Visa Options for Cambodia

# Cambodia Travel Guide: Visa, Entry Requirements, and Practical Tips

Cambodia welcomes millions of visitors each year with its ancient temples, vibrant cities, and tropical beaches. This guide covers visa options, entry requirements, best time to visit, health precautions, and practical travel tips.

All foreign visitors (except ASEAN nationals) need a visa. Choose the best option for your trip:

eVisa – Apply online at evisa.gov.kh ($42 USD). Best for planned trips. 3-day processing. Accepted at 3 airports and 8 land borders.
Visa on Arrival – Get it at the airport ($30-40 USD). Best for spontaneous travel. No pre-application needed.
Embassy Visa – Apply at a Cambodian embassy ($50-80 USD). Best for long-term or multiple-entry visas.

For most short-term visitors, the eVisa is the recommended option. It offers pre-approval, faster immigration, and no need to carry photos or cash at the airport. Compare your options in our eVisa vs visa on arrival guide.

Entry Requirements

To enter Cambodia, you need:

Valid passport: Minimum 6 months validity from entry date, at least 1 blank page
Valid visa: eVisa (printed), visa on arrival, or embassy visa
e-Arrival card: Mandatory digital form submitted online before arrival
Return/onward ticket: May be requested by immigration

Best Time to Visit

Cambodia has two main seasons:

Season	Months	Weather	Crowds
Dry season	November – April	Hot and dry, 25-35°C	Peak (Nov-Feb)
Wet season	May – October	Hot, afternoon showers, 24-32°C	Fewer tourists

Best months: November to February offer the best weather with comfortable temperatures and low humidity. March and April are the hottest months (35°C+).

Top Destinations

Angkor Wat (Siem Reap): UNESCO World Heritage Site – the world’s largest religious monument. Allow 2-3 days minimum to explore the temple complex.
Phnom Penh: The capital city with the Royal Palace, National Museum, and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.
Sihanoukville: Beach resort town and gateway to Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem islands.
Battambang: Colonial architecture, bamboo train, and countryside cycling.
Kampot: Riverside town known for pepper farms and Bokor National Park.
Koh Ker: Remote jungle temples with fewer crowds than Angkor.

Practical Travel Tips

Money and Currency

US dollars and Cambodian riel are both accepted (1 USD ≈ 4,100 KHR)
ATMs dispense USD; major cities accept credit cards
Carry small USD bills ($1, $5, $10, $20)
Tipping is appreciated but not expected (5-10% at restaurants)

Transportation

Tuk-tuks: $1-5 for short trips in cities; negotiate before riding
Grab app: Southeast Asia’s Uber – available in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap
Domestic flights: Cambodia Angkor Air connects Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville
Buses: Budget-friendly intercity travel ($8-15 between major cities)
International Driving Permit: Required for car/motorbike rental

Health and Safety

Vaccinations: Hepatitis A, B, Typhoid, and Tetanus recommended; Yellow Fever certificate required if arriving from endemic areas
Malaria: Risk in rural areas; take prophylaxis for countryside travel
Tap water: Not safe to drink; bottled water is widely available ($0.25-0.50)
Hospitals: Limited facilities; evacuation insurance recommended
Petty crime: Bag snatching and pickpocketing in tourist areas

Communication

SIM cards: Available at the airport ($5-10 for 7-30 days with data)
Providers: Smart, Cellcard, Metfone
WiFi: Available in most hotels, restaurants, and cafes
Language: Khmer is the official language; English is widely spoken in tourist areas

Cambodia Travel Costs

Budget travelers can experience Cambodia for $30-50/day:

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Accommodation	$5-15/night	$25-60/night	$100-300+/night
Food	$3-8/day	$10-25/day	$30-80/day
Transport	$5-10/day	$15-30/day	$40-100/day
Angkor Wat pass	$37 (1 day)	$62 (3 days)	$72 (7 days)

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do I need in Cambodia?

A minimum of 5-7 days is recommended: 3 days for Angkor Wat, 2 days for Phnom Penh, and 1-2 days for a beach or countryside destination. Two weeks allows a thorough exploration.

Is Cambodia safe for solo travelers?

Yes, Cambodia is generally safe for solo travelers. Exercise normal precautions: avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, keep valuables secure, and use registered transportation.

Can I use my credit card in Cambodia?

Credit cards are accepted at hotels, upscale restaurants, and shops in major cities. Cash (USD or KHR) is essential for markets, street food, tuk-tuks, and rural areas.

Do I need a visa to visit Cambodia from Thailand?

Yes, most nationalities need a visa even when entering from Thailand. The eVisa is accepted at land borders like Poipet. See our eligibility guide for your nationality.

What plug adapter do I need for Cambodia?

Cambodia uses Type A, C, and G outlets (same as US, European, and UK types). Voltage is 230V. A universal adapter is recommended. US plugs (Type A) work in most Cambodian outlets.

Is tipping expected in Cambodia?

Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. Round up tuk-tuk fares, tip $1-2 for good restaurant service, and tip guides $5-10 per day. At temples, small donations are customary.

Practical Tips from Our Experience

Get the eVisa: Apply for the eVisa before departure for a smoother arrival experience
Complete the e-Arrival card: Submit the e-Arrival card at least 72 hours before your flight
Carry USD cash: Small denominations are essential for everyday transactions
Dress modestly at temples: Cover shoulders and knees when visiting Angkor Wat and other religious sites
Bargain respectfully: Negotiate at markets but keep it friendly – a smile goes a long way in Cambodia

Official Sources

The evisacambodia.info editorial team combines visa expertise with practical travel knowledge for Cambodia visitors. Travel information is verified against official tourism sources. Last updated: July 2026.