Plan your Cambodia border crossing with our guide for Salvadorans! 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!
Phnom Penh Royal Palace Exterior, 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, cambodiatravel.com, and visitcambodia.com. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Cambodia’s updated travel regulations.
Travelers, please note: The Visa on Arrival (VOA) program was discontinued in 2022. Salvadoran travelers can use visa exemptions (if eligible), apply for an e-visa online via evisa.gov.kh, or obtain a visa through a Cambodian embassy for border crossings. 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 gem, is renowned for its cultural landmarks like Angkor Wat’s ancient temples, Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, and the serene beaches of Sihanoukville cambodiatravel.com. Understanding visa requirements for border crossings ensures smooth entry for Salvadorans, whether joining guided Cambodia Tours or traveling independently. Salvadorans are not eligible for visa exemptions, so an e-visa or embassy visa is required, facilitating entry through Cambodia’s 8 land borders, 3 international airports, and 5 seaports visitcambodia.com. This guide provides practical visa insights, border crossing tips, cultural etiquette, and eco-friendly Cambodia Travel options for Salvadorans.
Following Cambodia’s updated travel regulations, the country is accessible via multiple border checkpoints, including popular land borders like Bavet (Vietnam), Poipet (Thailand), and O’Smach (Thailand). This guide blends visa requirements, border crossing procedures, and sustainable Cambodia Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.
Salvadorans require a visa for Cambodia (e-visa $36 or 145,000 KHR; embassy visa $30–$50). Passports must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. Cultural site entries like Angkor Wat cost $37–$72 (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.
E-Visa (Recommended for Salvadorans):
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for short stays.
Eligibility: Available to Salvadorans and all nationalities evisa.gov.kh.
Duration: Up to 30 days (single entry) evisa.gov.kh.
Cost: $36 (145,000 KHR) for single 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 Poipet), and temporary address in Cambodia (e.g., hotel address) tourismcambodia.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 2MB evisa.gov.kh.
Pay the fee ($36 or 145,000 KHR) via credit/debit card (American Express not accepted); note the verification code tourismcambodia.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: 3–7 working days; expedited processing (1–2 days) available through agencies for additional fees ($10–$30 or 40,000–120,000 KHR) tourismcambodia.com.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires exit to a neighboring country (e.g., Vietnam, Thailand, Laos) and re-entry with a new e-visa or embassy visa tourismcambodia.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 3 airports (e.g., Phnom Penh, Siem Reap), 8 land borders (e.g., Bavet, Poipet, O’Smach), and 5 seaports (e.g., Sihanoukville, Koh Kong) visitcambodia.com.
Embassy/Consulate Visa:
Purpose: Tourism, business, work, or study for those preferring traditional applications or needing longer stays.
Eligibility: Available to all nationalities, including Salvadorans travel.state.gov.
Duration: Typically 30–90 days (single or multiple entry); longer for work/study visas travel.state.gov.
Cost: $30–$50 (120,000–200,000 KHR), depending on visa type and processing time tourismcambodia.com.
Application Process: Apply in person or by mail at a Cambodian embassy (e.g., in San Salvador, or nearby in Mexico City); submit passport, application form, two passport photos (4x6 cm), and fees tourismcambodia.com.
Processing Time: 2–5 days tourismcambodia.com.
Extension: Extendable for 1–3 months with a sponsor; fees vary ($10–$50 or 40,000–200,000 KHR) tourismcambodia.com.
Visa Exemption for Salvadorans: Salvadorans are not eligible for visa exemptions; e-visa or embassy visa is required 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); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Important Note: The Visa on Arrival program was discontinued in 2022. Salvadorans must use e-visas or embassy visas for border crossings tourismcambodia.com.
Land Borders (8): Popular checkpoints include Bavet (Vietnam, near Moc Bai), Poipet (Thailand, near Aranyaprathet), O’Smach (Thailand, near Surin), and Preah Vihear (Thailand, near Phra Phrom). Open 7:00 AM–7:00 PM (some 24/7); expect immigration queues during peak seasons tourismcambodia.com.
Airports (3): Main entry points include Phnom Penh International Airport, Siem Reap International Airport, and Sihanoukville International Airport; immigration open 24/7 tourismcambodia.com.
Seaports (5): Key ports include Sihanoukville Port, Koh Kong Port, and Kampot Port; used for cruise travelers tourismcambodia.com.
Requirements at Borders: Present a valid passport and printed e-visa; ensure details match exactly 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., Royal Palace in Phnom Penh); carry a lightweight scarf ($1 or 4,000 KHR) tourismcambodia.com.
Behavior: 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. 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 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 motorbike taxis ($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 cambodiatravel.com. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Explore Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, Wat Phnom, or Angkor Wat independently after crossing at Bavet, Poipet, or Phnom Penh International Airport; suitable for travelers with e-visas; low to moderate difficulty tourismcambodia.com.
