Do I need a visa to enter Cambodia?

Most travelers shall be issued entry-visa upon their arrival. For further information, please directly contact the Immigration Police Unit at the Phnom Penh Airport International or the Siem Reap Airport. Some countries where the Royal Embassies and Consulates of Cambodia installed, travelers shall then apply for an entry-visa prior to their departure. Multi-entry visa can be extended at the Department of Foreigner of the Ministry of Interior.

Where are the Royal Embassies and Consulates situated at overseas?

Herewith the list of Royal Embassies and Consulates of Cambodia locate where most travelers are able to apply for an entry-visa.

Where else can I obtain an entry-visa?

Beside the Phnom Penh Airport International and Siem Reap Airport, there are additionally few of border gateways where travelers can apply for an entry-visa upon their arrival.

Visa can be obtained at the following points of entry:

Airports
- Phnom Penh International Airport
- Siem Reap International Airport

Cambodia-Vietnam border
- Bavet International Check Point
- Kha Orm Sam Nor International Check Point

Cambodia-Thailand border
- Cham Yeam International Check Point
- Poi Pet International Check Point
- O’Smach International Check Point

Application for an entry visa requires:

- A completed visa application form
- Passport valid at least further 4 months
- One recent photograph (4x6)
- Appropriate visa fee
- Supporting documents for business and official visas

In particular, the entry-visa is free for Cambodian nationals who live abroad and Malaysians. Also, the entry visa is free of charge for the Service and Diplomatic Passport holders from Myanmar, Brunei, Philippines and Vietnam.

How much shall I pay for my entry-visa?

Business visa: US$ 25.00

Tourist visa: US$ 20.00

How much shall I pay for airport tax?

The costs of airport tax are:

Domestic Airport Tax: US$ 6.00

International Airport Tax from REP: US$ 25.00

International Airport Tax from PNH: US$ 25.00

Do I need any vaccinations?
Travellers have very little to worry about in a country where health standards are ranked amongst the highest in Asia. Vaccinations are not required to enter the Kingdom of Cambodia; you are unless coming from a "yellow" infected area.

What are temperature and climate for the whole year round in Cambodia?
 
Cambodia has a tropical climate with three distinct seasons – Hot/Dry from March to May, Rainy/Monsoon from June to October and small Winter/Cool from November through February. The average annual temperature is 280C – 320C, this ranges in the capital city of Phnom Penh. The temperature during the small winter is 140C - 160C at provinces throughout the country but in Phnom Penh is about 160C – 200C. In the early April, it is found that there are some rain showers through the beginning of May. The end of May and the beginning of June the full monsoon starts till the end of October.

What attire should I bring on my vacation to Cambodia and what should I wear when visiting ancient temples and Buddhist Pagodas?

As Cambodia's climate is hot and humid almost all year round, it is ideal to have light clothing to be worn throughout the year. But during the small winter from December till March, you are advised to wear thick clothing. It is also advisable for ladies and gentlemen, when entering any Buddhist pagoda, in tradition, ladies are inappropriately found to wear shorts, trousers or any sexy attire. Men and women are cultured for a dignitary image¾is not to wear shorts and cap when you are in the complex of a Buddhist pagoda. The flip-flops, boots or shoes must specially be taken off before entering into any Buddhist temple. At ancient temples, you are free to wear any as you wish but not bras and under-pan.

What is the time difference?

Cambodia is 8 (????? = 7) hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and 12 hours ahead of the United States in Boston, Pacific Time Standard.

What is the best way to travel around the country?

It depends upon your need whether you are in a hurry to get to your destination or you wish to take things leisurely, there is a wide range of choice of transportation.

1.By air, you can travel with Cambodian Airlines for domestic flights such as Royal Air Cambodge, Siem Reap Airway, Royal Phnom Penh Airways and the President Airline. The flight routes are set for major tourist destinations and economic zones at the provinces of Siem Reap, Battambang, Koh Kong, Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri.

