Plan your Cambodia border crossing with our guide for international travelers! Learn about visa exemptions, list of eligible countries, extensions, eco-friendly Cambodia Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Cambodia Travel. Start your journey today!
Angkor Wat Children and Buddhist monks in the Angkor Temples, 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 evisa.gov.kh, tourismcambodia.com, travel.state.gov, wayfairertravel.com, and culturetrip.com. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Cambodia’s updated travel regulations.
Travelers, please note: Cambodia’s visa exemption policy has been expanded to 86 countries for 30 days, effective 2024, and remains unchanged for 2026-2027. This allows visa-free entry for tourism or business. For longer stays, e-visas or embassy visas are available. This guide details the exemption list, extensions, and travel tips for a seamless journey into Cambodia by land, air, or sea.
Cambodia, a captivating Southeast Asian gem, is renowned for its ancient temples like Angkor Wat, vibrant markets in Phnom Penh, and serene beaches in Sihanoukville tourismcambodia.com. Understanding the visa exemption list ensures smooth entry for travelers from eligible countries, whether joining guided Cambodia Tours or traveling independently. Over 86 countries benefit from 30-day visa exemptions, while e-visas or embassy visas are available for others, facilitating entry through Cambodia’s 11 international airports, 10 land borders, and 8 seaports evisa.gov.kh. This guide provides practical visa insights, border crossing tips, cultural etiquette, and eco-friendly Cambodia Travel options for international travelers.
Following Cambodia’s updated travel regulations, the country is accessible via multiple border checkpoints, including popular land borders like Bavet (Vietnam) or Preah Vihear (Thailand). This guide blends visa exemption details, border crossing procedures, and sustainable Cambodia Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.
Travelers from visa-exempt countries (86 nations) can enter for up to 30 days without a visa, while others require e-visas ($30–$36 or 120,000–145,000 KHR) or embassy visas ($35–$50). Passports must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. Cultural site entries like Angkor Wat cost $37–$72 (Angkor Pass); 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.
Standard Visa Exemption:
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for short stays.
Eligibility: Citizens of 86 countries, including ASEAN nations (e.g., Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia), US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Germany, France, India, Russia, and others evisa.gov.kh.
Duration: Up to 30 days (single entry) evisa.gov.kh.
Cost: No cost evisa.gov.kh.
Requirements: Passport valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages; proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight or bus ticket) recommended but not mandatory tourismcambodia.com.
Extension: Extendable for 1–6 months at Immigration Department in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap; fees $45–$290 (180,000–1,160,000 KHR) evisa.gov.kh.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 11 airports (e.g., Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville), 10 land borders (e.g., Bavet-Vietnam, Preah Vihear-Thailand), and 8 seaports (e.g., Sihanoukville, Koh Kong) tourismcambodia.com.
E-Visa (For Longer Stays or Non-Exempt Nationalities):
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for stays exceeding exemption periods or for non-exempt nationalities.
Eligibility: Available to citizens of 200+ countries evisa.gov.kh.
Duration: Up to 30 days (single entry) or 90 days (multiple entry) evisa.gov.kh.
Cost: $30 (120,000 KHR) for single entry; $36 (145,000 KHR) for multiple entry; 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 Preah Vihear), 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 ($30 or $36) via credit/debit card (American Express not accepted); note the verification code evisa.gov.kh.
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) evisa.gov.kh.
Extension: Extendable for 1–6 months at Immigration Department in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap; fees $45–$290 (180,000–1,160,000 KHR) evisa.gov.kh.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 11 airports, 10 land borders (e.g., Bavet-Vietnam, Preah Vihear-Thailand), and 8 seaports tourismcambodia.com.
Visa on Arrival (VOA):
Purpose: Tourism or business for short stays.
Eligibility: Available to all nationalities at airports or land borders; discontinued at some land borders in 2023, but available at major airports like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap tourismcambodia.com.
Duration: Up to 30 days (single entry) tourismcambodia.com.
