Apply Cambodia eVisa from Zimbabwe

For Zimbabwean travelers, the Kingdom of Cambodia offers a mesmerizing escape into Southeast Asian history and culture. Whether you are flying from Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare or Victoria Falls (VFA), the journey to the ancient temples of Angkor Wat is an adventure of a lifetime. However, before you can explore the bustling markets of Phnom Penh or the serene beaches of Sihanoukville, securing the correct travel authorization is paramount.

Navigating visa regulations from Zimbabwe can sometimes be complex, but the Cambodia eVisa system has simplified the process significantly. Zimbabwean passport holders can now apply for their visa entirely online, bypassing the need to visit a physical embassy or queue for hours at an airport upon arrival.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of everything you need to know to apply for a Cambodia eVisa from Zimbabwe, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free entry.

Do Zimbabweans need a visa for Cambodia?

Yes. Citizens of Zimbabwe are required to hold a valid visa to enter the Kingdom of Cambodia. Zimbabwe is not on the list of visa-exempt countries for Cambodia.

However, you do not need to visit a consulate in person. Zimbabwean passport holders are fully eligible for the Electronic Visa (eVisa). This digital travel authorization allows you to submit your application, upload documents, and pay the fees online from the comfort of your home in Harare, Bulawayo, or anywhere with an internet connection.

How many types of visas are there in Cambodia?

For most travelers applying online, there are two primary categories of eVisas to consider. Selecting the correct type depends entirely on your reason for travel:

1. e-Visa T (Tourist): Designed strictly for leisure travel, sightseeing, and visiting friends or family.
2. e-Visa E (Ordinary/Business): Designed for business travelers, investors, or those planning to stay in Cambodia for an extended period (e.g., for work or retirement).

What are the differences between a tourist and a business visa for Cambodia?

It is crucial to choose the right visa, as their rules for extension differ significantly:

• Tourist Visa (Type T):
• Purpose: Tourism only.
• Stay: 30 Days.
• Extension: Can be extended once for an additional 30 days. After 60 days total, you must leave the country. It cannot be converted into a long-term visa.
• Ordinary Visa (Type E):
• Purpose: Business, investment, or long-term stay.
• Stay: 30 Days initially.
• Extension: This is the most flexible option. Once in Cambodia, it can be extended for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months. The 6 and 12-month extensions allow for multiple entries, making it ideal for expats or frequent business travelers.

What documents are needed for a Cambodian e-visa application for Zimbabwe citizens?

To ensure your Cambodia eVisa application is approved without rejection, you must upload clear, digital scans of the following documents:

• Valid Passport Bio Page: A color scan of the photo page of your Zimbabwean passport. Ensure the entire page is visible, no corners are cut off, and there is no glare from the flash.
• Digital Applicant Photo: A recent passport-style photo taken within the last 6 months.
• Format: JPG, PNG, or BMP.
• Background: Plain white or off-white.
• Expression: Neutral face, eyes open, no glasses.
• Proof of Travel:
• Flight Ticket In: A confirmed flight itinerary showing your arrival in Cambodia (e.g., via Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, or Qatar Airways).
• Flight Ticket Out: Proof of your departure or return flight to Zimbabwe (or another destination) within the 30-day visa limit.
• Accommodation Proof: A PDF confirmation of your hotel booking or guesthouse reservation for at least the first few nights of your stay.
• Invitation Letter: Generally required if you are applying for the Business (Type E) visa to prove the legitimacy of your business visit.

What are the typical processing times for a Cambodian tourist e-visa?

One of the main benefits of the online system is speed. Depending on your departure date, you can choose from three processing tiers:

1. Normal Processing: 3 - 5 Business Days. (Recommended for most travelers planning ahead).
2. Rush Processing: 2 - 3 Business Days.
3. Super Rush Processing: 1 - 2 Business Days. (Ideal for last-minute trips).

How long is the Cambodia e-visa valid for tourism?

