The Cambodia e-Arrival card is a mandatory digital form replacing paper arrival, health, and customs declarations for air travellers since 1 September 2024. It is free and must be submitted at least 7 days before arrival. It is not a visa – a separate Cambodia eVisa or visa-free entry is still required.
Last verified: 8 September 2026, against the Cambodian government portals arrival.gov.kh and evisa.gov.kh, and UK FCDO travel advice for Cambodia. This website is an independent travel information service and is not affiliated with the Cambodian government. Always submit forms through the government portals arrival.gov.kh and evisa.gov.kh.
What Is the Cambodia e-Arrival Card?
The Cambodia e-Arrival card is a mandatory digital arrival form consolidating immigration, health, and customs declarations into one online submission that generates a QR code for passport control. The General Department of Immigration introduced the e-Arrival card for Cambodia on 1 September 2024 to modernise the entry process for all foreign air travellers.
This digital form replaces three paper documents: the paper disembarkation card, the health declaration form, and the customs declaration form. Successful completion generates a QR code for passport control at Phnom Penh or Siem Reap airports.
Who Must Complete the e-Arrival Card for Cambodia?
All foreign air travellers must complete the Cambodia e-Arrival card, including eVisa holders, Visa on Arrival applicants, and visa-exempt nationals. Land and sea borders still require paper forms as of 2026. Sihanoukville International Airport also still uses paper forms. Each child and infant requires a separate e-Arrival card for Cambodia submission. Airside transit passengers are excluded.
UK citizens eligible for 30-day visa-free entry must still complete the e-Arrival card before travelling by air.
| Entry Mode | e-Arrival Accepted? | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Air | Yes – mandatory | Submit via arrival.gov.kh or mobile app |
| Land | No – paper forms required | Fill out paper forms at the border crossing |
| Sea | No – paper forms required | Fill out paper forms at the port |
How to Apply for the e-Arrival Card
Submit the e-Arrival card for Cambodia at least 7 days before arrival via the government portal at arrival.gov.kh or the mobile app to receive a QR code for passport control. The official guidance states the form may be completed within 7 days before the date of arrival. We recommend submitting at least 24-48 hours before departure to avoid airport delays.
Go to arrival.gov.kh or download the app (iOS/Android)
Create an account or log in
Enter passport details, flight number, and accommodation address
Complete customs and health declarations
Submit and save the QR code (screenshot or email)
The e-Arrival card for Cambodia is free. If you miss the deadline, self-service tablets are available at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports.
e-Arrival Card vs eVisa: Key Differences
Yes, you need both. The e-Arrival card for Cambodia is required even with a valid eVisa: the eVisa grants entry permission, while the Cambodia e-Arrival card records arrival data. As of 2026, the e-Arrival card is accepted only at air checkpoints; land and sea borders require paper forms.
| Document | Purpose | Issuing Authority | Cost | Validity | Deadline | Ports of Entry | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| e-Arrival Card | Arrival & customs record | General Dept of Immigration | Free | Single-use | 7 days before arrival | Phnom Penh & Siem Reap airports (air only) | Yes, all air arrivals |
| e-Visa | Entry authorisation | Ministry of Foreign Affairs | $36 USD | 30 days, single-entry | ~3 business days | Major airports + select land borders | No |
| Visa on Arrival | Entry authorisation | Immigration at border | $30 USD cash | 30 days, single-entry | At arrival | Major airports + select land borders | No |
Cambodia Entry Requirements for UK Citizens in 2026
According to current Cambodian immigration policy on arrival.gov.kh (accessed 8 September 2026), British citizens may be eligible for a 30-day visa exemption. UK passport holders qualify for visa-free entry to Cambodia but must still complete the mandatory e-Arrival card for Cambodia before arrival. A UK passport with minimum 6 months validity from the entry date and a return or onward ticket are required, along with proof of accommodation. The e-Arrival card is mandatory for all visa-free travellers and does not replace passport, ticket, or accommodation requirements.
