Plan your Cambodia adventure with our guide for US tourists! Learn about visa requirements, e-visa applications, border crossings, eco-friendly Cambodia Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Cambodia Travel. Start your journey today!
Angkor Wat Main Temples at Sunet (Source: Internet)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.
Cambodia, a Southeast Asian gem, captivates US tourists with its rich cultural tapestry, from the majestic Angkor Wat in Siem Reap to the vibrant Royal Palace in Phnom Penh and the serene beaches of Sihanoukville. Understanding visa requirements for US tourists ensures smooth entry, whether joining guided Cambodia Tours or traveling independently. US citizens require a visa for entry, with options including e-visas or visas on arrival, facilitating access through Cambodia’s 9 international airports, 7 land borders, and 3 seaports evisa.gov.kh. This guide provides practical visa insights, border crossing tips, cultural etiquette, and eco-friendly Cambodia Travel options tailored for American travelers.
Following Cambodia’s updated travel regulations, US tourists can easily enter via major hubs like Phnom Penh International Airport or land borders like Poipet (Thailand) and Bavet (Vietnam). This guide blends visa requirements, border crossing procedures, and sustainable Cambodia Travel ideas for a seamless adventure.
US tourists must obtain a visa (e-visa $36 or visa on arrival $30) for entry, valid at 9 airports (e.g., Phnom Penh, Siem Reap), 7 land borders (e.g., Poipet, Bavet), and 3 seaports (e.g., Sihanoukville). 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), while Royal Palace costs $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 travel.state.gov.
Tourist Visa (Type T):
Purpose: Tourism, including visits to Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh’s cultural sites, or Sihanoukville’s beaches.
Eligibility: US citizens evisa.gov.kh.
Duration: 30 days (single entry), extendable once for an additional 30 days evisa.gov.kh.
Cost:
E-Visa: $36 (30-day single entry, includes $30 visa fee + $6 processing fee), non-refundable evisa.gov.kh.
Visa on Arrival: $30, payable in USD at entry points; exact change recommended tourismcambodia.com.
Application Process:
E-Visa:
Visit evisa.gov.kh, select English, and click “Apply Now.”
Review terms, then confirm to proceed.
Enter personal details (full name, date of birth, nationality as “United States”), passport details (number, issue/expiry date), travel details (intended entry/exit dates, entry/exit points like Phnom Penh Airport or Poipet), and temporary address in Cambodia (e.g., hotel in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh).
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.
Pay $36 via credit/debit card (American Express not accepted); note the verification code.
Check status at evisa.gov.kh/e-visa/search using registration code, email, and date of birth; download and print the e-visa PDF.
Present printed e-visa and passport at the border checkpoint; ensure details match exactly to avoid entry issues evisa.gov.kh.
Visa on Arrival:
Available at 9 airports (e.g., Phnom Penh, Siem Reap), 7 land borders (e.g., Poipet, Bavet), and 3 seaports (e.g., Sihanoukville).
Bring a passport valid for 6 months with two blank pages, one passport photo (4x6 cm), and $30 in USD (exact change preferred).
Complete the visa application form at the border (provided on-site).
Submit form, photo, and payment; processing takes 5–15 minutes.
Verify visa sticker details before leaving the counter tourismcambodia.com.
Processing Time: E-visa: 3–5 working days; expedited processing (1–2 days) available through agencies for $10–$20 (40,000–80,000 KHR); visa on arrival: immediate at entry evisa.gov.kh.
Extension: Extendable once for 30 days at the Immigration Department in Phnom Penh ($30–$45 or 120,000–180,000 KHR); apply 7 days before expiry tourismcambodia.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at major airports (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville), land borders (e.g., Poipet from Thailand, Bavet from Vietnam), and seaports (e.g., Sihanoukville for cruises) evisa.gov.kh.
Business Visa (Type E):
Purpose: Business or extended stays for US tourists engaging in non-tourist activities.
Eligibility: US citizens with a business sponsor or invitation letter travel.state.gov.
Duration: 30 days (single or multiple entry), extendable for up to 12 months tourismcambodia.com.
Cost: $35 (140,000 KHR) for initial visa; extensions: $45–$300 (180,000–1,200,000 KHR) based on duration tourismcambodia.com.
