Things to Know Before Applying for a Cambodian Tourist Visa
Although it is super simple to apply for a Cambodian tourist visa, especially an e-visa, it always helps to know the whole process well beforehand. Knowing all there is to know before making the final application will help you be aware of everything and avoid mistakes. So here are eight popular things you should know about this tourist visa.
Also known as the Land of Angkor Wat, the Cambodian paradise is famous for its ancient ruins and beautiful Buddhist temples. What makes Cambodia especially popular among travelers and tourists is its rustic old-world beauty that creates a perfect blend with the modern bustling cities like its capital Phnom Penh.
It has several popular tourist attractions including the ruins of the Angkor Wat at Siem Reap (also a World Heritage site) and hundreds of other magnificent temples and ruins. Cambodia provides not only exotic locations and wildlife but also holds great cultural and historical significance.
However, to explore this beauty to the fullest, all you need is a Cambodian tourist visa, which you can easily apply for online. Cambodia offers an extensive range of visa options that allow you to travel from anywhere in the world for any purpose, be it traveling, business, or something else. However, before applying for a tourist visa, there's some things you must know. These include:
About the Cambodian Tourist Visa
Owing to its magnetic charm, Cambodia welcomes millions of tourists every year. Therefore, the Cambodian government has introduced various visa options for all those who wish to travel there. You can get these visas either online, from the airport on arrival, or via the embassy.
While acquiring your visa, it is crucial to remember that it does not allow you to stay more than a month (30 days) and remains valid for three months starting from the date of its issue. However, you can always apply for an extension before your current visa expires.
However, you can always request for an extension before the expiration of the current visa. Also remember that a tourist visa can only be used if you are traveling for leisure. This means that you can acquire a tourist visa only if you are planning to go sightseeing, explore, or visit friends and family. In case you have any other purpose, apply for a different visa, like a business visa.
Eligibility Requirements for a Cambodian Tourist Visa
If visiting Cambodia has been your lifelong dream, the best way to ensure a hassle-free trip is to know everything about a Cambodian tourist visa. This will help you have all documents ready and avoid possible mistakes.
Basic Requirements for All Applicants
For a successful visa, you first need to have your documents sorted. Ensure you have all the necessary documents. You should also have a copy of these documents readily available at all stages of your journey.
Valid passport
A passport from an eligible country (must have a minimum of 6 months validity after your exit date from the country).
Photos
Two recently taken passport-size photos of yourself.
Application
A completed application form, online or physical
Liquidity
Proof of sufficient financial means to fund for your stay (bank statements)
Plans of departure
Your return tickets or onward travel documents
Accommodation
Your hotel booking confirmation or the address of accommodation in Cambodia
Passport Validity and Nationality
Citizens of over 220 other regions, including countries and territories, are eligible for a Cambodia e-visa. All they have to do is go to the site and fill out the form. You can check eligibility for Cambodia eVisa here.
How to Apply for a Cambodian Tourist Visa
There are different methods of applying for a tourist visa. The three popular ways people acquire visas are: online, applying for one from the embassy, or getting a visa upon arriving at the airport.
Application Options (Online vs. Embassy)
Here is the difference between online application and embassy application:
What Online Application Process requies?
Location
For an Online visa, all you have to do is visit the site and fill out the form.
Charges
No extra charges or additional expenses required to get e-visas apart from the basic processing fee.
Documents needed
- A passport from an eligible country (must have a minimum of 6 months validity after your exit date from the country).
- Two recently taken passport-size photos of yourself.
- A completed application form
- Proof of sufficient financial means to fund for your stay
- Your return tickets or onward travel documents
- Your hotel booking confirmation or the address of accommodation in Cambodia
Processing time
Generally it takes not more than 24 hours- 4 days and even in case of a delay, you will get your eVisas in a week.
How to use
You will need to take a print out of your digital copy and carry it when you travel.
Convenience
- You will get this from the comfort of your home.
- All your documents will be safe and in one place. You will not have to carry them anywhere or risk losing. They will be safely uploaded online and kept sorted in one folder.
What Embassy Application Process requires?
Location
Make special appointments, and arrangements to visit the Embassy.
Charges
Your budget will include other expenses including traveling to the embassy and other relevant costs.
Documents needed
- Your document requirements for an Embassy visa will remain the same as that of an eVisa.
Processing time
Acquiring your visas traditionally, via an embassy, requires more time. In this case you will have to have more time as it generally needs over 15 days to arrive.
How to use
This will already be given to you in the form of a paper that you will have to carry along.
Convenience
- To acquire a visa from the Embassy, you may have to spend an entire day traveling back and forth or stand in long queues.
- You will have to carry all your crucial documents to the Embassy. This maximises the chances of losing your vital documents and makes managing the process a bit messy.
What is the Processing Time?
Another vital element of planning a trip to Cambodia is to know the time your e-visa will need to be processed. Thus, you should ensure to do proper planning that is well ahead of the time of your travel. Plan every step carefully and with a lot of time at hand. For instance, you should apply 21 days before your trip starts. Your e-visa may take up to three days to process.
Common Mistakes You Must Avoid in You Application
Document Errors
Incomplete documents have a higher chance of leading to a rejected visa. Thus, make sure you submit clear photographs of your passport’s bio page and have a proper sign on your form. Additionally, include recent copies of your passport-size photos and proof of your travels and accommodation.
Missing or Incorrect Details
Before making the final submission check if you have correctly filled out your application form. Properly check your personal information and passport numbers. Make sure all fields have been filled. Go over all details before you hit that submit button.
Late Applications
Submitting your application on time is very important. Do not wait to apply for a visa application till the last hour. Check their processing time and if a holiday comes between it. Check all dates carefully and apply well within the deadline.
Cambodian Tourist Visa Validity and Extensions
A Cambodian tourist visa remains valid for over three months allowing you to stay for a month at a time. It allows you to enter only once.
You can, however, get it extended for another month if needed. Regardless, remember to have it extended before your present visa expires. Overstaying can lead to hefty fines.
Entry Requirements at Cambodian Borders
You will not need any additional documents apart from a copy of your e-visa. Regardless, it is always best to take an extra precaution and carry hard copies of every document you have submitted along with a printout of your e-visa. This way, you can avoid unwanted situations.
Can You Work on a Cambodian Tourist Visa?
Tourist visas are only applicable for tourism purposes. It doesn’t allow you to work, be it full-time or half-time. It allows you to stay only for a month at a time during which you can explore the various exquisite tourist spots of Cambodia, and go for various activities like kayaking and camping. You can explore the ruins, jungles, beaches, and markets. You can also apply for a Cambodian tourist visa if you are going there to visit a friend or family.
For any other purpose, you will have to apply under the other visa categories that the Cambodia visa has. These include business visas or Ordinary visas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Apply for a Cambodian Visa on Arrival?
Yes, you can. But it's a lot of hassle and waiting in long queues.
Is a Cambodian Tourist Visa Valid for Multiple Entry?
No, the Cambodian tourist visa does not allow multiple entries. You can enter once and stay for 30 days at a time.
Feel Captivated By The Timeless Cambodian Allure
Travel to this tropical paradise with a Cambodian tourist visa that you can acquire in a few simple steps. These e-visas will help you have a smooth hassle-free trip to the land of your dreams in no time!
Check Eligibility for Cambodia e-Visa and apply for Cambodia e-Visa 5 days prior to your scheduled flight to Cambodia. French citizens, Georgian citizens, Czech citizens, Ukrainian citizens and Turkish citizens are eligible to apply online for Cambodia e-Visa.