Cambodia Visa for Italian Citizens

For Italian travelers, the Kingdom of Cambodia offers a journey into a world of ancient wonders and vibrant culture. From the architectural masterpiece of Angkor Wat to the pristine beaches of Koh Rong and the colonial charm of Battambang, Cambodia is a top destination for those seeking adventure in Southeast Asia.

Fortunately, the Cambodia eVisa system makes the process incredibly smooth for Italian citizens, eliminating the need to visit the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Paris (which typically handles Italian affairs) or queue for hours upon arrival.

This guide answers every question you might have about applying for a Cambodia eVisa from Italy, ensuring your entry into the Kingdom is seamless.

Do I need a visa for Cambodia from Italy?

Yes. Italian citizens (Cittadini italiani) are required to hold a valid visa to enter the Kingdom of Cambodia. Italy is not on the visa-exemption list (which is mostly reserved for ASEAN neighbors).

However, the process is modern and convenient. Italian passport holders are fully eligible for the Electronic Visa (eVisa). This allows you to apply online, pay the fee securely, and receive your travel authorization via email, all without leaving your home in Italy. You simply print the visa certificate and present it to the immigration officer upon arrival.

What is the ordinary visa for Cambodia?

When applying for Cambodia eVisa online, you will generally see two main options. Understanding the difference is crucial for your travel plans:

1. e-Visa T (Tourist): This is strictly for leisure travel, holidays, and sightseeing.

• Validity: Single entry, 30 days stay.
• Extension: It can be extended only once for an additional 30 days. After 60 days, you must leave the country.

1. e-Visa E (Ordinary): Often referred to as the "Business Visa" or "Ordinary Visa" (Type E).

• Purpose: This is the correct choice if you are looking for long-term stay options, volunteering, or seeking employment.
• Benefit: Unlike the tourist visa, the Ordinary (Type E) visa allows you to enter for 30 days and then apply for long-term extensions (3, 6, or 12 months) indefinitely from within Cambodia. This is the pathway for Italian expats, teachers, or digital nomads who wish to reside in Cambodia.

What are the key requirements for an Italian citizen to get a Cambodia eVisa?

To ensure a successful application without delays, you must provide digital scans of the following Cambodia Visa Requirements:

• Valid Passport: Your Italian passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from the date you intend to enter Cambodia. If your passport is expiring soon, renew it before applying.
• Digital Photo: A recent passport-style photo (taken within the last 6 months). It must be in color with a white background.
• Passport Bio Page: A clear, color scan of the page with your photo and personal details. Ensure there is no glare on the laminate.
• Email Address: A working email address to receive the visa PDF.
• Proof of Travel: While not always strictly requested during the initial form fill, immigration may ask for your return flight ticket or proof of onward travel upon arrival to verify you intend to leave.

What are the accepted payment methods for the Cambodia eVisa application?

The online system is designed for international travelers. You can pay the Cambodia visa fee using:

• Credit/Debit Cards: Valid Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards are accepted.
• Italian Cards: Most standard Italian bank cards (Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit, etc.) and prepaid cards like PostePay (if it has a Visa/Mastercard logo) will work, provided they are enabled for international/online payments.
• Currency: Please note that the fees are charged in US Dollars (USD). Your bank will automatically convert your Euros (EUR) to USD, though a small foreign transaction fee may apply depending on your specific bank's policy.

Can an Italian citizen extend their Cambodian eVisa?

Yes, extensions are possible, but the rules depend strictly on the visa type you chose:

• Tourist (Type T): Can be extended once for an additional 30 days. You must do this at the Department of Immigration in Phnom Penh (located across from the international airport). The cost is usually around $30-$50 if done through an agent.
• Ordinary (Type E): Can be extended for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months. The 6 and 12-month extensions allow for multiple entries, giving you the freedom to travel in and out of Cambodia.
• Important: You cannot extend the visa online. You must physically go to the immigration office or pay a local travel agent in Cambodia to handle the paperwork for you.

What are the accepted entry points for the Cambodia eVisa?

You can use your eVisa to enter Cambodia at the following designated international ports:

• Airports:
• Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH/KTI): The primary hub.
• Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI): The new airport serving Angkor Wat (opened in late 2023).
• Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS): For coastal access.
• Land Borders:
• Poipet (Banteay Meanchey) – Crossing from Thailand (Aranyaprathet).
• Bavet (Svay Rieng) – Crossing from Vietnam (Moc Bai).
• Cham Yeam (Koh Kong) – Crossing from Thailand (Hat Lek).
• Tropaeng Kreal (Stung Treng) – Crossing from Laos.

Where can I use the Cambodia eVisa?

As listed above, the eVisa is valid for entry at all major international airports and the primary land borders.

• Exit: You can exit Cambodia from any authorized border crossing, even if it wasn't your point of entry.
• Warning: If you plan to enter via a river cruise from Vietnam (Mekong Delta) or a small, remote border crossing, check specifically if they accept eVisas. Some river checkpoints still require a traditional visa on arrival or a pre-arranged sticker visa.

What photos are suitable for the Cambodia eVisa application?

Your photo is the most common reason for application delays. Ensure your digital file follows these rules:

• Format: JPG, PNG, or BMP file.
• Size: The file size must be less than 2 MB.
• Background: Must be plain white or off-white. Busy backgrounds (trees, walls with patterns) will be rejected.
• Style: Recent (last 6 months), full face visible, looking straight at the camera with a neutral expression.
• No Accessories: Do not wear sunglasses or hats. If you wear prescription glasses, ensure there is no glare reflection on the lenses.

What are the penalties for overstaying a visa in Cambodia?

Cambodian immigration takes overstaying seriously.

• Fine: You will be fined $10 USD per day for every day you stay past your visa expiry date.
• Procedure: You must pay this fine in cash (USD) at the immigration counter at the airport when you attempt to leave.
• Risk: Short overstays (a few days) are generally handled with just the fine. However, overstaying for more than 30 days can lead to imprisonment, deportation, and a permanent ban from re-entering the country.

What are the official ports of entry that accept the Cambodia eVisa for Italian citizens?

(Note: This duplicates the "Accepted Entry Points" section, but for clarity, here is the list again emphasizing the most popular routes for Italians) Most Italian tourists arrive via flight or the Thailand land border:

1. Siem Reap (SAI): Best for visiting Angkor Wat directly.
2. Phnom Penh (PNH): Best for business or city tours.
3. Poipet (Land): Common for backpackers coming from Bangkok by bus.

How long does it take to process a Cambodian eVisa?

Processing is generally fast and efficient:

• Standard Processing: 3 - 5 Business Days. This is usually sufficient for most Italian travelers planning ahead.
• Rush Processing: Available for urgent requests, often completed in 2 - 3 Business Days.
• Super Rush: For emergencies, approval can sometimes be secured in 24 hours.
• Recommendation: Apply at least 1 week before your flight. Also, remember that weekends and Cambodian public holidays may add to the processing time.

Does a travel agency help you get a tourist visa for a certain country?

Yes, using a specialized visa agency (like e-visa-cambodia.com) offers significant advantages, especially for Italian travelers who may want extra assurance:

• Document Review: We verify your Italian passport scan and resize your photo to meet strict government regulations before submission, preventing rejection and loss of the non-refundable fee.
• Language Support: While the government site is in English, our support team can assist with clarifications if you are unsure about specific terms.
• e-Arrival Support: As of 2024, there is a new "Cambodia e-Arrival" (CeA) card requirement (a digital customs/health declaration). We can guide you through this process to ensure you have all digital forms ready before you board your flight.
• Status Monitoring: We track your application daily and notify you immediately upon approval.