Plan your Cambodia airport entry with our guide for international travelers! Learn about visa on arrival, e-visa stamping, airport procedures, eco-friendly Cambodia Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Cambodia Travel. Start your journey today!
Preah Sihanouk Beach Sunset, 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, culturetrip.com, and nomadicmatt.com. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Cambodia’s updated travel regulations.
Travelers, please note: Cambodia offers visa on arrival (VOA) at its three international airports—Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville—for most nationalities, alongside e-visas processed online. This guide details visa stamping procedures, airport entry requirements, and travel tips for a seamless journey into Cambodia by air.
Cambodia, a Southeast Asian gem, is renowned for its cultural landmarks like Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, and the beaches of Sihanoukville tourismcambodia.com. Understanding visa stamping procedures at Cambodia’s airports ensures smooth entry for international travelers, whether joining guided Cambodia Tours or exploring independently. Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival or use an e-visa, which is stamped upon arrival at Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, or Sihanoukville airports evisa.gov.kh. This guide provides practical visa insights, airport stamping procedures, cultural etiquette, and eco-friendly Cambodia Travel options for a seamless entry and cultural experience.
Following Cambodia’s updated travel regulations, the country is accessible via three international airports, with streamlined visa processes for tourists and business travelers. This guide blends visa stamping details, airport procedures, and sustainable Cambodia Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.
Travelers from most countries can obtain a visa on arrival ($30–$36 or 120,000–145,000 KHR) or an e-visa ($36 or 145,000 KHR) at Cambodia’s three international airports. 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), while Royal Palace entry costs $10 (40,000 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 airport procedures via evisa.gov.kh or tourismcambodia.com.
Visa on Arrival (VOA):
Purpose: Tourism or business for short stays.
Eligibility: Available to most nationalities, except those from restricted countries (e.g., Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan; check evisa.gov.kh) tourismcambodia.com.
Duration: 30 days (single entry); extendable once for 30 days nomadicmatt.com.
Cost: Tourism visa: $30 (120,000 KHR); business visa: $36 (145,000 KHR) evisa.gov.kh.
Requirements: Passport valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages; one passport photo (4x6 cm); cash in USD (exact change recommended); completed visa application form provided at the airport travel.state.gov.
Process at Airport:
Upon arrival at Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, or Sihanoukville airports, locate the visa on arrival counter before immigration tourismcambodia.com.
Complete the visa application form (available at the counter) with personal details, passport number, and travel purpose.
Submit the form, passport, one photo, and fee ($30 or $36 in USD); ATMs are available but may not provide exact change nomadicmatt.com.
Wait 10–20 minutes for processing; collect passport with visa sticker from the counter.
Proceed to immigration for entry stamp; present passport and customs declaration form (provided on flight or at airport) travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable for 30 days at the Immigration Department in Phnom Penh ($45 or 180,000 KHR) evisa.gov.kh.
Entry Points: Valid at Phnom Penh International Airport, Siem Reap International Airport, and Sihanoukville International Airport tourismcambodia.com.
E-Visa:
Purpose: Tourism or business for stays up to 30 days.
Eligibility: Available to citizens of most countries, except restricted nationalities evisa.gov.kh.
Duration: 30 days (single entry); extendable once for 30 days evisa.gov.kh.
Cost: $36 (145,000 KHR), including processing fee; 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.
Enter personal details (full name, date of birth, nationality), passport details (number, issue/expiry date), travel details (intended entry date, airport like Phnom Penh or Siem Reap), 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 ($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 airport immigration counter for stamping; ensure details match exactly to avoid issues travel.state.gov.
Processing Time: 3–5 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 30 days at the Immigration Department in Phnom Penh ($45 or 180,000 KHR) evisa.gov.kh.
Entry Points: Valid at Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville international airports 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: $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 Bangkok, Beijing, or Hanoi) travel.state.gov.
Process at Airport: Present pre-approved visa and passport at immigration for stamping; ensure details match travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable for 1–6 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 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 detention travel.state.gov.
Phnom Penh International Airport: Main hub, handling most international flights; visa on arrival and e-visa stamping available 24/7; immigration queues during peak hours (morning and evening) tourismcambodia.com.
Siem Reap International Airport: Gateway to Angkor Wat; visa on arrival and e-visa stamping available 24/7; expect crowds during dry season nomadicmatt.com.
