Which permits are needed to explore Cambodia as a tourist

Cambodia is a great destination for tourism. It has options for sightseeing as well as offbeat adventures. But a tourist visa alone won’t let you experience Cambodia to the fullest. You also need permits to visit restricted zones and engage in controlled recreation. So, understanding the authorization requirements is important for tourists.

Cambodia is an appealing destination for travelers. The primordial temples, untouched beaches, and rural charm is what tourists want to explore in the country. But it requires more than a Cambodia travel visa for the perfect holiday and adventure experience. Different approvals are required for a range of activities. So, keep reading to learn more. 

Standard Tourist Entry Permits

A tourist visa will be needed to enter Cambodia. You will need an acceptable passport that won’t expire before 6 months to apply for a Cambodia travel visa. Your passport should have more than one blank page for immigration stamps. 

Visa Types

You will need the Cambodian tourist visa (T-Class Visa) for tourism and short visits to the country. This visa is single-entry, and has validity of 3 months, with one month of stay allowed in the country. Now, let’s understand the types of tourist visas available to enter Cambodia.

E-Visa: An electronic version of the tourist visa can be obtained online. You just need to visit a reputable e-visa portal, fill out an application form, and submit it along with uploaded copies of necessary documents. The Cambodia eVisa application is the most convenient way of getting your entry permit.

Visa-On-Arrival: You can get this in a Cambodian airport. This option is less convenient than an e-visa and involves lingering uncertainties around approval. 

Sticker Visa: This is the least convenient option to get a visa, and it also involves more paperwork. You need to physically visit the embassy to apply for a Cambodian sticker visa. 

Visa Exemptions

The nationals of a total of 9 ASEAN and 2 other countries are eligible for visa exemption. It means that they won’t need a visa for a short-term stay in Cambodia for tourist purposes. 

Table 1: Visa-exempt countries for Cambodia

How to Apply for the Cambodian Tourist Visa

Here are the steps for applying for each type of Cambodia travel visa.

Option 1: E-Visa

These are the steps for the Cambodia eVisa application.

• Visit a reputable e-visa website and complete an online application form.
• Submit a scan of the bio page of your passport.
• Submit all other required documentation, including flight and accommodation details, bank statements etc. 
• Pay the visa processing fee securely with your bank card or digital wallet. 
• Check your email for the e-visa certificate and download it.
• Print the certificate to be shown at the immigration checking point. 

Option 2: Visa-On-Arrival

These are the steps to get a Cambodia visa on arrival.

• Arrive at a point of entry and follow the directions for the visa-on-arrival counter.
• Submit the filled-out application form, your passport, and a passport-sized photo. You may also need to present evidence of accommodation booking, return flight, and fund availability. 
• Pay the processing charge in cash.
• Receive the visa stamp on your passport after the processing is complete. 

Option 3: Embassy Application

Follow these steps to get your Cambodia travel visa from an embassy. 

• Visit your Cambodian embassy in your home country on a weekday. 
• Fill out the visa application form.
• Staple a passport-sized photo taken within 6 months to your application form.
• Submit the finished form along with your original passport.
• Money order the visa fee with or send a cashier’s check. 
• If you are applying via mail, make sure you also submit a self-addressed prepaid return envelope. 
• Collect your visa from the embassy or get it in your email. 

Entry & Exit Rules You Should Know

Here are some entry and exit rules that you should know.

Overstay Penalties

Overstaying your visa in Cambodia will attract a penalty of $10 per day. Overstays by more than 30 days can also result in deportation, detention, and potential bans from future entry. 

Border Crossing

Be prepared to face long queues at the Thailand-Cambodia land border crossing. Also, be prepared for potential scams associated with visa processing fees. This is why getting an e-visa in advance can help. And maintain politeness when interacting with officials. 

E-Visa Copies

Print two copies of your e-visa. You have to present one during entry and another during your exit. Officials may retain the copies at each point. Moreover, it is a good practice to have backup copies printed in case of loss or damage. 

Visa Extension

It is possible to get an extension of 30 days on your Cambodian travel visa from the immigration office. Ensure that you apply well before the expiration date of the current visa. 

Other Permits

Take a look at the other permits you need to engage in different tourist activities in Cambodia.

Restricted Area Permits

You will need special permits to enter certain zones and provinces in Cambodia. The special permits will allow remote trekking, visits to tribal areas, and access to military-controlled zones. 

Remote Trekking and Tribal Regions: Mondulkiri to Ratanakiri

Military-Controlled Zones: Areas near Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.

Disputed Area: Organized tours in the disputed land between Thailand and Cambodia. 

Filming & Photography Permits

You will need permits for filming or photographing documentary or commercial content. Permits from the aviation authority are also needed if you are going to use a drone for recording. Filming within temples managed by the APSARA Authority, like Angkor Wat, will also require permits. You will also need approval for professional shoots and street interviews. 

Driving Permits (Tourists)

You can legally drive in Cambodia with an International Driving Permit (IDP). But your IDP will only be considered valid as long as you have a license issued by your home country. However, you will need a temporary Cambodian license if you are going to drive for the long term or rent a vehicle for several weeks. Scooter rentals are widely available, but it will not be legal to drive one without an IDP. 

Recreational Fishing Permits

You will need a local permit from Community Fisheries (CFis) for recreational fishing in rivers, coastal areas, and Tonle Sap. And fishing is completely prohibited in protected areas like biosphere reserves and flooded forests. For sea fishing and charter boats, you can get a permit through the tour operator. In general, licenses are mainly issued by local fisheries administration offices. Remember that fishing protected species, without a license, or under an unlicensed operator, will attract penalties. 

Other Activity-Specific Permits

You will need permits for camping in national parks like Virachey and Botum Sakor. You will need insurance proof as well if you are interested in trekking or climbing in most places. You will also need a permit for photographing wildlife. Coordinate with park rangers for that. 

Ready To Pack Your Bags?

You can visit Cambodia as a casual traveler or a content creator. Regardless of the nature of your tour, it is important to understand the tourist permit system in the country. Understanding of these permits can ensure a smooth trip and uninterrupted adventure throughout Cambodia. It will ensure a legal and respectful experience.

Maintain several copies of your permits and documents. And go for an electronic visa for maximum convenience. It helps avoid tiresome visits to the embassy and makes the visa available in advance of arriving at the destination. So, make your Cambodia eVisa application today!