How Do I Get a Visa for Cambodia From the UK?

Important Note: Visa Requirement for UK Citizens

UK citizens must have a visa to enter Cambodia for any visit, regardless of length or purpose. Unlike some ASEAN nationals, British passport holders do not enjoy visa-free entry to Cambodia, so obtaining a visa before travel is mandatory.

Three Ways to Get a Cambodia Visa

1. Cambodia eVisa (Online Application) - Most Recommended

The eVisa is the most convenient option as you can apply entirely online from the UK without visiting an embassy or waiting at immigration upon arrival.

Step-by-Step Application Process:

Step 1: Prepare Required Documents

• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity from entry date
• Digital passport photo (4x6 cm, taken within the last 6 months, white background)
• Scanned copy of passport bio page (clear, readable scan including ICAO lines)
• Valid email address for correspondence
• Credit or debit card for payment

Step 2: Complete Online Application

Visit Cambodia Immigration Services for convenient eVisa application services. You can start your application directly at the Cambodia eVisa.

Fill in the online application form with:

• Personal information (full name as it appears in passport, date of birth, nationality)
• Passport details (passport number, issue and expiry dates)
• Travel information (intended entry date, entry point)
• Contact information (email, phone number, address)

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

• Upload your digital passport photo (JPEG format, under 2MB)
• Upload your passport bio page scan (ensure entire page including ICAO lines is visible)
• Verify all information is accurate before proceeding

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee

• Tourist eVisa: See more
• Business eVisa: See more
• Accepted payment methods: VISA, Mastercard, JCB Card, Diners Club, UnionPay, Alipay, WeChat Pay

Step 5: Receive Your eVisa

• Processing time: 3-5 business days
• eVisa approval certificate will be sent to your email
• Print multiple copies of the eVisa (at least 2-3 copies)
• Carry printed eVisa with your passport when traveling
• Save a digital copy on your phone as backup

eVisa Details:

• Valid for 3 months from date of issue (must enter Cambodia within this period)
• Single entry only
• 30-day stay permitted from entry date
• Cannot be used for multiple entries

Valid Entry Points for eVisa: You can enter Cambodia with an eVisa through these designated checkpoints:

• Phnom Penh International Airport
• Siem Reap International Airport
• Sihanoukville International Airport
• Poi Pet (Banteay Meanchey) - land border with Thailand
• Bavet (Svay Rieng) - land border with Vietnam
• Cham Yeam (Koh Kong) - land border with Thailand
• eVisa is only accepted at specific entry points designated by the Cambodian government and cannot be used at all international border checkpoints.

2. Visa on Arrival

You can obtain a visa directly upon arrival at Cambodia's international airports and major land border crossings. This option is suitable if you're traveling on short notice.

Requirements:

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• 1-2 passport-sized photos (4x6 cm, white background)
• USD $30 cash for a tourist visa. The business visa fee is officially listed as USD $35, but actual fees may vary depending on the border checkpoint
• Completed visa application form (available at immigration counter)

Step-by-Step Process:

Step 1: Arrive at Immigration Counter

• Look for "Visa on Arrival" signs at the airport or border crossing
• Join the visa application queue

Step 2: Complete Application Form

• Fill out the visa application form provided at the counter
• Include all personal and passport details accurately

Step 3: Submit Documents

• Hand over your passport, completed form, and photos
• Provide US dollars cash for the visa fee

Step 4: Pay and Wait

• Pay the visa fee in US dollars (exact amount preferred as change may not be available)
• Wait for processing (typically 15-30 minutes, but can be longer during peak times)

Step 5: Receive Your Visa

• Your passport will be returned with the visa stamp
• Check all details are correct before leaving the counter

Available Locations:

• All international airports (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville)
• Major land border crossings

Important Notes:

• Queues can be long during peak travel times
• Some border officials may request more than USD $30; the official fee is USD $30, and you can politely point to the sign showing the correct amount
• Only US dollars are accepted, no other currencies
• Have exact change when possible

3. Embassy Application (Traditional Method)

You can apply in person at the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in London.

