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Visas are available at overseas Cambodian embassies
and on arrival at all international airports and most international
border crossing checkpoints.
A passport with at least four month validity is required. A visa
is required for most nationalities. (Philippine and Malaysian
nationals do not require tourist visas for a stay up to 21 and
30 days respectively. Singaporean nationality is also exempt from
the usual visa requirement.) No special permits are required.
One-month tourist visa (Type ‘T’): US$20. Business visa (Type
‘E’): US$25. Diplomatic, Official, Courtesy, and Special (Cambodian)
visas are issued free of charge. One 4x6 photo is required. Visa
prices are often higher at Thai overland crossings.
Tourist visas can be extended for one month, but only one time.
Business visas can be renewed indefinitely. Renew visas through
a travel agent or the ‘Department for Foreigners’ on Confederation
de Russie (‘Airport Road’), located opposite Phnom Penh International
Airport. Renew Diplomatic, Courtesy and Official visas at the
Consular section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Recent News: The Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently
announced the 'e-visa' - visas available online through the Ministry's
website. Scan of passport and passport size photo required. Payment
by credit card. US$25 for a 30 day visa (three month validity.)
Processing time: 3 days. Issued by email and print from from your
computer. See the Ministry website at:
| Visas
at Overland Border Crossings |
Border crossing
with Laos: This is a semi-official crossing. Border policies are
not stable. Travelers report that Cambodian visas are available
at the border but Laotian visas are not available at the border.
Border crossings with Vietnam: Cambodian visas are available at
the Moc Bai/Bavet and 'Chau Doc' border crossings. Vietnamese
visas are not available at any overland border crossing.
Border crossings with Thailand: Cambodian visas and 30-day Thai
transit visas are available at all Thai/Cambodian border crossings.
Thai transit visas are free of charge. Other types of Thai visas
are not available. At the Poipet and Koh Kong crossings, Cambodian
immigration usually charges 1000 baht for a tourist visa and 1500
baht for a business visa. Unlike the rest of the country, they
usually refuse dollars. At current exchange rates, the price in
baht is significantly more expensive than the official prices
of $20 and $25. Some people have had some success paying the official
price in dollars by being politely insistent.
| Border
Crossing Scams/Annoyances |
Be prepared
for minor scams from the border guards at the overland border
crossings, especially at Koh Kong and Poipet.
Scam #1: Drivers and touts will insist that you need their help
to obtain a visa. This is not true. They want to charge an extra
fee. The visa process is easy, straightforward and do-it-yourself.
Scam #2: Immigration police may try to overcharge 100-300 baht
for the visa, or charge 100 baht for the normally free exit/entry
stamp. Try asking for a receipt.
Scam #3: Some Khao San Road based companies sell bus tickets promising
transport from Bangkok to Siem Reap via Poipet. But instead the
bus goes through the much more isolated Pailin crossing where
passengers are subjected to more scams (overpriced visas, extra
charges for transportation, change to inferior transportation,
etc.) and have little recourse due to the isolation of the crossing.
When dealing with officials, there is usually room for polite
explanations and bargaining. One sometimes-successful approach
is to smile, say "no, thank you", smile some more, perhaps
act like you don't understand and walk away. This technique may
or may not work but it has a greater likelihood of success than
simply refusing to do what they are asking or, even worse, becoming
argumentative or showing anger.
None are
required but some may be advisable.
Travel physicians often recommend some or all of the following
vaccinations and prophylactics. This list was compiled from magazine
articles about travel in Cambodia. IT IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE. Consult
your physician and other travelers to determine which if any of
the vaccinations you should receive.
Hepatitis A - A food borne disease, not uncommon in Cambodia.
Vaccination: Injection series.
Hepatitis B - Transmitted primarily by sexual contact, shared
needles and contaminated blood. Prevalent in Cambodia.
Vaccination: Injection series.
Typhoid - A food borne disease, not uncommon in Cambodia.
Vaccination: Injection or pill series.
Japanese Encephalitis - A mosquito borne disease. Limited to parts
of Cambodia.
Vaccination: Injection series.
Cholera - A food/water borne disease. Occasional outbreaks in
some parts of Cambodia.
Vaccination: Injection.
Rabies - A bodily fluid borne disease. Present in Cambodia. Generally
limited to certain professions.
Vaccination: Injection series.
Malaria - A mosquito borne disease. Prevalent in some parts of
Cambodia.
Vaccination: None. Prophylactic pills and/or good mosquito prevention
habits.
| Other
diseases of concern |
AIDS/HIV
- A bodily fluid borne disease. Prevalent in Cambodia, particularly
amongst commercial sex workers. Avoid blood products except in
emergencies. Practice safe sex.
Dengue Fever - A mosquito borne disease. Prevalent in some parts
of Cambodia, particularly at certain times of year. No vaccination
or prophylactic available. Practice good mosquito bite prevention
habits.
Worms - A food borne parasite. Eat at reputable restaurants. Practice
good hygiene. Beware of street food. Beware of undercooked meat.
Giardia, Salmonella - Food/water borne diseases. Eat at reputable
restaurants. Practice good hygiene. Beware of street food.
Visa
Application
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Customs
Declaration
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Arrival/Departure
Card
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