Cambodia Visa for US Citizens

Overview

US citizens require a visa to enter Cambodia for any purpose. There is no visa exemption or visa-free arrangement between the United States and Cambodia. The good news is that obtaining a visa is straightforward, with multiple convenient options available.

Most American tourists choose either the e-Visa (applied online before travel) or Visa on Arrival (obtained at the airport or land border). Both options provide a 30-day Tourist Visa (T-class) for the same purpose but differ in convenience and processing.

Visa Options for US Citizens

E-Visa Process

The Cambodia e-Visa is the most convenient option for US citizens. Apply online and receive your visa via email within 3 business days.

Step-by-Step Application

1. Visit the official website: evisa.gov.kh
2. Click "Apply Now" and fill in personal details
3. Upload a passport-style photo (JPEG, 4x6cm)
4. Upload a scan of your passport bio page
5. Pay $36 USD via credit/debit card
6. Receive confirmation email with application number
7. Wait 3 business days for approval email
8. Print the e-Visa approval letter (2 copies recommended)

E-Visa Entry Points

E-Visas are accepted at:

• Airports: Phnom Penh (PNH), Siem Reap (REP), Sihanoukville (KOS)
• Land borders: Bavet (Vietnam), Poi Pet (Thailand), Cham Yeam (Thailand)

Not all land borders accept e-Visas. If entering via a minor crossing, get visa on arrival or apply at an embassy.

Visa on Arrival

US citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at all international airports and most land borders. This is ideal for spontaneous travel but requires waiting in queue.

What You Need

• US passport valid for 6+ months beyond entry date
• One passport photo (4x6cm, white background)
• $30 USD cash (exact amount preferred, crisp bills)
• Completed arrival card (provided on flight or at border)

Process at the Airport

1. After landing, follow signs to "Visa on Arrival"
2. Complete the application form (available at counter)
3. Submit passport, photo, form, and $30 cash
4. Wait for your name to be called (15-45 minutes)
5. Collect passport with visa sticker
6. Proceed to immigration for entry stamp

Requirements for US Citizens

Passport Requirements

• Valid US passport with 6+ months validity beyond entry
• At least one blank page for visa sticker
• Good condition (no water damage, torn pages)

Photo Requirements

• Size: 4x6 cm (roughly 1.5x2 inches)
• Recent photo (within 6 months)
• White or light background
• Face clearly visible, no glasses
• Neutral expression, mouth closed

Additional Documents

• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking) — rarely checked but recommended
• Return/onward ticket — airlines may require, immigration rarely checks
• Sufficient funds — no specific amount required, rarely verified

Visa Extensions

US citizens can extend their tourist visa once for an additional 30 days, allowing up to 60 days total stay.

Extension Process

• Cost: $45-50 USD through agents
• Processing: 3-5 business days
• Where: Travel agents in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap
• Required: Passport, passport photo, fee

Overstay Penalties

• $10 USD per day for first 30 days
• Increased fines after 30 days
• Possible detention and deportation for extended overstays
• Potential entry bans for serious violations

Tips for US Citizens

• Currency: USD is widely accepted in Cambodia. Bring clean, post-2006 bills.
• STEP Registration: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for embassy alerts.
• Embassy Contact: US Embassy Phnom Penh: +855 23 728 000
• Travel Insurance: Not required but strongly recommended. Ensure medical evacuation coverage.
• Multiple Entries: Standard tourist visas are single-entry. Exit and re-enter requires a new visa.
• Digital Copies: Keep photos of passport, visa, and important documents in cloud storage.

Embassy & Consular Services

Check your country's foreign affairs website for the nearest embassy or consular representative covering Cambodia. Several countries maintain embassies directly in Phnom Penh.

Getting to Cambodia from USA

There are no direct flights from most countries to Cambodia. Common connection points include Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, and various Middle Eastern hubs.

Key Airports in Cambodia

• Phnom Penh (PNH): Main international gateway
• Siem Reap (REP): Gateway to Angkor Wat
• Sihanoukville (KOS): Coastal resort area

Border Crossing Tips

Best Entry Points

• Phnom Penh Airport: Most international arrivals
• Siem Reap Airport: Best for Angkor Wat visits
• Poi Pet (Thai border): Popular overland crossing from Bangkok
• Bavet (Vietnam border): Common crossing from Ho Chi Minh City

E-Visa vs Visa on Arrival

The e-Visa ($36) is recommended over visa on arrival ($30) as it saves time at immigration. E-Visa is accepted at all airports and major land borders.

Practical Tips

• Bring clean, post-2006 US Dollar bills
• Have a passport photo (4x6cm) ready for VOA
• Print e-Visa approval in two copies

Health & Insurance

Recommended Vaccinations

• Routine: Hepatitis A, Typhoid (strongly recommended)
• Recommended: Hepatitis B, Tetanus-Diphtheria booster
• Consider: Japanese Encephalitis (rural areas), Rabies (extended stays)
• Malaria: Prophylaxis for remote border regions; not needed in main tourist areas

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential. Local healthcare is limited outside Phnom Penh.

• Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore
• Hospital quality varies significantly — Royal Phnom Penh Hospital offers Western-standard care

Healthcare

No reciprocal healthcare agreements exist with Cambodia. All medical costs are out-of-pocket or through private insurance.