Cambodia entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
South African passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Cambodia. As of 2026, you show up at the airport or land border, pay the fee in US dollars cash, and receive a 30-day tourist visa. No advance application is needed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival / eVisa Visa on arrival or eVisa | You can get a visa on arrival at Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, or Sihanoukville airports — pay $30 USD in cash (bring exact change, no Cambodian riel accepted). Alternatively, apply for an eVisa at evisa.gov.kh before you fly ($30 USD, processed in 3 business days). The eVisa lets you enter only through Phnom Penh or Siem Reap airports and the Poipet land border crossing.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 6 months beyond arrival | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into Cambodia. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at the visa-on-arrival counter will ask to see a flight out of Cambodia within 30 days. Have a printed or digital copy of your onward ticket ready — they check this before issuing the visa. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have handy | Officers rarely ask for a hotel booking, but having a printed confirmation or a booking.com reservation on your phone avoids delays if they do. If you are staying with friends, carry their address and phone number. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have handy | No formal minimum is published, but carrying at least $300–$500 USD in cash or a credit card statement shows you can cover your stay. ATMs are widely available in cities but charge high fees. | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards accepted
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in US dollars cash. There are no ATMs before immigration. Bring exact change ($30 or $35) to avoid problems with change.
Overstay fines add up fast
Overstaying your visa costs $10 per day. If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, extend your visa at an immigration office before it expires — it's cheaper and avoids problems when leaving.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
At Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, or Sihanoukville airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' before the main immigration queue. At land borders (e.g., Poipet, Bavet), look for the visa office before passport control.
2
Fill out the application form
Grab a form from the counter. It's short — name, passport number, arrival flight, hotel address. Fill it in while waiting. Keep your passport and photo ready.
3
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, form, photo, and $30 (tourist) or $35 (business). The officer will process it — usually takes 5–15 minutes. They'll give you a receipt.
4
Collect your passport with visa
When called, collect your passport. Check the visa sticker: your name, passport number, and validity dates should be correct. Then proceed to the main immigration queue for entry stamp.
5
Get your entry stamp
At the main counter, present your passport with the new visa. The officer stamps you in. Keep the departure card (if given) — you'll need it when leaving.
Download Cambodia Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
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
Available on arrival or via eVisa. Extend once at immigration.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$75 USD
Must apply at Cambodian embassy abroad. Not available on arrival.
Business Visa (Ordinary Visa E)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 1 year
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$35 USD
Available on arrival. Requires company letter for extension.
retirement visa
Cambodia Retirement Visa (ER Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$290 USD / year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires annual renewal and no local employment. Simple process through immigration agents.
work visa
Cambodia Work Visa (EB Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$180 USD / year + work permit fee
For foreigners employed by a Cambodian company. Requires a valid employment contract and work permit. Employer typically sponsors.
business visa
Cambodia Business Visa (E-Class)
1 year, renewable annually
~$290 USD / year
For self-employed or investors. Requires proof of business registration or investment. Renewable indefinitely.
student visa
Cambodia Student Visa (ES Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$180 USD / year
For enrolled students at a Cambodian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (tourist)Payable in USD cash at airport or land border. Valid for 30 days. | $30 USD |
| Visa on Arrival (business)Requires supporting documents. Valid for 30 days. | $35 USD |
| eVisa (tourist)Apply online before travel. Valid for 30 days. | $36 USD |
| Extension of stay (30 days)Apply at immigration office before visa expires. One-time extension. | $45 USD |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD. Pay at immigration or airport. | $10 USD per day |
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
South Africa passport holders transiting through Cambodia do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land border transits, a visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Cambodia may enter for short transit.
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 risk. Certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas. Use repellent and sleep under nets.
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in rural and forested areas, especially near borders. Prophylaxis recommended for high-risk zones.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water. Drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is highest in rural and forested areas, especially in the provinces of Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri, and along the Thai and Lao borders. 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, photo, and visa extension form.
Siem Reap
Siem Reap Immigration Office
Airport Road, Siem Reap
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 14:00–17:00
Handles extensions for tourists in Siem Reap. Less crowded than Phnom Penh.
Practical information for ZA 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 = 4,026.83 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
Getting to Cambodia
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Cambodia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can extend once for an additional 30 days at the Immigration Department in Phnom Penh or at provincial immigration offices. Cost is about $45–$55. You must apply before your current visa expires. Overstaying costs $10 per day.
Yes, same visa on arrival process at major land crossings like Poipet (from Thailand), Bavet (from Vietnam), and Cham Yeam (from Thailand). Look for the visa office before passport control. Same fee and requirements.
Yes, just ask for a 'business visa' (type E) at the counter. It costs $35 instead of $30. It's valid for 30 days but can be extended multiple times (up to 1 year) without leaving Cambodia — useful if you plan to work or stay long-term.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. No exceptions. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, you need proof of onward travel — a bus ticket, boat ticket, or flight out of Cambodia. A screenshot or printed confirmation works. Immigration may ask for it.
No — only US dollars cash. Cambodian Riel is not accepted for visa fees. Credit/debit cards are not accepted at the visa counter. Bring exact change if possible to avoid issues with change.
It's available at all international airports (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville) and most major land borders. Some smaller border crossings may not offer it — check in advance if using a remote crossing.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.