United States 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 the United States for tourism or business. As of 2026, there is no visa waiver or visa-on-arrival option — you must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application Visa required | Cambodian passport holders need a visa to enter the United States. Apply for a nonimmigrant visa (B-1/B-2) at the US embassy or consulate in Phnom Penh. The visa application fee is $185 USD, and you must attend an in-person interview.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from the US. Carry a copy of your passport bio page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at US ports of entry routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return ticket or onward itinerary ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your US host. Officers may ask where you will stay during your visit. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Bring bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. There is no fixed minimum amount, but having $200–$300 USD per day of stay is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Visa required even for transit
Cambodian passport holders cannot transit through the US without a visa. If your flight has a layover in the US, you must have a valid US visa (C-1 or B-1/B-2).
Plan ahead — interview slots fill fast
Interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh can be booked 2-3 months out. Start your application early, especially if you have fixed travel dates.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 form online
Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center website, fill out the DS-160 form, upload your photo, and submit. Print the confirmation page with the barcode — you'll need it for the interview.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the $185 MRV fee online via the U.S. visa appointment system or at an authorized bank in Cambodia. Save the payment receipt.
3
Schedule your interview
Log into the U.S. visa appointment system, select the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh, and book a slot. Wait times can be 2-3 months, so plan ahead.
4
Attend the interview
Arrive at the embassy on time with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, photo, and supporting documents. The officer will ask about your trip and ties to Cambodia. Answer honestly and briefly.
5
Wait for processing
After approval, your passport will be held for visa issuance. Processing takes 3-5 business days. You'll receive instructions to collect your passport or have it couriered.
6
Enter the US
At the US port of entry (airport or land border), present your passport with visa and your return ticket. The CBP officer may ask about your stay. Keep your hotel address handy.
Download United States 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:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$185 USD (≈$185 USD)
Standard visa for tourism or business visits.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$185 USD (≈$185 USD)
Same fee as single entry; allows multiple visits.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost$185 USD (≈$185 USD) + SEVIS fee
For full-time academic programs; requires I-20 from school.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 6 years
Validity3 years, renewable
Cost$460 USD (≈$460 USD) + fees
For specialty occupations; employer-sponsored.
student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace period
$185 USD application fee + SEVIS fee (~$350 USD)
For full-time academic programs at accredited US institutions. Requires I-20 from school and proof of funds. Allows part-time on-campus work.
Apply work visa
H-1B Work Visa
Up to 6 years (3+3 renewal)
$460 USD application fee + legal fees (varies)
For specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree. Employer-sponsored with annual lottery cap. Spouse can apply for H-4 visa.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000 USD minimum investment (or $800,000 in targeted areas)
For investors who create at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers. Leads to permanent residency and eventual citizenship.
Apply exchange visitor
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Varies by program (typically 1–2 years)
$185 USD application fee + program fees
For cultural exchange, internships, research, or teaching. Requires sponsorship by a designated program. May include 2-year home residency requirement.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for most visa types. | $185 USD (≈$185 USD) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years. | $185 USD (≈$185 USD) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)For extending B1/B2 stay; processing takes months. | $370 USD (≈$370 USD) |
| Overstay fineOverstay may lead to bans; no fixed per-day fine. | Varies; typically $0–$500 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Weak home ties20%
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 United States
Transit visa required
Cambodia passport holders generally need a C-1 transit visa to change planes in the US, even if staying airside. However, if you have a valid US visa (e.g., B1/B2), you may transit without an additional transit visa.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a separate transit visa.
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa may transit without a visa for up to 29 days under certain conditions (check latest rules).
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, flu)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsiderYellow FeverConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus, dengue)Low risk
Rare but present in some regions; use insect repellent.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
General food safety is high; risk is low for most travelers.
Tick-borne diseases (Lyme disease)Moderate risk
Risk in wooded areas of Northeast and Upper Midwest; check for ticks.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) District Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For extensions and status changes; appointments required.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for KH travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United States
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Even if you're just changing planes in the US, you must have a valid US visa (usually a C-1 transit visa or a B-1/B-2). There is no transit without a visa for Cambodian passport holders.
From start to finish, expect 2-4 months. The DS-160 form takes about an hour. Interview wait times at the Phnom Penh embassy are typically 2-3 months. After approval, visa issuance takes 3-5 business days.
Yes, you can apply for an extension with USCIS using Form I-539. You must file before your authorized stay expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and can take months to process.
You can reapply at any time, but you must address the reason for the previous denial. Common reasons: insufficient ties to Cambodia, incomplete application, or previous overstays. There is no appeal process.
Yes. For business activities like meetings, conferences, or consulting, you still need a B-1 visa. The same application process applies. You cannot work or get paid by a US company on a B-1 visa.
Technically yes, but it's strongly discouraged. You must have legal status in that country (e.g., a residence permit). Processing times and requirements vary. Most Cambodians apply at the embassy in Phnom Penh.
Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, visa fee receipt, one US-compliant photo, and any supporting documents: employment letter, bank statements, property deeds, travel itinerary, and hotel bookings. Organize them in a clear folder.
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.