Plan your Cambodia border crossing with our guide for Russian travelers! 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!
Floating Houses on Tonle Sap Lake in Siem Reap part, 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 cambodia-visa.com, evisa.gov.kh, travel.state.gov, tourismcambodia.com, and cambodia.travel. 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 Russian citizens at major airports and land borders.Russian travelers can obtain a visa on arrival for tourism or business purposes. This guide details visa options, 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 Sihanoukville’s pristine beaches tourismcambodia.com. Understanding visa requirements for border crossings ensures smooth entry for Russian travelers, whether joining guided Cambodia Toursor traveling independently. Russian citizens benefit from visa on arrival options, facilitating entry through Cambodia’s 7 international airports, 23 land borders, and 7 seaports evisa.gov.kh. This guide provides practical visa insights, border crossing tips, cultural etiquette, and eco-friendly Cambodia Travel options for Russian travelers.
Following Cambodia’s updated travel regulations, the country is accessible via multiple border checkpoints, including popular land borders like Poipet (Thailand), Bavet (Vietnam), and Trapeang Kriel (Laos). This guide blends visa requirements, border crossing procedures, and sustainable Cambodia Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.
Russian travelers to Cambodia can use visa on arrival (VOA) at major entry points, e-visas ($30–$36 or 120,000–145,000 KHR), or embassy visas ($30–$100 or 120,000–400,000 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); 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.
Visa on Arrival (VOA):
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for short stays.
Eligibility: Available to Russian citizens at major airports (e.g., Phnom Penh, Siem Reap) and land borders (e.g., Poipet, Bavet) tourismcambodia.com.
Duration: 30 days (single entry), extendable for another 30 days tourismcambodia.com.
Cost: $30 (120,000 KHR) for tourism; $35 (140,000 KHR) for business; payable in USD tourismcambodia.com.
Requirements: Passport valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages; one passport photo (4x6 cm); proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight or bus ticket) recommended but not mandatory; completed arrival form (provided at border) cambodia-visa.com.
Extension: Extendable for 30 days at immigration offices in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap; fees apply ($45 or 180,000 KHR) cambodia-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 7 airports (e.g., Phnom Penh, Siem Reap), 23 land borders (e.g., Poipet, Bavet, Trapeang Kriel), and 7 seaports (e.g., Sihanoukville, Kep) evisa.gov.kh.
E-Visa (For Convenient Online Application):
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for stays exceeding VOA or for those preferring online applications.
Eligibility: Available to Russian citizens evisa.gov.kh.
Duration: 30 days (single entry) evisa.gov.kh.
Cost: $30 (120,000 KHR) for tourism; $35 (140,000 KHR) for business; 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 Poipet or Bavet), and temporary address in Cambodia (e.g., hotel address) cambodia-visa.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 1MB evisa.gov.kh.
Pay the fee ($30 or $35) via credit/debit card (Visa/Mastercard); note the registration code cambodia-visa.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 working days; expedited processing (1 day) available for additional fees ($10 or 40,000 KHR) evisa.gov.kh.
Extension: Extendable for 30 days at immigration offices in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap; fees apply ($45 or 180,000 KHR) cambodia-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 7 airports (e.g., Phnom Penh, Siem Reap), 23 land borders (e.g., Poipet, Bavet, Trapeang Kriel), 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 Russian citizens at Cambodian embassies (e.g., in Moscow) travel.state.gov.
Duration: 30–90 days (single or multiple entry); longer for work/study visas 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., in Moscow: +7 495 637 47 31) travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable for 1–3 months with a sponsor; fees vary ($45–$150 or 180,000–600,000 KHR) cambodia-visa.com.
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 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.
Land Borders (23): Popular checkpoints for Russian travelers include Poipet (Thailand, near Aranyaprathet), Bavet (Vietnam, near Moc Bai), and Trapeang Kriel (Laos, near Stung Treng). Open 7:00 AM–8:00 PM; expect immigration queues during peak seasons tourismcambodia.com.
Airports (7): Major entry points include Phnom Penh and Siem Reap; 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 fee or printed e-visa; have proof of onward travel for VOA; ensure details match passport to avoid delays evisa.gov.kh.
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., Royal Palace in Phnom Penh); 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 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 ($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 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, nomadicmatt.com, and justynjen.com. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Explore Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat, or Sihanoukville’s beaches independently after crossing at Poipet, Bavet, or Phnom Penh Airport; suitable for travelers with valid VOA or e-visas; low to moderate difficulty tourismcambodia.com.
