Most nationalities need a visa to enter Cambodia, and for tourists the choice generally comes down to two options: the e-visa, applied for online before you travel, or a visa on arrival at the airport or a land border. Here’s how each works.
Cambodia e-visa
The e-visa is applied for online through Cambodia’s official government portal, typically processed within 1-3 business days, and costs around $30 plus a small processing fee for a single-entry tourist visa valid for 30 days. It’s the most convenient option for most travelers since it avoids the arrival queue and lets you confirm everything before you fly.
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrival is available at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, Phnom Penh International Airport, and major land border crossings, and costs a similar amount to the e-visa, paid in cash (US dollars) on arrival. You’ll need a passport photo and a completed arrival form; the process typically takes 10-20 minutes depending on how busy the counter is.
Border crossings and visa scams
Land border crossings, particularly Poipet from Thailand, have a reputation for overcharging tourists on visa fees or pushing unnecessary ‘service’ charges. The official visa on arrival fee is fixed; going through a reputable bus company that handles the crossing as part of your ticket is the easiest way to avoid being overcharged.
Visa extensions
The standard 30-day tourist visa can be extended once, typically for another 30 days, through a visa agent or immigration office in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap — worth planning ahead if your trip might run past a month.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Cambodia e-visa cost?
Around $30 plus a small processing fee for a standard single-entry 30-day tourist e-visa.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Cambodia?
Yes, at major airports and land borders, for a similar price to the e-visa, paid in cash on arrival.
Is the Poipet border crossing safe?
It’s generally safe when using a reputable bus company that handles the crossing as part of the ticket; independent crossing carries a higher risk of overcharging.
Can I extend my Cambodia tourist visa?
Yes, the standard 30-day visa can typically be extended once for another 30 days through a visa agent or immigration office.
Related guides
- Bangkok to Siem Reap: Border Crossing and Travel Options
- Is Cambodia Safe for Tourists in 2026?
- Ultimate Cambodia Travel Guide: Top Places to Visit and Essential Tips
- Best Budget Guesthouses in Phnom Penh
- Best Riverside Hotels in Phnom Penh
E-visa: the recommended option
The Cambodian e-visa, applied for online before your trip, costs $36 (including a $6 processing fee on top of the $30 visa fee) and typically takes 2-4 business days to process — apply through the official evisa.gov.kh site rather than third-party sites that charge significant markups for the same service. The e-visa covers a single entry for up to 30 days and can be used at the main international airports and the primary land border crossings.
Visa on arrival
Available at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports and most major land borders, visa on arrival costs $30 in cash (USD, exact change recommended) plus one passport photo — bring a printed photo since not all border points reliably have photo services on hand. This option avoids the online application step but adds queue time at arrival, particularly during peak season.
Border crossing scams to watch for
The Poipet border with Thailand has a long-standing reputation for scam visa counters set up before the real official checkpoint, charging well above the genuine $30 fee for identical paperwork. Arranging an e-visa in advance sidesteps this entirely, since you arrive with your visa already secured and simply pass through immigration rather than negotiating with unofficial counters.
Visa extensions and overstay penalties
Both the e-visa and visa on arrival can be extended once inside Cambodia, typically through a travel agent in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh for a service fee on top of the official extension cost — a standard 30-day extension usually runs $45-65 all-in when arranged this way, and takes a few business days to process. Overstaying is charged at $10 per day, collected on exit, and while it’s technically manageable for a short overstay, it’s worth avoiding since immigration officials have discretion to flag or question travelers with longer overstays.
Special considerations for land border crossings
Not every Cambodian border crossing offers full visa services — while the major ones (Poipet, Bavet, Cham Yeam) do, some smaller or more remote crossings have inconsistent visa-on-arrival availability, so it’s worth confirming your specific planned crossing supports it before relying on getting a visa there. When in doubt, arranging the e-visa online in advance removes this uncertainty entirely.