Requirements: Passport, application form, one passport photo (4x6 cm), invitation letter (if applicable); apply via embassy or on arrival travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable at the Immigration Department in Phnom Penh; fees vary by duration 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 for extended overstays travel.state.gov.
US tourists must register their temporary residence within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or hosts travel.state.gov.
Airports (9): Phnom Penh International, Siem Reap International, Sihanoukville International; open 24/7; e-visa and visa on arrival accepted evisa.gov.kh.
Land Borders (7): Poipet (Thailand, near Aranyaprathet), Bavet (Vietnam, near Moc Bai), Koh Kong (Thailand, near Trat); open 7:00 AM–10:00 PM; expect queues during peak seasons tourismcambodia.com.
Seaports (3): Sihanoukville, Phnom Penh, Kep; used for cruise travelers; e-visa and visa on arrival accepted evisa.gov.kh.
Requirements at Borders: Present a valid passport and printed e-visa or visa on arrival application (with photo and $30); ensure details match passport to avoid delays; proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight or bus ticket) recommended but not mandatory travel.state.gov.
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 like Angkor Wat or Royal Palace; 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 monks or locals; carry passport or e-visa securely to verify status. Avoid public criticism of the Cambodian monarchy (penalties apply). A guest 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; 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 ($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 US 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 Psar Thmei.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for border areas like Poipet or cities like Phnom Penh; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Opt for tuk-tuks ($1–$3 or 4,000–12,000 KHR) or bicycles ($2–$5/day or 8,000–20,000 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.
Details: Explore Angkor Wat, Royal Palace, or Central Market independently after crossing at Poipet, Bavet, or Phnom Penh Airport; suitable for US tourists with e-visas or visas on arrival; low to moderate difficulty tourismcambodia.com.
Visa Tips: Apply for e-visa ($36) 7–14 days early or prepare $30 and a passport photo for visa on arrival; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; register temporary residence at hotels evisa.gov.kh.
Schedule: Daily; Angkor Wat open 5:00 AM–5:30 PM (Angkor Pass $37–$72); Royal Palace open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($10 or 40,000 KHR); Central Market open 7:00 AM–6:00 PM (free).
Cost: Angkor Pass: $37–$72 (150,000–290,000 KHR); Royal Palace: $10 (40,000 KHR); transport (tuk-tuk: $1–$3 or 4,000–12,000 KHR; bicycle: $2–$5/day or 8,000–20,000 KHR); local purchases: $0.50–$20 (2,000–80,000 KHR).
Location: Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Confirm visa status at evisa.gov.kh; a guest from the US noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless after crossing at Poipet with an e-visa.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Angkor Wat and Wat Preah Prom Rath in Siem Reap after crossing at Siem Reap Airport or Poipet; includes English-speaking guide, tuk-tuk transport, lunch, and Angkor Pass; low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use e-visa ($36) or visa on arrival ($30); carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; guides assist with residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs 5:00 AM from Siem Reap hotels for Angkor Wat sunrise; 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 vans minimizes impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a US guest noted: “Legend’s tour ensured visa compliance and cultural immersion after crossing.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Royal Palace, Central Market, and Sovanna Phum Theatre in Phnom Penh after crossing at Phnom Penh Airport or Bavet; includes English-speaking guide, tuk-tuk transport, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use e-visa ($36) or visa on arrival ($30); carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm visa eligibility evisa.gov.kh.
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:30 AM from Phnom Penh hotels; returns by 9:00 PM (post-show).
Cost: $35–$50/person (140,000–200,000 KHR, includes entries).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Phnom Penh.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com (Cambodia partner sites); a US guest noted: “The combo tour was visa-ready and culturally enriching.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Angkor Wat, Royal Palace, and Sihanoukville beaches after crossing at Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, or Sihanoukville; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entries; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use e-visa ($36) or visa on arrival ($30) for multi-city travel; carry a 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 US guest noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for US tourists with e-visas or visas on arrival.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for visa-compliant cultural insights.
Combo Cultural and Market Tours: Blend cultural visits with market 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.
Cultural Site Visits: Cool season (November–February, 20–30°C) for comfortable weather; February for optimal conditions nomadicmatt.com.
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 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: Apply for e-visa ($36) at evisa.gov.kh 7–14 days early or prepare $30 and a passport photo for visa on arrival; confirm eligibility for Type T visa evisa.gov.kh.
