Choose the best visa option for your Cambodia travel
When planning your trip to Cambodia, one of the first decisions you'll make is how to obtain your visa. Cambodia offers two convenient options for most travelers: the eVisa (electronic visa applied for online) and the Visa on Arrival (obtained at the airport or border crossing upon entry). Both options serve the same purpose—allowing you to enter Cambodia for tourism or business—but they differ significantly in their application process, convenience, and cost.
Understanding the differences between these two visa types will help you make an informed decision based on your travel plans, timeline, and personal preferences. This comprehensive comparison covers everything from application procedures to costs, processing times, and entry points.
At a glance comparison of both visa options
| Feature | Cambodia eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Application Method | Online before travel | At airport/border upon arrival |
| Processing Time | 3 business days (standard) | Immediate (10-20 minutes) |
| Cost | $30 USD (Tourist) / $35 USD (Business) | $30 USD (Tourist) / $35 USD (Business) |
| Validity Period | 90 days from issue | N/A (issued upon arrival) |
| Length of Stay | 30 days maximum | 30 days maximum |
| Entry Type | Single entry | Single entry |
| Photo Required | Digital photo (uploaded online) | Passport photo (may be taken on-site) |
| Payment Method | Credit/debit card online | Cash (USD) or card at border |
| Queue Time | Skip visa line at immigration | May involve waiting in line |
The Cambodia eVisa is an electronic travel authorization that you apply for completely online before your trip. The application process is designed to be straightforward and convenient, allowing you to obtain your visa from anywhere in the world without visiting an embassy or consulate.
The eVisa application process involves several simple steps:
The eVisa process is entirely digital and remote:
Timeline: Apply at least 3-5 business days before your intended travel date to ensure timely processing. Urgent processing may be available for last-minute travelers.
Best for: Travelers who prefer to handle visa matters in advance, those with internet access, and visitors entering through major airports.
The Visa on Arrival is obtained in person upon entry:
Timeline: Immediate processing upon arrival, though queue times can vary significantly depending on the number of arriving passengers and time of day.
Best for: Last-minute travelers, those entering through remote border crossings not accepting eVisa, and travelers who prefer in-person transactions.
As of January 2025, Cambodia has reduced visa fees to encourage tourism. Both the eVisa and Visa on Arrival have similar base costs, though there are some differences to consider.
The eVisa fees are transparent and paid online:
The Visa on Arrival has comparable official fees:
While the base fees are similar, there are potential additional costs:
The eVisa is accepted at select entry points:
Important: The eVisa is not valid at all border crossings. Verify your entry point before applying.
Visa on Arrival is available at more locations:
Advantage: Available at virtually all official entry points, including smaller border crossings not accepting eVisas.
Note: Some nationalities are not eligible for Visa on Arrival and must obtain a visa in advance from an embassy.
Scenarios for each visa type
The standard eVisa processing time is 3 business days, though applications can sometimes be approved faster. Here's what to expect:
Tips for faster processing:
Visa on Arrival is processed immediately upon arrival:
Factors affecting wait time:
Most foreign nationals can use either the eVisa or Visa on Arrival, but there are some important restrictions to be aware of.
Citizens from over 190 countries are eligible to apply for a Cambodia eVisa. This includes travelers from:
For the complete list of eligible countries, visit our eligible countries page.
Visa on Arrival is available to most nationalities, with some important exceptions. The following nationalities are NOT eligible for Visa on Arrival and must obtain a visa in advance:
Some ASEAN countries enjoy visa-free access to Cambodia for short stays:
| Document | eVisa Requirements | Visa on Arrival Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | Digital scan of bio page; 6+ months validity | Original passport; 6+ months validity; blank pages |
| Photo | Digital upload; recent passport-style; white background | Physical photo (may be taken on-site for $2-3) |
| Application Form | Complete online before travel | Fill at border (paper form) |
| Payment | Credit/debit card (online) | Cash USD (preferred) or card |
| Email Address | Required (to receive eVisa) | Not required |
Both visa types require a passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of entry. Learn more about passport requirements.
If you already have a valid Cambodia eVisa, there's no need to get a Visa on Arrival. Simply present your printed eVisa at immigration. However, if your eVisa has expired or you lose it and can't access a copy, you can apply for a Visa on Arrival at eligible entry points.
The eVisa is typically faster at immigration because you skip the visa application queue entirely. With an eVisa, you proceed directly to immigration with your printed document, while Visa on Arrival applicants must first queue to submit their application and payment before joining the immigration line.
Yes, both the eVisa and Visa on Arrival can be extended once you're in Cambodia. Tourist visas can typically be extended once for an additional 30 days at the Cambodia Immigration Department in Phnom Penh. Business visas offer more flexible extension options ranging from 1 to 12 months.
If your eVisa application is rejected, you will typically receive a notification explaining the reason. The visa fee is generally non-refundable. However, you can still enter Cambodia by obtaining a Visa on Arrival at the airport or an eligible border crossing. Make sure to review common rejection reasons to avoid issues.
Both options are equally safe when used correctly. The eVisa offers more transparency as you apply through official government portals online. With Visa on Arrival, ensure you only deal with official immigration officers at designated visa counters and avoid anyone offering to "help" for extra fees. Always pay the official rate and get a receipt.
While technically you can submit an eVisa application from the airport (if you have internet access), it's not practical since processing takes 3 business days. If you arrive without a visa and need immediate entry, your best option is to get a Visa on Arrival at the airport immigration counter.
For most travelers, we recommend applying for the Cambodia eVisa if you meet these conditions:
The Visa on Arrival remains a valuable option for:
Regardless of which option you choose, ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date and that you have all required documents ready. Both visa types offer the same validity and length of stay (30 days), so the choice ultimately comes down to convenience and your specific travel circumstances.
Skip the queues and secure your visa before you travel. Apply online and receive your eVisa in 3 business days.
Apply for Cambodia eVisa Now