Cost: $30 (120,000 KHR) tourismcambodia.com.
Requirements: Passport valid for 6 months with two blank pages; 1 passport photo (4x6 cm); proof of onward travel recommended tourismcambodia.com.
Application Process: Obtain at immigration counters at airports or select land borders; fill form, submit photo and passport, pay fee; processing 10–30 minutes tourismcambodia.com.
Extension: Extendable for 1–6 months at Immigration Department; fees $45–$290 (180,000–1,160,000 KHR) evisa.gov.kh.
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.
Cost: $35–$50 (140,000–200,000 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 Bangkok, Beijing, or Hanoi) travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable for 1–6 months with a sponsor; fees $45–$290 (180,000–1,160,000 KHR) evisa.gov.kh.
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.
Important Note: Cambodia’s visa exemption policy was expanded to 86 countries in 2024, allowing 30-day stays without a visa. This remains unchanged for 2026-2027 evisa.gov.kh.
Land Borders (10): Popular checkpoints include Bavet (Vietnam, near Moc Bai), Preah Vihear (Thailand, near Chong Chom), and O’Smach (Thailand, near Oddar Meanchey). Open 7:00 AM–7:00 PM (some 24/7); expect immigration queues during peak seasons tourismcambodia.com.
Airports (11): Major entry points include Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville; immigration open 24/7 tourismcambodia.com.
Seaports (8): Key ports include Sihanoukville, Koh Kong, and Kep; used for cruise travelers tourismcambodia.com.
Requirements at Borders: Present a valid passport and printed e-visa (if required); visa-exempt travelers need proof of onward travel (recommended); 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 nod 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., Wat Phnom 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 Cambodian 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 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 Bavet or cities like Phnom Penh; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Opt for bicycles ($1–$2 or 4,000–8,000 KHR/day) or tuk-tuks ($0.50–$1 or 2,000–4,000 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 wayfairertravel.com. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Explore Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, or Sihanoukville beaches independently after crossing at Bavet, Preah Vihear, 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 (86 countries) or e-visas ($30–$36); 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); Sihanoukville beaches accessible anytime.
Cost: Entry: 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: $0.20–$10 (800–40,000 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 exemption eligibility or apply for e-visas early; check evisa.gov.kh; a guest from Thailand noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless after crossing at Bavet.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace and Central Market after crossing at Phnom Penh International Airport or Bavet; includes English-speaking guide, tuk-tuk transport from Phnom Penh hotels, 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: $20–$30/person (80,000–120,000 KHR, includes entries).
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 Vietnam noted: “Legend’s tour ensured visa compliance and cultural immersion after Bavet.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat and Old Market after crossing at a land border like Bavet or Preah Vihear; includes English-speaking guide, tuk-tuk transport from Siem Reap, lunch, and Angkor Pass ($37); low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry e-visa or exemption 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 for sunrise; returns by 3:00 PM.
Cost: $40–$60/person (160,000–240,000 KHR, includes 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 (Cambodia partner sites); a guest from Thailand noted: “The combo tour was visa-ready and enriching after crossing.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Phnom Penh, Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat, and Sihanoukville beaches after crossing at Phnom Penh International Airport or Bavet; 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–$200/person (400,000–800,000 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 (+855 23 728 000); a guest from the US 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 or bicycles, supporting Cambodia’s green tourism goals.
Key visa-prepared travel opportunities include:
Khmer New Year: Typically April, vibrant with temple ceremonies; warm and dry (25–35°C); check dates at tourismcambodia.com.
Pchum Ben: Typically September–October, spiritual with temple offerings; warm and rainy (24–32°C); check dates at tourismcambodia.com.
Year-Round Opportunities: Cool season (November–February, 20–30°C) is best for border crossings and cultural visits; wet season (June–October) has fewer crowds but rain risks at land borders like Bavet.