Automated Smart Gates: Faster Immigration for UK Biometric Passport Holders
UK biometric passports are eligible for Automated Smart Gates at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports. Travellers present the e-Arrival card for Cambodia QR code, then complete a face and fingerprint scan, bypassing the manual immigration interview.
What Happens at the Airport After You Submit Your e-Arrival Card
After passport control, proceed through customs: the green channel for nothing to declare, the red channel for goods to declare. Random document verification may occur at both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports.
Troubleshooting & Government Links for the e-Arrival Card
The Cambodia e-Arrival app has a 2.4-star rating (53 reviews). Latest version v2.5.2 (released 30 July 2025) includes a redesigned UI and bug fixes. If submission fails, use the web portal at arrival.gov.kh as a backup. The e-Arrival card for Cambodia can also be completed via this web portal if the app malfunctions.
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Profile submission failure (internet error) | Check internet connection; retry; use web portal at arrival.gov.kh |
| Airline name glitch (random names in dropdown) | Reinstall app; update to v2.5.2; or use web portal |
| No push notifications for document requests | Check email spam folder; manually check “My Records” in-app |
| App slow or crashes | Update to v2.5.2+; ensure phone OS is current |
| Land border rejection | e-Arrival is air-only; use paper forms for land crossings |
| Resource | URL |
|---|---|
| e-Arrival web portal | arrival.gov.kh |
| e-Visa portal | evisa.gov.kh |
| iOS app | App Store |
| Android app | Google Play Store (search: “Cambodia e-Arrival”) |
Scam warning: Unofficial third-party sites may charge fees for this free service. Always verify the .gov.kh domain before submitting.
Frequently Asked Questions About the e-Arrival Card (FAQ)
Do I need an e-Arrival card if I already have an eVisa for Cambodia?
Yes. The Cambodia e-Arrival card is required even with a valid eVisa. The eVisa grants entry permission; the e-Arrival card records arrival data. You need both.
How much does the Cambodia e-Arrival card cost?
The Cambodia e-Arrival card is completely free. Beware of unofficial third-party sites that may attempt to charge a fee.
What is the deadline to submit the Cambodia e-Arrival card?
You must submit the Cambodia e-Arrival card at least 7 days before arrival. Complete it early to ensure you receive the QR code in time.
Can I complete the e-Arrival card at the airport if I missed the online deadline?
Yes. Self-service tablets are available at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports, but this may increase your wait time at border control.
Do I need an e-Arrival card for Cambodia if I am entering by land?
No. The e-Arrival card for Cambodia is only accepted at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports. Land and sea borders require paper forms as of 2026.
Can I use the Cambodia e-Arrival card with a UK biometric passport at Smart Gates?
Yes. UK biometric passport holders can use Automated Smart Gates with their Cambodia e-Arrival card QR code at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports.
What documents do I need to complete the Cambodia e-Arrival card?
To complete the Cambodia e-Arrival card, you need passport details, flight number, accommodation address, plus customs and health declaration information.
Is the Cambodia e-Arrival card the same as a visa?
No. The Cambodia e-Arrival card records arrival data; a visa grants entry permission. UK visa-free nationals still need the e-Arrival card before travelling.
How long does it take to process the Cambodia e-Arrival card?
The Cambodia e-Arrival card QR code is generated immediately upon successful online submission. Processing is real-time via arrival.gov.kh or the mobile app.
What happens if I do not complete the e-Arrival card before arriving in Cambodia?
You must use tablets at Phnom Penh or Siem Reap airports, which delays immigration. Land and sea arrivals must fill out paper forms on arrival.
Can I edit my e-Arrival card after submission?
If your travel details change, submit a new Cambodia e-Arrival card with corrected information before your arrival date.
Do children need a separate e-Arrival card?
Yes. Each child and infant requires a separate Cambodia e-Arrival card submission with an individual QR code for passport control.
