Cambodia entry requirements for Laos passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 26, 2026·View sources
No visa required
30 days
Max stay
30 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Laos passport holders can enter Cambodia without a visa and stay for up to 30 days. This visa-free arrangement is valid for tourism and short business visits in 2026. Just show up with your passport and an onward ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least the length of your stay in Cambodia. Airlines at Vientiane and Luang Prabang may ask for 6 months validity — carry a printout of Cambodia's official policy if challenged. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Cambodia | Immigration at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap routinely asks for a flight out within 30 days. Budget airlines like AirAsia and VietJet check this before issuing a boarding pass. Have a printed itinerary or e-ticket ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers rarely ask for it, but having a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from a host speeds things up if questioned. A booking on Agoda or Booking.com works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | No set amount is published, but carrying $300–$500 USD in cash or a credit card statement puts you in the clear. ATMs are plentiful in cities but charge $4–$5 per withdrawal. | Recommended |
No visa needed — just show up
Laos passport holders get 30 days visa-free in Cambodia. No application, no fee, no paperwork. Just a valid passport and an onward ticket.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Cambodia. Airlines check this before boarding — if you're close to expiry, renew first.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Cambodian immigration
At Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, or Sihanoukville airports, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival' counters. For land borders like Poipet or Bavet, go to the passport control booth.
2
Present your passport and documents
Hand over your passport (with 6+ months validity and a blank page) and your onward ticket. The officer may ask for your accommodation address.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day visa-free entry. No fee is charged. The process takes 2-5 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, pick up your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. You're free to enter Cambodia.
Download Cambodia Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$30 USD
Apply online (eVisa) or on arrival; extension possible once.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$35 USD
Available on arrival; allows multiple entries within validity.
Business visa (ordinary)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 1 year
Validity3 months
Cost$35 USD (single entry)
Requires invitation letter; can be extended for longer stays.
retirement visa
Cambodia Retirement Visa (ER)
1 year, renewable annually
$290 USD (approx.)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires annual renewal and no local employment.
business visa
Business Visa (EB) with extension
1 year, renewable
$35 USD (initial) + extension fees
For those working or investing in Cambodia. Requires work permit or business registration. Can be extended for up to 1 year.
investor visa
Investor Visa (E-I)
1 year, renewable
$1,000+ USD (depending on investment)
For investors with minimum capital of $50,000 in Cambodia. Includes multiple entries and family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayPayable at immigration upon departure; no official cap but may be negotiated. | $10 USD per day (approx.) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Available on arrival or online; valid for 30 days, extendable once for 30 days. | $30 USD |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Available on arrival; valid for 30 days per entry, multiple entries within validity. | $35 USD |
| Stay extension (tourist visa)Extendable once for 30 days at immigration office; requires application. | $45 USD (approx.) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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 Cambodia
No transit visa needed
Laos passport holders transiting through Cambodia do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. For land border transit, visa-free entry applies for up to 30 days.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsPhnom Penh International Airport (PNH) · Siem Reap International Airport (REP) · Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS)
Health & vaccines for Cambodia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially rainy season.
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in rural/forested areas, especially near borders; low in cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene and drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in rural areas, especially near borders and forests; prophylaxis recommended for those areas. No risk in Phnom Penh and major tourist hubs.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Phnom Penh
Department of Immigration
No. 66, Preah Norodom Blvd, Phnom Penh
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and overstay payment.
Siem Reap
Siem Reap Immigration Office
Airport Road, Siem Reap
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for tourists in Siem Reap area.
Practical information for LA travellers
Country basics
CapitalPhnom Penh
LanguageKhmer
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyCambodian Riel (KHR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 4,017.11 KHR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+7
vs New York+12h (EST) / +11h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+15h (PST) / +14h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
A,C,GType A, C, G — US plugs (Type A) generally fit.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water. USD widely accepted alongside Riel.
Emergency numbers
US EmbassyFind contact
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Cambodia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free entry cannot be extended. If you want to stay longer, you must leave Cambodia and re-enter, or apply for a visa before travel (e.g., an e-visa or visa on arrival for longer stays). Overstaying costs $10 per day.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling. Some airlines are stricter than immigration, so don't risk it.
No, there is no official requirement to show bank statements or cash. However, if you look like you might overstay or have no means of support, an officer may ask. Having a credit card or a few hundred dollars in cash is wise.
Yes, the visa-free entry applies at all international border crossings, including Poipet (Thailand), Bavet (Vietnam), and others. The same 30-day limit applies. Just make sure your passport has a blank page and 6 months validity.
You will be fined $10 per day for each day overstayed, paid at immigration when you leave. Overstays of more than 30 days can result in a ban or deportation. Avoid it.
No, Cambodia does not require an arrival declaration or online form for visa-free entries. You just present your passport and get stamped. Some land borders may ask for a simple paper form, but it's rare.
No, the visa-free entry is for tourism and short business visits only. For work or study, you need a proper visa (e.g., E-class visa for business or K-visa for work). Working without the correct visa is illegal and can lead to fines or deportation.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.