Travelling to Cambodia
Travelling to Cambodia
Synopsis: Travelling to Cambodia: Each country has its own rules and regulations regarding entry requirements, and these can change frequently. Therefore, it is wise to verify the latest entry requirements before finalising any travel arrangements. This advice applies to all countries you plan to visit or transit through.
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Travelling to Cambodia, be aware that as of the 8th December 25, all land border crossings between Cambodia and Thailand remain closed, although air travel is possible.
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Travelling to Cambodia: Entry requirements
From July 1, 2025, all visitors must register on the v-Pass entry system, within the seven-day period leading up to arrival, at https://arrival.gov.kh.
Upon your arrival, you will receive an email confirming your entry instead of having your passport stamped. Please ensure that this email is accessible on your phone or printed out and available, without undue delay, for inspection throughout your entire stay.
Keep in mind that this mandatory requirement applies to all travellers and does not override or replace any visa requirements.
If you have any questions, please refer to the above link for assistance.
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**Entry Requirements for Cambodia (15 January 2025)**
This information is specifically for UK passport holders. However, most of the details will apply to citizens of other countries as well. If you are unsure, we recommend contacting the nearest Cambodian embassy for advice, well in advance of your travel.
Most travellers require a visa to enter Cambodia, which is typically available upon arrival (VOA). To obtain the visa, you will need a photo and a fee, paid in good condition US dollar notes. It may also be possible to use a bank card for payment. Alternatively, you can apply for an electronic visa through the following link: https://www.evisa.gov.kh/, where you will find all the necessary information.
Tourist visas usually allow for a stay of 30 days, and it may be possible to extend this visa once for tourist purposes without leaving the country. For other reasons, such as long-term study or work, you will need to contact immigration authorities for guidance.
If you have recently travelled to a country on the Yellow Fever list, which includes certain countries in Africa and South America, you may need to present a vaccination certificate to the Cambodian immigration. Make sure to check this requirement well in advance of your travel.
Individuals seeking employment should inquire at their nearest Cambodian Embassy. Those already in Cambodia should contact the Department of Labour and Social Affairs.
All travellers arriving by air, including Cambodian citizens, must register at this link: https://www.arrival.gov.kh/within the seven-day period leading up to arrival, regardless of whether they have a valid visa. For those who are unable to access the online registration system, immigration officers will be available to assist them. Additionally, travellers without a visa will need to apply for one at the visa counter.
This new arrival facility gathers travellers’ information and replaces the previous separate customs and health declaration paper forms. As mentioned earlier, this is not a visa application.
Tip: When departing from Cambodia, make sure to present the same passport you used for entry, along with your arrival/departure card, if one was provided when you arrived
Please also review the information provided in the following two links in the sidebar: First, Your Passport, and then the link for Safety and Insurance.
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Travelling to Cambodia**Important Note:**
If you plan to stay in Cambodia beyond the validity of your visa, visit the immigration department located opposite Phnom Penh Airport. It’s best to go at least one week before your visa expires, as they can provide the necessary guidance. Ensure that you have the correct type of visa; for example, a tourist visa is intended solely for tourism and not for employment.
Otherwise, you can also contact Lucky Lucky Moto at 413 Monivong Blvd., as they specialise in visa extensions and related services. However, regardless of your choice, don’t wait until the last minute to address your visa situation, and be mindful of public holidays when government and other offices may be closed.
Additionally, if you plan to extend your stay in Cambodia, check that your insurance will remain valid for any extended period. Your insurance provider can advise.
Be aware that overstaying your visa is not advisable and can lead to costly and time-consuming consequences.
Travelling to Cambodia
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Travelling to Cambodia, some useful and maybe interesting information
Travelling to Cambodia
Do you feel the irresistible urge to travel?
Historically, backpackers travelling the popular route between Australia and the UK, and vice versa, have been equipped with a copy of Lonely Planet. Many have enjoyed destinations like Bali, Sumatra, Borneo, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Many countries are now welcoming visitors.
Due to the challenges of obtaining visas or the closed borders of Burma, Vietnam, Laos, China, and Cambodia, many travellers before the year 2000 may have chosen to fly out of Bangkok to continue their journey westward, potentially heading to India or Nepal. Similarly, those travelling from Europe or West Asia might have flown into Bangkok as their entry point.
Many countries in this region, aside from Burma, have welcomed visitors with open arms, and Cambodia is no exception. The allure of Angkor Wat, along with a growing desire to explore new places and experience lesser-known cultures, is driving an increase in tourism to these less familiar destinations.
Travelling to Cambodia
Airports and border crossings
Travelling to Cambodia
Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports are the main air gateways, although many travellers now arrive via border crossings with Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. eVisas contribute to making Cambodia far easier to enter, although few restrictions exist for the ever-popular visa on arrival, which’s been in place for many years.
Preparing for the future
Siem Reap airport is now open, and construction work at the new long-haul Phnom Penh airport, at Kandal, is well underway.
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Travelling to Cambodia: Useful hints and tips before you travel
Make quite sure that you have adequate travel and health insurance for the entire time you will be away.
Travelling to Cambodia
Although bank cards are now widely used and ATMs are everywhere dishing out US Dollars, try to ensure that you have a selection of small denomination Riel bank notes.
Tip: Do not drive in Cambodia without the correct license, and everyone travelling on motorbikes, including you, must wear a crash helmet. Get an international driving permit in your home country, prior to travel.