Visa Tips: Use VOA ($30–$35) or e-visas ($30–$35); 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 or 150,000–290,000 KHR); beaches accessible anytime.
Cost: Entry: free (beaches); 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: $2–$5/day or 8,000–20,000 KHR); local purchases: $0.50–$20 (2,000–80,000 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 VOA availability or apply for e-visas early; check evisa.gov.kh; a guest from Russia noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless after Poipet crossing.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda after crossing at Phnom Penh Airport or Bavet; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Phnom Penh hotels, lunch, and entry fees; 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 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 Russia noted: “Legend’s tour was visa-ready and cultural after Bavet crossing.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat and a cycling tour after crossing at Poipet or Siem Reap Airport; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Siem Reap, lunch, 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 eligibility evisa.gov.kh.
Schedule: Daily; departs 5:00 AM from Siem Reap hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $40–$60/person (160,000–240,000 KHR, includes entry).
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 (Cambodia partner sites); a guest from Russia noted: “The combo tour was visa-ready and enriching after Poipet.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville after crossing at Phnom Penh Airport or Poipet; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; 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 (+84 825862222); a guest from Russia 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 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, supporting Cambodia’s green tourism goals.
Key visa-prepared travel opportunities include:
Khmer New Year: Typically April, festive 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 border crossings; wet season (June–October) suits budget travelers but has rain risks.
Cool season (November–February, 20–30°C) is ideal for mild weather and smooth border crossings. Hot season (March–May, 25–35°C) suits early morning crossings to avoid heat. Wet season (June–October, 24–32°C) brings rain (0.3–20 mm/day); cross early to avoid delays. Morning crossings (7:00 AM–11:00 AM) avoid crowds and heat. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Check eligibility for VOA ($30–$35) or e-visas ($30–$35) at evisa.gov.kh; use embassy visas for non-eligible cases or specific needs tourismcambodia.com.
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 proof of onward travel for VOA tourismcambodia.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry a digital or printed e-visa copy or passport photocopy; have proof of onward travel for VOA; provide passport photo for VOA evisa.gov.kh.
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: 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., in Moscow: +7 495 637 47 31).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($30–$35 or 120,000–140,000 KHR if required), passport photocopy, passport photo (4x6 cm for VOA), 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 ($0.50–$1 or 2,000–4,000 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
Visa on Arrival Costs: Tourism: $30 (120,000 KHR); business: $35 (140,000 KHR) tourismcambodia.com.
E-Visa Costs: Tourism: $30 (120,000 KHR); business: $35 (140,000 KHR); expedited processing: $10 (40,000 KHR) 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); 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 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., nom banh chok, amok): $0.50–$1 (2,000–4,000 KHR).
Souvenirs (e.g., crafts, textiles): $0.50–$10 (2,000–40,000 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–$70 (group tour, purchases).
Luxury: $70–$120 (private tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $15–$120 for tours, visa costs (if applicable), and transport; $0.50–$10 for purchases or add-ons; use VOA to save on costs.
Visa Tips: Check eligibility for VOA ($30–$35) or e-visas ($30–$35) at evisa.gov.kh; use embassy visas for non-eligible cases or specific needs; double-check details to match passport tourismcambodia.com.
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 proof of onward travel for VOA 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 8:00 AM–5:00 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; hot season (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).
Who needs a visa to cross into Cambodia? Russian citizens can use VOA ($30–$35) or e-visas ($30–$35); no exemptions for Russians tourismcambodia.com.
Which borders accept VOA or e-visas? All 7 airports, 23 land borders (e.g., Poipet, Bavet), and 7 seaports accept VOA and e-visas evisa.gov.kh.
How much does a Cambodia visa cost? VOA: $30 (tourism) or $35 (business); e-visa: $30 (tourism) or $35 (business); extensions: $45 (180,000 KHR) evisa.gov.kh.
Can visas be extended at the border? VOA and e-visas are extendable for 30 days at immigration offices; fees apply ($45) cambodia-visa.com.
What are the penalties for overstaying? $10/day (40,000 KHR/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Is Visa on Arrival available? Yes for Russians at major entry points; e-visas recommended for convenience tourismcambodia.com.
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 $15–$200, sustainable Cambodia Tours, and attractions like Angkor Wat and Royal Palace, this trip offers adventure and sustainability for Russian 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:
cambodia-visa.com
evisa.gov.kh
travel.state.gov
tourismcambodia.com
cambodia.travel
Favorite experiences booked by travelers
