Do I Need a Visa for Cambodia from UK?

Planning a trip to Cambodia from the UK? If you’re asking “Do I need a visa for Cambodia from UK?” the answer is yes. UK travelers are required to have a visa, but the process is simple. With options like the convenient e-visa, getting ready is easy. This 2025 guide covers visa types, how to apply, costs, and tips for a smooth journey.

Cambodia Visa Types for UK Citizens

Choosing the right visa is crucial for a hassle-free journey. Cambodia offers several visa types for UK citizens, each designed for specific travel purposes:

• Tourist Visa (T class): Perfect for vacations, this 30-day single-entry visa is extendable once for another 30 days. It’s ideal for exploring Siem Reap’s UNESCO-listed temples, Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, or Koh Rong’s beaches.
• Business Visa (E class): Suited for work or long-term stays, this 30-day single-entry visa allows multiple extensions (up to a year). It’s great for business travelers, digital nomads, or those planning extended stays in Cambodia.
• Transit Visa: Rarely used, this visa is for short stopovers, such as a brief layover in Phnom Penh en route to another destination.

Most UK travelers opt for the tourist visa due to its simplicity and fit for typical holiday plans. If you’re unsure which visa suits your needs, take time to review your itinerary, travel goals, and length of stay to choose the best option.

How to Apply for a Cambodia Visa? 

Applying for a Cambodia visa is user-friendly, with three main methods: e-visa, visa on arrival, or embassy application.

E-Visa: The Easiest and Fastest Option

The Cambodia e-visa is the preferred choice for UK travelers due to its convenience and efficiency. You can apply online from the comfort of home, avoiding queues or embassy visits, here’s how to do it:

1. Visit the official Cambodia e-visa website. 
2. Fill out the online form with your personal details (full name, passport number, travel dates, and entry point).
3. Upload a digital passport scan (valid for 6+ months with at least one blank page) and a recent passport-sized photo (clear, white background, digital format).
4. Pay the fee (approximately $36 for the visa + $6 processing, totaling ~$42) using a credit or debit card.
5. Receive your e-visa via email within 3 working days. Print a copy or save it on your phone for a presentation at immigration.

Why choose e-visa? It’s fast, secure, and accepted at major entry points, including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville airports, as well as select land borders.

Visa on Arrival: Convenient but Crowded

For travelers who prefer flexibility, a visa on arrival is available at Cambodia’s major airports (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville) and certain land borders, such as Poipet from Thailand. Here’s the process:

1. Upon arrival, locate the visa on the arrival counter before immigration.
2. Submit your passport (valid for 6+ months), one passport-size photo, and a completed visa form (available on-site).
3. Pay approximately $30 in USD cash (carry exact change, as ATMs may not dispense dollars).
4. Wait for processing, which takes 10-30 minutes, depending on queue length.

During peak seasons (e.g., December-February), long queues can delay entry, especially at busy airports like Siem Reap. Always carry USD cash, as other currencies or cards are rarely accepted.

Embassy Application: A Slower Alternative

You can apply through the Cambodian Embassy in London, though this method is less common due to its longer processing time. Steps include:

1. Download the visa application form from the embassy’s official website.
2. Submit it with your passport, two passport-sized photos, and proof of travel (e.g., flight itinerary or hotel booking).
3. Pay the fee (varies; contact the embassy for current rates).
4. Wait 5-7 working days for processing, plus mailing time if applicable.

This option suits travelers without reliable internet access or those with specific visa needs (e.g., complex travel plans). For most UK citizens, the e-visa or visa on arrival is more efficient. 

Essential Documents Checklist

For all application methods, prepare these key documents:

• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from your entry date with one blank page.
• Passport-size photo: Recent, white background (digital for e-visa, physical for arrival/embassy).
• Proof of onward travel: A return flight, bus ticket, or other evidence of leaving Cambodia.
• Payment: Credit/debit card for e-visa, USD cash for arrival, or embassy-specified method.
• Double-check your documents to avoid rejection.

Visa Costs and Processing Times

Understanding visa costs and processing times helps you plan effectively. Here’s a clear breakdown:

• E-Visa: ~$36 (visa fee) + ~$6 (processing fee), totaling around $42. Processed in 3 working days. Paid online via credit/debit card.
• Visa on Arrival: ~$30, payable in USD cash at the airport or border. Processed instantly, though queues may delay entry by 10-30 minutes.
• Embassy Visa: Fees vary (contact the Cambodian Embassy in London for details). Processing takes 5-7 working days, plus mailing time.

Fees can change, so verify on the official e-visa portal or with Absolute Asia Travel. Their team provides accurate, up-to-date fee information, ensuring you’re fully prepared.

Entry Requirements Beyond Visa

To enter Cambodia, UK travelers must meet additional requirements beyond a visa, here’s what you need to know:

• Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for 6 months from your entry date with at least one blank page for stamps.
• Passport photos: Carry 1-2 extra photos for visa on arrival or unexpected needs at borders.
• Proof of onward travel: Immigration may request a return flight, bus ticket, or other proof of departure from Cambodia.
• Accommodation booking: Have a hotel confirmation or address ready (not always checked but recommended to avoid questions).
• Travel insurance: While not mandatory, insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage is strongly advised.

Cambodia’s healthcare facilities vary widely, and private clinics can be expensive. Insurance ensures peace of mind for activities like temple trekking or beach adventures.

Tips for a Hassle-Free Visa Process

Avoid common pitfalls with these practical tips for UK travelers:

• Apply early: Submit your e-visa application 1-2 weeks before travel to account for potential delays or errors.
• Verify details: Ensure your passport number, name, and photo specifications match exactly to prevent rejection.
• Visa denied? Though rare, denials can occur due to incorrect details. Contact Absolute Asia Travel for quick solutions, such as reapplying or embassy assistance.
• Extensions: Want to extend your stay? Tourist visas can be extended once (30 days) through agencies in Cambodia. Business visas allow multiple extensions, up to a year. Absolute Asia Travel can connect you with reliable extension services.
• Border crossings: E-visas are valid at major airports (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville) and select land borders (e.g., Poipet from Thailand, Bavet from Vietnam). Check the official e-visa website for a full list of valid entry points.
• Carry USD: or visa on arrival, USD cash is essential. Local ATMs may not dispense dollars, and credit cards are rarely accepted at borders.
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are quick answers to common questions from UK travelers:

Is the e-visa valid at all borders? 

No, it’s accepted at major airports (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville) and select land borders like Poipet and Bavet. Verify on the e-visa website.

Do I need proof of onward travel?

 It’s rarely enforced, but immigration may ask. Have a bus ticket, flight booking, or other proof ready.

What if my passport is near expiry? 

Renew it before applying, as Cambodia requires 6 months’ validity from your entry date.

Can I get a visa for a group trip? 

Yes, Absolute Asia Travel specializes in group visa applications, ensuring everyone’s documents are processed smoothly.

What happens if I overstay my visa?

Overstays incur fines (~$10/day). Contact Absolute Asia Travel or a local agency to resolve issues quickly.

From Angkor Wat to Phnom Penh and Koh Rong, Cambodia welcomes UK travelers with rich culture and scenery. A visa is required, and the e-visa is the easiest option. Apply 1–2 weeks ahead, ensure your passport is valid for 6 months, and have travel details ready. For smooth planning, contact Absolute Asia Travel for visa support, custom tours, and expert tips.