Cambodia Tourist Visa Guide
Cambodia stands as one of Asia’s top tourist destinations, steeped in history and culture. Formerly the heart of the mighty Khmer empire, which spanned Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, Cambodia boasts a rich heritage. It’s home to iconic landmarks like Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument. This makes the Cambodia tourist visa a highly sought-after travel document.
What is a Cambodia Tourist Visa?
The Cambodian tourist visa grants entry to the country for leisure and tourism purposes. It allows a maximum stay of 30 days, enabling you to savor the country’s cuisine, culture, and breathtaking sights. While some nationalities can enter Cambodia without a visa, Indian travelers must obtain a Cambodia tourist visa.
How to Obtain a Cambodia Tourist Visa?
There are two pathways to secure a Cambodia tourist visa for Indian citizens: Visa on Arrival and E-Visa. Both permit the same duration of stay and validity. Here are the steps to apply for this visa:
E-Visa:
- Visit the Cambodian Ministry’s E-visa portal.
- Fill out the Cambodia tourist visa application form, providing your personal, passport, and travel details.
- Upload scanned images of your photo and the first page of your passport.
- Make an online payment for the required fees using a debit/credit card.
- Note your application’s reference number for tracking purposes.
Visa on Arrival:
- Complete the application form using uppercase letters.
- Provide your basic information, purpose of visit, and passport details.
- Submit the application form, along with your passport and fees, to the immigration officer upon your arrival in Cambodia.
- If approved, you will receive a visa sticker in your passport.
Eligibility for Cambodia Tourist Visa
To qualify for a Cambodia tourist visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Possess a passport valid for at least 6 months from your Cambodia entry date.
- Your visit’s sole purpose must be tourism; you cannot seek employment or engage in business activities on a tourist visa.
Cambodia Tourist Visa Requirements
The necessary documents for a Cambodia tourist visa are as follows:
E-Visa:
- Scanned copy of the front page of a valid passport.
- Scanned copy of a passport-sized photo meeting specific specifications.
Visa on Arrival:
- Valid passport with at least one blank page.
- One photograph adhering to specified guidelines.
Photo Specifications for Cambodia Tourist Visa:
- Dimensions: 45mm x 35mm
- Color: Colored
- The central position of the head
- Taken within the last 6 months
- Background: Solid, plain white, or grey
- 80% face coverage
- Neutral expression
- Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription glasses are permitted
- Headgear allowed only for religious reasons
- Facial hair is permitted
Cambodia Tourist Visa Processing Time
The processing time for a tourist permit is remarkably swift. An E-visa takes a maximum of 3 working days, although delays may occur in exceptional cases. For Visa on Arrival, it typically takes just around 15 minutes for the immigration officer to grant you the visa.
Cambodia Tourist Visa Fees
The Cambodia tourist visa fee for Indian citizens encompasses the application fee and the processing charges through the E-visa portal. Since the fee is stated in USD, the exact amount depends on foreign exchange rates. Always verify the precise cost of the Cambodia tourist visa before commencing the application process.
| Entry | Stay Duration | Validity | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single entry Normal | 1 month | 3 months | Rs.2664.0 |
After Submission
Once you’ve submitted your application, it will be processed within the specified timeframe. If approved, you can log in to your E-visa account and print your approved visa, which is issued as a single-entry permit. In the event you need to make changes to your application, you can do so by following the provided link. After amending your application, resubmit it along with any pending fees.
How to Check Cambodia Tourist Visa Status?
While awaiting a decision on your application, you can check its status by visiting the designated website and entering your reference number and registered email address. Alternatively, you can contact the travel agency through which you applied for assistance in tracking your visa status.
During Your Stay in Cambodia
Once you have obtained your visa, keep these key points in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey:
Before You Travel:
- If you applied for an E-visa, print a copy from the online application portal.
- Note the visa’s expiry date and do not overstay your welcome.
- Carry all necessary travel documents.
At the Border:
- For Visa on Arrival, submit your passport, application form, and fees to immigration officers.
- After receiving your passport with the visa sticker, verify the visa’s expiry date and number of entries.
In Cambodia:
- While on a tourist permit, refrain from engaging in work or business activities.
- You cannot extend the visa.
- Respect Cambodia’s culture, customs, and laws, as the government places a strong emphasis on preserving its traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, the tourist visa category is non-extendable. To prolong your stay, exit the country and apply for a new visa. However, in exceptional circumstances like medical or humanitarian reasons preventing your return home, you may be able to extend your permit.
After your tourist permit expires, you must depart the country on or before the expiry date. Staying beyond the permitted period is considered an offense and may result in fines or deportation.
No, it is not possible to convert a tourist visa into a work permit. Engaging in work while on a tourist permit is prohibited. To obtain a work visa, apply in your home country, provided you meet the criteria.
Since the tourist permit is processed quickly, you can apply as late as 3 days before your intended travel date. However, to account for any potential delays, it’s advisable to apply at least 5 days in advance.