Plan your Cambodia visa as a US citizen with our guide! Learn about visa exemptions, e-visa applications, visa on arrival, cultural etiquette, eco-friendly Cambodia Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Cambodia Travel. Start your journey today!
Siem Reap Apsara Danced by Foot, 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, cambodia-visas.com, and culturetrip.com. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Cambodia’s updated travel regulations.
US citizens, please note: A visa is required for entry into Cambodia. US travelers can apply for an e-visa online via evisa.gov.kh, obtain a visa on arrival at major airports and land borders, or apply through a Cambodian embassy. This guide details visa options, application processes, and travel tips for a seamless entry into Cambodia by air, land, 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 US citizens ensures smooth entry for travelers, whether joining guided Cambodia Tours or traveling independently. US citizens benefit from straightforward visa options, including e-visas and visas on arrival, facilitating entry through Cambodia’s 7 international airports, 9 land borders, and 6 seaports tourismcambodia.com. This guide provides practical visa insights, border crossing tips, cultural etiquette, and eco-friendly Cambodia Travel options for US 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.
Standard Visa Exemption:
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for short stays.
Eligibility: US citizens are not eligible for visa exemptions; a visa is required travel.state.gov.
Duration: Not applicable; US citizens must obtain a visa travel.state.gov.
Cost: Not applicable.
Requirements: Not applicable.
Extension: Not applicable.
Entry/Exit Points: Not applicable.
E-Visa (Recommended for US Citizens):
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for stays exceeding exemptions or for non-exempt nationalities.
Eligibility: Available to US citizens and most nationalities evisa.gov.kh.
Duration: 30 days (single entry); extendable once for 30 days evisa.gov.kh.
Cost: $36 (e-visa fee, including processing); 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-visas.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) via credit/debit card; note the verification code cambodia-visas.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: 3–5 working days; expedited processing (1 day) available through agencies for additional fees ($10–$30 or 40,000–120,000 KHR) cambodia-visas.com.
Extension: Extendable once for 30 days at the Immigration Department in Phnom Penh ($45 or 180,000 KHR) cambodia-visas.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 7 airports (e.g., Phnom Penh, Siem Reap), 9 land borders (e.g., Poipet, Bavet), and 6 seaports evisa.gov.kh.
Visa on Arrival (Available for US Citizens):
Purpose: Tourism or business for short stays.
Eligibility: US citizens and most nationalities at major airports and land borders tourismcambodia.com.
Duration: 30 days (single entry); extendable once for 30 days tourismcambodia.com.
Cost: $30 (tourist visa); $35 (business visa); non-refundable tourismcambodia.com.
Application Process: Apply at the immigration counter upon arrival; submit passport, two passport photos (4x6 cm), and application form (available at counter); pay fee in USD; receive visa sticker in passport tourismcambodia.com.
Processing Time: 15–30 minutes at the counter tourismcambodia.com.
Extension: Extendable once for 30 days at the Immigration Department in Phnom Penh ($45) tourismcambodia.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Available at 7 airports (e.g., Phnom Penh, Siem Reap) and 9 land borders (e.g., Poipet, Bavet) tourismcambodia.com.
Embassy/Consulate Visa:
Purpose: Tourism, business, work, or study for those preferring traditional applications or needing longer stays.
Eligibility: Available to US 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 Washington, D.C.: +1 202 726 7742) travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable for 1–3 months with a sponsor; fees vary ($45–$200 or 180,000–800,000 KHR) tourismcambodia.com.
Key Restrictions:
Travelers must not fall under suspension categories (e.g., security risks) as per Cambodia’s immigration laws tourismcambodia.com.
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.
Airports (7): Major checkpoints include Phnom Penh International Airport and Siem Reap International Airport; visa on arrival available tourismcambodia.com.
Land Borders (9): Popular checkpoints include Poipet (Thailand), Bavet (Vietnam), and Trapeang Kriel (Laos). Open 7:00 AM–8:00 PM; visa on arrival available at most tourismcambodia.com.
Seaports (6): Key ports include Sihanoukville and Kep; visa on arrival available tourismcambodia.com.
