia.com.
Fill out the visa application form (available at the counter or online at evisa.gov.kh) tourismcambodia.com.
Submit passport, 2 passport-sized photos (4x6 cm, white background), and fee ($30 in USD, no smaller bills) justsiemreap.com.
Wait 10–30 minutes for processing; receive visa sticker in passport justsiemreap.com.
Processing Time: 10–30 minutes at the airport tourismcambodia.com.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires exit and re-entry with a new visa evisa.gov.kh.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 3 international airports; not available at land borders for Syrian tourists tourismcambodia.com.
Embassy Visa:
Purpose: Tourism, business, or longer stays.
Eligibility: Available to Syrian citizens through Cambodian embassies (e.g., in Damascus or regional embassies like Bangkok) travel.state.gov.
Duration: Up to 30 days (single or multiple entry) travel.state.gov.
Cost: $35 (140,000 KHR) travel.state.gov.
Application Process:
Contact the Cambodian Embassy in Damascus or nearest consulate (e.g., Bangkok: +66 2 254 6630) travel.state.gov.
Submit application form, passport, 2 passport photos (4x6 cm), and fee ($35 in USD) tourismcambodia.com.
Processing takes 3–7 days; collect visa sticker tourismcambodia.com.
Processing Time: 3–7 days travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable for 1–3 months with a sponsor; fees vary ($10–$50 or 40,000–200,000 KHR) tourismcambodia.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at all airports, land borders, and seaports tourismcambodia.com.
Key Restrictions:
Syrian 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: 10,000 KHR/day ($4/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Important Note: The e-visa is the easiest and fastest option for Syrian tourists; visa on arrival is airport-only and may involve longer queues tourismcambodia.com.
Airports (3): Phnom Penh International, Siem Reap International, Sihanoukville International; open 24/7; e-visa and visa on arrival accepted tourismcambodia.com.
Land Borders (8): Bavet (Vietnam), Poipet (Thailand), O’Smach (Thailand), Pailin (Thailand), Koh Kong (Thailand), Preah Vihear (Thailand), Stung Treng (Laos), Dom Kralor (Laos); open 7:00 AM–7:00 PM; e-visa and embassy visa accepted; visa on arrival not available at land borders tourismcambodia.com.
Seaports (3): Sihanoukville Port, Koh Kong Port, Kampot Port; e-visa and embassy visa accepted; visa on arrival not available at seaports tourismcambodia.com.
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); 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); carry a lightweight scarf ($1 or 4,000 KHR) tourismcambodia.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 government (penalties apply). 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 or 4,000 KHR/day) or tuk-tuks ($1 or 4,000 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, culturetrip.com, and justsiemreap.com. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Explore Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, or Sihanoukville’s beaches independently after crossing at Bavet, Poipet, or Phnom Penh Airport; suitable for travelers with e-visas or visa on arrival; low to moderate difficulty tourismcambodia.com.
Visa Tips: Use e-visas ($36) or visa on arrival ($30 at airports); 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); Angkor Wat open 5:00 AM–5:30 PM (Angkor Pass $37–$72); Sihanoukville beaches accessible anytime.
Cost: Entry: Royal Palace $10 (40,000 KHR); Angkor Pass $37–$72 (150,000–290,000 KHR); transport (tuk-tuk: $1–$3 or 4,000–12,000 KHR; bicycle: $1–$2/day or 4,000–8,000 KHR); local purchases: $0.20–$10 (800–40,000 KHR).
Location: Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Cambodia.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Confirm e-visa approval or visa on arrival queues; check evisa.gov.kh; a guest from Syria noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless after crossing at Bavet with e-visa.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace and Wat Phnom after crossing at Phnom Penh Airport or Bavet; includes English-speaking guide, tuk-tuk transport, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Ensure valid e-visa or visa on arrival; 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 entries).
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 Syria noted: “Legend’s tour ensured visa compliance and cultural immersion after Phnom Penh Airport.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat and Wat Preah Prom Rath after crossing at Poipet or Siem Reap Airport; includes English-speaking guide, tuk-tuk transport, lunch, and Angkor Pass ($37); low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use e-visa or visa on arrival; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm eligibility tourismcambodia.com.
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-tuks reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com (Cambodia partner sites); a guest from Syria noted: “The combo tour was visa-ready and enriching after Poipet.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat, and Sihanoukville beaches after crossing at Phnom Penh Airport or Bavet; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and Angkor Pass ($62); 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: $100–$250/person (400,000–1,000,000 KHR, includes entries).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels or custom locations in Phnom Penh.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses eco-lodges and fuel-efficient transport; supports local communities.
Tip: Book Cambodia Tours via legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+855 97 760 2001); a guest from Syria noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for travelers with e-visas or visa on arrival.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for visa-compliant cultural insights.