Sihanoukville International Airport: Serves coastal travelers; visa on arrival and e-visa stamping available; smaller airport with shorter queues tourismcambodia.com.
Requirements at Airports: Present a valid passport and printed e-visa (if applicable) or prepare for visa on arrival (passport photo, USD cash); complete customs declaration form; ensure details match to avoid delays travel.state.gov.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth airport visa stamping process 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 visa counters culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees, especially for temple visits after arrival (e.g., Wat Phnom in Phnom Penh); carry a lightweight scarf ($3 or 12,000 KHR) for cultural sites nomadicmatt.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor at immigration counters; 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 airport entry and trip.” culturetrip.com
Customs: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.30–$1 or 1,200–4,000 KHR); avoid littering at cultural sites like 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 ($4 or 16,000 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 airports and cultural sites.”
General Tips:
Language: Carry a phrase card ($2 or 8,000 KHR) for Khmer basics like “arkun”; English is widely spoken at airports and tourist areas culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow airport rules (no photography in immigration areas); respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for cities like Phnom Penh or Siem Reap after arrival; 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 arrival to reduce emissions tourismcambodia.com.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your visa-prepared journey after arriving at Cambodia’s airports, based on the latest data from tourismcambodia.com, evisa.gov.kh, travel.state.gov, and nomadicmatt.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 stamping at the airport; suitable for travelers with valid visa on arrival or e-visas; low to moderate difficulty tourismcambodia.com.
Visa Tips: Obtain visa on arrival ($30–$36) or present printed e-visa ($36); carry a passport photocopy; register temporary residence at hotels evisa.gov.kh.
Schedule: Daily; Angkor Wat open 5:00 AM–5:30 PM ($37–$72); Royal Palace open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($10 or 40,000 KHR); Sihanoukville beaches accessible anytime.
Cost: Entry: free (markets); Angkor Pass: $37–$72 (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: Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Cambodia.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Apply for e-visas early or prepare USD cash for VOA; check evisa.gov.kh; a guest from the UK noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless after visa stamping at Siem Reap.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace and Wat Phnom after visa stamping at Phnom Penh International Airport; includes English-speaking guide, tuk-tuk transport, 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 Japan 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 stamping at Siem Reap International Airport; includes English-speaking guide, tuk-tuk transport, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use VOA or e-visa; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm eligibility evisa.gov.kh.
Schedule: Daily; departs 5:00 AM from Siem Reap hotels for Angkor Wat sunrise; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $40–$60/person (160,000–240,000 KHR, includes Angkor 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; a guest from Australia noted: “The combo tour was visa-ready and enriching after Siem Reap airport.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat, and Sihanoukville’s beaches after visa stamping at any international airport; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a VOA or e-visa; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm temporary residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs from Phnom Penh or Siem Reap 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 or Siem Reap.
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 VOA 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 experience.
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 and street celebrations; 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 cultural visits; wet season (June–October) suits indoor experiences. Cool season (November–February, 20–30°C) is ideal for airport arrivals and cultural visits. Hot season (March–May, 25–35°C) suits early morning outings. Wet season (June–October, 24–32°C) requires rain gear; expect shorter visa queues at smaller airports like Sihanoukville. Morning arrivals (7:00 AM–11:00 AM) avoid crowds and heat. Verify forecasts via accuweather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Check eligibility for visa on arrival (most nationalities) or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.kh; use embassy visas for restricted nationalities or specific needs evisa.gov.kh.
Airport Visa Tips: Arrive at Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, or Sihanoukville with USD cash ($30–$36) for VOA or printed e-visa; carry one passport photo (4x6 cm); complete customs forms on flight; expect 10–20 minute waits at visa counters 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 tuk-tuks or bicycles after arrival for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for e-visas 7–14 days early; bring exact USD change for VOA; double-check details to match passport; check visa status at evisa.gov.kh. For embassy visas, contact the nearest Cambodian embassy (e.g., Bangkok: +66 2 957 5850, Hanoi: +84 24 3942 4788).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($36 or 145,000 KHR if required), one passport photo (4x6 cm for VOA), USD cash ($30–$36 for VOA), passport photocopy, wallet ($5 or 20,000 KHR), tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits; lightweight scarf ($3 or 12,000 KHR); quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($5 or 20,000 KHR) for wet season; comfortable walking shoes ($15 or 60,000 KHR); hat ($5 or 20,000 KHR).
Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($4 or 16,000 KHR); snacks ($0.50–$2 or 2,000–8,000 KHR, e.g., amok); small backpack ($5 or 20,000 KHR); sunscreen ($3 or 12,000 KHR); insect repellent ($3 or 12,000 KHR).
Tech: Phone with translation apps (e.g., Google Translate); charger ($10–$15 or 40,000–60,000 KHR); local SIM ($3–$5 or 12,000–20,000 KHR); camera ($50 or 200,000 KHR) for photos.
Eco Items: Reusable tote ($3 or 12,000 KHR) for market purchases; phrase card ($2 or 8,000 KHR) with Khmer basics.
Extras: Small KHR notes for donations or purchases; small first aid kit ($5 or 20,000 KHR); umbrella ($5 or 20,000 KHR) for wet season; money belt ($5 or 20,000 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: $36 (145,000 KHR); extension: $45 (180,000 KHR) evisa.gov.kh.
E-Visa Costs: $36 (145,000 KHR); expedited processing: $10–$30 (40,000–120,000 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); Angkor Pass: $37–$72 (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).
Group Cultural Tours: $25–$40 (100,000–160,000 KHR, includes transport and entry).
Combo Cultural and Historical Tours: $40–$60 (160,000–240,000 KHR, includes entries).
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: $100–$250 (400,000–1,000,000 KHR, includes entries). Safety-Related Costs
Money Belt: $5 (20,000 KHR).
Local SIM for Emergency Calls: $3–$5 (12,000–20,000 KHR).
Travel Insurance (Recommended): $20–$50 (80,000–200,000 KHR). Other Costs
Local Snacks (e.g., amok, kuy teav): $0.50–$2 (2,000–8,000 KHR).
Souvenirs (e.g., silk, crafts): $1–$20 (4,000–80,000 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–$80 (group tour, purchases).
Luxury: $80–$120 (private tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $15–$120 for tours, visa costs, and transport; $0.50–$20 for purchases or add-ons; use e-visas to streamline airport entry.
Visa Tips: Check eligibility for visa on arrival (most nationalities) or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.kh; use embassy visas for restricted nationalities; bring USD cash ($30–$36) and a passport photo for VOA evisa.gov.kh.
Airport Visa Tips: Arrive at Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, or Sihanoukville with exact USD change for VOA or printed e-visa; complete customs forms on flight; arrive early (7:00 AM–11:00 AM) to avoid queues; expect 10–20 minute waits at visa counters tourismcambodia.com.
Etiquette: Use “sua sdei”; dress modestly for temples; respect airport 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: Airports operate 24/7; cultural sites open 7:00 AM–6:00 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 cities like Phnom Penh or Siem Reap.
Weather: Cool season (Nov–Feb, 20–30°C) ideal; wet season (Jun–Oct, 24–32°C) requires rain gear; check forecasts via accuweather.com.
Safety Note: Secure valuables with a money belt ($5 or 20,000 KHR); beware of pickpocketing in markets; carry emergency numbers (Police: 117, Tourist Police: +855 97 760 2001).
Who needs a visa to enter Cambodia by air? Most nationalities require a visa on arrival ($30–$36) or e-visa ($36), except restricted countries; check evisa.gov.kh tourismcambodia.com.
Which airports offer visa on arrival? Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville international airports tourismcambodia.com.
How much does a Cambodia visa cost at the airport? VOA: $30 (tourism) or $36 (business); e-visa: $36 evisa.gov.kh.
Can visas be extended at the airport? No, extensions ($45) are processed at the Immigration Department in Phnom Penh evisa.gov.kh.
What are the penalties for overstaying? Fines of $10/day (40,000 KHR/day); potential exit bans or detention travel.state.gov.
What documents are needed for visa stamping? Passport (6+ months validity), one photo (VOA), USD cash (VOA), or printed e-visa; customs form travel.state.gov.
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 Historical Trail ($100–$200/person, 2 days): Explore cultural sites with low-emission transport.
Cambodia Explorer ($200–$350/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 Stamping at Airport 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–$250, sustainable Cambodia Tours, and attractions like Angkor Wat and the Royal Palace, this trip offers adventure and sustainability for international travelers. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Cambodia Travel, apply for e-visas early via evisa.gov.kh or prepare USD cash for visa on arrival, and respect local customs for the best experience. Safe travels!
Sources:
tourismcambodia.com
evisa.gov.kh
travel.state.gov
culturetrip.com
nomadicmatt.com
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