Plan your Cambodia trip with our guide on visa approval times! Learn about e-visa processing, visa on arrival, cultural tips, eco-friendly Cambodia Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Cambodia Travel. Start your journey today!
Angkor Wat Temples, Siem Reap (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.
International travelers from most countries require a visa to enter Cambodia, except for citizens of nine ASEAN countries (e.g., Laos, Malaysia, Thailand) eligible for visa-free entry (14–30 days). Cambodia offers e-visas, visas on arrival, and embassy visas for tourism, business, or other purposes. This guide details visa approval times, application processes, and travel tips for a seamless journey to Cambodia, home to cultural treasures like Angkor Wat and vibrant cities like Phnom Penh.
Cambodia, a Southeast Asian gem, is renowned for its ancient Khmer heritage, with landmarks like Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, and vibrant markets like Psar Thmei tourismcambodia.com. Understanding visa approval times ensures smooth entry for travelers planning to explore these cultural wonders through guided Cambodia Tours or independent travel. With e-visas processed online in 3–7 days, visas on arrival issued instantly at borders, and embassy visas taking 1–5 days, proper planning is key evisa.gov.kh. This guide provides practical visa insights, cultural etiquette, and eco-friendly Cambodia Travel options for international travelers visiting Cambodia’s 13 international airports, 7 land borders, and 6 seaports.
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 like Bavet (Vietnam) and Poipet (Thailand). This guide blends visa approval details, application procedures, and sustainable Cambodia Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.
Travelers from visa-exempt ASEAN countries (e.g., Laos, Thailand) can enter for 14–30 days without a visa, while others require e-visas ($36 or 145,000 KHR) or visas on arrival ($30 or 120,000 KHR). 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); Royal Palace costs $10 (40,000 KHR). Guided tours range from $15–$80 (60,000–320,000 KHR). Verify visa approval times and requirements via evisa.gov.kh or travel.state.gov.
Visa Exemption:
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for short stays.
Eligibility: Citizens of nine ASEAN countries (Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) evisa.gov.kh.
Duration: 14 days (Brunei, Myanmar), 21 days (Laos), or 30 days (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) evisa.gov.kh.
Approval Time: Immediate (no application required) tourismcambodia.com.
Cost: No cost evisa.gov.kh.
Requirements: Passport valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages; proof of onward travel (e.g., return bus or flight ticket) recommended but not mandatory travel.state.gov.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires exit to a neighboring country (e.g., Thailand, Vietnam) and re-entry with a new exemption nomadicmatt.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 13 airports (e.g., Phnom Penh, Siem Reap), 7 land borders (e.g., Bavet, Poipet), and 6 seaports (e.g., Sihanoukville) tourismcambodia.com.
E-Visa (For Most Nationalities):
Purpose: Tourism or business for stays up to 30 days.
Eligibility: Available to citizens of most countries (e.g., US, UK, Australia, India, EU nations), except restricted nationalities evisa.gov.kh.
Duration: 30 days (single entry) evisa.gov.kh.
Approval Time: 3–7 working days; expedited processing (1–2 days) available through agencies for additional fees ($10–$20 or 40,000–80,000 KHR) evisa.gov.kh.
Cost: $36 (145,000 KHR), including $30 visa fee + $6 processing fee; non-refundable 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 Bavet or Phnom Penh International Airport), and temporary address in Cambodia (e.g., hotel address) evisa.gov.kh.
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 evisa.gov.kh.
Check status at evisa.gov.kh/e-visa/check 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 entry checkpoint; ensure details match exactly to avoid entry issues travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable once for 30 days through immigration offices or agencies; fees $45–$60 (180,000–240,000 KHR) nomadicmatt.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at major airports (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville), land borders (e.g., Bavet, Poipet, Koh Kong), and seaports (e.g., Sihanoukville) evisa.gov.kh.
Visa on Arrival:
Purpose: Tourism or business for stays up to 30 days.
Eligibility: Available to most nationalities at entry points, except restricted nationalities tourismcambodia.com.
Duration: 30 days (single entry) tourismcambodia.com.
Approval Time: Immediate at entry point (processing takes 5–15 minutes) nomadicmatt.com.
Cost: $30 (120,000 KHR) for tourism visa; $35 (140,000 KHR) for business visa; payable in USD tourismcambodia.com.
