Which nationalities are exempt from a Cambodia visa in 2026? Nationals of 9 ASEAN member states (Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam), plus Maldives and Seychelles, can enter Cambodia visa-free for 7 to 30 days. Chinese, Hong Kong, and Macau passport holders qualify under a temporary exemption until 15 October 2026. All other nationalities, including UK citizens, must obtain an eVisa ($36) or visa on arrival ($30).
Nationals of 9 ASEAN member states, Maldives, and Seychelles can enter Cambodia visa-free for up to 30 days. Chinese, Hong Kong, and Macau passport holders qualify under a temporary exemption valid until 15 October 2026. UK citizens are not exempt and require an eVisa or visa on arrival.
To clarify who qualifies for a Cambodia eVisa exemption: it means you enter visa-free without any eVisa. Air passengers must complete a free e-Arrival Card within seven days of their flight. If your nationality is not listed, apply for a Tourist eVisa (Type-T) via evisa.gov.kh or obtain a visa on arrival. This is a third-party editorial guide for UK travellers, not affiliated with the Royal Government of Cambodia; confirm eligibility on evisa.gov.kh before departure.
Which Nationalities Are Exempt from a Cambodia Visa in 2026?
| Country | Passport Type | Maximum Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brunei | Ordinary | 14 days | ASEAN bilateral agreement |
| Indonesia | Ordinary | 30 days | ASEAN bilateral agreement |
| Laos | Ordinary | 30 days | ASEAN bilateral agreement |
| Malaysia | Ordinary | 30 days | ASEAN bilateral agreement |
| Myanmar | Ordinary | 14 days | Bilateral agreement |
| Philippines | Ordinary | 30 days | ASEAN bilateral agreement |
| Singapore | Ordinary | 30 days | ASEAN bilateral agreement |
| Thailand | Ordinary | 7 days | Temporarily reduced from standard 14 days (2025 border crisis) |
| Vietnam | Ordinary | 30 days | ASEAN bilateral agreement |
| Maldives | Ordinary | 30 days | Bilateral agreement |
| Seychelles | Ordinary | 15 days | Bilateral agreement |
| China (PRC) | Ordinary | 14 days | Temporary; valid until 15 October 2026; PRC passports only |
| Hong Kong (SAR) | Ordinary | 14 days | Temporary; valid until 15 October 2026; HKSAR passports only |
| Macau (SAR) | Ordinary | 14 days | Temporary; valid until 15 October 2026; MSAR passports only |
Diplomatic/service passports from 30+ countries (e.g., Russia, Japan, India, South Korea, Brazil) are exempt for 14 to 90 days; ordinary tourist passports are not.
Temporary Visa Exemption for Chinese, Hong Kong & Macau Travellers (Until October 2026)
Chinese, Hong Kong, and Macau ordinary passport holders can stay in Cambodia visa-free for 14 days under a temporary measure expiring 15 October 2026, per the Royal Embassy of Cambodia and Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (accessed 8 September 2026). After this date, PRC, HKSAR, and MSAR passport holders must apply for an eVisa ($36) or visa on arrival ($30). The exemption was introduced to boost Cambodian tourism from China.
Universal Entry Requirements for Visa-Exempt Travellers
All visa-exempt visitors need a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival, with one blank visa page and no physical damage. Immigration officers will refuse entry to anyone presenting a damaged or incomplete passport.
Proof of onward travel is required at airports but rarely enforced at land borders. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory if arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk.
Since 1 September 2024, all air travellers entering Cambodia must submit a free e-Arrival Card online within 7 days prior to arrival. This applies at Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville International Airports. Land border entries do not require the e-Arrival Card.
Land Border Entry: Can You Use Your Visa Exemption at Thailand or Vietnam Crossings?
Visa exemption applies at land border crossings such as Poipet (Thailand) and Bavet (Vietnam), with identical passport and onward-travel requirements as air entry. Carry USD cash; e-Arrival Card is not required for land entry.
Cambodia eVisa vs Visa on Arrival for Non-Exempt UK Citizens
UK and other non-exempt nationalities choose between eVisa ($36, online) and visa on arrival ($30, cash).
| Criteria | eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $36 ($30 visa + $6 processing) | $30 tourist / $35 business |
| Processing | ~3 business days | Instant (USD cash) |
| Apply via | evisa.gov.kh | Airports and land borders |
| Type | Tourist Type-T, single-entry, 30 days | 30 days; bring 2×2 inch photo |
| Entry points | Designated airports and limited land borders | All airports and land crossings |
| Print copies | 2 copies required (entry and exit) | Not applicable |
If you hold both a UK passport and a passport from a visa-exempt country (e.g., Malaysia), use the visa-exempt passport for Cambodia entry to avoid the $36 eVisa fee. Register the exempt passport in the e-Arrival Card. Carry both passports; you need the UK passport for the return journey.
Visa-free stays can be extended once for +30 days at the Phnom Penh Immigration Department for ~$50. Overstaying costs $10/day with no cap and risks detention and deportation. Verify rules via the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, gov.uk, or the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in London.
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How to Verify Your Cambodia Visa Exemption Before You Travel
Confirm visa-exempt eligibility via the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation or the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in London before departure. The official eVisa portal at evisa.gov.kh provides current eligibility information. UK Government travel advice is at gov.uk. Re-check 48 hours before departure; policies can change at any time. Travel insurance is not a legal entry requirement but is strongly recommended for UK travellers.
FAQ: Cambodia Visa Exemption in 2026
Do UK citizens need a visa for Cambodia in 2026?
Yes. UK passport holders are not exempt and must obtain an eVisa ($36 online) or visa on arrival ($30 cash) before or upon entry to Cambodia.
How long can I stay in Cambodia without a visa?
Up to 30 days; Thailand 7 (temporary), Brunei/Myanmar/China/HK/Macau 14, Seychelles 15.
Which countries need an eVisa for Cambodia?
Any nationality not on the exemption list, including UK, USA, most EU, Australia, Canada, and Japan, requires an eVisa or visa on arrival.
What if my nationality is not exempt?
Apply for an eVisa at evisa.gov.kh at least 4 days before travel ($36), or obtain a visa on arrival at the airport or land border ($30 cash).
Has Cambodia’s visa policy changed in 2026?
The most recent update is the temporary China, Hong Kong and Macau exemption valid until 15 October 2026.
What documents do I need to enter Cambodia visa-free?
Passport (6+ months validity, one blank page), onward ticket, sufficient funds; air travellers: free e-Arrival Card within 7 days.
Can I enter Cambodia visa-free overland from Thailand?
Yes. The exemption applies at land borders such as Poipet (Thailand) and Bavet (Vietnam), with the same requirements as air entry.
How much does the Cambodia eVisa cost?
The eVisa costs $36 total ($30 base fee + $6 processing), payable online. A visa on arrival costs $30 tourist or $35 business in USD cash.
Do I need travel insurance for Cambodia?
Travel insurance is not a legal entry requirement but is strongly recommended. International-standard medical facilities are limited in Cambodia.
Can I extend my visa-free stay in Cambodia?
Yes, once, for an additional 30 days at the Immigration Department in Phnom Penh for around $50. Arrange before the original stay expires.
What happens if I overstay my visa-free period in Cambodia?
Overstaying incurs a fine of $10 per day with no upper cap. Prolonged overstay may result in detention, deportation, and a ban on future re-entry.
Do I need a Cambodia visa if I’m transiting through the airport?
Transit without leaving the international zone typically does not require a visa. Passing through immigration requires a valid visa or exemption.
