What Documents Are Needed for a Cambodia Tourist Visa? Complete Guide (2025)

Essential Documents for Cambodia Tourist Visa: Complete Checklist for Travelers to Avoid Rejection and Save the Reapplication Fees

Are you planning an unforgettable journey to explore the ancient temples of Angkor Wat or the bustling streets of Phnom Penh? Getting your Cambodia tourist visa documentation right is the crucial first step to ensuring a smooth entry into this Southeast Asian gem. Every year, thousands of travelers face visa rejections simply because they didn’t properly prepare their visa application materials.

Essential documents for successful Cambodia tourist visa in simple steps!

The exact visa requirements for Cambodia can seem confusing with multiple application methods available, each with its own specific documentation needs. This guide cuts through the confusion to bring you the exact documents needed for a successful Cambodia tourist visa application in 2025.

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Quick Answer: Essential Documents for a Cambodia Tourist Visa

For travelers wondering “What documents are needed for a Cambodia tourist visa?” here’s the complete list of requirements:

Valid Passport with at least 6 months validity from your planned entry date and at least one blank page
Completed Visa Application Form filled out in CAPITAL letters with your signature
Recent Passport-Sized Photograph meeting specific dimension requirements
Proof of Payment for the visa fee (varies by application method)
Travel Itinerary including flight confirmations and hotel bookings
Electronic Arrival Card (CeA) completed at least 7 days before arrival (new requirement for 2025)
Supporting Documents such as proof of sufficient funds or residence permits (for certain applicants)

Passport Requirements for Cambodia Visa Applications

The foundation of your Cambodia visa application is a valid passport that meets specific criteria established by Cambodia immigration authorities.

Your passport must have:

Minimum passport validity of at least six months beyond your planned date of entry into Cambodia
At least one completely blank visa page to accommodate the visa sticker or stamp
No damage, tears, or unauthorized modifications

For applications submitted to embassies or consulates in person or by mail, you must provide the original physical passport rather than copies. This requirement is strictly enforced regardless of your visa application method or your country of origin.

The enforcement of these passport requirements aligns with international travel standards and reflects Cambodia’s commitment to orderly immigration procedures. Travelers should check their passport expiration dates well in advance of planned travel, as processing times for passport renewals in many countries can take several weeks.

Attempting to enter Cambodia with a passport that fails to meet the six-month validity requirement will likely result in denied boarding by airlines or rejection at border crossing points.

Visa Application Forms: How to Complete Them Correctly

A properly completed visa application form constitutes a critical component of the Cambodia tourist visa process. Forms are available through:

Official Cambodia embassy and consulate websites
The official Cambodia e-Visa portal
Visa application centers in certain countries

When completing your application form, you must:

Fill out all sections completely in CAPITAL letters
Provide accurate personal information matching your passport exactly
Include your travel dates and accommodation details
Sign the form with your legal signature
Avoid any erasures or corrections (use a new form if you make mistakes)

For applications to the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Washington, D.C., submit your visa application no earlier than two months before your planned entry date, as tourist visas are typically valid for three months from the date of issue but only allow a stay of 30 days once you enter the country.

Photograph Specifications: Getting It Right the First Time

Accurate and compliant passport photographs represent another essential element of the Cambodia tourist visa application process. Visa photo requirements may vary slightly depending on where you submit your application:

For applications to the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Washington, D.C.:

One 2×2 inch passport photo
Taken within the past six months
Must be stapled to the application form
Clear image of your face against a plain background

For applications to the Cambodian Embassy in Thailand:

4cm x 5cm photograph
White background required
Recent, high-quality image

The photographs must accurately represent your current appearance to facilitate proper identification. Poor quality photographs or those that do not meet the specified dimensions may result in application delays or rejections.

Editor’s Note: This article was last updated on March 11, 2025, with the latest information from the Cambodia Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Department of Immigration. Our team of local experts in Siem Reap regularly verifies all visa information to ensure accuracy, including the recent implementation of the new Electronic Arrival Card system.

Supporting Documentation for Different Applicant Categories

Depending on your nationality, residence status, and method of entry into Cambodia, various supporting documents may be necessary:

For non-US or Canadian passport holders residing in the United States who are applying through embassies in North America:

Photocopy of a valid residency card or equivalent document

For non-Thai nationals applying through the Cambodian Embassy in Thailand:

Copy of your latest stay permit stamp in Thailand

For all applicants submitting materials by mail or in person:

Photocopy of your passport bio page
Proof of accommodation in Cambodia (hotel reservations)
Return or onward ticket showing your planned departure from Cambodia
Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay (this may not be explicitly required but can be requested)

These supporting document requirements reflect Cambodia’s efforts to verify the identity and legal status of visa applicants.

Travel Itinerary and Accommodation Documentation

Cambodia immigration authorities may require evidence of your travel arrangements. This typically includes:

Flight itinerary showing your entry to and departure from Cambodia
Cruise booking confirmation for those entering by seaport
Hotel or accommodation bookings covering your entire stay
For those planning to stay with friends or family, a letter of invitation may be requested

Although not universally required, consular officers reserve the right to request additional documents, including proof of accommodation and financial resources. These conditional requirements underscore the importance of being prepared with comprehensive documentation when applying for a Cambodia tourist visa.