Embassy Details: Royal Embassy of Cambodia 64 Brondesbury Park Willesden Green London NW6 7AT United Kingdom

Phone: +44 (0)20 8451 7850 Email: [email protected]

Requirements:

• Completed visa application form (downloadable from embassy website or available at embassy)
• Original passport (not a copy, must have 6 months validity)
• 2 passport-sized photos (4x6 cm, white background)
• Visa fee (approximately USD $30 or £24)

Application Process:

Step 1: Prepare Documents

• Download and complete application form
• Gather passport and photos
• Prepare payment

Step 2: Submit Application

• Visit the embassy during working hours or send by post
• Submit all required documents
• Pay the visa fee

Step 3: Wait for Processing

• Processing time: Usually 3-5 working days
• You may be able to request express service for additional fees

Step 4: Collect Passport

• Return to embassy to collect passport with visa stamp
• Or arrange for postal return (requires prepaid envelope)

Working Hours: Check with the embassy for current operating hours and any appointment requirements.

Mandatory Requirement: Cambodia e-Arrival Card

Regardless of which visa method you choose, all travelers must complete the Cambodia e-Arrival Card within 7 days before arrival. This is mandatory for smooth entry.

How to Complete e-Arrival Card:

• Visit the official Cambodia e-Arrival website at www.arrival.gov.kh
• Fill in personal details, passport information, and travel plans
• Provide health declaration information
• Include accommodation details in Cambodia
• Submit online before departure
• Free of charge
• Replaces traditional paper immigration, health, and customs declaration forms
• Print the confirmation or save it on your phone

When to Complete: The e-Arrival Card must be completed within 7 days before your arrival in Cambodia, but you can do it up to 30 days in advance.

Which Method Should You Choose?

Choose eVisa if:

• You want convenience and hassle-free application from home
• You prefer to have everything arranged before travel
• You want to avoid queues at immigration
• You're comfortable with online applications
• You're entering through major airports or designated land borders
• You have time (apply at least 5-7 days before travel)

Choose Visa on Arrival if:

• You're traveling on very short notice
• You don't mind waiting in queues at immigration
• You have US dollars cash readily available
• You're comfortable with airport/border processes
• You have passport photos ready

Choose Embassy Application if:

• You prefer traditional in-person service
• You need specific visa types not available online
• You want to speak with embassy staff directly
• You're in London and can visit the embassy easily
• You need assistance with complex travel situations

Essential Requirements for All Methods

Passport Requirements:

• Valid for at least 6 months from date of entry to Cambodia
• At least 1-2 blank visa pages for stamps
• Not damaged or altered
• Machine-readable (all UK passports meet this requirement)

Photo Specifications:

• Size: 4x6 cm (approximately 1.6 x 2.4 inches)
• Background: White or light colored
• Recent photo (taken within last 6 months)
• Clear, full face, no glasses (unless for medical reasons)
• No hat or head covering (unless for religious purposes)
• Neutral expression

Important Tips for UK Travelers

Apply Early: Even though eVisa processing is typically 3-5 business days, apply at least 7-10 days before your travel date to allow for any delays or issues.

Print Multiple Copies: Always print at least 2-3 copies of your eVisa approval. Keep one with your passport, one in your carry-on bag, and save a digital copy on your phone.

Check Entry Points: If applying for an eVisa, ensure your planned entry point is on the list of designated checkpoints that accept eVisas.

Prepare US Dollars: If getting visa on arrival, ensure you have clean, undamaged US dollar bills. Torn or heavily marked bills may not be accepted.

Complete e-Arrival Card: Don't forget this mandatory requirement. Without it, you may face delays at immigration even with a valid visa.

Verify All Details: Before submitting any application, double-check all information matches your passport exactly, including spelling of names.

Keep Email Confirmation: Save all email confirmations and reference numbers from your visa application.

Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and trip cancellations.

Visa Extension Information

If you need to stay longer than the initial 30 days:

Tourist Visa Extension:

• Can be extended for an additional 30 days
• Apply at General Department of Immigration in Phnom Penh
• Fee: USD $30-$50
• Must apply before your current visa expires

Business Visa Extension:

• More flexible extension options available
• Can extend for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months
• Suitable if you plan extended stays or multiple extensions
• Costs vary: 1 month (USD $45-$50), 3 months (USD $75-$85), 6 months (USD $155-$165), 12 months (USD $285-$295)

Summary for UK Travelers

The most recommended method for UK citizens is applying for a Cambodia eVisa through Cambodia Immigration Services. You can complete the entire process online at the Cambodia eVisa, receive your approval within 3-5 business days, and avoid queues at immigration. Remember to also complete the mandatory e-Arrival Card before your trip.

With proper planning and documentation, obtaining a Cambodia visa is straightforward. Whether you choose the eVisa, visa on arrival, or embassy application, ensure all your documents meet the requirements, and you'll be ready to enjoy your visit to Cambodia.