# Cambodia Visa on Arrival at Phnom Penh Airport: Requirements and Process
The Cambodia visa on arrival is available at all major airports and select land border crossings for $30 USD (visa fee) plus a small processing charge. You will need one passport photo, a completed arrival form, and cash in US dollars.
What is the Visa on Arrival?
The visa on arrival (VoA) is Cambodia’s traditional visa option, available without prior application. Unlike the eVisa, you do not need to apply before traveling – simply arrive at the airport with the required documents and pay in cash.
- Cost: $30 USD visa fee + $5-10 for photo processing
- Validity: 30 days (single entry)
- Extension: Yes, at Phnom Penh immigration office
- Processing time: 15-30 minutes at the airport
Key features:
Requirements for Visa on Arrival
Prepare these items before arriving at the airport:
- Valid passport: Minimum 6 months validity from entry date, at least 1 blank page
- Passport photo: 1 recent passport-size photo (4x6cm, white background)
- Completed arrival form: Distributed on the plane or available at the airport
- Cash in USD: $30-40 in US dollars (exact change preferred)
- Return flight proof: May be requested by immigration
Step-by-Step Process at Phnom Penh International Airport
- Arrive at Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) – Follow signs to “Visa on Arrival”
- Fill out the arrival form – Available at the counter or distributed on your flight
- Submit documents – Hand your passport, photo, completed form, and $30 USD to the officer
- Wait for processing – Processing takes 15-30 minutes depending on queue length
- Collect your passport – Your passport will be returned with the visa stamp
- Proceed to immigration – Show your stamped passport at the immigration counter
- Collect luggage – Proceed to baggage claim and customs
Visa on Arrival at Other Entry Points
The visa on arrival is also available at:
- Siem Reap International Airport (REP) – Gateway to Angkor Wat
- Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS) – Beach destinations
- Land borders: Poipet, Bavet, Cham Yeam, Tropaeng Kreal, and others
Note: The eVisa is accepted at 3 airports and 8 land borders. For a full comparison, see our eVisa vs visa on arrival guide.
Tips for Visa on Arrival
- Bring USD cash: The fee is in US dollars; Cambodian riel and credit cards are generally not accepted
- Carry a spare photo: If you don’t have a photo, photo services are available at the airport for $5-10
- Have exact change: Officers may not have change for large bills
- Complete the form on the plane: Fill out the arrival form during your flight to save time
- Avoid peak hours: Multiple flights arriving simultaneously can create long queues
Visa on Arrival vs eVisa
| Feature | Visa on Arrival | eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $30 + $5-10 processing | $36 + $6 processing ($42 total) |
| Pre-application | None required | Apply 3+ days before travel |
| Queue at arrival | Standard immigration queue | Dedicated eVisa lane (faster) |
| Documents at airport | Photo + passport + cash + form | Printed eVisa + passport |
| Best for | Spontaneous travel, last-minute | Planned trips, avoiding queues |
For detailed guidance on choosing between options, read our comprehensive comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a visa on arrival without a photo?
Photo services are available at the airport for $5-10. However, bringing your own photo saves time and money.
Do I need exact change in USD?
While exact change ($30) is preferred, officers can typically make change. However, large bills ($100) may cause delays. Bring smaller denominations ($10, $20 bills).
How long does the visa on arrival take?
Typically 15-30 minutes, but can take 45-60 minutes during peak hours when multiple flights arrive simultaneously.
Can I extend a visa on arrival?
Yes, visa on arrival extensions work the same as eVisa extensions. Visit the immigration office in Phnom Penh for a 30-day extension at $45 USD.
Is the visa on arrival available 24/7?
Visa on arrival counters are staffed during flight arrival hours. For late-night arrivals, service is available but may be slower.
Which nationalities cannot get a visa on arrival?
Nationalities requiring AIP letters may also face restrictions on visa on arrival. Check eligibility by nationality for specific requirements.
Practical Tips from Our Experience
- Print your return ticket: Having a printed return flight booking can speed up the process
- Small USD bills: Carry $1, $5, $10, and $20 denominations for smooth transactions
- Arrive prepared: Complete the arrival form on the plane before landing
- Consider the eVisa: For planned trips, the eVisa avoids airport queues and last-minute stress
- No passport photos needed: With an eVisa, you only need your printed visa and passport at immigration
Official Sources
The evisacambodia.info editorial team regularly verifies visa on arrival procedures at Cambodian airports. Information is based on official guidelines and recent traveler experiences. Last updated: July 2026.
