Essential Information Need To Know Before Visiting Cambodia

For most visitors to the Kingdom, visa are obtainable upon arrival at both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap International Airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap

Cambodia Visa and Passport

For most visitors to the Kingdom, visa are obtainable upon arrival at both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap International Airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. At land crossing from Thailand, Vietnam and Laos, visa can be obtained at International Check Point border.

Tourists also can get their visas prior to their arrival through a Cambodian Embassy or Consulate overseas. Tourists also can get eVisa through online E-Visa before travelling.

Some nationalities are required to get visa in advance at Royal Embassy of Kingdom of Cambodia in their country: Afghanistan, Algeria, Arab Saudi, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Nigeria.

A passport and visa are required. Tourists and business travelers may purchase a Cambodian visa valid for one month at the airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and borders. Both require a passport valid for at least six (6) months from the expiry date, 01 recent passport-sized photo. A departure tax is charged on all domestic and international flights.

The entry points to obtain Arrival Visa:

Airports:

Phnom Penh International Airport

Siem Reap International Airport

Sihanoukville International Airport

Cambodia-Vietnam border:

Bavet International Check Point (Svay Rieng Province) / Moc Bai,  Tay Ninh, Vietnam

Kha Orm Sam Nor International Check Point (Kandal Province) / Ving Xuong, An Giang, Vietnam ("Chau Doc crossing")

Tropeang Sre International Check Point (Kratie Province) / Hoa Lu, Binh Phuoc Province, Vietnam

Prek Chak International Check Point (Kampot Province) / Xa Xia, Kien Giang, Vietnam (Ha Tien crossing)

Phnom Den International Check Point (Takeo Province) / Tinh Bien, An Giang, Vietnam

Oyadav International Check Point (Rattankiri Province) / Le Tanh, Gia Lai Province, Vietnam

Tropieng Phlong International Check Point (Kampong Cham Province) / Xa Mat, Vietnam

Banteay Chakrey International Border Check Point (Prey Veng Province) / Dinh Ba, Dong Thap, Vietnam

Samrong International Check Point (Svay Rieng Province) / My Quy Tay, Long An Province, Vietnam

Cambodia-Thailand border:

Cham Yeam International Check Point (Koh Kong Province) / Had Lek, Trat, Thailand

Poi Pet International Check Point (Banteay Meanchey Province) / Aranyaprathet, Sa Kaeo, Thailand

Osmach International Check Point (Odor Meanchey Province) / Chong Jom, Surin, Thailand

Anglong Veng International Check Point (Banteay Meanchey Province) / Chong Sa Ngam, Sisaket, Thailand

Prum International Check Point (Pailin Province) / Ban Pakard, Chantaburi, Thailand

Doung International Check Point (Battambang Province) / Ban Laem, Chantaburi, Thailand

Cambodia-Lao border:

Dong Krolar International Check Point (Steung Treng Province) /  Voeung Kam, Champasack, Laos

It is required for the visa applicants to submit passport, application forms, a recent passport-style color photograph, and such other documents as determined by the status of stay.

Visa Fees:

Single entry visa fee for tourist (T) (30 days):     US$ 30

Single entry visa fee for business (E) (30 days):  US$ 35

Tourist & Business Visas:

Visitors from countries not under Visa Exemption Agreements must apply for a Tourists (T) or business (E) visa valid for one month at the points of entry.

Visa K can be issued to a Cambodian national entering the Kingdom on a foreign passport. (The applicant has to provide well-documented evidence, such as proof that one's parents were Cambodian).

Visa Exemption:

The nationals of the Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Myanmar do not need a tourist visa and may stay in Cambodia for 21 and 30 days respectively. Read more

Visa extension:

The tourist (T) and business (E) visas can be extended at the Immigration Department, National Police. The Diplomatic (A), Official (B) and Courtesy (C) visas can be extended at the Consular Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A tourist visa can be extended only once for up to one month (single entry).

