ADDENDUM - Everything You Need to Know About Cambodia Tourist Visas

Understanding Cambodia's Tourist Visa, Costs, Processing Time, Validity, and Application Tips!

Understanding Cambodia’s Tourist Visa can seem hard. Many travelers worry about Understanding Cambodia’s Tourist Visa rules before their trips. I’ll make this simple for you!

Skip the Lines and Save Money: 19 Fast Facts Only Tour Guides Know

Key Facts About Cambodia Tourist Visas:

Cost: $30 for most people
Time: E-visas take 1-3 days online
At airport: Get visa in 10-20 minutes
Stay time: 30 days for most tourists
Photos: Bring a passport photo
Money: US dollars work best

Related Travel Resources

1. How long does it take to process a Cambodia tourist visa?

The time it takes depends on which way you choose.

E-visa times:

Normal processing: 1-3 business days
Rush option: 24 hours (costs extra)
Online only

Visa on arrival times:

Airport: 10-20 minutes
Land borders: 15-30 minutes
Busy times may be longer

Visa TypeNormal ProcessingRush Processing

E-visa 1-3 days 24 hours (extra fee)

Visa on arrival 10-20 minutes N/A

Most people find this fast enough. The official website says most e-visas are ready in 1-3 days.

2. Can I get a Cambodia tourist visa on arrival at the airport?

Yes! You can get a visa when you land.

Where visa on arrival works:

✅ Phnom Penh Airport
✅ Siem Reap Airport
✅ Sihanoukville Airport
✅ Most land borders

What you need:

Your passport
One passport photo
$30 US dollars (clean bills)
Visa form (get on plane or at desk)

Many guests who join our Angkor Wat Sunset Tour use visa on arrival with no problems.

Private Angkor Wat Sunrise tour – Private Sunrise Guided Tour [Go to Angkor Wat early and avoid the crowds]

3. What is the cost of a Cambodia tourist visa for US citizens?

US citizens pay the same as most other tourists.

Visa costs for US citizens:

E-visa: $36 total ($30 visa + $6 processing)
Visa on arrival: $30

The U.S. Department of State lists these same prices for all US travelers. Fees must be paid in US dollars.

4. Is it better to get an e-visa or visa on arrival for Cambodia?

Both work well. Your choice depends on what matters to you.

E-visa pros:

Skip lines at the airport
Know you have a visa before you fly
Don’t need cash on arrival

E-visa cons:

Costs $6 more
Must print it out
Takes 1-3 days to get

Visa on arrival pros:

Cheaper ($30 vs $36)
No need to plan ahead
Works at all entry points

Visa on arrival cons:

Wait in line at airport
Need cash and photo ready
Might be slow at busy times

Most guests who book our Private Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour tell us both ways work fine.

5. How many days is a Cambodia tourist visa valid for?

Your tourist visa gives you a set time in Cambodia.

Tourist visa times:

First stay: 30 days from entry
E-visa window: Must enter within 3 months of issue
Extension: Can add 30 more days once
Max stay: 60 days with one extension

The day you enter counts as day 1. Your visa ends at midnight on day 30.

6. Can I extend my Cambodia tourist visa after arrival?

Yes, you can add more time to your stay.

How to extend your visa:

Go to Immigration in Phnom Penh
Or ask a travel agent or hotel for help
Fill out forms
Pay about $45
Wait 2-7 days

There’s lots of info about this on our E-visa for Cambodia page.

7. What is the difference between single and multiple entry Cambodia visas?

There are big differences between these visa types.

Single entry visa:

Most common for tourists
Enter Cambodia once
When you leave, visa ends
Costs $30

Multiple entry visa:

Rare for short trips
Enter and exit many times
Mainly for business people
Costs more ($35-65)

Most people who see Angkor Wat only need a single entry visa.

8. Are there any countries exempt from needing a Cambodia tourist visa?

Some lucky people don’t need a visa.

Countries with visa-free entry:

ASEAN nations (Thailand, Vietnam, etc.)
Stay limits: 14-30 days
Still need valid passport
Must show return ticket

US, UK, EU, and most other tourists still need visas.

What Documents Are Needed for a Cambodia Tourist Visa? Complete Guide (2025) – All Required Documents for Fast Approval

9. How to apply for a Cambodia tourist visa online?

The e-visa process is fast and easy.

