Entry Requirements & Visas
Visa on Arrival for Most Travelers in 2026
Cambodia offers convenient visa on arrival ($30 USD) at major airports and borders for stays up to 30 days, available to citizens of over 200 countries. For a smoother process, apply for an e-visa online ($36 including fees) which is valid for 30 days and can be extended easily.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Cambodia, with at least one blank page for the visa stamp. Always carry a photocopy of your passport and visa while traveling, as checkpoints are common in rural areas.
Children under 15 may need additional parental consent forms if traveling without both parents.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Singapore, and the Philippines can enter visa-free for up to 14-30 days depending on nationality. This applies mainly to land and air borders, but always confirm with your embassy as rules can change for reciprocal agreements.
For longer stays, you'll need to apply for a visa extension or ordinary visa in advance.
Visa Applications
Apply for an e-visa via the official Cambodian government website (evisa.gov.kh) at least 3 days before travel, requiring a passport photo and scan. The fee is $36 USD, and approval is typically within 72 hours; print the approval letter to present at immigration.
Visa on arrival requires a passport photo and $30 cash; processing takes 10-30 minutes at busy borders like Phnom Penh or Siem Reap airports.
Border Crossings
Land borders with Thailand (e.g., Poipet-Bangkok route) and Vietnam (Bavet-Ho Chi Minh) are popular but can involve queues; opt for e-visa to skip lines. Overland crossings require exact change in USD, and some remote borders may close early or on holidays.
Flight arrivals at international airports are efficient with dedicated visa counters, but arrive early to avoid peak-hour delays.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive insurance is highly recommended, covering medical evacuation (essential in remote areas like Angkor), trip delays, and activities such as trekking in Mondulkiri. Policies should include at least $50,000 in emergency medical coverage due to variable healthcare quality.
Providers like World Nomads offer tailored plans starting at $2-5/day; declare any pre-existing conditions to avoid claim denials.
Extensions Possible
Extend your tourist visa for 1-12 months at immigration offices in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap for $45 (1 month) to $290 (12 months), requiring your passport and a photo. Apply at least one week before expiration to avoid overstay fines of $10/day.
Business visas are available for longer stays and can be extended more flexibly with proof of activities.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Cambodia uses the Cambodian Riel (KHR), but US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted for most transactions over $1. For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially during dry season peaks.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at street stalls or markets for authentic amok or lok lak under $3, avoiding tourist traps near temples to save up to 60% on meals.
Opt for family-run eateries in Phnom Penh's Russian Market for fresh, affordable Khmer cuisine and vegetarian options.
Public Transport Passes
Use shared minibuses or boats for intercity travel at $5-15, or get a moto pass in Siem Reap for unlimited tuk-tuk rides around $10/day.
Domestic flights via Cambodia Angkor Air can be cheaper than buses for remote areas like Sihanoukville.
Free Attractions
Explore Phnom Penh's riverside promenades, Battambang's bamboo train (minimal fee), or rural pagodas, which offer cultural immersion without high costs.
Many national parks like Kirirom have low entry fees under $5, including hiking trails and waterfalls.
Card vs Cash
USD is king for larger payments, but use Riel for small change; ATMs dispense USD with a $5 fee, so withdraw larger amounts.
Cards are accepted in hotels and malls, but carry cash for markets and rural spots to avoid 3% surcharges.
Temple Passes
Buy a 3-day Angkor pass for $62 to access multiple temples, far cheaper than daily tickets; it pays off after one full day of exploration.
Combine with sunrise visits to maximize value and avoid midday heat.
Smart Packing for Cambodia
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, breathable cotton clothes for the tropical heat, including long pants and scarves for temple modesty rules at sites like Angkor Wat. Include quick-dry items for humid conditions and a sarong for versatile use as a towel or cover-up.
Layer with a light rain jacket for sudden showers, even in dry season.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter (Type A/C), portable charger for long days at ruins, and a waterproof phone case for boat trips on Tonle Sap. Download offline maps like Maps.me and a translation app for Khmer script.
A good camera or smartphone with extra storage is ideal for capturing temple sunrises and street life.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a basic first-aid kit with anti-diarrheal meds, and prescriptions; include DEET mosquito repellent for malaria-prone areas like the northeast. Pack high-SPF sunscreen, hats, and rehydration salts due to intense sun and potential food-related issues.
Vaccinations for hepatitis A/B and typhoid are advised; consult a travel clinic 4-6 weeks prior.
Travel Gear
Opt for a lightweight backpack for temple hopping, reusable water bottle (with filter for tap water), and a money belt for securing USD cash. Include a flashlight for evening walks in rural areas and copies of your passport/visa in a waterproof pouch.
Pack earplugs for noisy guesthouses and a travel lock for securing bags on overnight buses.
Footwear Strategy
Choose sturdy sandals or closed-toe shoes for dusty temple paths and uneven terrain at Ta Prohm; flip-flops suffice for beaches in Sihanoukville but add hiking boots for Cardamom Mountains treks. Socks are useful for removing shoes at pagodas multiple times daily.
Waterproof options prevent blisters during wet season explorations.
Personal Care
Include travel-sized biodegradable soap, wet wipes for dusty roads, and antifungal powder for humid climates; a compact umbrella or poncho handles tropical downpours. Toothpaste and deodorant are cheap locally, but pack enough for remote areas like Ratanakiri.
Feminine hygiene products may be limited outside cities, so bring supplies.
When to Visit Cambodia
Cool Dry Season (November-February)
Peak time for exploring Angkor Wat with comfortable temperatures of 21-28°C, low humidity, and minimal rain, ideal for multi-day temple tours and cycling around Siem Reap.
Festivals like Khmer New Year prep bring vibrant markets, but book accommodations early as crowds swell.
Hot Dry Season (March-May)
Best for beach escapes in Sihanoukville or Koh Rong with scorching 30-35°C days, perfect for water activities and fewer tourists at inland sites.
Early mornings for ruins avoid peak heat; expect higher prices but lush landscapes before the rains.
Early Wet Season (June-August)
Affordable travel with dramatic sunsets and waterfalls at Phnom Kulen, temperatures around 27-32°C with afternoon showers that cool things down.
Great for birdwatching in Prek Toal or rural homestays, though some roads may flood in remote provinces.
Late Wet Season (September-October)
Budget-friendly for cultural immersion in Phnom Penh with 25-30°C and heavy rains that keep crowds low, ideal for indoor museums like Tuol Sleng.
Vegetation peaks for scenic boat trips, but pack rain gear and check for festival closures like Pchum Ben.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Cambodian Riel (KHR), but US Dollars (USD) widely used (1 USD ≈ 4,000 KHR). Carry small USD bills; change given in KHR.
- Language: Khmer (official). English spoken in tourist areas; basic French in some regions. Learn phrases like "susay dei" (hello).
- Time Zone: Indochina Time (ICT), UTC+7
- Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. Type A (US two-pin) and Type C (European two-pin) plugs
- Emergency Number: 117 for police, 119 for fire/ambulance, 1280 for tourist police
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated; 10% at restaurants, $1-2 for tuk-tuk drivers or guides
- Water: Tap water unsafe; drink bottled or filtered. Avoid ice in rural areas
- Pharmacies: Widely available in cities. Look for blue or green signs; basic meds cheap but bring specifics