Do you need a visa for Cambodia from Thailand?
Based on the latest information, here's a comprehensive answer about whether Thai citizens need a visa for Cambodia:
No Visa Required for Short Stays
Thai citizens do not need a tourist visa to enter Cambodia. Thailand is a member of ASEAN, and Cambodia has visa exemption agreements with all ASEAN countries, allowing Thai passport holders to enter without a visa for short stays.
Current Visa-Free Stay Duration
Important Update: Thai citizens currently enjoy a uniform 14-day visa-free stay in Cambodia under ASEAN agreements, with no special conditions based on the method of entry:
Entry by land or air provides the same 14-day visa-free stay for Thai passport holders
Entry by Air: 60 days visa-free (increased from the normal 14 days starting June 10, 2025)
There have been no recent diplomatic changes affecting the visa-free policy between Thailand and Cambodia.
Normal Circumstances: Under regular conditions (when diplomatic relations normalize), Thai citizens typically receive 14 days visa-free stay regardless of entry method.
Essential Entry Requirements
While Thai citizens don't need a visa for short visits, you must meet these requirements:
Valid Passport: Your Thai passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Cambodia and have at least one blank visa page for entry stamps.
Proof of Onward Travel: You should have evidence of departure from Cambodia, such as return flight tickets or onward travel bookings to another destination.
Cambodia e-Arrival Card: Cambodia has been testing a digital arrival card system, but it is not yet mandatory for all travelers within 7 days before their arrival. This is mandatory for all visitors, including those from visa-exempt countries, and replaces the traditional paper arrival card system.
How Visa-Free Entry Works
At Immigration: When you arrive at a Cambodian airport or land border crossing, simply present your Thai passport at the immigration counter. The officer will stamp your passport with an entry stamp showing your permitted stay duration (currently 7 days for land entry or 60 days for air entry).
No Application Needed: There's no visa application form to complete and no visa fee to pay if you're staying within the visa-free period.
Immigration Process: The entry process is quick and straightforward for Thai citizens, typically taking just a few minutes at the immigration counter.
When You Might Need a Visa
Although Thai citizens enjoy visa-free entry, you should consider obtaining a visa in the following situations:
Extended Stays: If you plan to stay longer than the visa-free period (currently 7 days by land or 60 days by air), you'll need to apply for a visa or visa extension.
Multiple Entries: If you plan to enter and exit Cambodia multiple times, you may want to consider getting a visa with extension options for more flexibility.
Work or Long-Term Stay: The visa-free entry is only for tourism or business visits. If you're planning to work, study, or stay long-term in Cambodia, you'll need the appropriate visa type.
Peace of Mind: Some travelers prefer to obtain a visa in advance for certainty and to avoid any potential issues at the border.
Obtaining a Visa (Optional)
If you choose to obtain a visa despite the visa-free privilege, here are your options:
1. Cambodia eVisa
Apply online through Cambodia Immigration Services, which provides convenient eVisa application services. Complete your application at Cambodia eVisa.
Tourist eVisa: See more
- Valid for 3 months from issue
- Single entry
- 30-day stay from entry date
- Can be extended once for additional 30 days
Business eVisa: See more
- Same validity as tourist visa
- Can be extended multiple times for longer periods
- Better option for frequent travel or extended stays
Processing Time: 3-5 business days
2. Visa on Arrival
Available at all Cambodian international airports and major land border crossings:
- Tourist visa: USD $30 cash
- Business visa: USD $35 cash
- Requires 1-2 passport photos
- Issued immediately upon arrival
3. Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Bangkok
Location: Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Bangkok 518/4 Pracha Uthit Road Huay Kwang, Bangkok 10310 Thailand
Contact: (02) 957-5851-2
Tourist Visa Fee: USD $30 (approximately 1,039 Thai Baht) Processing Time: 3-5 working days
Extension Options
If you enter visa-free and decide to stay longer:
Visa Extension: Visa-free stays for Thai citizens cannot be extended; travelers must apply for the proper visa if they wish to stay longer.
Business Visa Conversion: Visa-free entries cannot be converted into other visa types; travelers need to obtain the correct visa before arrival.
Important Considerations
Check Current Policies: Due to the temporary nature of the border situation, visa-free periods may change. Always verify the latest entry conditions before traveling, especially regarding the 7-day land entry and 60-day air entry policies.
Entry Method Matters: Currently, there's a significant difference in permitted stay duration depending on whether you enter by land (7 days) or air (60 days). Choose your entry method accordingly based on your travel plans.
Overstay Penalties: If you overstay your permitted duration (whether visa-free or with a visa), you'll face fines of USD $10 per day. Excessive overstays can result in detention, deportation, and future travel bans.
Complete e-Arrival Card: Don't forget this mandatory requirement for air arrivals. It's free but must be completed within 7 days before your flight to Cambodia.
ASEAN Benefits: As an ASEAN member country citizen, Thai travelers enjoy special privileges in Cambodia and can move relatively freely within the ASEAN region.
Summary
Thai citizens do not need a visa to enter Cambodia for short stays. Currently, you can stay for 7 days visa-free if entering by land or 60 days if entering by air (as of June 2025, subject to change when diplomatic relations normalize). For longer stays or more flexibility, you can apply for a Cambodia visa through Cambodia Immigration Services at Cambodia eVisa, with tourist visas costing USD $30 and business visas USD $35. Remember to ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and complete the mandatory e-Arrival Card before traveling by air to Cambodia.