How Long is a Cambodia Tourist Visa for UK Citizens Valid For?
Understanding Visa Validity vs. Permitted Stay
It's crucial for UK travelers to understand the difference between how long a visa is "valid for" and how long you can actually "stay" in Cambodia. These are two different time periods.
Cambodia Tourist Visa Validity Period
Visa Validity: The Cambodia tourist visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. You must enter Cambodia within this 90-day validity period. This means you have a 3-month window to enter Cambodia after your visa is approved. You must enter the country before this validity period expires, or you'll need to apply for a new visa.
Permitted Stay Duration: Once you enter Cambodia, you can stay for a maximum of 30 days from your entry date. This is the actual length of time you're allowed to remain in the country.
Entry Type: The tourist visa is a single-entry visa, meaning you can enter Cambodia once during the validity period. Once you exit Cambodia, the visa becomes invalid regardless of whether the 3-month validity or 30-day stay period has expired.
How It Works in Practice
Here's a practical example to illustrate:
Scenario 1:
- Visa Issued: January 1, 2025
- Visa Valid Until: April 1, 2025 (3 months from issue)
- You Enter Cambodia: February 15, 2025
- Permitted Stay Until: March 17, 2025 (30 days from entry)
- You must leave on or before March 17, 2025
Scenario 2:
- Visa Issued: January 1, 2025
- Visa Valid Until: April 1, 2025
- You Enter Cambodia: March 25, 2025 (just before visa expires)
- Permitted Stay Until: April 24, 2025 (30 days from entry)
- Even though the visa validity expired on April 1, you can stay until April 24
Key Point: The 30-day stay period begins from the date you actually enter Cambodia, not from the date the visa was issued.
Important Validity Details
Cannot Be Used for Multiple Entries: If you leave Cambodia at any point during your stay, your visa becomes invalid immediately, even if you haven't used your full 30 days or if the 3-month validity period hasn't expired. You would need to apply for a new visa to re-enter.
Must Use Within 3 Months: If you don't enter Cambodia within 3 months of the visa issue date, the visa expires and you'll need to apply and pay for a new one.
Non-Transferable: The visa is specific to the passport it was issued for and cannot be transferred to a new passport if you renew your passport during the validity period.
Extension Options
If you need to stay in Cambodia longer than the initial 30 days, you have extension options:
Tourist Visa Extension:
- Can be extended for an additional 30 days
- Must apply before your current 30-day period expires
- Apply at the General Department of Immigration in Phnom Penh or through authorized agents
- Extension fee: The 30-day tourist visa extension typically costs around USD $45–50, depending on where you apply. See more
- Cannot be extended beyond this additional 30 days
Business Visa Alternative: If you think you might need to stay longer or make multiple trips, consider applying for a business visa instead from the start:
- The initial stay for an ordinary (E-class) business visa is usually 30 days, after which it can be extended inside Cambodia for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on your purpose of stay.
- More flexible for longer stays
- Cost: See more
Applying for Your Cambodia Tourist Visa
UK citizens can obtain their Cambodia tourist visa through several methods:
Cambodia eVisa (Most Convenient): Apply online through Cambodia Immigration Services, which provides professional eVisa application services. Complete your application at Cambodia eVisa.
- Cost: See more
- Processing time: 3-5 business days
- Validity: 3 months from issue
- Stay: 30 days from entry
- Single entry
Visa on Arrival:
- Available at airports and land borders
- Cost: USD $30 cash
- Same validity and stay duration as eVisa
Overstay Penalties
Understanding visa validity is crucial because overstaying can result in serious consequences:
Overstay Fine: USD $10 per day for each day you overstay beyond your permitted 30 days (or extended period)
Other Consequences:
- Possible detention at departure
- Deportation and travel ban
- Difficulty obtaining future Cambodian visas
- Immigration record issues
Always Leave Before Expiry: Ensure you depart Cambodia on or before your permitted stay period ends. If unexpected circumstances arise, apply for an extension immediately rather than overstaying.
Mandatory Entry Requirement
Regardless of your visa validity, all UK travelers must complete the Cambodia e-Arrival Card within 7 days before arrival. This is separate from the visa and is mandatory for entry:
- Free of charge
- Complete online at www.arrival.gov.kh
- Required even with a valid visa
- Must be done within 7 days before arrival
Key Requirements for Visa Validity
For your visa to be valid and accepted:
Passport Validity: Your UK passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your planned entry date into Cambodia.
Blank Pages: At least 1-2 blank visa pages must be available for stamps.
eVisas are accepted only at specific entry points, including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville International Airports, as well as selected land borders such as Cham Yeam, Poi Pet, and Bavet. Some land checkpoints do not accept eVisa.
Planning Your Trip
Apply in Advance: Apply for your visa at least 7-10 days before your planned travel date to allow for processing time and any potential issues.
Count Your Days: From your intended entry date, count forward 30 days to know when you must leave. Plan your return flight accordingly with a small buffer for safety.
Consider Your Itinerary: If you plan to visit neighboring countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Laos) and return to Cambodia, remember your visa becomes invalid once you leave. You'll need to apply for a new visa for re-entry.
Keep Documentation: Print multiple copies of your eVisa approval and keep digital copies on your phone. Carry these throughout your stay as proof of legal presence.
Summary
For UK citizens, a Cambodia tourist visa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue, allowing a single entry and a 30-day stay from the date you enter Cambodia. You must enter Cambodia within the 3-month validity window, and once you enter, you can stay for exactly 30 days. The visa cannot be used for multiple entries and expires immediately once you leave Cambodia.
To obtain your Cambodia tourist visa efficiently, apply through Cambodia Immigration Services at Cambodia eVisa, where the entire process is completed online with approval typically received within 3-5 business days. Remember to also complete the mandatory e-Arrival Card before your trip for smooth entry into Cambodia.
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