Requirements: Passport valid for 6 months with two blank pages; one passport photo (4x6 cm); proof of onward travel (recommended); cash for payment travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable once for 30 days through immigration offices or agencies; fees $45–$60 (180,000–240,000 KHR) nomadicmatt.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Available at Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville airports, and land borders like Bavet (Vietnam), Poipet (Thailand), and Koh Kong (Thailand) tourismcambodia.com.
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.
Approval Time: 1–5 working days, depending on the embassy (e.g., Bangkok, Beijing, Hanoi) travel.state.gov.
Cost: $30–$100 (120,000–400,000 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., Bangkok: +66 2 957 5851, Hanoi: +84 4 3942 4789) travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable for 1–12 months with a sponsor; fees vary ($45–$300 or 180,000–1,200,000 KHR) nomadicmatt.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 deportation travel.state.gov.
Temporary residence registration required within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or hosts travel.state.gov.
Airports (13): Major hubs include Phnom Penh International Airport, Siem Reap International Airport, and Sihanoukville; immigration open 24/7 tourismcambodia.com.
Land Borders (7): Popular checkpoints include Bavet (Vietnam), Poipet (Thailand), and Koh Kong (Thailand); open 7:00 AM–7:00 PM (some 24/7); expect queues during peak seasons tourismcambodia.com.
Seaports (6): Key ports include Sihanoukville and Kep; used for cruise travelers tourismcambodia.com.
Requirements at Entry Points: Present a valid passport and printed e-visa (if required) or apply for visa on arrival; visa-exempt travelers need proof of onward travel (recommended); ensure details match passport to avoid delays evisa.gov.kh.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth visa process 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 entry points or markets culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees, especially for temple visits like Angkor Wat or Royal Palace after entry; carry a lightweight scarf ($3 or 12,000 KHR) culturetrip.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor at immigration 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 Khmer customs eased our visa process and trip.” culturetrip.com
Customs: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.30–$1 or 1,200–4,000 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 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 entry points and tourist areas culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow immigration rules (no photography in border areas); respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets like Psar Thmei.
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 entry to reduce emissions tourismcambodia.com.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your visa-prepared journey after entering 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 Psar Thmei independently after entering via 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 visa exemptions (if eligible) or e-visas ($36); 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 150,000–290,000 KHR); Royal Palace open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($10 or 40,000 KHR); Psar Thmei open 7:00 AM–6:00 PM (free).
Cost: Entry: free (markets); Angkor Pass: $37–$72 (150,000–290,000 KHR); Royal Palace: $10 (40,000 KHR); transport (bicycle: $2–$5/day or 8,000–20,000 KHR; tuk-tuk: $1–$3 or 4,000–12,000 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: Confirm exemption eligibility or apply for e-visas 7–14 days early; check evisa.gov.kh; a guest from Thailand noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless after crossing at Poipet.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Royal Palace and Psar Thmei in Phnom Penh after entering via Phnom Penh International Airport; includes English-speaking guide, tuk-tuk transport, 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: $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 the UK noted: “Legend’s tour ensured visa compliance and cultural immersion.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Angkor Wat and Wat Preah Prom Rath in Siem Reap after crossing at Bavet or Poipet; includes English-speaking guide, tuk-tuk transport, lunch, and Angkor Pass; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use an e-visa or visa on arrival; 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 4:00 PM.
Cost: $40–$60/person (160,000–240,000 KHR, includes Angkor 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; a guest from Australia noted: “The combo tour was visa-ready and enriching after crossing at Bavet.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Angkor Wat, Royal Palace, and Tonle Sap Lake after entering via Phnom Penh or Siem Reap; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use an 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 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 Germany 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 Historical Tours: Blend cultural visits with historical sites 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; 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 budget travelers and indoor experiences.
Cool season (November–February, 20–30°C) is ideal for visa-prepared travel and cultural visits to Angkor Wat or Phnom Penh. Hot season (March–May, 25–35°C) suits early morning outings. Wet season (June–October, 24–32°C) is best for indoor sites like museums; expect rain at land borders like Bavet. Morning visits (7:00 AM–11:00 AM) avoid crowds and heat. Verify forecasts via accuweather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Check eligibility for visa exemptions (9 ASEAN countries) or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.kh 7–14 days early; use visa on arrival for instant entry or embassy visas for specific needs; expect 3–7 days for e-visas, 1–5 days for embassy visas, or instant visa on arrival evisa.gov.kh.
