Plan your Cambodia border crossing as a French citizen 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!
Siem Reap Family Kulen Mountain Bamboo Train, 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 justsiemreap.com. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Cambodia’s updated travel regulations.
Travelers, please note: French citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at major airports and land borders, but e-visas are recommended for smoother processing. French travelers can use visa on arrival ($30 for 30 days), e-visas ($36 for 30 days), or embassy visas for longer stays. 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, the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, and pristine beaches in Sihanoukville wayfairertravel.com. Understanding visa requirements for border crossings ensures smooth entry for French citizens, whether joining guided Cambodia Tours or traveling independently. French nationals benefit from visa on arrival and e-visas, facilitating entry through Cambodia’s major airports, land borders, and seaports tourismcambodia.com. This guide provides practical visa insights, border crossing tips, cultural etiquette, and eco-friendly Cambodia Travel options for French travelers.
Following Cambodia’s updated travel regulations, the country is accessible via multiple border checkpoints, including popular land borders like Poipet (Thailand) and Bavet (Vietnam). This guide blends visa requirements, border crossing procedures, and sustainable Cambodia Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.
French citizens can enter Cambodia with visa on arrival ($30 for 30 days), e-visa ($36 for 30 days), or embassy visas for longer stays. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date 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 $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:
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for short stays.
Eligibility: French citizens arriving at major airports (e.g., Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville) or land borders (e.g., Poipet, Bavet, Trapeang Kriel) evisa.gov.kh.
Duration: 30 days (single entry) tourismcambodia.com.
Cost: $30 (paid in USD; exact change recommended) tourismcambodia.com.
Requirements: Passport valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages; two passport photos (4x6 cm); proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight or bus ticket) recommended but not mandatory justsiemreap.com.
Extension: Extendable once for 30 days at the Immigration Department in Phnom Penh; fees $45 (180,000 KHR) tourismcambodia.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 3 airports (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville), 7 land borders (e.g., Poipet, Bavet), and 2 seaports (Sihanoukville, Kep) evisa.gov.kh.
E-Visa (Recommended for Pre-Planning):
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for stays exceeding visa on arrival or for pre-arranged entry.
Eligibility: French citizens evisa.gov.kh.
Duration: 30 days (single entry) evisa.gov.kh.
Cost: $36 (non-refundable, paid online via credit/debit card) 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 Phnom Penh 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 1MB evisa.gov.kh.
Pay the fee ($36) via credit/debit card; note the verification code evisa.gov.kh.
Check status at evisa.gov.kh 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 through agencies for additional fees ($10–$30 or 250,000–750,000 VND) justsiemreap.com.
Extension: Extendable once for 30 days at the Immigration Department; fees $45 (180,000 KHR) tourismcambodia.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 3 airports, 7 land borders, and 2 seaports evisa.gov.kh.
Embassy/Consulate Visa:
Purpose: Tourism, business, work, or study for those preferring traditional applications or needing longer stays.
Eligibility: French citizens travel.state.gov.
Duration: Typically 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 Paris: +33 1 45 03 47 20) travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable for 30 days; fees $45 (180,000 KHR) tourismcambodia.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 (7): Popular checkpoints 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 (3): Major entry points include Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville; immigration open 24/7 evisa.gov.kh.
Seaports (2): Key ports include Sihanoukville and Kep; used for cruise travelers tourismcambodia.com.
Requirements at Borders: Present a valid passport and printed e-visa (if required); visa on arrival available at major borders; have proof of onward travel (recommended); ensure details match passport to avoid delays justsiemreap.com.
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 in Siem Reap); carry a lightweight scarf ($1 or 4,000 KHR) wayfairertravel.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 the 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 Poipet or cities like Phnom Penh; carry a 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 ($1–$3 or 4,000–12,000 KHR) after crossing to reduce emissions tourismcambodia.com.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your visa-prepared journey after crossing into Cambodia, based on the latest data from evisa.gov.kh, tourismcambodia.com, travel.state.gov, wayfairertravel.com, and justsiemreap.com. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Explore Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat or Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace independently after crossing at Poipet or Phnom Penh Airport; suitable for travelers with valid visa on arrival or e-visas; low to moderate difficulty justsiemreap.com.
