Visa-Free Countries for Cambodia: Complete Guide to Entry Requirements by Nationality

Understanding visa requirements for Cambodia varies significantly depending on your nationality and passport. While most international visitors require a visa to enter Cambodia, certain countries enjoy visa-free access or simplified entry procedures. This comprehensive guide outlines visa-free arrangements, exemptions, and special entry provisions for different nationalities.

Understanding Cambodia's Visa Policy

Cambodia maintains a selective visa policy that requires most international visitors to obtain either an e-visa, visa on arrival, or embassy-issued visa before entry. However, the Kingdom of Cambodia has established visa-free agreements with specific countries to promote tourism, business relations, and diplomatic cooperation.

The visa-free policy primarily benefits citizens of ASEAN member countries and select nations with special bilateral agreements. Understanding these arrangements helps travellers determine their specific entry requirements and plan accordingly.

Important Note: Visa policies can change without notice. Always verify current requirements through official Cambodian government sources before travel.

ASEAN Countries with Visa-Free Access

Complete Visa Exemption

Citizens of the following ASEAN countries can enter Cambodia without a visa for tourism and business purposes:

ASEAN

🇧🇳 Brunei Darussalam

Stay Duration: 14 days
Purpose: Tourism & Business
Entry Points: All official entry points
Extensions: Not available
ASEAN

🇮🇩 Indonesia

Stay Duration: 30 days
Purpose: Tourism & Business
Entry Points: All official entry points
Extensions: Available
ASEAN

🇱🇦 Laos

Stay Duration: 30 days
Purpose: Tourism & Business
Entry Points: All official entry points
Extensions: 30 days additional
ASEAN

🇲🇾 Malaysia

Stay Duration: 30 days
Purpose: Tourism & Business
Entry Points: All official entry points
Extensions: Available
ASEAN

🇲🇲 Myanmar

Stay Duration: 14 days
Purpose: Tourism & Business
Entry Points: All official entry points
Extensions: Limited options
ASEAN

🇵🇭 Philippines

Stay Duration: 21 days
Purpose: Tourism & Business
Entry Points: All official entry points
Extensions: Available
ASEAN

🇸🇬 Singapore

Stay Duration: 30 days
Purpose: Tourism & Business
Entry Points: All official entry points
Extensions: Available
ASEAN

🇹🇭 Thailand

Stay Duration: 14 days
Purpose: Tourism & Business
Entry Points: All official entry points
Extensions: 30 days additional
ASEAN

🇻🇳 Vietnam

Stay Duration: 30 days
Purpose: Tourism & Business
Entry Points: All official entry points
Extensions: Available

Special Bilateral Agreements

Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders

Several countries have agreements allowing diplomatic and official passport holders visa-free entry:

Diplomatic

🇨🇳 China

Passport Type: Diplomatic & Service
Stay Duration: 30-90 days
Purpose: Official business
Diplomatic

🇷🇺 Russia

Passport Type: Diplomatic & Service
Stay Duration: 30-90 days
Purpose: Official business
Diplomatic

🇰🇷 South Korea

Passport Type: Diplomatic & Official
Stay Duration: 30-90 days
Purpose: Official business
Diplomatic

🇯🇵 Japan

Passport Type: Diplomatic & Official
Stay Duration: 30-90 days
Purpose: Official business
Diplomatic

🇮🇳 India

Passport Type: Diplomatic & Official
Stay Duration: 30-90 days
Purpose: Official business

Transit Passengers

Cambodia offers limited transit exemptions for passengers continuing to third countries:

Transit Requirements:
  • Maximum Stay: 24 hours
  • Conditions: Confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours
  • Restrictions: Must remain in international transit area
  • Eligibility: All nationalities with valid onward travel
  • Documentation: Valid passport and confirmed onward booking
Countries Requiring Visas

The following countries, despite being major sources of tourists to Cambodia, require visas for entry:

European Union Countries

  • United Kingdom
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Netherlands
  • Belgium
  • Austria
  • Sweden
  • Denmark
  • All other EU member states

North America

  • United States
  • Canada
  • Mexico

Oceania

  • Australia
  • New Zealand

Asia (Non-ASEAN)

  • China (Regular passport holders)
  • Japan (Regular passport holders)
  • South Korea (Regular passport holders)
  • India (Regular passport holders)
  • Taiwan
Important: Citizens of these countries must obtain an e-visa, visa on arrival, or embassy-issued visa before entry to Cambodia.