It is vital to distinguish between validity and permitted stay:

• Validity (90 Days): Your eVisa is valid for 90 days from the date it is issued. This is the window of time you have to enter Cambodia.
• Duration of Stay (30 Days): Once you enter Cambodia and your passport is stamped, you are permitted to stay for 30 days starting from that date.

What are the requirements for passport validity and blank pages for a Cambodian e-visa?

Cambodian immigration enforces strict international travel standards:

• Validity: Your Zimbabwean passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry into Cambodia. If your passport is expiring soon, you must renew it before applying.
• Blank Pages: You generally need at least 2 blank pages in your passport—one for the entry stamp and one for the exit stamp.

What are common reasons for Cambodia eVisa rejection?

To avoid losing your non-refundable application fee, watch out for these common errors:

• Poor Quality Photo: Uploading a selfie, a photo with a busy background, or a blurry image is the #1 reason for rejection.
• Typographical Errors: Entering a passport number that does not match the uploaded scan exactly.
• Wrong Visa Type: Applying for a Tourist visa when you intend to work or stay long-term.
• Invalid Passport: Applying with a passport that has less than 6 months of validity remaining.

What are common Cambodian entry and exit points for e-visa holders?

Not every border crossing has the digital equipment to scan eVisas. Zimbabwean travelers should stick to these designated ports:

• Airports: Phnom Penh (PNH/KTI), Siem Reap (SAI), and Sihanoukville (KOS).
• Land Borders:
• Bavet (Svay Rieng) – Crossing from Vietnam.
• Poipet (Banteay Meanchey) – Crossing from Thailand (Aranyaprathet).
• Cham Yeam (Koh Kong) – Crossing from Thailand (Hat Lek).
• Tropaeng Kreal (Stung Treng) – Crossing from Laos.

What other visa options are there for Zimbabweans traveling to Cambodia besides the eVisa?

If you cannot apply online, you have two alternatives:

1. Visa on Arrival (VOA): You can fly into a major airport and apply at the "Visa on Arrival" counter. You will need to complete a paper form, provide a physical passport photo, and pay the fee in USD cash ($30-$35). Note: Queues can be long.
2. Embassy Visa: You can apply for a visa sticker at a Cambodian Embassy abroad. However, as there is no Cambodian Embassy in Zimbabwe, this is often impractical unless you are transiting through a country that has one (like Thailand or Vietnam).

What are the penalties for overstaying a Cambodian visa?

Overstaying is a serious offense in Cambodia.

• Short Overstay (under 30 days): You will be fined $10 USD per day for every day you overstay. This is paid at the airport immigration counter upon exit.
• Long Overstay (over 30 days): The fine may increase, and you risk imprisonment, deportation, and being blacklisted from re-entering Cambodia in the future. Always extend your visa or leave before it expires.

Where are major Cambodia border crossings for e-visa holders, and what tips are recommended for smoother processing?

If crossing by land (e.g., bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap), be aware of the environment:

• Poipet (Thailand Border): This is the busiest and most chaotic crossing.
• Tip: Ignore touts or "visa agents" on the Thai side who claim they can fast-track you. They often charge exorbitant fees for fake services. Walk straight to the official immigration building.
• Tip: Having a printed eVisa helps you bypass the "Visa on Arrival" scams where officials might ask for extra "tea money" or "stamping fees."
• Bavet (Vietnam Border): Generally smoother, but ensure you have your printed eVisa ready for the bus operator if they collect passports to expedite the group.

Do I need an agent for a visa application?

While you can apply directly, many Zimbabweans prefer using a professional visa agent (like e-visa-cambodia.com) for peace of mind. Here is Why Choose Us:

• Fast & Efficient Processing: We guarantee quick approval within your chosen timeframe (Normal, Rush, or Super Rush).
• Secure Online Platform: We use advanced encryption to protect your personal data and passport details.
• 24/7 Customer Support: Unlike government portals, our team is available 24/7 to answer questions, check status, and assist if you have issues with documents.
• Error Review: We manually review your application to catch typos or bad photos before submission, preventing rejection and lost fees.