Application Tips: Apply for e-visas early to account for 3–7 day processing; use reputable agencies for expedited processing; carry USD for visa on arrival ($30) at borders like Bavet; double-check details to match passport nomadicmatt.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry a digital or printed e-visa copy or passport photocopy; provide proof of onward travel for exemptions; complete residence registration within 24 hours (handled by hotels) travel.state.gov.
Entry Tips: Choose major entry points like Phnom Penh International Airport or Bavet for smoother immigration; arrive early (7:00 AM) to avoid queues; carry cash (USD) for visa on arrival; ensure e-visa details match passport tourismcambodia.com.
Eco-Tip: Use digital e-visa copies to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or tuk-tuks after entry for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for e-visas 7–14 days early; carry small KHR notes for local purchases; check visa status at evisa.gov.kh; for embassy visas, contact the nearest Cambodian embassy (e.g., Bangkok: +66 2 957 5851, Hanoi: +84 4 3942 4789).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($36 or 145,000 KHR if required) or passport photocopy, proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight or bus ticket for exemptions), wallet ($5–$8 or 20,000–32,000 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., kuy teav); 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.
Visa and Travel Costs
E-Visa Costs: $36 (145,000 KHR); expedited processing: $10–$20 (40,000–80,000 KHR) evisa.gov.kh.
Visa on Arrival Costs: $30 (120,000 KHR, tourism); $35 (140,000 KHR, business) tourismcambodia.com.
Exemption Costs: No cost for ASEAN exemptions (14–30 days) evisa.gov.kh.
Embassy Visa Costs: $30–$100 (120,000–400,000 KHR), depending on visa type and processing time travel.state.gov.
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: free (markets); Angkor Pass: $37–$72 (150,000–290,000 KHR); Royal Palace: $10 (40,000 KHR); transport (bicycle: $2–$5/day or 8,000–20,000 KHR; tuk-tuk: $1–$3 or 4,000–12,000 KHR).
Group Cultural Tours: $25–$40 (100,000–160,000 KHR, includes transport and entry).
Combo Cultural and Historical Tours: $40–$60 (160,000–240,000 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., kuy teav, amok): $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 (if applicable), and transport; $0.50–$20 for purchases or add-ons; use visa exemptions to save on costs.
Visa Tips: Check eligibility for visa exemptions (9 ASEAN countries) or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.kh 7–14 days early (3–7 day processing); opt for visa on arrival ($30) for instant entry at borders like Bavet; use embassy visas for specific needs (1–5 days); double-check details to match passport evisa.gov.kh.
Entry Tips: Choose major entry points like Phnom Penh International Airport or Bavet for smoother immigration; arrive early (7:00 AM) to avoid queues; carry USD for visa on arrival; ensure e-visa details match passport tourismcambodia.com.
Etiquette: Use “sua sdei”; dress modestly for temples; respect immigration and local customs; avoid littering at cultural sites like Angkor Wat.
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 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; carry emergency numbers (Police: 117, Tourist Police: +855 97 760 2001).
Who needs a visa to enter Cambodia? Citizens of 9 ASEAN countries are exempt for 14–30 days; others require e-visas, visas on arrival, or embassy visas evisa.gov.kh.
How long does it take to get a Cambodia visa? E-visa: 3–7 working days; visa on arrival: immediate (5–15 minutes); embassy visa: 1–5 days evisa.gov.kh.
How much does a Cambodia visa cost? E-visa: $36 (145,000 KHR); visa on arrival: $30 (120,000 KHR, tourism); embassy visa: $30–$100 (120,000–400,000 KHR) tourismcambodia.com.
Can Cambodia visas be extended? E-visas and visas on arrival extendable once for 30 days ($45–$60); embassy visas may allow longer extensions nomadicmatt.com.
What are the penalties for overstaying? Fines of $10/day (40,000 KHR/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Which entry points accept e-visas or visas on arrival? Major airports (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap), land borders (Bavet, Poipet), and seaports (Sihanoukville) evisa.gov.kh.
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 Heritage Trail ($100–$200/person, 2 days): Explore cultural sites with low-emission transport.
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 Approval Time 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 visa approval times of 3–7 days for e-visas, instant for visas on arrival, and tour costs from $15–$250, sustainable Cambodia Tours offer seamless exploration of Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, and beyond. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Cambodia Travel, apply for e-visas early via evisa.gov.kh, leverage visa exemptions, or use visas 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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