The Cambodia eVisa is an official electronic travel authorization issued by the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. It allows eligible travelers to apply for a tourist visa entirely online, eliminating the need to visit an embassy or queue at the airport. This guide covers everything you need to know before applying.
What Is the Cambodia eVisa?
The Cambodia eVisa (electronic visa) is a single-entry tourist visa that grants travelers permission to enter Cambodia for tourism purposes. Launched to streamline the visa process, the eVisa system lets applicants submit their information, upload a passport-style photo, and pay the fee online. Once approved, the eVisa is delivered as a PDF document that you print and present at your chosen port of entry.
The eVisa is officially recognized by the Royal Government of Cambodia and accepted at all major international airports and select land border crossings. It is not a work visa or business visa – it is strictly for tourism and short visits.
Cambodia eVisa at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Tourist (Type-T) |
| Entry Type | Single entry |
| Validity | 3 months from date of issue |
| Length of Stay | 30 days (extendable) |
| Visa Fee | USD 30 |
| Processing Fee | USD 6 |
| Total Cost | USD 36 |
| Processing Time | 3 business days (typical) |
| Application Method | 100% online at evisa.gov.kh |
Who Needs a Cambodia eVisa?
Citizens of most countries need a visa to enter Cambodia. Only nationals of ASEAN member states (such as Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Myanmar, and Brunei) are exempt from visa requirements for short stays of 14 to 30 days, depending on nationality.
For everyone else – including travelers from the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Australia, Canada, India, and China – a visa is required. You have two main options: apply for the eVisa online before departure, or obtain a visa on arrival at the airport or land border. Both options grant the same 30-day tourist visa.
If you are unsure whether your nationality qualifies, check the full eligibility list on the official eVisa portal at evisa.gov.kh. Over 200 nationalities are eligible for the eVisa.
How to Apply for a Cambodia eVisa
The application process is straightforward and takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. Here is a step-by-step overview:
- Visit the official portal at evisa.gov.kh
- Create an account with your email address
- Fill in personal details (full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number)
- Upload a recent passport-style photo (JPEG or PNG, white background)
- Upload a scan of your passport information page
- Select your intended port of entry
- Pay the USD 36 fee by credit card or debit card
- Wait for approval (typically 3 business days)
- Download and print your eVisa PDF
For a detailed walkthrough with screenshots, see our step-by-step application process guide.
Required Documents
You will need the following to complete your application:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
- A recent digital passport photo (4×6 cm, white background)
- A credit or debit card for payment
- A working email address
For the full list of document specifications, visit our requirements and documents page.
Cambodia eVisa vs Visa on Arrival
Both the eVisa and the visa on arrival grant the same 30-day tourist visa at the same USD 30 price. However, there are practical differences worth considering:
The eVisa saves time at the border. With a pre-approved eVisa, you skip the visa-on-arrival counter and proceed directly to immigration. This can save 30 to 60 minutes during peak travel periods when queues are long.
The visa on arrival requires a passport photo and cash payment (USD 30 plus any unofficial “processing fees” that some border agents may request). The eVisa avoids these potential hassles entirely.
However, the visa on arrival is available at all entry points, while the eVisa is only accepted at select locations. For a full comparison, read our detailed article on eVisa vs visa on arrival.
Entry Points That Accept eVisa
The Cambodia eVisa is accepted at the following ports of entry:
Airports:
- Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH)
- Siem Reap International Airport (REP)
- Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS)
Land Border Crossings:
- Bavet (Cambodia-Vietnam border)
- Poipet (Cambodia-Thailand border)
- Cham Yeam (Cambodia-Thailand border, near Koh Kong)
- Tropaeng Kreal (Cambodia-Laos border, Stung Treng)
If you plan to enter Cambodia through a smaller or less common border crossing, the visa on arrival may be your only option. Always verify the latest list of accepted entry points before traveling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants frequently run into issues that delay or derail their eVisa approval. Here are the most common pitfalls:
Passport validity less than 6 months. Cambodia requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended arrival date. Applications with shorter validity are rejected.
Incorrect photo format. The photo must be a recent passport-style image with a white background. Selfies, cropped group photos, or images with hats and sunglasses will cause rejection.
Wrong port of entry. You must select your actual port of entry when applying. If your travel plans change, you may need to reapply.
Applying too late. While processing typically takes 3 business days, it can take longer during holidays or peak seasons. Apply at least 2 weeks before departure.
Not printing the eVisa. You must present a printed copy of your approved eVisa at the border. Digital copies on your phone may not be accepted at all checkpoints.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Cambodia eVisa valid?
The eVisa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue. You must enter Cambodia within this validity window. Once entered, you can stay for up to 30 days.
Can I extend my eVisa in Cambodia?
Yes, you can extend your tourist visa for an additional 30 days by visiting the immigration office in Phnom Penh. The extension fee is approximately USD 45.
Is the eVisa accepted at all border crossings?
No. The eVisa is accepted at major airports and select land border crossings only. Check the official list at evisa.gov.kh before traveling to ensure your entry point accepts eVisa.
What if my eVisa application is rejected?
If your application is rejected, you can reapply with corrected information or opt for a visa on arrival at the airport. Common rejection reasons include incorrect photo format or insufficient passport validity.
Do children need a separate eVisa?
Yes. Every traveler, including children and infants, must have their own eVisa and passport. There are no exemptions based on age.
What is the difference between eVisa and eArrival?
The eVisa is your visa authorization to enter Cambodia. The eArrival card is a separate digital form that replaces the paper arrival/departure card. Both are required for entry. Learn more about the [eArrival card](/earrival-card/).
Next Steps
Now that you understand the basics, explore our detailed guides for specific topics:
