The Cambodia eVisa criminal record requirement in 2026 involves a mandatory disclosure field where applicants must declare any offence type, date, and sentence. The Cambodia eVisa is a single-entry T-class visa (30-day stay, 90-day validity) administered by MFAIC via www.evisa.gov.kh. The fee is $36 USD (Type-T) or $42 USD (Type-E); processing takes 2 to 3 working days. Fees are non-refundable. A damaged passport with an unreadable MRZ will disqualify your application. If rejected, apply for a consular sticker visa via the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in London.
The Cambodia eVisa application asks all applicants to declare any criminal record. Disclosing a conviction does not automatically result in refusal, but serious offences may lead to denial. UK citizens should ensure their passport is undamaged, as illegible MRZ or broken biometric chips will disqualify the application. Applicants refused a Cambodia eVisa can apply for a consular visa through the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in London.
Can a Criminal History Affect Your Cambodia eVisa Application?
The Cambodia eVisa form contains a mandatory criminal record disclosure field requiring offence type, date, and sentence. Transparency does not automatically result in visa refusal.
The eVisa requires disclosure of past convictions. Cambodia does not recognise the UK Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, so spent convictions may still need declaration. FCDO travel advice (gov.uk) advises British citizens to check entry requirements. Those who apply for Cambodia eVisa with a criminal record must disclose criminal history for Cambodia eVisa in full.
What Types of Criminal Offences May Trigger a Refusal?
Drug offences, violent crimes, sexual offences, and fraud carry elevated refusal risk under the Cambodia eVisa criminal record requirement. INTERPOL red notices are flagged. No public list of inadmissible offences exists for the Cambodia eVisa. Contact the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in London ([email protected], 020 8451 7850).
Damaged Passports and Travel Documents for the Cambodia eVisa
Cambodia eVisa applications require a passport scan with a clearly readable MRZ, photo, and personal details. A damaged passport will result in entry being refused.
Passport validity must be at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Cambodia and have at least 1 blank page. Disqualifying damage includes:
- Torn, cut, or missing pages
- Separated or peeling laminate on the biodata page
- Unreadable or partially obscured MRZ
- Broken or non-functional biometric chip
- Water damage affecting text legibility
- Faded or illegible personal details or photo
Minor bends, scratches, and discolouration are acceptable. Before travel: replace via HM Passport Office. If your passport is damaged while in Cambodia, follow these steps:
File a police report
Report the damaged passport to local Cambodian police
Obtain an ETD
Contact a UK embassy for an Emergency Travel Document
Get an exit visa stamp
Visit Cambodian immigration to secure exit authorisation
A damaged passport and Cambodia eVisa application are incompatible: the eVisa is linked to your passport number. British passport damaged Cambodia eVisa eligibility is void until replacement. Contact the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in London for a consular sticker visa.
Alternative Visa Options if Your Cambodia eVisa Is Denied
UK applicants refused a Cambodia eVisa can apply for a consular sticker visa through the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in London as an alternative pathway.
The Visa on Arrival is available at Phnom Penh (PNH), Siem Reap (REP), and Sihanoukville (KOS) airports, plus land crossings at Cham Yeam, Poipet, Bavet, and Tropaeng Kreal. Per the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in London (email correspondence, February 2026), the VoA form does not include a criminal-history field, but officers retain full discretion. Applicants need a photograph, valid passport, and USD fee.
The sticker visa attaches physically to your passport. If flagged at secondary inspection, expect questions on travel purpose, stay duration, accommodation, and return ticket. Carry printed visa confirmation, flight itinerary, and additional supporting documents. Print 2 copies of your eVisa certificate. Since 1 September 2024, a free e-Arrival Card must be submitted within 7 days before arrival for air travel only. Overstay fines are $10 USD per day. Cambodia eVisa refusal due to criminal record does not prevent reapplication; consider a consular visa through the London embassy.
| Visa Type | Criminal History Asked? | Processing Time | Where to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| eVisa (Type-T) | Yes | 2 to 3 working days | www.evisa.gov.kh |
| Visa on Arrival | No (per embassy, Feb 2026) | On arrival | Airports and land borders |
| Consular sticker visa | Case-by-case | Varies | Royal Embassy in London |
FAQ: Cambodia eVisa and Travel Document Scenarios
Do spent convictions under the UK Rehabilitation of Offenders Act need to be disclosed on the Cambodia eVisa application?
Cambodia does not recognise the UK Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Spent convictions may still need disclosure on your Cambodia eVisa application. Non-disclosure may lead to refusal; transparency advised.
Can I apply for a Cambodia eVisa if I have a pending criminal charge?
Pending charges carry refusal risk. The Cambodia eVisa form may ask about current legal proceedings. Contact the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in London at [email protected] for guidance.
What happens at Cambodian border control if I have a criminal record?
Expect questions about travel purpose. Carry printed copies of your Cambodia eVisa confirmation, return flight itinerary, and additional supporting documents.
Is a police clearance certificate (ACRO) required for the Cambodia eVisa?
An ACRO certificate is not standard for the Cambodia eVisa but may be requested as additional documentation if your case is borderline.
Can a criminal record affect my ability to extend my visa in Cambodia?
Extensions are processed at a local immigration office without a new background check. FPCS registration is mandatory for all visa extensions.
What should I do if my passport is damaged while I am in Cambodia?
File a police report, contact a UK embassy for an Emergency Travel Document, then visit Cambodian immigration for an exit visa stamp.
Does Cambodia check INTERPOL databases during the eVisa background check?
Active INTERPOL red notices are accessible to Cambodian immigration. An active notice will likely lead to entry refusal or detention at border control.
Can I reapply for a Cambodia eVisa after a previous rejection due to criminal history?
You can reapply, but the refusal stays on record. Consider a consular visa through the London embassy to present documents in person.
Is the Visa on Arrival a safer option than the eVisa for applicants with a criminal record?
The VoA form does not ask about convictions, but border officials retain full discretion. Neither option guarantees admission.
What does ‘Digital Criminal Record’ mean on the Cambodia embassy website?
It refers to the eVisa system’s record-keeping of applicant data, not a UK police certificate.
This information is for guidance only. Verify with the eVisa portal and FCDO travel advice. Last updated: September 2026.
