Cambodia Visa for US Citizens (2026): e-Visa, Visa on Arrival, Fees and Entry Rules

Yes: US citizens need a visa to visit Cambodia as tourists. The good news is that it is simple and quick, and you can get it online before you go or on arrival at the main airports and border crossings. Here is how the Cambodia visa for US citizens works, based on the latest guides we have reviewed.

Your two options

1. e-Visa (apply online)

• Where: the official Cambodia e-Visa site, evisa.gov.kh. Avoid look-alike agents who add large fees.
• Validity: a single-entry tourist visa, normally for up to 30 days.
• Processing: usually about three working days; apply at least a week before you travel.
• Fee: guides report about US$30 to US$36 depending on the channel and date; confirm the exact fee on the official site at the time you apply.

2. Visa on arrival

• Where: at Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and other major airports and most land crossings.
• Fee: most sources list about US$30 in cash. Bring crisp, unfolded US dollars; torn or marked notes may be refused.
• Also bring: a passport photo and your onward travel details.
• Note: queues at immigration can be long, so many travelers prefer the e-visa.

e-Visa or visa on arrival: which should you choose?

Both give a US passport holder the same 30-day tourist stay, so the choice comes down to convenience and where you enter.

	e-Visa	Visa on arrival
Apply	Online at evisa.gov.kh before travel	At the immigration counter when you land or cross
Payment	Credit or debit card, online	Cash in US dollars, in good condition
Wait at the border	Shorter: you go straight to the passport check	Longer: form, payment and visa queue first
Where it works	International airports and a published list of land crossings	International airports and most international land crossings
Best for	Most travelers, especially on short trips and overland routes	Last-minute trips, or if your e-visa did not arrive in time

Our advice for American travelers is simple: use the e-visa if you know your dates a week or more ahead. It removes the cash question, and on a tight Angkor itinerary the time saved at Siem Reap airport is worth having.

How to apply for the Cambodia e-visa, step by step

1. Open the official site. Type evisa.gov.kh yourself rather than clicking an ad; several look-alike sites charge two or three times the government fee.
2. Choose the tourist visa. Select the tourist (T) category, not the ordinary or business visa, unless you are traveling for work.
3. Upload your documents. You need a recent passport-style photo on a plain background and, depending on the form, a scan of your passport photo page. Make sure the passport number matches exactly.
4. Pay by card. The site shows the total, including a service charge, before you pay.
5. Wait for the email. Approval usually takes about three working days. If nothing arrives after a week, check your spam folder and use the site’s status check before applying again.
6. Print it. Bring a printed copy (many travelers carry two) and keep a PDF on your phone. Immigration checks it on entry and may check it again when you leave.

The e-Arrival card

Separately from the visa, travelers entering by air are required to complete a free digital arrival card on the official portal (arrival.gov.kh) shortly before arrival, usually within seven days; you will receive a QR code to show at immigration. Check the portal for the current requirement.

Documents to prepare

• A passport valid for at least six months from your arrival date, with at least one blank page.
• A digital passport-style photo for the e-visa.
• Your address in Cambodia (hotel booking) and flight details.
• A credit or debit card for the e-visa fee.

How long can you stay?

A tourist visa allows 30 days and can usually be extended once by another 30 days through the immigration department in Phnom Penh, for an additional fee.

What if you overstay?

Overstaying is treated as a fine paid when you leave, widely reported at about US$10 per day. Longer overstays can mean delays at the airport or further penalties. If your plans change, apply for the 30-day extension through an agency or the immigration department before your visa runs out, rather than paying at departure.

Combining Vietnam and Cambodia

If you travel between Vietnam and Cambodia, remember that Vietnam’s e-visa is single-entry by default; if you leave Vietnam for Cambodia and plan to return, apply for a multiple-entry Vietnam e-visa. See our guide to Vietnam and Cambodia tour itineraries.

Entering Cambodia overland

Many Americans arrive by road or river as part of a wider Southeast Asia trip. A few points save trouble:

• From Vietnam: the bus route from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh crosses at Moc Bai and Bavet, and the Mekong boat from Chau Doc crosses at Vinh Xuong and Kaam Samnor. Both are well used by travelers. Check that the crossing you plan to use is on the e-visa list before you rely on an e-visa there.
• From Thailand: land crossings between Thailand and Cambodia, including Aranyaprathet and Poipet, were closed for long periods after the 2025 border dispute. Check the current status close to your travel date. Flying between Bangkok and Siem Reap or Phnom Penh is the dependable option.
• From Laos: the southern crossing near the Four Thousand Islands connects to Stung Treng. It is remote, with fewer services, so carry US dollars and a printed copy of everything.
• Border “fees”: at some land crossings, touts or officials may ask for extra “processing” or “health check” fees. The official visa fee is the one shown on the government site. Stay polite, have the exact amount ready, and keep your passport in your own hands until you reach the official counter.

Common mistakes

• Paying unofficial websites far more than the government fee.
• Bringing damaged US dollar bills.
• Forgetting the arrival card.
• Not leaving enough passport validity.

Checklist for the day you fly

• Passport with six months’ validity and a blank page
• Printed e-visa (or US dollars in clean notes and a photo, if you are getting a visa on arrival)
• e-Arrival QR code saved on your phone and, ideally, as a screenshot
• Hotel name and address for your first night
• Onward or return flight details
• Some small US dollar notes: dollars are widely used in Cambodia alongside the riel, and small notes are handy for tuk-tuks and tips

Before you go

Entry rules and fees change, and we recommend double-checking on the official sites and with your nearest Cambodian embassy. When you travel with us, our specialists confirm the entry requirements for your passport and your route. Explore our private Cambodia tours, or read about staying safe in Cambodia.

Cambodia visa for US citizens: FAQ

Do US citizens need a visa for Cambodia?

Yes, for tourism: either an e-Visa or a visa on arrival.

How much is a Cambodia visa for Americans?

Roughly US$30 to US$36 depending on the channel; confirm the exact fee on the official site.

How long can I stay?

30 days, extendable once.

Can I get a Cambodia visa on arrival?

Yes, at major airports and most land borders, usually paid in cash in US dollars.

Do I need anything besides a visa?

A passport valid for six months and, for air arrivals, a digital arrival card.

Can I use a Cambodia e-visa at any land border?

No. The e-visa is accepted at the international airports and at the land crossings listed on evisa.gov.kh. At other crossings, you need a visa on arrival.

What happens if I overstay my Cambodia visa?

You pay a fine on departure, widely reported at about US$10 per day. Extend your visa before it expires if you need more time.

Do I need to print the Cambodia e-visa?

Yes, we recommend bringing a printed copy, and many travelers carry two, as well as a PDF on their phone.

Planning a Cambodia trip?

Cambodia tour packages: 5 to 10 day routes