A business visa can be extended for:

One month (Single entry)

Three months (Single entry)

Six months (Multiple entry)

One year (Multiple entry)

Overstayers will be fined US$ 10 per day.

Remarks:

* (1) Passport Diplomatic (PD)

* (2) Passport Service (PS)

* (3) Passport Normal (PN)

Do’s and Don’ts in the Kingdom of Cambodia

During your stay in Cambodia, you will most probably be touched by the kindness of the Cambodian people. In most places, you’ll be warmly welcomed and guided by local residents, eager to show you the treasures of their country. Although your Cambodian hosts will do their best to tolerate tourists’ involuntary mistakes, stemming from different cultural and social conventions, the following tips will help you understand Cambodian culture and avoid social misunderstandings.

Do’s in Cambodia

Cambodian people greet each other by saying “Chum Reap Suor”, accompanied by a gesture of pressing their palms together in front of their face and slightly

bowing forward, which is called ‘sampeah’. Your Cambodian hosts will be happily surprised to see you using the ‘sampeah’ to greet them.

Shaking hands is now more and more acceptable, usually with men, and after a ‘sampeah’. When offering a gift to a Cambodian person, especially an elderly, it is the convention to present it with both hands.

Before entering a sacred place, such as a Buddhist pagoda or the Royal Palace, please remember to take off your shoes and your hat. Also please remember to

be dressed in a clean and modest manner. Especially, women should wear a t-shirt or a blouse with short or long sleeves and a skirt or pants at least at knee-length.

When entering someone’s home, please remember to leave your shoes at the entrance. Although your Cambodian hosts will often insist that you keep them for your comfort, they will always appreciate your consideration for their home.

Although Cambodian people enjoy having their pictures taken, do ask for permission first.

If you buy foods at a street cart or a stall in a market, please remember that the price is usually cheap. Please remember that Cambodia is still a developing country and the Cambodian people are just starting to be familiar with other cultures’ customs and expectations. So be patient when communicating and interacting with your Cambodian hosts.

Don’ts in Cambodia

In the Cambodian and Buddhist culture, the head is the most sacred part of the body. Please DO NOT touch or pat the head of people, even children.

Similarly, as the feet are the lowest parts of the body, DO NOT use your feet to point at someone or something, to get the attention of someone or to push an object to someone.

If you go to a pagoda and have to sit on the floor, DO NOT sit cross-legged or with your legs outstretched. Instead, sit slightly sided on your heels. If the position becomes uncomfortable, try to shift on your other side.

Buddhist monks are deeply revered and respected. Women are not allowed to touch a monk’s robe or his body.

The Cambodian society is relatively conservative and public displays of affection, such as kisses and hugs, are considered inappropriate and offensive behaviors.

In public areas, on sacred grounds such as pagodas, and in public buildings, avoid shouting, as well as laughing and speaking excessively loudly.

As cultural customs are different in Cambodia, please DO NOT resent Cambodian habits, which may be considered rude in your country.

Getting In and Getting Out of Cambodia

Cambodia is served by an increasing number of flights from neighboring countries to both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, though the best choice is from Bangkok in Thailand. There are now five overland crossings open to foreigners, two from Thailand, and two from Vietnam and one from Laos. Even if you have obtained a Cambodia visa before entry, it is essential to obtain an entry stamp in your passport when crossing overland, as failure to do so will cause serious problems when you come to leave the country.

THAILAND

From Bangkok, there are regular daily flights to Phnom Penh, taking around an hour, with Cambodia Angkor Airways, Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways; the last of these offers slightly cheaper fares than the other two, but can't be booked from outside the region. Bangkok Airways and Siem Reap Airways also fly daily to Siem Reap, with slightly higher frequency in the high season of December to February. The Cambodia Angkor Airways (National Ariline) will be operating this flight soon.

