France entry requirements for Cambodia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Cambodian passport holders need a visa to enter France. You must apply for a Schengen visa at the French embassy or consulate before you travel. This requirement is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply at the French consulate or VFS Global centre in Cambodia | You need a short-stay Schengen visa (Type C) before traveling to France. Apply at the French Embassy in Phnom Penh or through an authorised visa centre like VFS Global. Submit your application at least 15 days before departure — processing takes about 15 calendar days.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from Schengen area | Your passport needs at least two blank pages for visa stamps. The 3-month validity rule applies to the entire Schengen zone — if your passport expires sooner, border officers will deny entry. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen area | Immigration officers at French airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave Schengen within your visa's validity. Airlines check this before boarding — without it, you won't fly. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation letter | Have a confirmed hotel reservation for your entire stay, or a signed attestation d'accueil (hosting certificate) if staying with friends or family. Officers at passport control sometimes ask to see it. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash showing you can support yourself | Carry bank statements from the last 3 months showing at least €65 per day of your stay. Immigration officers rarely ask, but consular officers may request it during the visa interview. | Recommended |
Apply Well in Advance
Visa appointments can book up quickly, especially in Phnom Penh. Start the process at least 6-8 weeks before your trip to avoid last-minute stress.
Schengen Area Rules
A French visa lets you travel to all 27 Schengen countries (including Germany, Italy, Spain) for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Your total stay across all Schengen countries cannot exceed 90 days.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare Your Documents
Gather all required documents: valid passport, completed visa application form, passport photos, travel insurance, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, and proof of funds. Make copies of everything.
2
Book an Appointment
Schedule an appointment at the French embassy or a visa application centre (like TLScontact or VFS Global) in Cambodia. Slots can fill up weeks in advance, so book early.
3
Attend the Visa Interview
Go to your appointment with all original documents and copies. You'll submit your application, provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo), and pay the visa fee. The interviewer may ask about your travel plans, finances, and ties to Cambodia.
4
Wait for Processing
Standard processing takes about 15 calendar days, but can take longer during peak seasons. Track your application online if the centre offers it.
5
Collect Your Passport
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check that all details (name, dates, validity) are correct before leaving the centre.
6
Arrive in France
At the airport, go to the 'All Passports' queue. Have your passport, visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer may ask about your trip purpose and funds. Answer clearly and confidently.
Download France Entry Checklist
PDF · Cambodia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 3 months
Cost€80 (≈$87 USD)
Requires appointment at French embassy/consulate or visa application center.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per entry
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€80 (≈$87 USD)
Same fee as single entry; must justify need for multiple trips.
Long-stay visa (visa de long séjour)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year (renewable)
Cost€99 (≈$108 USD)
For stays over 90 days (e.g., work, study, family reunion). Requires additional documentation.
student visa
Long-stay student visa (VLS-TS étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
€99 (≈$108 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a French educational institution. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work.
Apply work visa
Long-stay work visa (VLS-TS salarié)
1 year, renewable
€99 (≈$108 USD) application fee
For employment with a French company. Requires a valid work contract and employer sponsorship. Leads to residency.
Apply retirement visa
Long-stay visitor visa (VLS-TS visiteur)
1 year, renewable
€99 (≈$108 USD) application fee
For retirees or those with sufficient income (no work allowed). Requires proof of financial resources and health insurance.
Apply investor visa
Talent passport – investor
4 years, renewable
€99 (≈$108 USD) application fee
For substantial investment in France (minimum €300,000). Includes family reunification. Fast-track to residency.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for short-stay Schengen visa. | €80 (≈$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (≈$87 USD) |
| Visa service fee (VFS/TLScontact)Additional service charge for visa application center. | ~€30 (≈$33 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying Schengen visa; maximum cap varies. | €30–€100 per day (≈$33–$109 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through France
Transit visa required
Cambodia passport holders need an airport transit visa (VAT) to change planes in France, unless exempt (e.g., holding a valid Schengen visa or residence permit).
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid visa for a Schengen member state
- Holders of a valid residence permit from an EU/EEA country
Transit hubsCharles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) · Orly Airport (ORY) · Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE)
Health & vaccines for France
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in forested areas; vaccination recommended for rural travel.
Seasonal influenzaModerate risk
Common in winter months; vaccination advised.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions sufficient; risk minimal.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Paris
Préfecture de Police de Paris – Service des Étrangers
Place Louis Lépine, 75004 Paris
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
For visa extensions and residence permits; appointments required.
Marseille
Préfecture des Bouches-du-Rhône – Service des Étrangers
Place Félix Baret, 13001 Marseille
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:00
Handles long-stay visa renewals and residency issues.
Practical information for KH travellers
Country basics
CapitalParis
LanguageFrench
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid. IDP recommended for longer stays.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.86 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+9h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,EType C, E — US plugs (Type A/B) do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe throughout France. Ask for 'une carafe d'eau' for free tap water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to France
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to France — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Standard processing is about 15 calendar days. During peak travel seasons (summer, Christmas), it can take up to 30 days. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your planned departure.
The Schengen visa fee for adults is €80 (about $87 USD). Children aged 6-12 pay €40. There may be additional service fees if you apply through a visa centre like TLScontact or VFS Global.
Yes, as long as France is the main destination (longest stay) or your first point of entry into the Schengen area. If you're visiting multiple countries, apply at the embassy of the country where you'll spend the most days.
Yes, you need to show you have enough money for your stay. The French consulate generally expects around €65 per day of stay. Bank statements from the last 3 months are the most common proof.
No, Schengen short-stay visas (type C) cannot be extended except in very rare emergencies (like a medical crisis or force majeure). Plan your trip within the visa's validity.
You'll receive a formal rejection letter stating the reason. You can appeal within 30 days to the French consulate or reapply with stronger documents. Common reasons include insufficient funds, weak ties to Cambodia, or incomplete paperwork.
If you stay in the international transit zone and don't enter the Schengen area, you generally do not need a visa. But if you need to pass through passport control (e.g., to change terminals), you will need a Schengen visa. Check with your airline.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.