Tourist visa for Cambodia

In 3 bullets

• 30 USD, valid 30 days, single entry — the most common visa to discover Cambodia.
• Available as a VOA at the airport or as an e-Visa before departure.
• Extendable once for an additional 30 days (≈ 45 USD); beyond that you must exit and re-enter.

Eligibility

The tourist visa (category T) is open to almost all nationalities, including France and the wider Francophonie. You need:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months after entry into Cambodia.
• At least one blank page in the passport for the stamp.
• A passport-format ID photo (except for e-Visa, which requires a digital one).
• A return or onward ticket (rarely checked in practice but legally required).

Cost and duration

• Initial visa: 30 USD (e-Visa) — a few dollars more if paid as VOA depending on the counter.
• Duration: 30 days from the stamped date of entry.
• Extension: ≈ 45 USD for an additional 30 days, to be requested at an immigration office before expiry.
• Overstay: 10 USD per day overdue at the time of exit. Avoid — can lead to passport confiscation.

The full list of Cambodia visas summarises typical annual costs.

How to obtain the visa

Three channels are available:

1. e-Visa (recommended)

Online request at evisa.gov.kh. Procedure:

1. Complete the online form (scanned passport, digital photo).
2. Pay 30 USD by card.
3. Receive the visa PDF by email within 3 business days.
4. Print 2 copies and present them on arrival.

The e-Visa is valid only for entry through certain points (main airports, busiest land borders). Check the up-to-date list before booking an unusual route.

2. Visa on arrival (VOA)

Available at all international airports (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville) and at the main land border crossings (Bavet/Vietnam, Poipet/Thailand). Procedure:

1. Fill out a paper form on the plane or on arrival.
2. Present passport + 1 photo + 30 USD at the immigration counter.
3. Stamp issued on the spot, 5-15 minutes depending on the queue.

3. Embassy

Possible at Cambodian embassies abroad. Longer, more expensive, of little interest except in special cases.

Required documents

• Passport (≥ 6 months validity, 1 blank page).
• 1 passport photo (paper for VOA, digital for e-Visa).
• 30 USD.
• An address in Cambodia (hotel or accommodation).

30-day extension

To be requested at an immigration office before expiry of the initial 30 days. In Phnom Penh, the central office is near the airport. Documents:

• Passport with current tourist visa.
• 1 ID photo.
• ≈ 45 USD (confirm with the office).
• Form filled out on the spot.

Processing takes 3 to 7 days. Most expats go through an agent (≈ 30 USD service fee on top) to avoid travelling. This extension is one-off: beyond that, you must exit and re-enter.

Common pitfalls

FAQ

Does the tourist visa allow me to work?

No. To carry out paid work, you need a Business (EB) visa + a work permit. Working on a tourist visa exposes you to a fine and to deportation.

How many tourist visas can I have consecutively?

In theory there is no official limit, but repeated entry-exit on tourist visas eventually raises immigration suspicions. Beyond 2-3 cycles, switch to a long-stay visa.

Do children pay full price?

Yes, the Cambodian tourist visa has no official child discount. Each family member pays 30 USD.

Can I enter with an e-Visa printed on my phone?

Officially, the e-Visa must be printed. In practice, officers often accept an on-screen version, but do not rely on it — print 2 copies (one in carry-on, one in checked luggage).

What to do in case of unintentional overstay?

Pay the penalty (10 USD/day) at the time of exit, at the airport or border post. For long overstays, go to the General Department of Immigration in Phnom Penh to regularise before attempting to exit — it is more reassuring and the exit stamp is guaranteed.