Cambodian visa requirements for British citizens

For travelers from the United Kingdom, Cambodia offers a mesmerizing escape into Southeast Asian history and tropical beauty. From the misty sunrise over the ancient spires of Angkor Wat to the bustling, tuk-tuk filled riverfront of Phnom Penh and the idyllic, white-sand islands of the south, the "Kingdom of Wonder" is a favorite destination for British backpackers, luxury travelers, and history buffs alike.

Getting your travel documentation sorted before you leave the UK is essential for a smooth arrival. Fortunately, the Cambodia eVisa system makes this process incredibly simple for UK citizens, eliminating the need to post your passport to the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in London. This guide answers every question you might have about applying for a Cambodia eVisa from UK, ensuring your trip is smooth and stress-free.

Can UK citizens travel to Cambodia?

Yes. UK citizens are warmly welcomed in Cambodia for tourism, business, visiting family, or volunteer work. The country has fully reopened following the pandemic, and entry procedures have returned to normal, with the addition of some digital conveniences.

Travelers holding a full British Citizen passport can enter via all major international airports and land borders. Whether you are planning a short two-week holiday to see the temples or a multi-month backpacking tour across Southeast Asia, Cambodia is accessible and open for business.

Do I need a visa for Cambodia from the UK?

Yes. Holders of a full British Citizen passport require a valid visa to enter Cambodia. The UK is not on the visa-exemption list (which is mostly reserved for neighboring ASEAN nations).

However, the process is streamlined and modern. You are fully eligible for the Electronic Visa (eVisa). This means you can complete the entire application online from your home in the UK without ever needing to visit a consulate or mail your physical passport away. The eVisa is a PDF document that you simply print out and carry with you.

What types of visas are available for UK citizens traveling to Cambodia?

When applying online, you will generally need to choose between two main categories based on your travel intent. Selecting the correct one is vital for your future options in the country:

1. e-Visa T (Tourist):

• Best for: Holidays, gap years, sightseeing, and short visits.
• Features: It is valid for a single entry and allows for a 30-day stay. It is the most common choice for UK travelers.
• Limitation: It can only be extended once.

1. e-Visa E (Ordinary/Business):

• Best for: Business meetings, investment scouting, or anyone planning to live in Cambodia long-term (e.g., for teaching English, retirement, or remote work).
• Features: It allows for an initial 30-day stay but can be extended indefinitely (for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months) once you are in Cambodia.

Can I pay the visa fee with a credit card?

Yes. The online application system is designed for international travelers and accepts major global payment methods. You can pay the Cambodia visa fee using a valid Visa or Mastercard debit or credit card.

• Tip for UK Travelers: Ensure your UK bank does not block international transactions. The fees are charged in US Dollars (USD), so you might see a slight currency conversion fee on your statement unless you use a travel-friendly card like Monzo, Revolut, or Starling, which often offer better exchange rates and fewer fees for foreign currency transactions.

How do I apply for a visa for Cambodia from the UK?

The process is entirely digital and can be completed in about 10-15 minutes:

1. Fill the Form: Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your British passport. Pay close attention to your passport number and date of birth.
2. Upload Documents: You will need to upload a clear, color scan of your passport's bio page (the page with your photo) and a digital ID photo of yourself.
3. Pay: Complete the secure online payment.
4. Receive & Print: Once approved, the visa is sent directly to your email as a PDF. Crucial Step: You must print two copies of this certificate. One copy will be taken by the immigration officer when you arrive (entry), and the second copy will be taken when you leave (exit).

How long does a Cambodia visa take in the UK?

Processing times are generally fast, but they can vary based on the volume of applications and Cambodian public holidays. You can choose from three service levels:

• Normal Processing: 3 - 5 Business Days. This is the standard option and is sufficient for most travelers planning a few weeks ahead.
• Rush Processing: 2 - 3 Business Days. A good option if your trip is coming up next week.
• Super Rush Processing: 1 - 2 Business Days. Designed for urgent, last-minute travel plans.
• Recommendation: We strongly advise applying at least 1 week before your flight. This accounts for any potential delays or corrections needed if your photo is rejected.

