Everything You Should Know About Cambodia International Airport and How to get a visa

It has been said that Cambodia‘s Angkor Wat can be compared with a few of the world’s greatest historic sites such as Petra in Jordan or Peru’s Machu Picchu. However, getting a visa to this country seems to be a daunting mission as not many resources are translated into English. But don’t worry, you have come to the right place because all the information you need to know about Cambodia international airport and how to get a visa can be found here.

A balloon ride provides a bird’s eye view of Angkor Wat

1. Cambodia international airport

Cambodia has three international gateways for arrival by air – Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville – and land borders with neighboring Thailand, Vietnam and Laos. Formalities at Cambodia’s international airports are traditionally smoother than at land borders, as the volume of traffic is greater. Crossing at land borders is relatively easy, but immigration officers may try to wangle some extra cash, either for the visa or via some other scams.

2. Airport Package Allowance 

According to the customs allowances of Cambodia, you are entitled to bring into the country a ‘reasonable amount’ of duty-free items. Like any other country, Cambodia does not allow travelers to import any weapons, explosives or narcotics. It is also illegal to take ancient stone sculptures from the Angkor period out of the country. The import and export of local currency (Riel) are prohibited. When entering Cambodia, foreign currency amounts over US $10,000 must be declared.

Angkor Wat – one of the world’s greatest historic sites

3. Getting a visa

Most nationalities receive the visa on arrival at Phnom Penh, Siem Reap or Sihanoukville airports, and at land borders, but citizens of Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka and Sudan need to make advance arrangements. It is also possible to arrange a visa through Cambodian embassies overseas or an online e-visa (US$30, plus a US$7 processing fee) through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, e-visas are only accepted at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports, and at the three main land borders: Poipet/Aranya Prathet (Thailand), Cham Yeam/Hat Lek (Thailand) and Bavet/Moc Bai (Vietnam).

Passport holders from Asian member countries do not require a visa to visit Cambodia. Overcharging is an issue at the Laos and Thailand border, but not usually at Vietnam borders. Arranging a visa in advance can help avoid this problem. Overstaying a visa currently costs US$5 a day.

4. Cost

A one-month tourist visa costs US$30 on arrival and requires one passport-sized photo. Anyone without a photo for their visa form will be charged about US$2 at the airport. Those seeking work in Cambodia should apply for the business visa as it is easily extended for longer periods, including multiple entries and exits. A tourist visa can be extended only once and only for one month as well as does not allow for re-entry.

Visa extensions are issued by the large immigration office located directly across the road from Phnom Penh International Airport. Extensions are easy to arrange, taking just a couple of days. It costs US$45 for one month (for both tourist and business visas), US$75 for three months, US$155 for six months and US$285 for one year. Travel agencies and some motorbike-rental shops in Phnom Penh can help with arrangements, sometimes at a discounted price.

An online e-visa can be issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

For visitors continuing to Vietnam, one-month single-entry visas cost US$55 and take two days in Phnom Penh, or just one day via the Vietnamese consulate in Sihanoukville. Most visitors to Laos can obtain a visa on arrival (US$30 to US$42) and most visitors heading to Thailand do not need this.

Thats all information I need you to keep eyes on. Hopefully, you will have a wonderful trip to Cambodia. From people greeting you with wide smiles to its bustling beaches, charming cities and rich culture, this country will not let you down.

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