Entry Requirements for Visa-Free Countries

Standard Requirements

Even with visa-free access, travellers must meet specific entry requirements:

Requirement Category Details
Passport Requirements Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity, at least one blank page, good condition, machine-readable preferred
Additional Documentation Proof of sufficient funds, return/onward travel ticket, accommodation confirmation, travel insurance (recommended)
Health Requirements Yellow fever vaccination (if from infected areas), COVID-19 requirements, general health declaration

Immigration Procedures

1
Present Passport
Present valid passport to immigration officer
2
Complete Forms
Complete arrival card if required
3
Answer Questions
Answer questions about purpose and duration of visit
4
Receive Stamp
Receive entry stamp with permitted stay duration
5
Customs Clearance
Proceed to customs clearance
Important Considerations:
  • Immigration officers have discretionary authority
  • Entry may be refused despite visa-free status
  • Overstaying results in fines and penalties
  • Multiple short visits may raise questions

Limitations and Restrictions

Stay Duration Limits

Visa-free access comes with specific limitations:

Maximum Stay Periods:
  • Cannot exceed specified duration for each country
  • No extensions available for some nationalities
  • Must exit Cambodia before expiry
  • Re-entry may require waiting periods

Purpose Restrictions

Permitted Activities

  • Tourism and sightseeing
  • Business meetings and conferences
  • Short-term business negotiations
  • Cultural and educational visits

Prohibited Activities

  • Employment or paid work
  • Long-term study programs
  • Permanent residence
  • Journalism without permits

Border Run Considerations

Border Run Limitations:
  • Frequent short visits may be questioned
  • Immigration officers may require proof of genuine tourism
  • Extended stays through border runs discouraged
  • Alternative visa types recommended for long-term stays

Extension Options for Visa-Free Visitors

Available Extensions

Some visa-free visitors can extend their stay through Cambodian immigration offices:

Extension Eligibility:
  • ASEAN citizens (most nationalities)
  • Extensions typically 30 days
  • Must apply before current stay expires
  • Requires valid passport and application fee
1
Visit Immigration
Visit immigration office before expiry
2
Complete Application
Complete extension application form
3
Provide Documents
Provide passport and photographs
4
Pay Fees
Pay extension fees
5
Receive Extension
Receive extension stamp
Extension Limitations:
  • Not available for all visa-free nationalities
  • Limited number of extensions permitted
  • Fees apply for all extensions
  • Processing time varies by location

Planning Your Visit

Pre-Travel Preparation

For Visa-Free Eligible Travellers

  • Verify current visa-free status before travel
  • Check passport validity and condition
  • Prepare supporting documentation
  • Research entry points and procedures
  • Understand stay limitations and restrictions

Documentation Checklist

  • Valid passport (6+ months validity)
  • Return or onward travel tickets
  • Accommodation confirmations
  • Proof of sufficient funds
  • Travel insurance documentation
  • Emergency contact information

Entry Point Considerations

Available Entry Points:
  • Phnom Penh International Airport
  • Siem Reap Angkor International Airport
  • Sihanoukville International Airport
  • Land borders with Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos
  • Designated international checkpoints
Entry Point Recommendations:
  • Use major international airports for smoother processing
  • Verify land border operating hours
  • Prepare for potential queues during peak periods
  • Carry cash for any applicable fees

Important Updates and Changes

Policy Changes

Cambodia's visa policy can change with little notice. Stay informed about:

Potential Changes

  • New bilateral agreements
  • Modified stay durations
  • Additional entry requirements
  • Temporary restrictions or suspensions

Information Sources

  • Official Cambodia immigration websites
  • Cambodian embassies and consulates
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs announcements
  • Travel advisories from your government

COVID-19 Considerations

Current health requirements may affect visa-free travel:

Health Protocols:
  • Vaccination requirements
  • Testing obligations
  • Health insurance mandates
  • Quarantine procedures

Always check current health requirements before travelling, as these can change rapidly based on global health conditions.

Conclusion

While Cambodia requires visas for most international visitors, citizens of ASEAN countries and holders of diplomatic passports from select nations enjoy visa-free access with varying stay durations. Understanding these exemptions and their limitations helps eligible travellers plan their visits effectively.

Remember that visa-free status doesn't guarantee entry, and immigration officers retain discretionary authority. Proper preparation, valid documentation, and compliance with stay limitations ensure smooth entry and enjoyable visits to Cambodia.

For the most current information on visa-free arrangements and any policy changes, always consult official Cambodian government sources or contact the nearest Cambodian embassy before travelling.