Overland trips to Cambodia from Thailand have increased in popularity and are well publicized in Bangkok, particularity on the Khao San Road, where travel agents try to sell their Bangkok-Siem Reap trips by alleging that doing the trip independently entails various problems (dealing with Cambodian border officials, sorting out onward transport, etc). In fact, it's straightforward enough to do the journey by public transport, and the convenience of using one of these private firms can be offset by much waiting around until the required number of passenger's turns up. Though most of these companies are reputable, a small minority of travelers has reported being ripped off over visas, and even being left for hours at the border waiting for onward transport; therefore it's worth asking fellow travelers of staff at your guesthouse about companies they would recommend or avoid.

The Aranyaprethet/Poipet border crossing is ideal if you want to start your visit to Cambodia in the north at Battambang and Siem Reap, while Trat/Koh Kong is good for Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh. From Bangkok, you can reach Aranyaprathet by train (7hr) or by air-con bus (4hr); there are also air-con buses to Trat 95hr). Both borders are open daily (7am-5pm) and visas are issued on arrival. From Poipet, onward transport by shared taxi or pick-up is readily available to Sisophon ( for Siem Reap) and daily boats from Koh Kong to Sre Ambel (for Phnom Penh) and to Sihanoukville. Poipet is in fact derelict, the nearest train station being at Sisophon.

Cambodia-Thailand crossing border:

Cham Yeam International Check Point (Koh Kong Province) / Had Lek, Thailand

Poi Pet International Check Point (Banteay Meanchey Province) / Aranyaprathet, Thailand

Osmach International Check Point (Odor Meanchey Province) / Chong Jom, Thailand

Anglong Veng International Check Point (Banteay Meanchey Province) / Chong Sa Ngam, Thailand

Prum International Check Point (Pailin Province) / Ban Pakard, Chantaburi, Thailand

Doung International Check Point (Battambang Province) / Ban Laem, Chantaburi, Thailand

VIETNAM

There are several regular daily flights to Phnom Penh and to Siem Reap from Ho Chi Minh City, operated by Vietnam Airlines and Royal Phnom Penh Airways. Border crossing are open to foreigners at Moc Bai/Bavet, 200km southeast of Phnom Penh, and at Chau Doc on the Bassac River, through note that Cambodian visas are not issued at either crossing point. From Bavet, it's easy to get shared taxis to Phnom Penh (6hr); though the road has been in appalling condition, the journey time should be reduced when repairs are completed at the beginning of 2003. If you've crossed over at Chau Doc, you may be able to get a motor the 60km to Phnom Penh, but given River, it's easier to take a short motor ride to the Mekong village of K'am Samnar, where you can get a boat north to Neak Leung (3hr), 37km east of Phnom Penh and connected to the capital by bus and shared taxi.

Note: that only Cambodians and Vietnamese are permitted to cross east of Kep, despite assurances to the contrary from Sihanoukvill's Vietnamese consulate.

Cambodia-Vietnam crossing border:

Bavet International Check Point (Svay Rieng Province) / Moc Bai, Vietnam

Kha Orm Sam Nor International Check Point (Kandal Province) / Ving Xuong, Vietnam ("Chau Doc crossing")

Tropeang Sre International Check Point (Kratie Province) / Hoa Lu, Binh Phuoc Province, Vietnam

Prek Chak International Check Point (Kampot Province) / Xa Xia, Vietnam (Ha Tien crossing)

Phnom Den International Check Point (Takeo Province) / Tinh Bien, Vietnam

Oyadav International Check Point (Rattankiri Province) / Le Tanh,Gia Lai Province, Vietnam

Tropieng Phlong International Check Point (Kampong Cham Province) / Xa Mat, Vietnam

Banteay Chakrey International Border Check Point (Prey Veng Province) / Dinh Ba, Vietnam

Samrong International Check Point (Svay Rieng Province) / My Quy Tay, Long An Province, Vietnam

LAOS

Laos Aviation and Vietnam Airlines operate daily flights from Vientiane to Phnom Penh, with stops in Siem Reap on Tuesday and Fridays; sometimes there's also an unscheduled stop in Pakxe.

