Cambodia entry requirements for United States passport holders

Verified May 11, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
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

US citizens traveling to Cambodia can get a visa on arrival for tourism or business. The standard tourist visa costs $30 USD and allows a 30-day stay. This is the simplest way to enter, but you can also pre-arrange an e-visa online to avoid the queue at major airports.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply online before travel
Apply at www.evisa.gov.kh for $30 USD. Processing takes 3 business days. Print the approval letter and bring it with your passport to immigration.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for duration of stay
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date in Cambodia. Airlines check this before boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel
Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward flight ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show sufficient cash or card
Have at least $500 USD in cash or a credit card with available balance. Immigration may ask to see it.Recommended
Bring small USD bills
Visa counters rarely have change for $50 or $100 bills. Break larger notes beforehand or use exact $30/$35.
Avoid unofficial 'helpers'
Men in uniform or unofficial staff may offer to process your visa for a 'fast fee'. You don't need them – just follow the signs and use the official counters.
E-visa alternative
If you want to skip the line, apply online at evisa.gov.kh at least 3 business days before travel. Cost is $36 + $7 processing. Print the approval and bring it.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at the airport
After landing at Phnom Penh (PNH), Siem Reap (REP), or Sihanoukville (KOS), follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' before the immigration counters.
2
Fill out forms
Pick up a visa application form and an arrival card (usually given on the plane or at the visa counter). Fill them out – have your passport, flight info, and hotel address handy.
3
Pay and receive visa
Hand your passport, completed form, and photo to the visa officer. Pay $30 (tourist) or $35 (business). They'll process it and give you a visa sticker.
4
Proceed to immigration
Join the immigration queue. Show your passport with the new visa and the arrival card. No additional questions. Then collect luggage.
Download Cambodia Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 2026
Download PDF

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 date
Cost$30 USD (VOA) or $36 USD (eVisa)

Standard option for tourism; can be extended once.

Business Visa (Ordinary)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 1 year
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$35 USD (VOA) + extension fees

Requires company sponsorship or business purpose; renewable monthly.

Long-Stay Visa (Retirement)
Max stay1 year, renewable annually
Validity1 year
Cost$290 USD (approx.)

For retirees aged 55+; requires proof of funds and health insurance.

E-Visa (Tourist)
Max stay30 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$36 USD

Convenient online application; single entry only.

retirement visa
Cambodia Retirement Visa (ER Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
$290 USD (approx.) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires a local sponsor or agent. Allows multiple entries and long-term stay.
work visa
Cambodia Employment Visa (EB Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
$290 USD (approx.) per year
For foreign workers with a valid work permit and employment contract. Requires employer sponsorship and business registration.
business visa
Cambodia Business Visa (E-class)
1 year, renewable annually
$290 USD (approx.) per year
For entrepreneurs and investors. Requires proof of business registration or investment. Can be extended indefinitely.
student visa
Cambodia Student Visa (ES Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
$290 USD (approx.) per year
For students enrolled in a recognized Cambodian institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on Arrival (Tourist)Payable in cash (USD) upon arrival at major airports and land borders.$30 USD
Visa on Arrival (Business)For business purposes; requires supporting documents.$35 USD
eVisa (Tourist)Apply online before travel; valid for single entry, 30 days stay.$36 USD
Overstay fineMaximum fine is $500 USD; pay at immigration before departure.$10 USD per day
Stay extension (Tourist)Extendable once for 30 days at immigration office; processing fee varies.$45 USD (approx.)

Common reasons for entry denial

No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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

US passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Cambodian airports. You may remain in the international transit area without passing through immigration.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • If you need to enter Cambodia (e.g., to change airports or collect luggage), you must obtain a visa on arrival or eVisa.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-Diphtheria-PertussisRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk

Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially rainy season.

MalariaModerate risk

Risk in rural and forested areas, especially near borders. Prophylaxis recommended for those areas.

Food and Waterborne DiseasesHigh risk

Common due to contaminated food/water. Stick to bottled water and well-cooked food.

Malaria risk: moderate

Risk is highest in rural and forested areas, especially in the provinces of Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri, and along the Thai border. Prophylaxis recommended for those areas.

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. 237, Preah Norodom Blvd, Phnom Penh
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 14:00–17:00

Main office for visa extensions and overstay payment; bring passport, photos, and fee.

Siem Reap
Siem Reap Immigration Office
Near Angkor Wat, Siem Reap
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 14:00–17:00

Handles extensions for tourists; less crowded than Phnom Penh.

Practical information for US 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 = 4,029.35 KHR
updated May 13
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

Getting to Cambodia

13,701 kmgreat circle distance
~18hfrom New York
Find flights

Nearby destinations you can also visit

Countries close to Cambodia — with your same passport.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, the tourist visa can be extended once for an additional 30 days. Cost is around $45–$55 and can be done at the immigration office in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. For longer stays, consider a business visa (E-type) which can be extended multiple times.
Both are valid for 30 days. The e-visa costs $36 plus processing, and you apply online at evisa.gov.kh. It saves time on arrival – you skip the visa queue and go straight to immigration. Must enter through Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, or Sihanoukville airports.
Cambodia doesn't require one, but your airline may refuse boarding without evidence of onward travel. Always carry a printed onward flight or bus ticket just in case.
No problem – there are photo booths at the visa counters for a small fee (about $2–$5). But bring one to save money and time.
Yes, most major land crossings like Poipet (from Thailand) and Bavet (from Vietnam) process visa on arrival. Same cost and requirements. However, e-visas are not accepted at all crossings – check before you go.
Yes, the standard fee applies: $30 for a tourist visa, $35 for a business visa. No special waivers or discounts for US passport holders.
Typically 15–30 minutes at moderate traffic. During peak hours it can take up to an hour. The e-visa line is usually faster.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 11, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.