Plan your Cambodia visa border crossing as a Panamanian traveler with our guide! Learn about visa exemptions, e-visa applications, border checkpoints, eco-friendly Cambodia Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Cambodia Travel. Start your journey today!
Tonle Sap Lake Sunset, Siem Reap, Cambodia (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, cambodiaivisa.org, and embassies.net. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Cambodia’s updated travel regulations.
Travelers, please note: Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available for Panamanian citizens at major airports and land borders. Panamanian travelers can use VOA, e-visa, or embassy visas for entry. This guide details visa requirements, border crossing procedures, and travel tips for a seamless journey into Cambodia by land, air, or sea.
Cambodia, a captivating Southeast Asian destination, is renowned for its cultural landmarks like Angkor Wat’s ancient temples, Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, and Siem Reap’s vibrant markets tourismcambodia.com. Understanding visa requirements for border crossings ensures smooth entry for Panamanian travelers, whether joining guided Cambodia Tours or traveling independently. Panamanian citizens can obtain visas on arrival, e-visas, or through embassies, facilitating entry through Cambodia’s 6 international airports, 24 land borders, and 7 seaports embassies.net. 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 Trapeang Kriel (Laos). This guide blends visa requirements, border crossing procedures, and sustainable Cambodia Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.
Panamanian travelers to Cambodia require a visa (visa on arrival $30; e-visa $36). 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). Guided tours cost $20–$80 (80,000–320,000 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 on Arrival (VOA):
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for short stays.
Eligibility: Available to Panamanian citizens at major airports (e.g., Phnom Penh, Siem Reap) and land borders (e.g., Bavet, Poipet) cambodiaivisa.org.
Duration: Up to 30 days (single entry) cambodiaivisa.org.
Cost: $30 (120,000 KHR) for tourism visa; non-refundable embassies.net.
Requirements: Passport valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages; two passport-sized photos (4x6 cm); completed application form (available at border); proof of onward travel (e.g., return bus or flight ticket) recommended; cash in USD for fee cambodiaivisa.org.
Extension: Extendable for 30 days at the Immigration Department in Phnom Penh; fees apply ($45 or 180,000 KHR) cambodiaivisa.org.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 6 airports (e.g., Phnom Penh, Siem Reap), 24 land borders (e.g., Bavet, Poipet, Trapeang Kriel), and 7 seaports (e.g., Sihanoukville) embassies.net.
E-Visa:
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for stays exceeding VOA or for convenience.
Eligibility: Available to Panamanian citizens evisa.gov.kh.
Duration: Up to 30 days (single entry) evisa.gov.kh.
Cost: $36 (145,000 KHR); non-refundable cambodiaivisa.org.
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 Poipet), and temporary address in Cambodia (e.g., hotel address) cambodiaivisa.org.
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; note the verification code cambodiaivisa.org.
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–$30 or 40,000–120,000 KHR) cambodiaivisa.org.
Extension: Extendable for 30 days at the Immigration Department; fees apply ($45 or 180,000 KHR) cambodiaivisa.org.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 6 airports, 24 land borders (e.g., Bavet, Poipet), and 7 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 Panamanian citizens embassies.net.
Duration: Typically 30–90 days (single or multiple entry); longer for work/study visas embassies.net.
Cost: $30–$100 (120,000–400,000 KHR), depending on visa type and processing time embassies.net.
Requirements: Passport, application form, two passport photos (4x6 cm), and fees; apply in person or by mail at a Cambodian embassy (e.g., in Bangkok, Beijing, or Panama City if available) embassies.net.
Extension: Extendable for 30–60 days with a sponsor; fees vary ($45–$100 or 180,000–400,000 KHR) cambodiaivisa.org.
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 with local police is required 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.
Land Borders (24): Popular checkpoints include Bavet (Vietnam, near Moc Bai), Poipet (Thailand, near Aranyaprathet), and Trapeang Kriel (Laos, near Stung Treng). Open 7:00 AM–7:00 PM (some 24/7); expect immigration queues during peak seasons tourismcambodia.com.
Airports (6): Major entry points include Phnom Penh International Airport, Siem Reap International Airport, and Sihanoukville International Airport; 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 VOA form or printed e-visa (if applicable); two passport photos for VOA; cash in USD for fee; proof of onward travel recommended; ensure details match passport to avoid delays cambodiaivisa.org.
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); 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. Avoid public criticism of the Cambodian government (penalties apply). A guest shared: “Respecting Khmer 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 ($2 or 8,000 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 Siem Reap; carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Opt for bicycles ($1–$3 or 4,000–12,000 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 tourismcambodia.com, evisa.gov.kh, travel.state.gov, cambodiaivisa.org, and embassies.net. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Explore Angkor Wat (Siem Reap), Royal Palace (Phnom Penh), or Sihanoukville beaches independently after crossing at Bavet, Poipet, or Phnom Penh International Airport; suitable for travelers with valid VOA or e-visas; low to moderate difficulty tourismcambodia.com.
Visa Tips: Use VOA or e-visas ($30–$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 for Angkor Pass); Royal Palace open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($10 or 40,000 KHR); vibrant during Khmer New Year (April).
Cost: Entry: free (markets); Angkor Pass: $37–$72 (150,000–290,000 KHR); Royal Palace: $10 (40,000 KHR); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 4,000–12,000 KHR/day; tuk-tuk: $0.50–$2 or 2,000–8,000 KHR); local purchases: $0.20–$10 (800–40,000 KHR).