There are only two border crossing points for tourist travel from Laos to Cambodia and v.v, which are at Dong Krolar and Tropaeng Kreal in Steung Treng Province. Both checkpoints have the Visa on Arrival (VOA) service, although only Tropaeng Kreal accepts E-visas.  If you are crossing overland, Tropaeng Kreal is the best place to head for.

Cambodia-Lao crossing border:

Tropaeng Kreil International Check Point (Steung Treng Province) /  Nong Nok Khiene, Pakse Laos (View on map)

Dong Krolar International Check Point (Steung Treng Province) /  Voeung Kam, Laos

Health and Advice

Drink lots of water. Never drink tap water purified, bottled water is available everywhere.

Use an insect repellent against mosquitoes. It is the only way to be sure of protection against mosquito borne diseases. Since Cambodia has a hot and humid tropical climate, casual and light-weight clothing is best. Clothing made from natural fibers is the best option. A jacket might be needed on cool winter evenings or in hotels and restaurants using excessive air-conditioning. A hat and high-factor sun block is advisable as protection against the hot sun when sightseeing.

When visiting temples or pagodas, including those of Angkor Wat, shorts and T-shirts are acceptable. Shoes are generally removed at the entrance to pagodas. For visits to the Silver Pagoda, which is within the Royal Palace grounds, visitors are asked to dress more formally. Gentlemen are required to wear long trousers and ladies should wear long trousers or long skirts.

Standard film, (such as Kodak, FUJI or Konica 100), slide and digital camera memory are widely available. Photos are inexpensive to process in the country. Any specialized photo equipment should be brought with you. Photography in airports, railway stations and near any military installations is forbidden and discretion should be used when photographing people, particularly monks. The cheapest & best quality photo service in Phnom Penh is SPK Photo Studio FUJI Shop at Monivong Blvd.

What to Wear in Cambodia

The weather in Cambodia generally falls under two categories: the wet season (May to October) and the dry season (November to April).

Lightweight, loose-fitting, cotton clothing is recommended for the dry season, when the weather is hot and humid. Visitors may wish to pack long pants and long-sleeved shirts for hiking, trekking, or outdoor activities. A hat and sunglasses may be useful for when walking around under the sun.

During the rainy season, visitors may want to bring a light rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased cheaply in Cambodia) or a sturdy umbrella. A light jacket or cardigan will come in handy during the months of December and January, when temperatures are at their coolest.

When visiting outdoor temples, including those of Angkor Wat, shorts and T-shirts are acceptable. Shoes and hats are generally removed at the entrance to pagodas. For visits to the Silver Pagoda, which is within the Royal Palace grounds. visitors are asked to dress more formally. Gentlemen are required to wear long trousers and ladies should wear long trousers or long skirts and keep their shoulders covered.

What to Bring to Cambodia

- Photocopies of your passport

- At least two passport-size photographs of yourself

- Cash in US$1s, $10s, $20s, $50s (Important note: Old and/or torn currency bills may suffer rejection)

- A folding umbrella or lightweight rain poncho if you plan to visit during the rainy season

- Zip lock bags. They are cheap, disposable, and keep all kinds of things fresh and dry

- An adventurous spirit. pls add ...(Important note: Old and/or torn currency bills may suffer rejection)

Health Requirements

Although no vaccinations are officially required for entry to Cambodia, they are highly encouraged. Visitors are advised to check with their doctor or a travel immunization clinic regarding protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and B. Any essential medications should be brought with you as there is no guarantee they will be available in Cambodia.

Customs and Excise

Whenever you leave or enter a country transporting goods – money, goods, electronic equipment, among others – you must take into account whether such goods must be declared at Customs. All passengers are obliged to fill out the Passenger's Declaration Form and submit it to Customs before leaving the arrival terminal.

For more information please check the official goverment's website: https://www.customs.gov.kh/en

"Nothing to declare" vs "Goods to declare"

When walking to the airport exit, direct yourself to the right channel according to your case.