2.By rail, the railway network of Cambodia that stretches from East to West, which run from Phnom Penh to the provinces of Kampong Chhnang, Pursat, Battambang and Bantey Meanchey and other routes: Phnom Penh-Sihanouk Ville and Phnom Penh-Kampot. Be ensured that the Cambodian railway network is under development and time consuming to catch train.

3.By road, Cambodia now has several bus companies and private taxis are also available throughout Cambodia. But the bus operations are still very limited based on the road condition. Travelers can take coach from Phnom Penh to neighboring provinces such as Kampong Speu, Takeo, Kampot, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Cham, Neak Leung (in Prey Veng), Ta Mao (in Kandal) and to two other cities of Sihanouk Ville and Keb. In particular, Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City along the National Road 1 is now available. Taxies are available to make a journey throughout the country.

4.By water, several speedboat firms can be seen along Tonle Sap River. These speedboats carry passengers from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap Angkor and further from Siem Reap to Battambang province; also are available for destinations along Mekong River such as from Phnom Penh to Kampong Cham, Kratie and Steung Treng. Above all, travelers can make a voyage from Vietnam to Phnom Penh as well.

What is the national language?

Cambodia has a unique official language is Khmer or Cambodian. The French and English are widely utilized as second language. Cambodians tend to be trilingual.

What if I were to travel alone?

Not to worry if you are coming alone. Cambodians are very friendly and Cambodia is especially called a land of smile. Traveling alone is generally safe and relatively comfortable for both men and women. Plan your trip around your interests and prepare yourself to be flexible enough to take the inevitable glitches in stride. Visitors who encounter unforeseen problems and difficulties can seek the Cambodian Tourist Police Unit or any other Police Station for any assistance.

What is the electricity supply of Cambodia?

Cambodia's electrical supply is 220 volts AC at 50 cycles per second.

What are the medical services available in Cambodia?

Medical services are available in all towns at government run hospitals and private clinics. Non-prescription drugs are available at pharmacies as well as supermarkets, hotels, and shopping centers. International class hotels also have their individual in-house medical Doctor to service their guests.

Is it safe to drink tap water?

It is generally safe to drink water directly from the tap. However, mineral water is also readily available in shops and supermarkets everywhere.

How do I rent and drive a car in Cambodia?

You will require an international driving permit or a valid license issued by your government to drive in Cambodia. Car rental can be arranged through hotel or through various car rental companies which can be located through the Yellow Pages Directory.

Will there be any customs charges upon arrival?

Items such as video equipment, cameras, radio cassette players, watches, pens, lighters, perfumes and cosmetics are duty free in Cambodia. Visitors bringing in dutiable goods may have to pay a deposit for temporary importation, refundable upon departure.

When are the Cambodian school holidays ?

There are 5 term breaks in the year for schools throughout Cambodia. The term breaks vary slightly from state to state. However, they fall roughly during the later part of the months of January (1 week), March (2 weeks), May (3 weeks), August (1week), October (4 weeks).

Are there any cultural tips I should now about to avoid cultural offence?

To avoid "cultural offences", here are some tips:
- Remove shoes when entering homes and places of worship.
- Dress neatly in suitable attire which covers arms and legs when visiting places of worship.
When handling food, do so with the right hand only.
-Tipping is not a custom in Cambodia. It is unnecessary in hotels and restaurants where a 10% service charge, unless the service rendered is exceptionally good.
-Refrain from raising your voice or displaying fits of anger as considered ill mannered.

What is the procedure if I should want to bring pets into Cambodia?

It is advisable for you to contact the Cambodian Diplomatic Mission nearest you for up-to-date information concerning the importation of pets from your country. Various airline companies may also be able to help you with this.

Do I require medical insurance before traveling to Cambodia?

It is a good idea for you to take have medical insurance before you travel to Cambodia as Cambodia does not have reciprocal health service agreements with other nations.

Please do contact us and let us know your question or concern, we will get back to as soon as possible