If you are a European national, you will need a visa before visiting Cambodia. There are several types of visa to choose from, depending on your objectives for your stay. It must be said that this South East Asian country is a land of discovery. Also, it should be noted that for tourist visas, the procedures differ significantly. Speaking of methods of obtaining the precious sesame, there is the application of the visa on arrival in Cambodia. However, there are requirements to be met in order to obtain the document. To prepare you, here are the points of vigilance for your Cambodia visa on arrival at the airport
Cambodia visa on arrival at the airport: Key points
- It is possible to obtain a visa on arrival at the airport in Cambodia.
- The price of a visa on arrival in Cambodia is around €30.
- There are special visa desks at Cambodian airports.
- It is also possible to apply for a visa at Cambodia's border posts.
- The Cambodia visa on arrival is not guaranteed, so it is best to apply for one online before departure.
→ eVisa Cambodia before departure ←
Choosing the right places to obtain a Cambodian visa on arrival
It is indeed possible to obtain a Cambodia visa on arrival in the country. It is true that this method is not the best recommendation, but it can be considered when you have not been able to prepare yourself properly before the trip. However, you will need to choose the right address to get the precious travel document on arrival. You can choose between the airport and the land border crossing.
Applying for a visa on arrival at the airport
In Cambodia, you can apply for a visa as soon as you leave the airport. The reference addresses are : Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. This method of applying for a Cambodian visa is efficient, but you should be aware of the long queues. The opening hours are not to be neglected as well as your arrival time.
The risk with this method of obtaining a Cambodia Visa is that you may spend a night at the airport. This will be the case when there is a long queue or when your arrival time does not correspond to the opening hours. You will need the document for all your travels in the country.
The other requirement for this method of applying for a Cambodia visa is that you should have a return ticket. Some airlines do not allow travellers to board without a visa unless they have a return ticket.
Making an application at a land border crossing
You can also apply for a Cambodia visa at a land border crossing. However, this method of application is not really recommended as it involves additional fees. In any case, it is recommended to travel to Cambodia with your visa already obtained. This will make it easier for you in many ways.
Visa on arrival requirements
To apply for a Cambodia visa at the airport, it is important to meet certain requirements. One of the requirements is that you must have a passport. Of course, the document must be valid and contain at least 3 blank pages. This is essential so that we can put the physical visa on arrival.
As for the period of validity, the passport must be valid for at least 6 months. This date must be counted from the date of entry into the country. An identity photo must also be provided. If you don't come with a photo on arrival, you can take one on the spot. However, there is an additional fee for this service.
As a condition, you should also expect to pay a fee for your visa on arrival. When you apply for your Cambodia visa at the airport, you will have to pay $30. When you apply at a land border crossing, the same amount will be required. However, there are some additional fees to consider. This is the ideal condition for the travel document to be issued.
→ eVisa Cambodia before departure ←
Duration of validity of the visa
You can choose between several types of tourist visas to visit Cambodia. This document is valid for a maximum of 30 days. After this period, you have the possibility to renew the visa. All you need to do is to go to the Department for Foreigners of the Ministry of Interior in Phnom Penh.
In order to renew the document, the fee is $45. Even with this extra time, it is imperative to leave Cambodia before the visa expires. If not, arrangements must be made for your return. If not, you will have to pay a penalty fee. This is $10 for each additional day of delay.
The e-visa solution for Cambodia
You have the option of obtaining a Cambodia visa on arrival. This is a free option, but it has some limitations. The limitations of this method of applying for a visa include the complexity of the process, its slowness and the risk of refusal.
To limit these risks, it is advisable to apply for a visa online. This way you can save yourself several hours of waiting time with a quality service.
The online application procedure involves filling in an application form. In addition to this document, you will need to provide the necessary verification documents. These include a photocopy of your passport, a passport-size photograph and the application fee. This fee is payable by bank transfer, credit/debit card, MasterCard and several other means of payment.
After submitting your request, you will have to wait a few days to finally get the document in PDF format in your mailbox. The waiting time can be 4 or 5 days, depending on the conditions. When the evaluation time of your application falls on a public holiday, you will have to wait longer to get the document. So for your Cambodia visa application, you will benefit from starting the process early. Ideally, you should do so more than 30 days before your intended travel time to Cambodia.
These are the arrangements for obtaining your Cambodia visa on arrival, at the airport. This is an option, but not always advisable.
→ eVisa Cambodia before departure ←
Adeline HARMANT
As a web writer and globetrotter with a passion for travel and tourism, I have acquired in-depth knowledge of the procedures that are essential for travellers. I help travellers to complete all the formalities required for a successful trip, particularly when it comes to obtaining a visa online. With several years' experience in this field, I'd like to offer you some valuable advice to help you discover the world with complete peace of mind.