Requirements at Borders: Present a valid passport and printed e-visa (if applicable); visa on arrival requires passport photos and USD cash; ensure details match passport to avoid entry issues travel.state.gov.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth visa-prepared journey 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., Angkor Wat in Siem Reap); 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 visa-prepared 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 the Royal Palace or Angkor Wat; 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 Siem Reap; 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 ($0.50–$2 or 2,000–8,000 KHR) after crossing for sustainable travel tourismcambodia.com.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your visa-prepared journey after entering Cambodia, based on the latest data from tourismcambodia.com, travel.state.gov, culturetrip.com, nomadicmatt.com, and justynjen.com. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Explore Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, or Sihanoukville’s beaches independently after visa on arrival at Phnom Penh Airport or Poipet border; suitable for travelers with valid visas; low to moderate difficulty tourismcambodia.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; Royal Palace open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Cost: 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: $0.20–$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 visa eligibility or apply for e-visas early; check evisa.gov.kh; a guest from the US noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless after visa on arrival.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda after visa on arrival at Phnom Penh Airport; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Phnom Penh hotels, lunch, and entry fees; 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 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 the US noted: “Legend’s tour ensured visa compliance and cultural immersion after Phnom Penh Airport.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat and Wat Preah Prom Rath after visa on arrival at Siem Reap Airport; includes English-speaking guide, tuk-tuk transport, lunch, and Angkor Pass ($37); low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use visa on arrival ($30) or e-visa ($36) for multiple-site travel; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm eligibility tourismcambodia.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 5:00 AM from Siem Reap hotels for Angkor Wat sunrise; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $40–$50/person (160,000–200,000 KHR, includes pass).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Siem Reap.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups and tuk-tuk transport reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com (Cambodia partner sites); a guest from the US noted: “The combo tour was visa-ready and enriching after Siem Reap Airport.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville after visa on arrival at Phnom Penh or Siem Reap Airport; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use e-visa ($36) 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 the US noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for travelers with visas on arrival or e-visas.
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 journey.
Multi-Day Cultural 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 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: Cool season (November–February) for comfortable weather; April for optimal conditions tourismcambodia.com.
Cool season (November–February, 20–30°C) is ideal for visa-prepared 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 specific needs; no exemptions for US citizens travel.state.gov.
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 photos for visa on arrival; have USD cash for fees 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 tuk-tuks after crossing for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for e-visas 3–5 days early; double-check details to match passport; carry small KHR notes for local purchases; check visa status at evisa.gov.kh/e-visa/search. For embassy visas, contact the nearest Cambodian embassy (e.g., Washington, D.C.: +1 202 726 7742).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($36) or passport photos for visa on arrival, passport photocopy, proof of residence (hotel booking), 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 cool 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., nom pang); 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: $36 (145,000 KHR); expedited processing: $10–$30 (40,000–120,000 KHR) evisa.gov.kh.
Visa on Arrival Costs: $30 (tourist); $35 (business); $45 extension (180,000 KHR) tourismcambodia.com.
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); Silver Pagoda: included in Royal Palace; 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 Historical Tours: $35–$50 (140,000–200,000 KHR, includes entry).
Multi-Day Cultural Tours: $100–$250 (400,000–1,000,000 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 pang, amok): $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 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-exempt or specific needs; no exemptions for US citizens travel.state.gov.
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 photos for visa on arrival; have USD cash for fees 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 (some 24/7); cultural sites open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; peak crowds in cool season (November–February); 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: Cool season (Nov–Feb, 20–30°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 US citizens need a visa for Cambodia? Yes, US citizens require a visa; options include e-visa ($36), visa on arrival ($30), or embassy visa evisa.gov.kh.
Which borders accept visas on arrival for US citizens? All 7 airports (e.g., Phnom Penh, Siem Reap) and 9 land borders (e.g., Poipet, Bavet) accept visas on arrival tourismcambodia.com.
How much does a Cambodia visa cost for US citizens? E-visa: $36; visa on arrival: $30 (tourist); $35 (business); extensions: $45 evisa.gov.kh.
Can visas be extended for US citizens? Yes, once for 30 days at the Immigration Department in Phnom Penh ($45) tourismcambodia.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 for US citizens? Yes, at major airports and land borders; carry passport photos and USD cash 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 Heritage 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 US 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 Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, this trip offers adventure and sustainability for US 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:
tourismcambodia.com
evisa.gov.kh
travel.state.gov
cambodia-visas.com
culturetrip.com
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