Phnompenh Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Cambodia requires most foreign nationals to obtain a visa before or upon arrival. The country offers flexible visa options including e-visa, visa on arrival, and embassy visas. Very few nationalities enjoy visa-free entry.
Only a handful of nationalities can enter Cambodia without a visa
Visa-free entry is limited primarily to ASEAN member states. All other nationalities require a visa. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry.
Available for tourists from most countries who wish to apply online before travel
Cost: USD $36 (includes $6 processing fee)
E-visa is valid for entry through Phnom Penh International Airport, Siem Reap International Airport, and several land border checkpoints. Verify your entry point is e-visa compatible. E-visa cannot be extended and is for tourism purposes only.
Available at Phnom Penh International Airport and most international border crossings for tourist and business purposes
Cost: USD $30 for tourist visa, USD $35 for business visa (cash only, exact change recommended)
Passport photos are officially required but may be available for purchase at the airport for $2-5 if forgotten. Business visas can be extended for longer periods (6 months to 1 year). Some travelers report unofficial 'facilitation fees' - these are not required. Tourist visas can be extended once for 30 days at immigration offices.
Traditional visa obtained from Cambodian embassy or consulate before travel
Recommended for those entering at border points that don't accept e-visa or visa on arrival, or for special visa categories (student, retirement, etc.)
Arrival Process
The entry process at Phnom Penh International Airport is relatively straightforward. Most travelers clear immigration within 30-60 minutes, though arrival times can vary depending on flight volumes. Having all documents prepared and organized will significantly speed up the process.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Cambodia's customs regulations are relatively liberal for personal items. Most travelers bringing typical tourist items will pass through without issues. However, it's important to be aware of duty-free limits and prohibited items to avoid delays or penalties.
Prohibited Items
- Narcotics and illegal drugs - Cambodia has strict drug laws with severe penalties including life imprisonment
- Weapons and explosives - including firearms, ammunition, and fireworks without proper authorization
- Pornographic materials - strict laws against obscene materials
- Counterfeit currency and goods - including fake designer items
- Items depicting or insulting to Buddhism or the Royal Family - religious and cultural sensitivity is enforced
- Endangered wildlife and products - including ivory, certain shells, and protected animal parts under CITES
- Antiquities and cultural artifacts - historical items require export permits; unauthorized removal is illegal
- Certain chemicals and hazardous materials - without proper permits
Restricted Items
- Prescription medications - bring original packaging, prescriptions, and doctor's letter. Quantities should be reasonable for personal use during stay
- Drones and radio equipment - may require permits from Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications. Check current regulations before bringing
- Plants and plant products - may require phytosanitary certificates to prevent disease introduction
- Meat and dairy products - generally restricted; check with customs if bringing specialty food items
- Professional video/photography equipment - may be questioned; carry documentation showing professional purpose or press credentials if applicable
Health Requirements
Cambodia currently has minimal mandatory health requirements for entry, though certain vaccinations are strongly recommended for your safety. Health requirements can change, particularly regarding epidemic diseases, so verify current requirements before travel.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow Fever - Required ONLY if arriving from or having transited through a yellow fever endemic country within 6 days prior to arrival. Certificate of vaccination must be presented. Not required for most travelers arriving directly from non-endemic countries.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A - Recommended for all travelers due to food and water-borne transmission risk
- Typhoid - Recommended, especially for those visiting smaller cities or rural areas
- Hepatitis B - Recommended for most travelers, especially those who may have medical procedures or intimate contact
- Japanese Encephalitis - Recommended for travelers spending extended time in rural areas, especially during rainy season
- Rabies - Consider for adventure travelers, those working with animals, or visiting remote areas with limited medical access
- Routine vaccinations - Ensure up-to-date on MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus), polio, and annual flu vaccine
- COVID-19 - Check current requirements as policies continue to evolve
Health Insurance
Travel health insurance with medical evacuation coverage is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED but not mandatory for entry. Cambodia's medical facilities are limited outside Phnom Penh, and serious conditions may require evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore. Ensure your policy covers Cambodia and includes emergency evacuation (minimum USD $100,000 coverage recommended). Some activities like motorcycle riding may require specific coverage.
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Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children must have their own passport (no exceptions for minors on parent's passport). Each child requires their own visa (same fee as adults). If traveling with children without both parents present, carry: notarized letter of consent from absent parent(s) authorizing travel, birth certificate or custody documents, and adoption papers if applicable. While not always checked, these documents prevent issues if questioned. Unaccompanied minors require special airline arrangements and additional documentation. Cambodia takes child protection seriously, and immigration may question adults traveling with unrelated children.
Pets can enter Cambodia but require: valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days before travel but not more than 12 months prior), health certificate from licensed veterinarian issued within 7 days of travel, import permit from Cambodian Department of Animal Health and Production (apply at least 2 weeks in advance), and microchip identification recommended. Airlines have specific pet policies and fees. Upon arrival, pets must clear veterinary inspection at the airport. Quarantine is generally not required if documentation is complete. Some dog breeds may be restricted. Pet-friendly accommodation in Phnom Penh is limited - arrange in advance.
Tourist visas (T-class) can be extended once for an additional 30 days at immigration offices in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap for approximately USD $45-50. For stays longer than 60 days, consider applying for a business visa (E-class) which can be extended for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months. Extension fees vary: 1 month ($45), 3 months ($75), 6 months ($155), 12 months ($285). Business visas can be converted to Ordinary visas for long-term residents, students, or retirees. Apply for extensions at least one week before current visa expires. Overstaying results in fines of USD $10 per day and potential entry ban. For retirement or long-term stay, consult immigration about appropriate visa categories and requirements.
If you hold both Cambodian and another nationality, you must enter and exit Cambodia using your Cambodian passport. Using a foreign passport may cause complications. Contact the Cambodian embassy if you have questions about dual nationality travel requirements.
Professional journalists should obtain appropriate accreditation from the Ministry of Information before arrival. Working on a tourist visa is not permitted. Bring press credentials and documentation of assignment. Sensitive topics require careful handling - research current press freedom conditions.
For business meetings or conferences, a business visa (E-class) is recommended over tourist visa, even for short stays. Carry invitation letter from Cambodian company or conference organizers, business cards, and documentation of business purpose. Business visas offer more flexibility for extensions and multiple entries if needed.