Planning a trip from the UK to the ancient wonders of Angkor Wat, the buzzing streets of Phnom Penh, or the pristine beaches of Koh Rong? Cambodia is a dream destination, but before you pack your bags, securing your entry permit is essential. For UK citizens, the Cambodia e-Visa is the easiest, most recommended way to start your journey.
This comprehensive guide breaks down everything British travellers need to know about the Cambodia e-Visa Requirements and Online Application Guide for UK Citizens, covering the necessary steps, required documents, processing times, and what to expect when you arrive. Forget the travel stress, get your visa sorted, and focus on the adventure ahead!
Do UK Citizens Need a Visa to Enter Cambodia?
Yes, absolutely. The first and most crucial piece of information for any British national planning a holiday or business trip to Cambodia is that you must have a valid visa to enter the Kingdom of Cambodia. Cambodia does not offer visa-free entry for citizens holding a full ‘British citizen’ passport.
A visa is mandatory whether you are entering by air at major international airports or crossing a land border. Attempting to enter without one can lead to delays, fines, or denial of entry.
What are the Cambodia Visa Options for UK Travellers?
UK citizens have three primary options for obtaining a Cambodian visa, although the e-Visa is strongly recommended for its speed and convenience:
A. The E-Visa (Recommended)
This is the easiest and most efficient method. There are two main types of e-Visas:
- e-Visa T (Tourist): For short holidays and leisure travel.
- e-Visa E (Ordinary): For those planning to stay for an extended period, engage in business, or require multiple extensions.
The application is completed entirely online, and the approval letter is emailed to you.
B. Visa on Arrival (VoA)
Available at Cambodia’s major international airports (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville) and certain land border crossings. This involves queueing up on arrival, filling out a paper form, submitting a passport photo, and paying the required fee. Can I arrive in Cambodia without a visa? Only if you intend to get a Visa on Arrival, which is a riskier option compared to the pre-approved e-Visa.
C. Embassy Visa
Applying for a traditional sticker visa in advance at the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in London. This is generally only necessary for complex cases or long-term visa types (like extended Business Visas).
What Documents do UK Citizens Need to Apply for a Cambodia Visa?
The Cambodia visa requirements for both the e-Visa T (Tourist) and e-Visa E (Ordinary) are comprehensive. Applicants from the UK must prepare the following documents:
- Valid British Passport: Must be valid for at least six months from the date you intend to arrive in Cambodia. It must also have at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
- Digital Passport Photo: A recent, high-resolution digital photo conforming to strict specifications (detailed in section 6).
- Travel Documentation: This includes your confirmed travel itinerary and proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, etc.).
- Financial Evidence: Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Cambodia (e.g., recent bank statement).
- Invitation Letter Requirements: Necessary only for specific business/employment E-Type visa applications, usually from a registered Cambodian company.
Note: You will also need a Credit/Debit Card for the application fee and a working Email Address for receiving your approval.
How Do I Apply for a Visa for Cambodia from the UK?
The official e-Visa application process is designed to be user-friendly and takes just a few steps:
- Fill in the Online Form: Go to the e-Visa website. Select your visa type (e-Visa T for most holidays) and fill in your personal, passport, and travel details.
- Upload Documents: Upload the scan of your passport’s biodata page and your digital passport photo, alongside any required supporting documentation like travel itinerary, accommodation proof, and financial evidence.
- Pay the Fee: Confirm your details and pay the required fee securely online using a credit or debit card. You will also select your preferred processing speed (Normal, Rush, or Super Rush) at this stage.
Once submitted, you will receive a reference number. You then wait for the approval email, which usually contains a PDF of your e-Visa certificate.
What are the Cambodia Visa Photo Specifications for UK Applicants?
Getting the digital photo right is a common sticking point. For the e-Visa application, the digital photo must comply with the following standards:
- Format: Digital image (JPEG, PNG, or BMP).
- Background: Plain white or light-coloured background is mandatory.
- Face Position: Full face, front view, with a neutral (non-smiling) expression.
- Head Size: Your face should occupy 70–80% of the frame.
- Resolution/Clarity: The photo must be recent (taken within the last six months), clear, and of high resolution.
Pro-Tip: Avoid wearing hats or head coverings unless for religious reasons, and ensure no shadows fall across your face or the background.
How Long Does Cambodia Visa Processing Take for UK Applicants?
The Cambodia visa processing time now offers tiered options based on urgency, allowing applicants to choose a timeframe that best suits their travel needs.
|
Processing Option |
Timeframe |
Notes |
|
Normal Processing |
3 – 5 Days |
The standard, cost-effective option. |
|
Rush Processing |
2 – 3 Days |
For travellers with slightly less time before departure. |
|
Super Rush Processing |
1 – 2 Days |
The fastest available option for urgent travel. |
It is always wise to apply at least 1 week (5 business days) before your planned departure date to account for any unexpected official delays or if authorities request additional information, even when choosing a rush option.