E-visa steps:

Go to official website
Click “Apply for e-visa”
Fill out your details
Upload photo
Pay $36
Wait for email
Print your visa

Check what documents are needed before you start.

10. What size photo is required for a Cambodia tourist visa application?

Your visa photo must fit these rules:

Size: 4×6 cm
Background: White
Face: Clear view
No hats or glasses
Recent photo

For e-visa, the file must be JPEG format and under 2MB.

11. Can I get a Cambodia tourist visa at the land border crossing?

Yes, most land borders offer visas.

Main land crossings with visas:

Thailand: Poipet, Cham Yeam, O’Smach
Vietnam: Bavet, Phnom Den
Laos: Stung Treng

Not all land borders accept e-visa. Bring cash and a photo to be safe. Many guests fly into Siem Reap with our 2025 flight guides.

12. How far in advance should I apply for a Cambodia tourist visa?

Timing matters for a smooth trip.

E-visa timing:

Best time: 1-2 weeks before trip
Earliest: 3 months before entry
Latest: 4 days before (if rushed)

Visa on arrival:

No advance work needed
Just show up with photo and cash

Plan ahead, but not too far ahead. E-visas are only good for 3 months from issue date.

Angkor Wat Tours: Sunrise vs. Sunset Experiences

Welcome to your guide for two amazing ways to see Angkor Wat! I’m Mat, and I’ve spent years showing folks around these old temples. I’ll tell you about our sunrise and sunset tours, and why people love them.

The Magic Morning Light

There’s nothing like watching the sun come up behind Angkor Wat. The sky turns pink, then orange, and the temple shows up as a black shape against this amazing backdrop. Then, as the sun rises higher, the stone walls start to glow gold.

Our Private Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour starts super early – we pick you up at 4:10-4:30 AM. Yes, that’s early! But trust me, it’s worth it. Here’s why:

No crowds! While most tourists are still sleeping, you’ll have prime spots for photos
Cool weather – you’ll walk around before the day gets hot
Special monk blessing – a meaningful moment you’ll always remember
More temples – we don’t just see Angkor Wat

What Makes This Tour Special

We’ve designed this tour to give you the best spots for sunrise photos. Our guides know exactly where to stand for perfect shots.

After sunrise, when other tours head back for breakfast, we take you deeper into the temples. This means you see places like:

Temple	What’s Cool About It
Bayon	200+ giant stone faces watching you
Ta Prohm	The “Tomb Raider Temple” where trees grow through ruins
Preah Palilay	A secret spot most tourists miss

And you’ll get a real monk blessing – something most visitors never experience!

Tour Details at a Glance

Length: 8 hours (4:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
Cost: From $148 (group price, not per person)
Includes: AC transport, water, English guide, monk blessing
Doesn’t include: Temple pass ($37), meals

“The best $148 I ever spent! Our guide knew exactly when to leave to beat the crowds. We got amazing photos with nobody else in them!” – Sarah from Canada

13. What payment methods are accepted for Cambodia tourist visa fees?

Know how to pay before you apply.

For e-visa:

Credit cards: Visa, MasterCard
Some debit cards work
No PayPal or bank transfers

For visa on arrival:

US Dollars (clean bills)
Some places take Thai Baht
Bring exact change if you can

Most visitors to the Angkor Park bring US dollars for all costs in Cambodia.

14. Is a return ticket required when applying for a Cambodia tourist visa?

Yes, but they don’t always check.

Rule: Need proof you’ll leave
Airlines: May check before boarding
At border: Sometimes asked
E-visa form: Asks for exit plans

A flight out or bus ticket to a next country works fine.

15. How to check the status of my Cambodia tourist visa application?

You can easily check if your e-visa is ready.

Steps to check status:

Go to evisa.gov.kh
Click “Check Status”
Enter your:
- Application number
- Passport number
- Birth date
See your status

If it’s taking too long, double-check for typos or wrong info.

16. Can I convert my tourist visa to a business visa in Cambodia?

Moving between visa types is tricky.

Direct switch: Not allowed in Cambodia
Must exit: Leave the country first
Then: Get business visa when you return
Cost: Business visas cost more

If you think you might work or stay long, start with a business visa instead.