Visa Tips: Use visa on arrival ($30) 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 Angkor Pass); Royal Palace open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($10 or 40,000 KHR).
Cost: Entry: Angkor Pass ($37–$72 or 150,000–290,000 KHR); 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); local purchases: $0.50–$20 (2,000–80,000 KHR).
Location: Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Confirm visa on arrival availability or apply for e-visas early; check evisa.gov.kh; a guest from France noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless after Poipet.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat after crossing at Siem Reap Airport or Poipet; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Siem Reap hotels, lunch, and Angkor Pass ($37); low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Ensure valid visa on arrival or e-visa; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; guides assist with residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs 4:30 AM from Siem Reap hotels for sunrise; returns by 2:00 PM.
Cost: $50–$60/person (200,000–240,000 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 France noted: “Legend’s tour ensured visa compliance and cultural immersion after Poipet.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace and Mekong River cruise after crossing at Phnom Penh Airport or Bavet; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Phnom Penh, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use visa on arrival ($30) or e-visa ($36); carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm eligibility evisa.gov.kh.
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:30 AM from Phnom Penh hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $35–$50/person (140,000–200,000 KHR, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Phnom Penh.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups and river cruises reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com (Cambodia partner sites); a guest from France noted: “The combo tour was visa-ready and enriching after Bavet.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Phnom Penh and Siem Reap after crossing at Phnom Penh or Siem Reap Airport; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and Angkor Pass ($62); low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use 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 pass).
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 France noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for travelers with visa on arrival 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, festive 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 wet (24–32°C); check dates at tourismcambodia.com.
Water Festival: Typically November, vibrant with boat races; warm and dry (20–30°C); check dates at tourismcambodia.com.
Cultural Site Visits: Dry season (November–May) for comfortable weather; April for optimal conditions wayfairertravel.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 Poipet or Bavet. Morning crossings (7:00 AM–11:00 AM) avoid crowds and heat. Verify forecasts via accuweather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Check eligibility for visa on arrival or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.kh; use embassy visas for non-eligible or longer stays; no exemptions for French citizens evisa.gov.kh.
Border Crossing Tips: Choose major land 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 exact USD for visa on arrival 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 visa on arrival 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., Paris: +33 1 45 03 47 20).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($36 or 145,000 KHR if required), passport photocopy, two passport photos (4x6 cm for visa on arrival), USD for visa on arrival ($30), 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: $30 (120,000 KHR); expedited processing: $5–$10 (20,000–40,000 KHR) tourismcambodia.com.
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 travel.state.gov.
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: free (markets); Angkor Wat: $37–$72 Angkor Pass (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: $25–$40 (100,000–160,000 KHR, includes transport and entry).
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: $35–$50 (140,000–200,000 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): $0.50–$1 (2,000–4,000 KHR).
Souvenirs (e.g., silk, carvings): $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 visa on arrival to save on costs.
Visa Tips: Check eligibility for visa on arrival or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.kh; use embassy visas for non-eligible or longer stays; no exemptions for French citizens evisa.gov.kh.
Border Crossing Tips: Choose major borders like Poipet or Bavet for smoother immigration; cross early (7:00 AM) to avoid queues; carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy; have exact USD for visa on arrival 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 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 Phnom Penh.
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, Tourist Police: +855 97 760 2001).
Do French citizens need a visa to cross into Cambodia? Yes, French citizens require a visa on arrival ($30) or e-visa ($36); no exemptions evisa.gov.kh.
Which borders accept visa on arrival or e-visas? All major airports, 7 land borders (e.g., Poipet, Bavet), and 2 seaports accept visa on arrival and e-visas tourismcambodia.com.
How much does a Cambodia visa cost for French citizens? Visa on arrival: $30; e-visa: $36; embassy visa: $30–$100 evisa.gov.kh.
Can visas be extended at the border? Visa on arrival and e-visas are extendable for 30 days at the Immigration Department; fees $45 (180,000 KHR); not at borders tourismcambodia.com.
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 for French citizens? Yes, at major airports and land borders; e-visas recommended for pre-planning 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 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 for French Citizens 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 the Royal Palace, this trip offers adventure and sustainability for French travelers. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Cambodia Travel, leverage visa on arrival 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
justsiemreap.com
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