Visa Tips: Use e-visas ($36 or 145,000 KHR); 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); Wat Phnom open 7:00 AM–6:00 PM ($1 or 4,000 KHR); Angkor Wat open 5:00 AM–5:30 PM (Angkor Pass $37–$72).
Cost: Entry: Royal Palace $10 (40,000 KHR); Wat Phnom $1 (4,000 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 or Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Confirm e-visa status at evisa.gov.kh; a guest from El Salvador noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless after crossing at Bavet.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace and Wat Phnom after crossing at Phnom Penh International Airport or Bavet; includes English-speaking guide, tuk-tuk transport, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Ensure valid 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 vans minimizes impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest from El Salvador noted: “Legend’s tour ensured visa compliance and cultural immersion after Bavet.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Royal Palace and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum after crossing at Bavet; includes English-speaking guide, tuk-tuk transport, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use e-visa for multi-site travel; carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm eligibility tourismcambodia.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:30 AM from Phnom Penh hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $30–$40/person (120,000–160,000 KHR, includes entries).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Phnom Penh.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com (Cambodia partner sites); a guest from El Salvador noted: “The combo tour was visa-ready and enriching after crossing.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, Tuol Sleng, and day trips to Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat after crossing at Bavet or Poipet; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and Angkor Pass ($37); low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry e-visa for multi-city travel; carry 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 97 760 2001); a guest from El Salvador noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart cultural journey.”
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 experience.
Multi-Day Cultural and Historical 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 rainy (24–32°C); check dates at tourismcambodia.com.
Year-Round Opportunities: Dry season (November–April) for comfortable weather; February for optimal conditions cambodiatravel.com.
Dry season (November–April, 25–35°C) is ideal for border crossings and cultural visits. Hot period (March–April, 30–35°C) suits early morning crossings. Wet season (May–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: Salvadorans require an e-visa ($36 or 145,000 KHR) or embassy visa; apply at evisa.gov.kh; no visa exemptions evisa.gov.kh.
Border Crossing Tips: Choose major land borders like Bavet (Vietnam) or Poipet (Thailand) for smoother immigration; cross early (7:00 AM) to avoid crowds; carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy; have proof of onward travel 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 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 motorbike taxis 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., in San Salvador or Mexico City).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($36 or 145,000 KHR), passport photocopy, proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight ticket), wallet ($2 or 8,000 KHR), tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest attire 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; comfortable walking shoes ($3 or 12,000 KHR); hat ($2 or 8,000 KHR) for sun protection.
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 ($1 or 4,000 KHR); 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: $36 (145,000 KHR); expedited processing: $10–$30 (40,000–120,000 KHR) evisa.gov.kh.
Embassy Visa Costs: $30–$50 (120,000–200,000 KHR), depending on visa type and processing time tourismcambodia.com.
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: Royal Palace $10 (40,000 KHR); Wat Phnom $1 (4,000 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 transport and entry).
Combo Cultural and Historical Tours: $30–$40 (120,000–160,000 KHR, includes entries).
Multi-Day Cultural and Historical Tours: $100–$200 (400,000–800,000 KHR, includes entries). Safety-Related Costs
Money Belt: $2 (8,000 KHR).
Local SIM for Emergency Calls: $1 (4,000 KHR).
Travel Insurance (Recommended): $10 (40,000 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: $30–$60 (group tour, purchases).
Luxury: $60–$100 (private tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $15–$100 for tours, visa fees (if applicable), and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; use e-visas to save time and reduce paper use.
Border Crossing Tips: Choose major land borders like Bavet (Vietnam) or Poipet (Thailand) for smoother immigration; cross early (7:00 AM) to avoid crowds; carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy; have proof of onward travel 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: Dry season (Nov–Apr, 25–35°C) ideal; hot (Mar–Apr, 30–35°C) suits early mornings; wet season (May–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).
Do Salvadorans need a visa for Cambodia? Yes, e-visa ($36 or 145,000 KHR) or embassy visa ($30–$50) is required; no exemptions evisa.gov.kh.
Which borders accept e-visas? All 3 airports, 8 land borders (e.g., Bavet, Poipet), and 5 seaports accept e-visas tourismcambodia.com.
How much does a Cambodia visa cost? E-visa: $36 (145,000 KHR); embassy visa: $30–$50 (120,000–200,000 KHR) tourismcambodia.com.
Can visas be extended at the border? E-visas are non-extendable; embassy visas may be extendable with a sponsor tourismcambodia.com.
What are the penalties for overstaying? Fines of $10/day (40,000 KHR); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Is Visa on Arrival available? No, discontinued in 2022; use e-visas or embassy visas 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 97 760 2001) 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 Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, this trip offers adventure and sustainability for Salvadorans. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Cambodia Travel, leverage e-visas via evisa.gov.kh, and respect local customs for the best experience. Note that Visa on Arrival is no longer available; plan accordingly. Safe travels!
Sources:
evisa.gov.kh
tourismcambodia.com
travel.state.gov
cambodiatravel.com
visitcambodia.com
Favorite experiences booked by travelers