Green Channel is for passengers possessing no goods or only goods which can be admitted free of customs, duties and taxes by stating that you have "Nothing to declare".

Red Channel is for passengers who bring along dutiable goods, any prohibited or restricted goods by proclaiming that you have "Goods to declare".

Note: Customs officers may conduct a random check on passengers at both channels.

Penalties and/or fines are imposed on passengers, who intentionally use the Green Channel by not declaring the carry on dutiable, restricted and/or prohibited goods.

Products for entering Cambodia

An incoming passenger is eligible for the following products:

Two liters of wine***

400 cigarettes, 100 cigars, or 400 grams of tobacco***

350 milliliters of perfume and ornaments

Medicine for own personal cure

Other materials and tools with limited quantity needed for traveling and not categorized as prohibited goods

***Passengers aged under 18 are not allowed to carry those goods.

Customs formality on arrival

Goods worth the equivalent to or greater than US$100 shall be subjected to pay customs duties and taxes.

If the customs value of goods is in excess of US$300, they must be declared in the Customs Declaration Form.

If it is less than US$300, the goods must be declared in the Non-commercial Customs Declaration Form.

Temporary imported goods are required to be authorized before the importation by the General

Department of Customs and Excise.

Import of foreign currencies to Cambodia is not limited, although declaration is required for the sums of over US$10,000.00 (ten thousand US dollars) or the equivalent in a foreign currency.

The importation of prohibited goods must be accompanied by a valid license issued in advance by the relevant authorities and an import permit by the General Department of Customs and Excise.

When imported, strictly prohibited weapons, explosives and ammunition, and other military equipment must be escorted with a valid license from the Ministry of Interior or the Ministry of National Defense and an import permit from the General Department of Customs and Excise.

Customs formality on departure

Passengers leaving the country are required to fill up a Passenger's Declaration Form should they take out the following goods with the original supporting documents. They have to submit the form to the Customs Office at the point of exit.

Foreign currency in the amount exceeding US$10,000.00 (ten thousand US dollars) is required to obtain the permit from the National Bank of Cambodia and approval before an exportation from the General Department of Customs and Excise, should there be no import declaration of the currency at their entry.

Any temporary exportation of goods must be approved in advanced by the General Department of Customs and Excise.

Prohibited goods and restricted goods must be accompanied by a valid license issued before exportation by the concerned authorities and export permit by the General Department of Customs and Excise.

Any export of strictly prohibited arms, explosives, ammunition and other military equipment, is required to submit a valid license from the Ministry of Interior or the Ministry of National Defense, and an export permit from the General Department of Customs and Excise.

Artifact, statues, antiques and ancient items are required to have an authorization and permit issued before the exportation by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and an export permit by the General Department of Customs and Excise.

When exporting plants and live animals, they are requested to enclose the permit or license issued in advance by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Hunting and Fishery.

Import clearance procedures at Cargo Terminal

Any passenger wishing to import goods must prepare an import Customs Declaration Form and submit it to the Customs Office with the following original documents and/or certified copies by the company in triplicate. These supporting documents are:

Invoice

Packing List

Airway bill

Customs Permit (if required)

Other relevant documents (if required)

Any relevant importation of goods by a VAT TIN unregistered entity/person for commercial purpose is required to attach with the customs permit issued in advance by the General Department of Customs and Excise.

Goods categorized as temporary importation, personal effects and goods of which customs duties and taxes are the government burden, are required to obtain a valid permit issued before an importation by the General Department of Customs and Excise.

Notice:

Passengers are liable for prosecution, penalties and/or punishment, under the laws of the Kingdom of Cambodia, should they be found guilty for any false declaration, and violation against the rules stipulated in this proclamation.

Warning:

It is illegal for any trafficking of narcotic drugs and it is judged as a serious crime. A passenger who is convicted of this offense can receive life imprisonment in accordance with the laws of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

Sourced: Cambodia Airports

Events and Festival in Cambodia