Cambodia has become not only a popular tourist destination for backpackers but a desirable prospect for expats looking to relocate. This is arguably due to the relaxed visa application process. It is a lot easier to obtain a visa for Cambodia than for many of the neighbouring Southeast-Asian countries.
Visas can be obtained on arrival into Phnom Penh or Siem Reap airport, at land borders or at the seaports. A passport sized photo is required and there is a US$1-2 charge if you do not take one with you. However, you can also arrange your visa through the Cambodian Embassy of your home country before travelling. You need to ensure that you have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of travel.
A short term (tourist) visa will cost just US$20 if you apply for your visa upon arrival into Cambodia and the process takes around 20-30 minutes, as long as you have all the required documentation.
However, a tourist or short term visa can now be applied for online in the form of an eVisa. You simply need to complete the application form, pay with a credit card, download, print two copies (one for entry and one for exit) and take it with you on your trip. It costs US$25 and must be validated within three months of the date of issue. Having a visa organised in advance means that you will not fall victim to any potential additional charges at the borders. It takes three business days to process an online application. eVisas are, however, only valid for entry at airports or three of the land borders; Bavet, Poipet and Koh Kong.
A tourist visa allows you to stay in Cambodia for 30 days and can be extended once for up to one additional month at a cost of $45, overstaying on your visa without a legal extension costs $5 per day, payable upon departure from Cambodia. Overstaying on your visa in Cambodia should be avoided at all costs, if you are caught by the police it becomes a much more serious matter; you could find yourself held in the illegal immigrant cells and face being permanently blacklisted from the country.
Most guest houses will offer a visa extension service which takes a couple days and will require you to hand over your passport, so make sure you know who you are dealing with. You can also obtain a visa extension at Pochentong airport but with numerous agencies available to facilitate for you the trip is not necessary; the cost of transport to the airport will be more or less the same as the agent's commission.
Nationals of some countries are able to enter Cambodia without a visa, however, the amount of time they can stay in the country is restricted. For residents of Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia a visit can last up to 30 days. Nationals of Thailand and Philippines also do not require a visa to visit Cambodia but are only permitted to stay for 14 and 21 days respectively.
People holding passports from Afghanistan, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Nigeria must obtain a visa from the Cambodian embassy in their home country in advance; they are not eligible for the online visa application. It is also necessary to have a letter from a sponsor or an invitation from an organization in Cambodia, as well as have a return ticket already purchased.
For all visitors to Cambodia, it is necessary to be aware of the scams that take place at the land borders; the border at Koh Kong has a particularly notorious reputation. Immigration officers are known to insist on payment in Thai Baht. The conversion rate will be inflated so that they can pocket the difference. Politely decline and they cannot refuse payment in US dollars; try to have the exact money as getting change could be tricky.
The best way to avoid falling into the trap of the scammers is to organise your tourist visa in advance.
A K visa is only applicable for a Cambodian national entering the country on a foreign passport. They must still be able to sufficiently prove Cambodian ancestry; documentation confirming Cambodian parentage, for example. A K visa is free, valid indefinitely and allows multiple entries and exits.
Only valid for up to 3 days and you must provide proof of your intention to proceed on to your final destination. Transit visas are issued at the airport on arrival.