What do I need to travel to Cambodia?

Travel to Cambodia may appear to be hard to organize, but in reality, it is quite easy, once you know what you need and where to get it. From visas to COVID requirements, to the currency you can use in Cambodia, we have all the information you need to make planning and taking your Cambodia trip as easy and hassle-free as possible.

1. Do I need a travel visa to Cambodia?

Who needs a visa to Cambodia?

Whether or not you need a visa for Cambodia depends on your country of origin, since certain countries have a visa exemption agreement with Cambodia. Nationals of Brunei, Myanmar, Seychelles, and Thailand have visa-free travel for up to 14 days, and nationals of Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam can travel visa-free for up to 30 days.

What types of visas you can get for a Cambodia tour?

Cambodia has three types of visa available; the standard embassy-applied tourist visa, which is stamped into your passport via a Cambodian Embassy in your country of residence; an online E-visa, which can be applied for and paid for online and sent to your email address for printing; and the Visa on Arrival, which can be applied for when you arrive at the airport in Cambodia.

How to get a visa for traveling to Cambodia?

The Embassy Tourist Visa is easily applied for at any Cambodian embassy in your home or resident country, and requires submission of your valid passport with at least six months remaining at the time of travel, the visa fee of US$ 30 (or local equivalent), a completed application form, and two passport-sized photos. This can also be done by mail in some countries.

Sample of the Cambodia E-Visa Certificate

The E-visa can be applied for in three easy steps on the official E-visa website. All you need to do is fill up the online application form, make a payment for the US$ 36 visa fee (which includes the $6 processing charge) using one of the approved payment methods (VISA, MasterCard, UnionPay, Alipay, or WeChat), and download the E-Visa Certificate that is sent to your email after three business days.

For the Visa on Arrival, all you need to do is have your passport with at least 6 months validity remaining, two passport-sized photos, and the visa fee on your arrival at one of the applicable airports in Cambodia, and then fill in the application form and submit it to the Immigration Desk Officers. They will process the visa while you wait, and stick it into your passport when complete. Processing of the Visa on Arrival can take up to 2-3 hours during busy periods.

2. Do I need any vaccines to travel to Cambodia?

Cambodia still has restrictions on travelers that are not vaccinated against COVID-19, so it is best to be fully vaccinated before traveling to Cambodia. Fully vaccinated travelers only need to show their vaccination certificates to obtain entry, with their passport and visa (where applicable). Anyone attempting to enter Cambodia who is not fully vaccinated will be required to take a COVID-19 rapid antigen test on arrival, at their own expense.

3. Do I need a COVID-19 PCR test to enter Cambodia?

If you are fully vaccinated, then you are not required to take a COVID-19 PCR test before travel. This requirement has been suspended in Cambodia, since the majority of travelers have now been fully vaccinated. However, if you have not been fully vaccinated, the testing is still required at your own expense upon entry.

4. Do I need travel insurance to travel to Cambodia?

As of 25 April 2022, there is no longer any requirement for travelers to have travel/medical insurance for travel to Cambodia. However, while it is not a requirement, it is recommended to have adequate travel and medical insurance, in case of contracting COVID while in Cambodia. Cambodian healthcare will not pay for your hospital and medical needs if you are infected with COVID, so it is recommended to have travel/medical insurance with at least US$10,000 of COVID coverage.

5. How much money do I need for Cambodia?

What is the budget for a Cambodia Tour?

The cost of a Cambodia tour depends on your airline, where you stay, how you travel around, and even what you want to visit in Cambodia.

An average trip in Cambodia usually costs around $50 per day, based on staying in three-star hotels and below, eating sensibly, and traveling on buses. Flights between destinations, daily restaurant meals, and high-end hotels can push the cost of a trip to Cambodia up to as high as $1000 a day in some instances.

How much cash do I need to take to Cambodia?

Take enough cash for your entire trip if you can, as accessing ATMs and getting cash from credit cards can be rather expensive. Bring the amount you need for your Cambodia tour with you in US Dollars, and you can change it to local currency when you arrive to pay for those little things you want to buy.

6. Do I need US dollars in Cambodia?

Can I use US dollars in Cambodia?

The official currency of Cambodia is the Riel, which is generally used across the country for almost all purchases you will make. However, while it is not officially recognized, the US Dollar is widely used in Cambodia, especially when it comes to paying for larger items, such as your hotel bill. And some smaller merchants will also accept payment in dollars (though not larger bills), and then give change in riel.

The US Dollar is widely used in Cambodia.

However, be aware that banks and vendors will not accept old or ripped dollar bills, so you should also reject any ripped bills given as change or by money changers.

Is it cheaper to use US dollars directly or use Cambodian Riel instead?

It is a common misconception that paying in dollars is cheaper, and in reality, it is likely to cost you more.

The exchange rate from dollar to riel and vice versa is fluid, and constantly changing, so vendors that accept dollars will set the rate they use in their favor. As a result, the amount you pay in dollars is always slightly higher than in riel. This allows the vendors to gain a little extra profit.

7. More Things Needed to Travel to Cambodia

Proper Clothes for Your Cambodia Tour

There are certain things that you really need to make sure you pack when traveling to Cambodia, not the least of which are your clothes, which should be of a certain style, especially for women.

Lightweight clothes that can be easily layered are preferable to normal t-shirts, as you can add and take off depending on the temperature.

And since Cambodia is chock full of temples, covering up shoulders and legs is essential, especially for women. Try to avoid shorts, short skirts, crop tops, halter tops, etc.

A Pair of Comfortable Shoes

Bring comfortable shoes that you can walk in, as travel in Cambodia often entails lots of walking, especially if you are planning on visiting the Angkor Temple Complex.

Walking or hiking shoes are ideal for an Angkor Tour, as they are both comfortable and supportive, allowing you to be on your feet a lot. Avoid the heavy hiking boots, though; you will find you tire more quickly. And bring some soft comfy shoes for those evenings in the hotel or out in a restaurant.

Insect Repellent

Insect repellent is a must for every Cambodia tour, and it is actually better to get repellants that contain DEET, which interferes with the mosquito’s antenna and repels them completely.

However, it is recommended not to overuse it, and you should follow the usage instructions on the label.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is another must for visiting Cambodia, as the temperatures there can be extremely hot for many travelers, even in the cooler dry season. And even when the sun is not shining through the clouds, the UV rays can still burn the skin, even out of direct sunlight.

Outlet Adapter for Cambodia

Finally, make sure that you have an outlet adaptor for any accessories that you are bringing with you, such as phone chargers, hair dryers, etc.

Cambodia operates on a 230v supply system, and generally uses plugs with two opposing flat pins, known generally as Type A. Your adaptor should be able to convert your Type C (round pin) and Type G (UK three-pin) plugs to fit the Type A sockets in Cambodia.

Conclusion

Traveling to Cambodia requires some advanced travel preparation. Bringing things you need to travel to Cambodia and packing smartly can make your trip to Cambodia easier and more worry-free. You will need to prepare your visa in advance and know the local COVID-19 travel restrictions. It is also recommended to bring a certain amount of cash and US dollars with you. In addition, you need to bring clothes that are light and comfortable. Due to the hot and humid climate in Cambodia, it is also necessary to be prepared for mosquitoes and sunburn.

If you want to know more things you need to prepare for your Cambodia tour, please feel free to contact us.