When you’re planning a trip to Cambodia, navigating visa rules can feel overwhelming. In this guide, you’ll discover every visa option, up-to-date requirements, recent e-Arrival Card rules, fee details, extension procedures, exemptions for ASEAN nationals and U.S. visitors, plus tips on avoiding fines or delays.

Understanding Cambodia’s Visa Options

Cambodia offers several entry visas, each suited to different needs.

• E-Visa (Tourist T)
• Sticker Visa (Ordinary E) via embassy
• Visa on Arrival at airports and land crossings

E-Visa vs. Sticker Visa

With an e-Visa, you apply entirely online at the official portal and receive a PDF. It costs USD 36, takes around 3 business days to process, is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, and permits a 30-day stay in Cambodia (extendable locally) according to the official e-Visa FAQ (opens in a new tab).
A sticker visa requires you to mail your passport to a Cambodian embassy or consulate. It carries the same validity—90 days from issue and a 30-day initial stay—but is physically affixed to your passport by consular staff, as detailed on the Royal Embassy of Cambodia’s visa services page (opens in a new tab).

Step-by-Step Application Process

Follow these steps to secure your tourist visa smoothly:

1. Gather documents: passport scan (valid ≥ 6 months beyond date of entry), digital photo, email address, payment method.
2. Choose your channel:
   • Official e-Visa portal (opens in a new tab)
   • Approved visa agent (iVisa offers rush options—see their Cambodia tourist e-Visa page (opens in a new tab))
   • Embassy drop-off (U.S. residents must include proof of U.S. residency such as a utility bill or valid green card—see U.S. Embassy in Cambodia guidance (opens in a new tab)).
3. Submit application:
   • E-Visa: complete the online form, upload documents, pay USD 36.
   • Sticker Visa: complete the embassy form, include fees (typically USD 30–40) and mail with your passport.
4. Receive visa:
   • E-Visa: PDF approval letter by email (print and present upon arrival).
   • Sticker Visa: passport returned by courier or available for pickup.

“Submitting my e-Visa online was seamless—within 72 hours I had my approval letter.” – Travel blogger Jeff Lee

Timing Your Application

Submit no more than two months before your planned arrival. Applications submitted too early may expire before travel or encounter processing delays, according to the e-Visa portal’s timeline advice (opens in a new tab).

New Electronic e-Arrival Card Requirement

Starting September 2024, all air travelers to Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, or Sihanoukville must complete a free e-Arrival Card up to 7 days before landing. This digital form collects health and flight details and is separate from your visa; you’ll present a QR code at immigration, as reported by the Phnom Penh Post (opens in a new tab).

Visa Exemptions and Special Programs

ASEAN Nationals

Citizens of Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei, and Myanmar enjoy visa-free entry for short stays—typically up to 14 or 30 days—under Cambodia’s visa policy for ASEAN states (opens in a new tab).

U.S. Fast-Track Visa Service

U.S. passport holders located in Washington, D.C., can obtain a same-day sticker visa at the Royal Embassy of Cambodia every Wednesday without additional expediting fees, as noted by the embassy’s official service schedule (opens in a new tab).

Extending Your Stay and Overstay Penalties

Once in Cambodia, you can extend a 30-day tourist visa by an additional 30 days at the Immigration Office in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap—details are available on the e-Arrival Card service notice (opens in a new tab) alongside extension procedures.

Overstaying carries steep penalties:
– USD 10 per day for the first 30 days
– No official upper limit beyond 30 days—exit immediately to settle fines in cash
– Risk of detention or deportation if you linger too long

Departure Formalities and Common Pitfalls

When you land, you’ll receive a departure form—keep it safe. Losing it means you must contact immigration before departure to arrange a replacement (see the Phnom Penh Post briefing (opens in a new tab)).

To avoid scams:
– Apply only on official sites (e-Visa portal | Royal Embassy of Cambodia)
– Beware agents asking for extra “processing fees” beyond standard charges

Ready to Go?

You now know how to choose the right visa, complete applications, meet new e-Arrival Card rules, extend your stay, and avoid fines. With your paperwork in order, you’re set to explore Angkor Wat, cruise the Tonle Sap, and dive into Cambodia’s rich culture—stress-free.