What are the photo requirements for a Cambodian visa?

Uploading an incorrect photo is the most common reason for delays. Your digital photo must meet these Cambodia Visa Photo Requirements:

• Format: JPG, PNG, or BMP file.
• Size: The file size must be smaller than 2 MB.
• Style: The photo must be recent (taken within the last 6 months) and feature a plain white or off-white background.
• Attire & Appearance: Wear normal street clothes (no uniforms). Ensure your full face is visible, looking straight at the camera with a neutral expression. Do not wear sunglasses or hats. If you wear prescription glasses, ensure there is no glare reflection on the lenses.

How long is the validity of a Cambodian tourist e-visa?

It is important to distinguish between the validity of the document and the duration of your stay:

• Validity (90 Days): The eVisa certificate itself is valid for 90 days from the date it is issued. This is your "travel window." You must enter Cambodia at some point within these 3 months.
• Duration of Stay (30 Days): Once you actually cross the border and enter Cambodia, the clock starts ticking on your stay. You are permitted to remain in the country for 30 days starting from your entry date.

What are the latest travel advisories for Cambodia for UK citizens?

Before you travel, you should always check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice for the latest updates. Generally, Cambodia is considered safe for tourists, but keep these points in mind:

• Petty Crime: Bag snatching can occur, particularly in busy tourist areas of Phnom Penh or late at night. Keep valuables secure and avoid using your phone openly on the street.
• Border Scams: If you are crossing by land from Thailand (e.g., Poipet), be wary of touts offering "fast track" visa services or claiming the border is closed. These are scams. Walk straight to the official immigration building.
• Health: Consult your GP or a travel clinic 8 weeks before travel. Vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Tetanus, and Typhoid are usually recommended.
• Currency: UK travelers should bring US Dollars (USD) in cash. The Cambodian Riel is used for small change, but USD is the main currency for tourists. GBP (Pound Sterling) is NOT accepted and is very difficult to exchange. Ensure your USD notes are crisp and untorn; old or damaged bills are often rejected.

What are the advantages of getting a Cambodian visa on arrival at Siem Reap Airport?

You can get a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at the new Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI) or Phnom Penh (PNH). However, the eVisa offers distinct advantages:

• Visa on Arrival (VOA):
• Pros: It is slightly cheaper ($30 USD cash).
• Cons: You have to queue up after a long flight, fill out paper forms on the spot, and ensure you have the exact cash amount and a physical passport photo. If a large flight arrives from London or Bangkok at the same time, the wait can be over an hour.
• eVisa (Online):
• Pros: Speed and Comfort. You bypass the VOA counters entirely and head straight to the dedicated eVisa immigration lanes. After a 15+ hour journey from the UK, skipping a queue is often worth the small extra processing fee.

How do I extend a Cambodian tourist visa?

If you fall in love with Cambodia and want to stay longer than 30 days, extensions are possible but limited:

• Tourist (T) Visa: Can be extended once for an additional 30 days. You cannot extend it further.
• Business (E) Visa: Can be extended for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months repeatedly.
• Process: You cannot extend the visa online. You must physically go to the Department of Immigration in Phnom Penh (located across from the airport) or, more commonly, pay a local travel agent or guesthouse to handle the paperwork for you for a small fee. This takes a few days.

What is the main advantage of using a travel agent?

While you can apply directly via the government portal, many UK travelers prefer using a professional service like e-visa-cambodia.com for peace of mind:

• Error Prevention: We manually review your British passport scan and digital photo before submission. If your photo is too blurry or has the wrong background, we fix it or alert you, preventing a rejection and loss of fees.
• 24/7 Support: Government sites often have limited or slow support. Our team is available 24/7 to answer questions in English via email or chat, which is incredibly helpful given the time difference between the UK and Cambodia.
• e-Arrival Assistance: As of 2024, Cambodia requires a new "e-Arrival Card" (a digital customs/health declaration) to be filled out within 7 days of arrival. We can guide you through this process to ensure you have all your necessary QR codes ready before you board your flight.