Cambodia Visa for Zimbabweans: A Comprehensive Guide for Zimbabwean 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 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.

A Practical, Cultural, and Sustainable Travel Essential

Cambodia, a Southeast Asian gem, captivates with its ancient temples like Angkor Wat, vibrant markets in Phnom Penh, and serene beaches in Sihanoukville. For Zimbabwean travelers, understanding visa requirements ensures a smooth entry to explore cultural landmarks such as the Royal Palace, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and Siem Reap’s Old Market tourismcambodia.com. Zimbabweans require a visa to enter Cambodia, with options including e-visas or embassy visas, facilitating entry through Cambodia’s 13 international airports, 10 land borders, and 7 seaports evisa.gov.kh. Whether joining guided Cambodia Tours or traveling independently, this guide provides practical visa insights, border crossing tips, cultural etiquette, and eco-friendly Cambodia Travel options for Zimbabwean travelers.

Following Cambodia’s updated travel regulations, the country is accessible via major entry points like Phnom Penh International Airport, Siem Reap International Airport, and land borders such as Bavet (Vietnam) and Poipet (Thailand). This guide blends visa requirements, border crossing procedures, and sustainable Cambodia Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.

Administrative Note

Zimbabwean travelers require a Cambodia visa (e-visa $36 or embassy visa $30–$50). Passports must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. Cultural site entries like the Royal Palace cost $10 (40,000 KHR), and Angkor Wat requires an Angkor Pass ($37–$72). Guided tours range from $15–$80 (60,000–320,000 KHR), and local purchases cost $0.50–$20 (2,000–80,000 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 tourismcambodia.com.

Visa Options for Zimbabwean Travelers

• E-Visa:

  • Purpose: Tourism for short stays.

  • Eligibility: Available to Zimbabwean citizens evisa.gov.kh.

  • Duration: 30 days, single entry evisa.gov.kh.

  • Cost: $36 (144,000 KHR), including $30 visa fee and $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 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 Phnom Penh International Airport), 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/e-visa/search 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 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: Extendable for 30 days via a travel agency or immigration office in Phnom Penh; cost $45–$50 (180,000–200,000 KHR) tourismcambodia.com.

  • Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 13 airports (e.g., Phnom Penh, Siem Reap), 10 land borders (e.g., Bavet, Poipet, Koh Kong), and 7 seaports (e.g., Sihanoukville) evisa.gov.kh.

• Embassy/Consulate Visa:

  • Purpose: Tourism, business, or longer stays.

  • Eligibility: Available to Zimbabwean citizens travel.state.gov.

  • Duration: 30 days (single entry); longer for business or other purposes travel.state.gov.

  • Cost: $30–$50 (120,000–200,000 KHR), depending on processing time and visa type 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 Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 483 0690, or Beijing, China: +86 10 6532 1889) travel.state.gov.

  • Processing Time: 5–10 working days; expedited options available travel.state.gov.

  • Extension: Extendable for 30–90 days with a sponsor; fees vary ($45–$100 or 180,000–400,000 KHR) tourismcambodia.com.

  • Entry/Exit Points: Valid at all entry points, including airports, land borders, and seaports travel.state.gov.

• 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 (40,000 KHR/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.

Key Border Crossing Checkpoints

• Land Borders (10): Popular checkpoints include Bavet (Vietnam, near Moc Bai), Poipet (Thailand, near Aranyaprathet), and Koh Kong (Thailand, near Hat Lek). Open 7:00 AM–8:00 PM; expect queues during peak seasons tourismcambodia.com.

• Airports (13): Major entry points include Phnom Penh International Airport, Siem Reap International Airport, and Sihanoukville; immigration open 24/7 tourismcambodia.com.

• Seaports (7): Key ports include Sihanoukville and Kep; used for cruise travelers tourismcambodia.com.

• Requirements at Borders: Present a valid passport and printed e-visa; carry proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight or bus ticket) recommended but not mandatory; 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, Royal Palace); carry a lightweight scarf ($0.75 or 3,000 KHR) justsiemreap.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 Zimbabwe 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 Phnom Penh’s markets; 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 ($0.50 or 2,000 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/day or 8,000–20,000 KHR) 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 evisa.gov.kh, tourismcambodia.com, travel.state.gov, and justsiemreap.com. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.

1. Self-Guided Visa-Prepared Exploration

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

• Visa Tips: Apply for e-visa ($36) at least 7 days early; 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 ($37–$72 or 148,000–288,000 KHR); 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: Entry: free (markets); Royal Palace: $10 (40,000 KHR); Angkor Pass: $37–$72 (148,000–288,000 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: Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Cambodia.

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

• Tip: Apply for e-visas early; check evisa.gov.kh; a guest from Zimbabwe noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless after crossing at Bavet with an e-visa.”

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

• Details: 1-day group tour visiting Royal Palace and Central Market in Phnom Penh after crossing at Phnom Penh International Airport; includes English-speaking guide, tuk-tuk transport, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.

• Visa Tips: Ensure valid e-visa ($36); 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: $25–$40/person (100,000–160,000 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 Zimbabwe noted: “Legend’s tour ensured visa compliance and cultural immersion after Phnom Penh entry.”