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The New Electronic Arrival Card System for 2025

A significant development in Cambodia’s entry procedures is the implementation of the Electronic Arrival Card (CeA) system. As of 2025, all inbound travelers to Cambodia are required to complete this electronic arrival card at least seven days prior to their arrival.

This new system has consolidated multiple entry documents—including the immigration card, visa application form, customs form, and health information—into a single electronic submission, streamlining the arrival process for international visitors.

The Cambodia e-Arrival Card can be accessed and completed through:

The official website at evisa.gov.kh
The dedicated Cambodia e-Arrival Card mobile application

This digital transformation reflects Cambodia’s efforts to enhance efficiency at border control points while maintaining comprehensive documentation of incoming travelers. The seven-day advance submission requirement necessitates forward planning by tourists. This new system works in conjunction with, rather than replacing, the visa requirements discussed throughout this guide.

Visa Types, Validity, and Extension Options

The standard tourist visa (Type T) for Cambodia has specific characteristics you should understand:

It is a single entry visa valid for three months from the date of issue
You must enter Cambodia within this three-month window
Upon entry, the visa permits a stay of 30 days
It can be extended once for an additional 30 days through the Cambodia Department of Immigration
Employment is strictly prohibited under this visa category
The visa is not transferable and non-refundable once issued

For travelers from ASEAN countries including Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and Brunei, visa-free options may be available for stays of 14 to 30 days depending on nationality.

If you’re planning to stay longer or make multiple visits, alternative visa types may be more appropriate. Consult with the Cambodia Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the most current information on visa regulations.

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Application Methods: Embassy, E-Visa, or Visa on Arrival?

Cambodia offers three primary methods to obtain a tourist visa, each with distinct advantages:

1. Embassy or Consulate Application

Most secure method with direct verification
Processing typically takes 3-5 business days
Some embassies offer expedited services
Example: The Washington D.C. Embassy offers a Wednesday Fast-Track Visa Program with same-day processing

2. E-Visa Application

Convenient online application through evisa.gov.kh
Processing takes approximately 3 business days
Valid for entry at major international airports and select land borders
Slightly higher cost than other methods (typically around $36)
Must be printed before travel

3. Visa on Arrival

Available at major entry points including international airports and key land borders
Requires passport, photo, and payment on arrival
May involve waiting in queues at busy times
Standard fee of $30 USD (cash only)

Choose the application method that best suits your travel style, timeline, and entry point into Cambodia.

Visa Fees and Payment Methods

The cost of a Cambodia tourist visa varies depending on the application method:

Embassy/Consulate application: $30-40 USD (may vary by location)
E-visa: Approximately $36 USD (includes processing fee)
Visa on arrival: $30 USD

When applying through embassies or consulates, acceptable payment methods may include:

Money orders
Cashier’s checks
Cash (exact amount, where accepted)
Credit cards (at select locations only)

For e-visa applications, payment is typically made online via credit card during the application process. For visa on arrival, payment must be made in cash (US dollars) upon arrival. Always carry the exact amount as change may not be available.

Be aware that some land border crossings may impose unofficial “processing fees” on top of the standard visa fee. Using the e-visa or obtaining your visa in advance can help avoid these unexpected costs.

Special Considerations for Different Nationalities

Visa requirements and processing may vary based on nationality:

Citizens of ASEAN countries enjoy simplified entry or visa exemptions
Nationals of certain countries may face additional scrutiny or documentation requirements
Some nationalities may be required to apply through embassies only and cannot use the visa on arrival option

It’s essential to check the specific requirements for your nationality through official sources such as the Cambodia Embassy nearest to you or the official e-visa website.

Avoiding Common Visa Application Mistakes

To ensure your visa application is processed without delays:

Double-check all information matches your passport exactly
Ensure your passport has sufficient validity and blank pages
Submit high-quality, correctly sized photographs
Include all required supporting documents
Apply with adequate time before your planned travel date
Complete the Electronic Arrival Card within the required timeframe
Carry printed copies of all electronic applications and approvals

Remember that a visa does not guarantee entry—the final decision rests with immigration officers at the port of entry.

Preparing for a Smooth Entry to Cambodia

Obtaining a Cambodia tourist visa requires careful preparation of multiple documents, but the process is straightforward when you understand the requirements. The introduction of the Electronic Arrival Card system in 2025 has added a new digital component to Cambodia’s entry requirements, requiring advance online submission.

By preparing all necessary documents in advance—including your valid passport, completed application form, appropriate photographs, and supporting documentation—you can ensure a smooth entry process that allows you to focus on enjoying Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality.

For personalized assistance with planning your Cambodia journey, including tours to magnificent sites like Angkor Wat, connect with local experts at My Siem Reap Tours who can provide up-to-date guidance on travel requirements and authentic experiences throughout Cambodia.