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Travelling to Cambodia from Thailand
Travelling to Cambodia, My Travel Blog for January/February 2023: Overland from Thailand to Cambodia
Travelling to Cambodia: An insight for those interested in overland travel. This was my personal experience….
Travelling to Cambodia
Most journeys involve a return, and this was true for me after my recent trip to Thailand. Just like the outward journey, I was curious about what the return trip would entail and the costs associated with travelling overland. This time, however, I would be using a combination of trains, buses, and, of course, the ubiquitous tuk-tuks.
Travelling to Cambodia: Getting Started
About ten days before travel, I booked a berth on the night train from Udon Thani, northeast Thailand, to Bangkok. I paid 977 Baht for a lower bunk in second-class AC with a departure time of 8.20pm on the 31st of January. Important Note, from the 21st of January 2023, trains from the North East which were destined for Hua Lampong Station, now travel to the new station, Bang Sue Junction, but just to confuse things further, this has now been renamed, Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal.
Travelling to Cambodia: My Journey
Finally, I departed Udon Thani at 8:45 PM, arriving in Khon Kaen at 10:30 PM, and much later in Don Muang around 5:40 AM. There were various announcements on the train, but they were only in Thai, which was not helpful for non-Thai speakers. Is this really an effective way to welcome visitors? How much extra would it have cost to provide important announcements in English in addition to Thai?
At Krung Thep, I followed the crowd instead of the signs, and at the station exit, I found an information desk.
I was informed by a girl who spoke clearly in English that a free shuttle bus was available for those travelling to Hua Lamphong due to a change in the arrival station in Bangkok. I boarded the bus just outside the station for the 15-minute journey, arriving at Hua Lamphong at 6:30 AM.
Hua Lamphong Station was opened in 1916, but today it reflects a sad version of its former glory. Once a bustling hub of steam and diesel trains, it has become an almost empty shell of its past. Among the numerous small shops that once thrived there, the only ones I noticed still operating were Amazon, Starbucks, and Dunkin’ Donuts, along with a few cold snack eateries out front.
Heading towards the international border at Aranyaprathet.
At 6:39 AM, I purchased a ticket for the next departure to Ban Khlong Luk Border Station, which cost 49 Baht. The train departed at 1:05 PM and is scheduled to arrive at 5:27 PM. Please note that this service operates only twice daily, with the other departure at approximately 5:50 AM. A helpful tip: the train passes through Aranyaprathet, but if your destination is the border crossing at Ban Khlong Luk for Poi Pet in Cambodia, remain on board.
The train journey takes a little over four hours and winds through the peaceful countryside, showcasing lush green fields, buffaloes, temples, and various stations. Some of which are thoughtfully decorated with colourful plants and flowers, reminiscent of older countryside stations in the UK.
From the station, it’s a short walk to the Thai departure building; just follow the crowd. Have your passport and departure card ready for inspection at passport control, where you will receive a departure stamp in your passport. After that, go back down to the street and take the short walk to the Cambodia arrivals building.
Unlike in Thailand, arrival cards and visa forms are easily accessible, along with a convenient work area and pens for completing your paperwork. If you have a visa, be sure to join the queue to have your passport stamped. A helpful tip: staple the arrival card to your passport to avoid losing it.
Travelling to Cambodia
Travelling to Cambodia: Back in Cambodia
I was very happy to be back in Cambodia; however, I did encounter some challenges in getting to my desired bus company.
In Poi Pet, I encountered many tuk-tuk drivers who wanted to take me to hotels or bus companies of their preference, rather than the one I wanted. I clearly stated that I wanted to go to Virak Buntham Bus Company, but one tuk-tuk driver told me it was far away and charged me $3. However, he ended up taking me to a different bus company instead.
I told him again that I wanted Virak Buntham, and he took me to yet another incorrect bus company. Finally, with the assistance of a kind motorbike rider, I arrived at Virak Buntham. Tip: Do not allow, under any circumstances, any driver to take hold of your luggage. Also, try to have a bus company card or a picture of the company you wish to use, to show your driver, especially if you have pre-booked a bus, and may be in a hurry.
Fortunately, the night bus had not yet departed, so I paid $15, and within 20 minutes, I was on the way to Phnom Penh. This was another hotel bus, but not quite as roomy as the outbound one, although it served the purpose. I finally arrived at Street 47, Phnom Penh, just after 4.15am, and made a refreshing, 20-minute walk to my apartment.
The total cost from Udon Thani to Phnom Penh is 1740 Baht/$50 for the journey of 33 hours (including a 6-hour layover at Hua Lamphong) covering 727 miles/1170 km. Actually, however, not a significant difference to airfares. However, travelling by air will restrict the weight of your luggage.
Travelling to Cambodia
Travelling to Cambodia, how about you? Always interested in hearing about other travellers’ experiences.
Travelling to Cambodia
Phnom Penh City Guide is reviewed & amended frequently, using information from different sources. However, because we can’t be everywhere, all the time, and Covid 19 may limit overseas travel, we’re happy to hear from anyone who would like to contribute ideas & updates, to improve the overall content for your fellow travellers.
To contact us: email us at fuzzyken@hotmail.com
Can’t find what you want? Check the links in the right-hand sidebar.
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Always be polite and respectful to Cambodian people
As an introduction to Cambodia. Please enjoy this rather enchanting, 4-minute video at this link: https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fweb.facebook.com%2F314699302002531%2Fvideos%2F864835417659207%2F&show_text=true&width=560
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