Border Crossing Tips: Choose major borders like Poipet (Thailand) or Bavet (Vietnam) for smoother immigration; cross early (7:00 AM) to avoid queues; carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy; have $30 in USD for visa on arrival tourismcambodia.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry a digital or printed e-visa copy or passport photocopy; provide proof of onward travel (recommended); keep a photocopy of passport bio page separately 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 tuk-tuks or bicycles after crossing for sustainable travel.
Tip: Double-check e-visa details to match passport; carry small KHR notes for local purchases; contact the Cambodian Embassy in Washington, D.C. (+1 202-726-7742) for complex visa queries.
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($36 or 144,000 KHR) or $30 USD and passport photo for visa on arrival, 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; lightweight clothing like cotton or linen and light jacket ($5 or 20,000 KHR) for cool season; waterproof 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); waterproof camera ($50 or 200,000 KHR) for photos.
Eco Items: Reusable tote ($3 or 12,000 KHR) for purchases; phrase card ($2 or 8,000 KHR) with Khmer basics.
Extras: Small KHR or USD 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.
Visa and Travel Costs
E-Visa Costs: $36 (144,000 KHR, single entry); expedited processing: $10–$20 (40,000–80,000 KHR) evisa.gov.kh.
Visa on Arrival Costs: $30 (120,000 KHR, single entry) tourismcambodia.com.
Extension Costs: $30–$45 (120,000–180,000 KHR) for 30-day tourist visa extension tourismcambodia.com.
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: free (markets); Angkor Pass: $37–$72 (150,000–290,000 KHR); Royal Palace: $10 (40,000 KHR); transport (tuk-tuk: $1–$3 or 4,000–12,000 KHR; bicycle: $2–$5/day or 8,000–20,000 KHR).
Group Cultural Tours: $25–$40 (100,000–160,000 KHR, includes entries).
Combo Cultural and Market Tours: $35–$50 (140,000–200,000 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).
Mid-range: $40–$80 (group tour, purchases).
Luxury: $80–$120 (private tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $15–$120 for tours, visa costs, and transport; $0.50–$20 for purchases or add-ons; use e-visas to streamline entry.
Visa Tips: Apply for e-visa ($36) at evisa.gov.kh 7–14 days early or prepare $30 and a passport photo for visa on arrival; double-check details to match passport; confirm eligibility for Type T visa evisa.gov.kh.
Border Crossing Tips: Choose major borders like Poipet or Bavet for smoother immigration; cross early (7:00 AM) to avoid queues; carry printed e-visa or $30 USD and photo for visa on arrival; have proof of onward travel (recommended) 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–10:00 PM; cultural sites open 7:00 AM–6:00 PM; peak crowds in cool season (November–February); book early for festivals.
Sustainability: Use tuk-tuks or bicycles; 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, U.S. Embassy: +855 23 728 000).
Do US tourists need a visa for Cambodia? Yes, US citizens require a tourist visa (Type T, $30–$36, 30 days) via e-visa or visa on arrival evisa.gov.kh.
Which borders accept e-visas or visas on arrival? 9 airports (e.g., Phnom Penh, Siem Reap), 7 land borders (e.g., Poipet, Bavet), and 3 seaports accept both evisa.gov.kh.
How much does a Cambodia visa cost for US tourists? E-visa: $36; visa on arrival: $30; extension: $30–$45 evisa.gov.kh.
Can Cambodia visas be extended? Yes, tourist visas are extendable once for 30 days at the Immigration Department in Phnom Penh ($30–$45) tourismcambodia.com.
What are the penalties for overstaying? Fines of $10/day (40,000 KHR/day); potential exit bans or detention travel.state.gov.
Where can US tourists apply for an e-visa? Apply at evisa.gov.kh; processing takes 3–5 days 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 with low-emission transport.
Cambodia Explorer ($200–$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 US 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–$250, sustainable Cambodia Tours, and attractions like Angkor Wat and the Royal Palace, this trip offers adventure and sustainability for American travelers. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Cambodia Travel, apply for e-visas early via evisa.gov.kh or prepare for visa on arrival, and respect local customs for the best experience. Safe travels!
Sources:
tourismcambodia.com
evisa.gov.kh
travel.state.gov
culturetrip.com
nomadicmatt.com
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