Can You Buy Angkor Wat Tickets Online?

17. What are the reasons for Cambodia tourist visa rejection?

Most problems come from these issues:

❌ Passport not valid for 6+ months
❌ Wrong info on application
❌ Bad photo quality
❌ No blank pages in passport
❌ Past visa problems in Cambodia

The good news: visa rejections are rare for most tourists.

18. How many entries are allowed on a standard Cambodia tourist visa?

Standard tourist visas have clear limits.

Entry rules:

Tourist visa: ONE entry only
Once you exit: Visa ends
Want to return? Need new visa
Business visa: Can get multiple entries

If you plan to visit neighboring countries and come back, plan your visas carefully.

Sunset Tour: The Golden Hour at Angkor

The Perfect End to a Day of Temples

While sunrise gets a lot of attention, sunset at Angkor is just as amazing. The low sun makes the sandstone glow like it’s on fire. The shadows get longer, and the carvings stand out more. It’s stunning.

Our Private Angkor Wat Sunset Tour is a full day of exploring that ends with the best sunset view in Cambodia. We pick you up at 8:00 AM and take you through a day of temples, ending with sunset at Phnom Bakheng hill.

What’s Different About This Tour

This tour goes beyond the basic temple visits. Here’s what makes it stand out:

7+ temples in one day – see more than most tourists
Special monk blessing – a peaceful, cultural moment
Phnom Bakheng sunset – the best viewpoint for sunset
10 full hours – no rushing through sites

Our guides don’t just show you temples – they tell you stories that bring the old stones to life. You’ll hear about the kings who built these places, the gods in the carvings, and what life was like 900 years ago.

The Amazing Sunset Finale

The tour saves the best for last. At the right time, we head to Phnom Bakheng Hill. From up there, you can see Angkor Wat and many other temples spread out below you. As the sun sets, the whole scene glows gold, then red, then purple.

Tour Details at a Glance

Length: 10 hours (8:00 AM – 7:00 PM)
Cost: From $150 (group price, not per person)
Includes: AC transport, water, English guide, monk blessing
Doesn’t include: Temple pass ($37), meals

“Our guide knew all the best spots for photos. The monk blessing was so moving – I still think about it months later. And that sunset… wow!” – Mike from Australia

Which Tour Should You Choose?

Both tours are great, but they offer different things:

Pick the Sunrise Tour if:

You’re OK with a very early start
You want to avoid the worst heat
You want the classic sunrise photos
You prefer a shorter day (done by lunch)

Pick the Sunset Tour if:

You don’t want to wake up super early
You want to see more temples in one day
You love golden hour photography
You want a full day of exploring

Many of our guests do both tours on different days! The temples look totally different in morning and evening light.

Helpful Tips for Both Tours

No matter which tour you pick, here are some must-know tips:

Dress right – shoulders and knees must be covered in temples
Wear comfy shoes – you’ll walk a lot on uneven ground
Bring sunscreen and bug spray – the sun is strong and bugs are real
Buy your temple pass ahead of time – saves time on tour day
Bring your camera – and make sure it’s charged!

Book Your Tour Today

Both tours are private, which means they’re just for you and your group. No sharing with strangers, no waiting for slow people, no rushing past things you want to see.

Want to see Angkor Wat at its most beautiful? Pick one of these tours:

Or call us to ask questions!

19. Is travel insurance required for obtaining a Cambodia tourist visa?

The simple answer: no, but it’s smart to have it.

Travel insurance facts:

Not checked at border
Not part of visa rules
But medical costs can be high
Good plans cost $3-10 per day

A small problem like a lost bag or sick day can cost a lot without insurance.

Conclusion

Understanding Cambodia’s Tourist Visa has made my job easier when helping guests. After years of work with tourists, I see most find it simpler than they feared. Cambodia wants you to see our temples, taste our food, and meet our people.

If you want to see the sun rise at Angkor Wat or catch that perfect sunset at the temples, don’t let visa stress stop you. The steps are clear, the cost is fair, and it works well for most people.

Need more help? Look at our page on what papers you need or check 2025 flights to Siem Reap. Ready to plan your trip? Contact us and we will help make your Cambodia dreams come true.