Cool season (November–February, 20–30°C) is ideal for visa-prepared border crossings and cultural exploration. Hot season (March–May, 25–35°C) requires early crossings to avoid heat. Wet season (June–October, 24–32°C) brings rain (0.3–20 mm/day); focus on airports or early land crossings. Morning crossings (7:00 AM–11:00 AM) avoid crowds and heat. Verify forecasts via accuweather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Check eligibility for visa exemptions (86 countries) or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.kh; use embassy visas for non-exempt nationalities or specific needs; VOA at airports for short stays tourismcambodia.com.
Border Crossing Tips: Choose major borders like Bavet (Vietnam) or Preah Vihear (Thailand) for smoother immigration; cross early (7:00 AM) to avoid queues; carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy; have proof of onward travel for exemptions tourismcambodia.com.
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 exemptions 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 ($1–$2 or 4,000–8,000 KHR/day) or tuk-tuks ($0.50–$1 or 2,000–4,000 KHR) 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., Bangkok: +66 2 254 6630, Beijing: +86 10 6532 5495, or Hanoi: +84 24 3936 6822).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($30–$36 or 120,000–145,000 KHR if required), passport photocopy, proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight or bus ticket), 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
E-Visa Costs: Single entry: $30 (120,000 KHR); multiple entry: $36 (145,000 KHR); expedited processing: $10–$30 (40,000–120,000 KHR) evisa.gov.kh.
Exemption Costs: No cost for standard exemptions (30 days for 86 countries) evisa.gov.kh.
VOA Costs: $30 (120,000 KHR) at airports or select land borders tourismcambodia.com.
Embassy Visa Costs: $35–$50 (140,000–200,000 KHR), depending on visa type and processing time travel.state.gov.
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: Royal Palace $10 (40,000 KHR); Wat Phnom $1 (4,000 KHR); Angkor Wat $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).
Group Cultural Tours: $20–$30 (80,000–120,000 KHR, includes entries).
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: $40–$60 (160,000–240,000 KHR, includes entries).
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: $100–$200 (400,000–800,000 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–$20 (40,000–80,000 KHR). Other Costs
Local Snacks (e.g., amok, nom banh chok): $0.20–$1 (800–4,000 KHR).
Souvenirs (e.g., silk, crafts): $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 visa exemptions to save on costs.
Visa Tips: Check eligibility for visa exemptions (86 countries) or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.kh; use VOA at airports for short stays; embassy visas for non-exempt nationalities; double-check details to match passport tourismcambodia.com.
Border Crossing Tips: Choose major borders like Bavet or Preah Vihear for smoother immigration; cross early (7:00 AM) to avoid queues; carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy; have proof of onward travel for exemptions 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–7:00 PM (some 24/7); cultural sites open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; peak crowds in dry season (November–April); 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; 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, Medical: 119, nearest embassy).
Which countries are exempt from Cambodia visas? 86 countries, including ASEAN nations, US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Germany, France, India, and Russia evisa.gov.kh.
Which borders accept visa exemptions? All 11 airports, 10 land borders (e.g., Bavet-Vietnam, Preah Vihear-Thailand), and 8 seaports tourismcambodia.com.
How much does a Cambodia visa cost? E-visa: $30 (single entry) or $36 (multiple entry); VOA: $30; embassy visa: $35–$50; exemptions: no cost evisa.gov.kh.
Can visas be extended at the border? Exemptions and e-visas are extendable for 1–6 months at Immigration Department; fees $45–$290 (180,000–1,160,000 KHR) evisa.gov.kh.
What are the penalties for overstaying? Fines of $10/day (40,000 KHR/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Is VOA available at land borders? Yes, at select land borders; e-visa recommended for all tourismcambodia.com.
Enhance your visa-prepared Cambodia journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Cambodia Cultural Eco-Tour ($20–$30/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 (+855 23 728 000) for your Cambodia Travel plans.
Mastering Cambodia Visa Exemption List 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 Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, this trip offers adventure and sustainability for international travelers. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Cambodia Travel, leverage the 30-day exemption for 86 countries or 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
wayfairertravel.com
culturetrip.com
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