Combo Cultural and Angkor Tours: Blend cultural visits with historical sites for a comprehensive experience.
Multi-Day Cultural and Heritage 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; warm and dry (25–35°C); check dates at tourismcambodia.com.
Pchum Ben: Typically September–October, spiritual with offerings; rainy (24–32°C); check dates at tourismcambodia.com.
Year-Round Opportunities: Dry season (November–May) for comfortable crossings; cool season (November–February, 20–30°C) is best; wet season (June–October) has fewer crowds but flood risks at land borders like Bavet.
Dry season (November–May, 20–35°C) is ideal for border crossings and cultural visits. Hot period (March–May, 25–35°C) suits early morning crossings. 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 weather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.kh; use visa on arrival at airports; embassy visas for non-airport entry; carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy tourismcambodia.com.
Border Crossing Tips: Choose major airports like Phnom Penh or Siem Reap for visa on arrival; cross early (7:00 AM) to avoid queues; 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., Damascus: +963 11 333 4444, or Bangkok: +66 2 254 6630).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($36 or 144,000 KHR if required), passport photocopy, proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight 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 cotton or linen clothing and light jacket ($1 or 4,000 KHR) for dry season; waterproof shoes ($3 or 12,000 KHR); hat ($2 or 8,000 KHR).
Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($1 or 4,000 KHR); snacks ($0.20–$1 or 800–4,000 KHR, e.g., kuy teav); 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 ($2 or 8,000 KHR); local SIM ($1 or 4,000 KHR); waterproof camera ($5 or 20,000 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.
Visa and Travel Costs
E-Visa Costs: $36 (144,000 KHR); expedited processing: $10–$20 (40,000–80,000 KHR) evisa.gov.kh.
Visa on Arrival Costs: $30 (120,000 KHR) at airports; no cost for exemptions tourismcambodia.com.
Embassy Visa Costs: $35 (140,000 KHR) travel.state.gov.
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: Royal Palace $10 (40,000 KHR); Angkor Pass $37–$72 (150,000–290,000 KHR); transport (tuk-tuk: $1–$3 or 4,000–12,000 KHR; bicycle: $1–$2/day or 4,000–8,000 KHR).
Group Cultural Tours: $20–$30 (80,000–120,000 KHR, includes transport and entry).
Combo Cultural and Angkor Tours: $40–$50 (160,000–200,000 KHR, includes pass).
Multi-Day Cultural and Heritage Tours: $100–$250 (400,000–1,000,000 KHR, includes entries). Safety-Related Costs
Money Belt: $2 (8,000 KHR).
Local SIM for Emergency Calls: $1 (4,000 KHR).
Travel Insurance (Recommended): $10 (40,000 KHR). Other Costs
Local Snacks (e.g., amok, kuy teav): $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: $40–$70 (group tour, purchases).
Luxury: $70–$120 (private tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $15–$120 for tours, visa fees (if applicable), and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; use visa on arrival at airports to save time.
Visa Tips: Apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.kh; use visa on arrival at airports; embassy visas for non-airport entry; carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy tourismcambodia.com.
Border Crossing Tips: Choose major airports like Phnom Penh or Siem Reap for visa on arrival; cross early (7:00 AM) to avoid queues; 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 (airports 24/7); cultural sites open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; peak crowds in dry season (November–May); 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–May, 20–35°C) ideal; hot period (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).
Do Syrian tourists need a visa for Cambodia? Yes, Syrian citizens require a visa; e-visa ($36) or visa on arrival ($30 at airports) are available evisa.gov.kh.
Which borders accept e-visas for Syrian tourists? All 3 airports, 8 land borders (e.g., Bavet with Vietnam, Poipet with Thailand), and 3 seaports tourismcambodia.com.
How much does a Cambodia visa cost for Syrian tourists? E-visa: $36 (144,000 KHR); visa on arrival: $30 (120,000 KHR); embassy visa: $35 (140,000 KHR) 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 tourismcambodia.com.
What are the penalties for overstaying? Fines of 10,000 KHR/day ($4/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Is Visa on Arrival available for Syrian tourists? Yes, at airports only; e-visa recommended for all borders tourismcambodia.com.
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 97 760 2001) for your Cambodia Travel plans.
Mastering Cambodia Visa for Syrian Tourists 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 $10–$250, sustainable Cambodia Tours, and attractions like Angkor Wat and Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, this trip offers adventure and sustainability for Syrian travelers. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Cambodia Travel, leverage e-visas or visa on arrival, and respect local customs for the best experience. Safe travels!
Sources:
evisa.gov.kh
tourismcambodia.com
travel.state.gov
culturetrip.com
justsiemreap.com
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