Understanding the Cambodia E-Arrival Card (Mandatory for Air Travel)
Since late 2024, Cambodia has implemented a mandatory Electronic Arrival Card (e-Arrival) system for all travellers entering by air (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, or Sihanoukville International Airports).
- This is not your visa. It is a separate electronic form that replaces the old paper Arrival/Departure, Health, and Customs forms.
- When to Submit: You must complete and submit the e-Arrival Card within 7 days prior to your arrival.
- Cost: There is generally no required payment for the official e-Arrival card submission.
- Requirement: All air travellers, including those who already hold an e-Visa or plan to get a VoA, must complete this form.
Can UK Citizens Extend Their Cambodian Visa?
Yes, you can. The standard Tourist (e-Visa T) granted upon entry (whether e-Visa or VoA) is valid for a 30-day stay.
If you fall in love with Cambodia and wish to stay longer, you can extend your Tourist visa one time for an additional 30 days.
- How to Extend: Extensions are not available online. You must apply in person at the Cambodian Immigration Department office in Phnom Penh (often located opposite the former Phnom Penh International Airport) or use a reputable local tour agent to manage the process for a small service fee. You will need to pay the applicable fee for the extension.
After this single 30-day extension, you must leave the country. To stay longer, you would need to exit and re-enter Cambodia on a new visa.
What Happens if I Overstay My Cambodia Visa? (A Must-Know Warning)
Overstaying your visa is a serious violation of Cambodian immigration law and is strictly enforced.
- Penalty: An applicable daily fine is levied.
- Consequences: If you overstay, you must pay the total fine when you leave the country. For excessive overstays (often 30 days or more), you risk detention, deportation, and being blacklisted from returning to Cambodia.
- Action: Always monitor your visa expiration date carefully. If you realise you will overstay, visit the Immigration Department immediately to pay the fine and arrange your exit.
Can a UK Citizen Reapply Immediately if Their Cambodia Visa is Rejected?
If your e-Visa application is rejected, it usually indicates an issue with your documents (e.g., passport validity, photo specifications, or conflicting information).
- Immediate Reapplication: Yes, you can generally reapply immediately. However, do not reapply without addressing the reason for the initial rejection. Review the denial notice carefully and correct the specific issue—whether it’s getting a new passport, resubmitting a compliant photo, or rectifying data entry errors.
- Alternative: If time is short or you suspect a persistent issue, your safest bet is to prepare the required documents and currency for a Visa on Arrival at the airport, or contact the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in London for direct advice.
Which Ports of Entry Accept the Cambodia E-Visa?
The e-Visa is primarily designed for air entry but is accepted at several key border crossings:
International Airports:
- Techo International Airport (KTI) – New Phnom Penh Airport effective Sept 2025
- Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI)
- Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS)
Land Borders:
- Bavet (on the Vietnam border)
- Tropaeng Kreal (on the Laos border)
Always check the official e-Visa website before departure for the most current list, as border checkpoint acceptance can change.
Should I Choose the e-Visa T (Tourist) or e-Visa E (Ordinary)?
For most holidaymakers, the e-Visa T (Tourist) is the correct choice.
However, if you plan to:
- Engage in any form of work, employment, or business activity.
- Stay for a very long period and require multiple extensions.
Then you should apply for the e-Visa E (Ordinary). The Ordinary visa is easier to renew and extend indefinitely from within Cambodia, whereas the Tourist visa is limited to a single 30-day extension.
Key Travel Tips for Cambodia: Money, Safety, and Entry
To ensure a smooth trip after your visa is secured, keep these final tips in mind:
- Currency: The official currency is the Cambodian Riel (KHR), but the US Dollar (USD) is widely accepted and preferred for larger transactions, including visa payments and required entrance fees (like the Angkor Pass). Carry crisp USD notes.
- Registration (FPCS): If you are staying in official accommodation (hotels/guesthouses), your host must register you using the Foreigners Present in Cambodia System (FPCS). Ensure they do this, as lack of registration can complicate visa extensions.
- Passport Safety: Carry a photocopy of your passport and visa approval letter, leaving the originals secure in your hotel safe.
Conclusion: Ready to Explore the Kingdom of Wonder
Securing your Cambodia e-Visa from the UK is a simple, stress-free process that eliminates lengthy queues and unnecessary paperwork on arrival.
By following these steps, checking your passport validity, adhering to the photo specs, providing all required documentation (like accommodation proof and financial evidence), and applying ahead you’ll be ready to trade the UK grey for the golden temples of Southeast Asia. Enjoy your trip to the Kingdom of Wonder!