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

• Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Angkor Wat and Siem Reap’s Old Market after crossing at Poipet or Siem Reap International Airport; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Siem Reap, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.

• Visa Tips: Use e-visa ($36); carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm temporary residence registration evisa.gov.kh.

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Details: 2–3 day tour combining Phnom Penh (Royal Palace, Tuol Sleng) and Siem Reap (Angkor Wat, Old Market) after crossing at Bavet or Phnom Penh International Airport; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.

• Visa Tips: Use e-visa ($36) 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 or Siem Reap 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 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 (+84 825862222); a guest from Zimbabwe noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart cultural journey.”

• Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for Zimbabwean travelers with valid 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 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 justsiemreap.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 Bavet. Morning crossings (7:00 AM–11:00 AM) avoid crowds and heat. Verify forecasts via accuweather.com.

• Verify Visa Needs: Zimbabweans require an e-visa ($36) or embassy visa ($30–$50); apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.kh; use embassy visas for longer stays or specific needs; contact the Cambodian embassy in Pretoria or Beijing travel.state.gov.

• Border Crossing Tips: Choose major borders like Bavet (Vietnam) or Poipet (Thailand) for smoother immigration; cross early (7:00 AM) to avoid crowds; carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy; have proof of onward travel (recommended) 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; 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 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., Pretoria: +27 12 483 0690, Beijing: +86 10 6532 1889).

Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:

• Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($36 or 144,000 KHR), passport photocopy, proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight or bus ticket, recommended), wallet ($2 or 8,000 KHR), tour bookings.

• Clothing: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits; lightweight scarf ($0.75 or 3,000 KHR); quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($1 or 4,000 KHR) for wet season; lightweight clothing like cotton or linen and light jacket ($2 or 8,000 KHR) for cool season; waterproof shoes ($3 or 12,000 KHR); hat ($1 or 4,000 KHR).

• Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($1 or 4,000 KHR); snacks ($0.50–$2 or 2,000–8,000 KHR, e.g., amok); small backpack ($1 or 4,000 KHR); sunscreen ($0.75 or 3,000 KHR); insect repellent ($0.75 or 3,000 KHR).

• Tech: Phone with translation apps (e.g., Google Translate); charger ($2–$3 or 8,000–12,000 KHR); local SIM ($1–$2 or 4,000–8,000 KHR); waterproof camera ($4 or 16,000 KHR) for photos.

• Eco Items: Reusable tote ($0.75 or 3,000 KHR) for purchases; phrase card ($0.50 or 2,000 KHR) with Khmer basics.

• Extras: Small KHR notes for donations or purchases; small first aid kit ($1 or 4,000 KHR); umbrella ($1 or 4,000 KHR) for wet season; money belt ($1 or 4,000 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 (144,000 KHR); expedited processing: $10–$30 (40,000–120,000 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: free (markets); Royal Palace: $10 (40,000 KHR); Angkor Pass: $37–$72 (148,000–288,000 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 transport and entry).

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

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

• Money Belt: $1 (4,000 KHR).

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

• Travel Insurance (Recommended): $10–$30 (40,000–120,000 KHR). Other Costs

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

• Souvenirs (e.g., silk, crafts): $0.50–$20 (2,000–80,000 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-visas ($36) at least 7 days early at evisa.gov.kh; use embassy visas for longer stays or specific needs; double-check details to match passport evisa.gov.kh.

• Border Crossing Tips: Choose major borders like Bavet or Poipet for smoother immigration; cross early (7:00 AM) to avoid crowds; carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy; 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–8:00 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 ($1 or 4,000 KHR); beware of pickpocketing in markets or nightlife areas; carry emergency numbers (Police: 117, Tourist Police: +855 97 760 2001).

• Do Zimbabweans need a visa for Cambodia? Yes, Zimbabweans require an e-visa ($36) or embassy visa ($30–$50) for entry evisa.gov.kh.

• Which borders accept e-visas? All 13 airports, 10 land borders (e.g., Bavet, Poipet), and 7 seaports accept e-visas evisa.gov.kh.

• How much does a Cambodia visa cost for Zimbabweans? E-visa: $36 (144,000 KHR); embassy visa: $30–$50 (120,000–200,000 KHR) evisa.gov.kh.

• Can visas be extended? E-visas and embassy visas are extendable for 30 days; cost $45–$50 (180,000–200,000 KHR) tourismcambodia.com.

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

• Where can Zimbabweans apply for a Cambodia visa? Online at evisa.gov.kh or at Cambodian embassies in Pretoria or Beijing travel.state.gov.

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

• Cambodia Cultural Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, 1 day): Guided temple and market tour with sustainable practices.

• Cambodia Cultural and Adventure Trail ($100–$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 (+84825862222) for your Cambodia Travel plans.

Mastering Cambodia Visa for Zimbabweans with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “sua sdei,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly journey through Cambodia’s cultural heartland. 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 Zimbabwean travelers. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Cambodia Travel, apply for e-visas early via evisa.gov.kh, and respect local customs for the best experience. Safe travels!

Sources:

• evisa.gov.kh

• tourismcambodia.com

• travel.state.gov

• culturetrip.com

• justsiemreap.com