Visitor Guide for Traveling to Cambodia: From eVisa Applications to Cultural Etiquettes
Traveling to the beautiful lands of Cambodia has now become easier with eVisas. Cambodia is a deeply cultural nation with several religious etiquettes and codes of conduct. So before you apply for a Cambodia eVisa, let's explore the various things you should remember.
From flawless beaches to ancient temples, Cambodia offers one of the best South Asian experiences. Not only its beautiful ancient streets and vibrant markets, Cambodia is also famous for its exotic flora and fauna.
The capital, Phnom Penh, once ravaged, now offers a glimpse into pulsating contemporary life. Its Northwestern slice offers a glimpse into the countrys beautiful heritage. Moreover, the Land of Angkor Wat, a World Heritage site, is what you need for a long, blissful holiday.
But step one in this journey is obtaining the visa. For a trip, you will need to apply for the Cambodia eVisa for tourists. Let's find out what it is.
The Cambodian Tourist Visa
The Cambodian Tourist Visa, or T-Visa, is a mandatory requirement for all persons entering the country for the purposes of a trip. Nationals from most countries are eligible to enter using the Cambodian eVisa or obtain the Visa on Arrival. However, Syrians and Pakistanis need to get the Visa from the Consulate.
In a nutshell, the Cambodian tourist eVisa:
- Allows a one month maximum stay.
- It is a single entry option, i.e. you can enter the borders only once.
- It remains valid for three months.
- It is only meant for tourists. This means you will not be able to conduct businesses or receive payments during your stay.
How to Apply for a Cambodian eVisa?
You can put in your application for a Cambodian Visa online. This is by far the least time-consuming and hassle-free choice. However, knowing the local rules will allow you to understand the visa guidelines and eligibility criteria better.
You can easily apply for a Cambodian eVisa with the various visa options they offer. Let's explore more about all the requirements for entering the beautiful ancient land.
Entry Requirements for Cambodia
If traveling to Cambodia has always been on your bucket list, it is crucial to know about the various requirements for entering the country. Knowing this will help you while you apply for a Cambodia visa online.
Passport and Visa
When you apply for a Cambodian eVisa, a passport is the most vital document. There are guidelines for this. But first, know about the required documents.
Apart from a passport, you will need two copies of recent passport-size photos, proof of sufficient funds for your stay and travel, return tickets, and booking evidence of your lodging.
Passport validity requirements
When it comes to having your passports ready for a visa application, make sure they are valid for over six months beyond the limit of your stay.
When you apply for a Cambodia visa online, make sure that it is in the right condition, and that it does not have torn or missing pages. There needs to be enough pages for visa stamps.
Health and Safety Documents
Cambodia does not have any strict COVID-19 guidelines as such. There are no set COVID-19 vaccination requirements either.
However, you will need to carry a certificate of vaccination to show that you have received a yellow fever vaccine. This is especially vital if you are visiting from a transmission-risk nation. If you still have any doubts, you can check Travel Health Pro's guide to Cambodia.
Travel Within Cambodia
While navigating the exotic ancient streets or flawless beaches, there are certain tips and guidelines that you need to keep in mind. This will help you plan for a hassle-free trip before you apply for a Cambodia eVisa.
Domestic Travel Restrictions
When it comes to domestic travel restrictions, there are a couple of guidelines that you need to keep in mind.
Cambodia is a place where theft and snatching incidents are common, so be careful of what you carry. There are certain local laws as well that you must follow. These include severe penalties for using or carrying any illegal substance. This is an offence punishable by imprisonment and fines.
Before you apply for a Cambodia eVisa, it is vital to know and follow local customs and laws. It is against the law to criticize/bash the monarchy or King. It is also illegal to lie to the police, be nude publicly, or fly drones in certain places.
You must also be very careful before taking photographs here and there. You cannot photograph people or monks without their permission. You also cannot take pictures around sensitive sites including transport hubs, military areas, or any government building.
Requirements for Public Transportation
Cambodia has various options for transport. This includes domestic flights, scooters, private cars, buses, and shared taxis. Traveling between cities via domestic flights is best for those with little time. Buses and shared taxis are more pocket-friendly options.
Scooters and private cars on another hand will allow you to travel as per your choice. You can explore whichever place you want to, including off-beat ones.
Cambodia's national transportation includes motor bicycles and auto-rickshaws.
Health and Safety Practices
Because of the exotic flora and fauna and the local climate, Cambodia is prone to various harmful diseases. These include seasonal influenzas, Hepatitis A and B, along with Typhoid Fever. Although yellow fever is no longer a risk, you must show a vaccination certificate before entering.
Safety protocols in hotels, restaurants, and tourist spots
Be aware of the diseases that can affect you. Take the necessary precautions. This includes vaccinations and medicines.
Availability of medical services
Kudos to Cambodia's quick economic growth over the last two decades, the Cambodian economy has developed rapidly. Thus, it is vital to know about the healthcare services available there before visiting. For more details, you can check out their official healthcare guide.
General Travel Rules and Etiquette
Before you apply for a Cambodia eVisa, it is vital to know about the local rules and regulations in terms of their culture. Cambodia is a nation with a strong cultural hold. With over 95% of their population being Buddhist, it is essential to know about their customs and ensure you rightfully respect them.
Dress Code and Cultural Sensitivities
Predominantly a Buddhist nation, Cambodia's most of the population are followers of Theravada Buddhism.
While visiting Cambodia therefore it is vital to remember certain important guidelines. You must respect the local culture. Cambodia has various ethical codes to respectfully greet people. However, you as a tourist may not be expected to follow it but it is for the best to know about it.
Appropriate attire for religious and cultural sites
While entering Angkor Wat, the famous Buddhist temple, there are certain things you need to remember. Monks are a crucial part of Cambodian culture. They are often considered counselors and educators.
Thus while entering any Wat(temple) and especially Angkor Wat, make sure you:
- You should remove your sandals or shoes before entering.
- You should have proper attire. Men should not go wearing shorts or shirtless. Women must not wear anything revealing including shorts, low cuts, or backless dresses.
Respectful behavior in temples and local communities
Apart from ensuring proper attire, it is also vital to ensure proper respectful behavior while being inside a temple. This includes:
- While sitting inside a Wat, you must sit with both legs bent and do som pas (bring your hands to your chest and bow). Your feet should be tucked to the side.
- You should also never stand while speaking to a seated monk. This means disrespect.
- While scheduling something with the monks, make sure you follow their set routine.
- You should also not taste food that is meant for the monks.
Currency and Payment Systems
Although Riel is their national currency, dollars are also used here. While changing your currencies from the store, the change is given in two different currencies. For your main cash, you can ask for dollars while smaller amounts can be given in local currencies. For more details, you can check out this currency guide for Cambodia.
What To Do For Multi-Country Trips?
If you have planned to travel through several countries, and Cambodia is merely one among the many, your best option is to apply for a Cambodia eVisa again.
If you have planned to make further travels from Cambodia and wish to visit it again while returning, it is better to apply for another visa as these visas allow single entries. This means, once you leave the country, you will need a separate visa to reenter. Therefore, applying for another eVisa is the safest option.
Step into History at Every Turn With A Cambodian Visa!
Before you apply for a Cambodia eVisa, it is vital to know the various guidelines that enrich the Khmer Republic. To have the best trip to Cambodia make sure to apply for your eVisas right now!
Check Eligibility for Cambodia e-Visa and apply for Cambodia e-Visa 5 days prior to your scheduled flight to Cambodia. Canadian citizens, Australian citizens, Czech citizens, Swiss citizens and British citizens are eligible to apply online for Cambodia e-Visa.