Location: Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Cambodia.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Confirm VOA availability or apply for e-visas early; check evisa.gov.kh; a guest from Panama noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless after crossing at Bavet.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Angkor Wat and Wat Preah Prom Rath in Siem Reap after crossing at Siem Reap International Airport; includes English-speaking guide, tuk-tuk transport from Siem Reap hotels, lunch, and Angkor Pass ($37); low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Ensure valid VOA or e-visa; 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 sunrise; returns by 3:00 PM.
Cost: $50–$70/person (200,000–280,000 KHR, includes pass).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Siem Reap.
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 Siem Reap Airport.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Royal Palace and Central Market in Phnom Penh after crossing at Phnom Penh International Airport or Bavet; includes English-speaking guide, tuk-tuk transport, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use VOA or e-visas ($30–$36); carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm eligibility cambodiaivisa.org.
Schedule: Daily; departs 8:00 AM from Phnom Penh hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $30–$50/person (120,000–200,000 KHR, includes entries).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Phnom Penh.
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 Panama noted: “The combo tour was visa-ready and enriching after Bavet.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Angkor Wat (Siem Reap) and Royal Palace (Phnom Penh) after crossing at Siem Reap or Phnom Penh airports; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry e-visa or VOA 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 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 VOA 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 family traditions; warm and dry (25–35°C); check dates at tourismcambodia.com.
Pchum Ben: Typically September–October, spiritual with temple offerings; warm and wet (24–32°C); check dates at tourismcambodia.com.
Cultural Site Visits: Dry season (November–May) for comfortable weather; February for optimal conditions tourismcambodia.com.
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 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: Check eligibility for VOA or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.kh; use embassy visas for non-exempt nationalities or specific needs; no exemptions for Panamanians cambodiaivisa.org.
Border Crossing Tips: Choose major land borders like Bavet (Vietnam) or Poipet (Thailand) for smoother immigration; cross early (7:00 AM) to avoid queues; carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy; have photos and cash for VOA embassies.net.
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 VOA 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 3–7 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., Bangkok: +66 2 957 5851, Panama City if available).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($36 or 145,000 KHR if required) or passport photos for VOA, passport photocopy, proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight or bus ticket for VOA), 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., amok); 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 ($2–$3 or 8,000–12,000 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.
Visa and Travel Costs
VOA Costs: Tourism visa: $30 (120,000 KHR); non-refundable cambodiaivisa.org.
E-Visa Costs: $36 (145,000 KHR); non-refundable evisa.gov.kh.
Embassy Visa Costs: $30–$100 (120,000–400,000 KHR), depending on visa type and processing time embassies.net.
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: free (markets); Royal Palace: $10 (40,000 KHR); Wat Phnom: $1 (4,000 KHR); transport (tuk-tuk: $0.50–$2 or 2,000–8,000 KHR; bicycle: $1–$3 or 4,000–12,000 KHR/day).
Group Cultural Tours: $25–$40 (100,000–160,000 KHR, includes transport and entry).
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: $30–$50 (120,000–200,000 KHR, includes entry).
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: $80–$200 (320,000–800,000 KHR, includes entries). Safety-Related Costs
Money Belt: $2 (8,000 KHR).
Local SIM for Emergency Calls: $2–$3 (8,000–12,000 KHR).
Travel Insurance (Recommended): $10–$30 (40,000–120,000 KHR). Other Costs
Local Snacks (e.g., amok, kuy teav): $0.20–$1 (800–4,000 KHR).
Souvenirs (e.g., crafts, textiles): $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 costs (if applicable), and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; use VOA to save on costs.
Visa Tips: Check eligibility for VOA or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.kh; use embassy visas for non-exempt nationalities or specific needs; no exemptions for Panamanians cambodiaivisa.org.
Border Crossing Tips: Choose major land borders like Bavet (Vietnam) or Poipet (Thailand) for smoother immigration; cross early (7:00 AM) to avoid queues; carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy; have photos and cash for VOA embassies.net.
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–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 Siem Reap.
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 accuweather.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, Medical: 119, nearest embassy).
Who needs a visa to cross into Cambodia? Citizens of non-exempt countries, including Panamanians, require VOA or e-visas cambodiaivisa.org.
Which borders accept VOA or e-visas? All 6 airports, 24 land borders (e.g., Bavet, Poipet), and 7 seaports accept VOA and e-visas embassies.net.
How much does a Cambodia visa cost? VOA: $30 (tourism); e-visa: $36; embassy visa: $30–$100 cambodiaivisa.org.
Can visas be extended at the border? VOA and e-visas are extendable for 30 days in Phnom Penh; fees apply ($45) cambodiaivisa.org.
What are the penalties for overstaying? Fines of $10/day (40,000 KHR/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Is Visa on Arrival available? Yes, for Panamanian citizens at major borders and airports cambodiaivisa.org.
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 ($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 (+84825862222) 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 $20–$200, 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 VOA or apply for e-visas early via evisa.gov.kh, and respect local customs for the best experience. Safe travels!
Sources:
tourismcambodia.com
evisa.gov.kh
travel.state.gov
cambodiaivisa.org
embassies.net
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