South African passport holders are eligible to apply for an eVisa Cambodia for South Africans online through the government portal at evisa.gov.kh. The eVisa costs $36 USD (approximately R 660 to 720), processes within 3 business days, and grants a single-entry stay of up to 30 days. This guide covers requirements, fees, entry points, and health rules for South African travellers transiting through Africa and the Middle East.
Is the Cambodia eVisa Available to South African Citizens?
Yes. South African citizens are eligible for the Cambodia eVisa, a Type-T tourist visa introduced in April 2006 by the E-Visa Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC). The eVisa is single-entry and permits a 30-day stay for tourism only. South African travellers visiting Cambodia for business must apply for an E-Class visa through the embassy, as the Cambodia eVisa does not cover business purposes. Other visa classes: A (Diplomatic), B (Official), C (Courtesy), K (Khmer).
Passport and Document Requirements for South African Applicants
South African passport holders need a passport valid for minimum 6 months from entry date and at least 2 blank pages for the Type-T tourist eVisa. Upload the following digital documents during the online application at evisa.gov.kh:
- Passport: valid for minimum 6 months from entry date, with at least 2 blank pages
- Passport photo: 4 × 6 cm, white or plain background, clear front-facing, JPG or PNG, maximum 2 MB, taken within the last 6 months
- Passport bio-page scan: clear digital copy of the biographical data page
- Email address: valid address with ability to print the approved eVisa PDF
- Hotel reservation: recommended, may be checked at immigration
- Minors: South African children require their own passport and separate eVisa application; an unabridged birth certificate and parental consent letter are recommended if travelling with one parent
How to Apply for the Cambodia eVisa
South African passport holders apply for a Cambodia eVisa at evisa.gov.kh (government portal) by uploading documents and paying $36 USD. Processing takes 3 business days.
Visit evisa.gov.kh
Visit evisa.gov.kh and select Tourist Visa (Type-T).
Complete the form
Complete the form with personal details, passport data, and flight information.
Upload documents
Upload your passport photo and passport bio-page scan.
Pay the fee
Pay the $36 USD fee (approximately R 660 to 720) by Visa or Mastercard.
Receive and print eVisa
Receive the approved eVisa via email within 3 business days and print the PDF.
Enable international transactions on your card beforehand. 3-D Secure/OTP authentication may cause payment failures on South African-issued Visa or Mastercard. UnionPay is not confirmed on evisa.gov.kh.
Common South African mistakes: incorrect flight dates, non-compliant photo background, passport validity under 6 months, and forgetting to print the Cambodia eVisa PDF for immigration.
Fees, Processing Times and Payment Methods
The Cambodia eVisa government fee for South African applicants is $36 USD (approximately R 660 to 720 ZAR), payable on evisa.gov.kh. The fee comprises a $30 visa charge plus a $6 processing surcharge. Commercial intermediaries, such as Sherpa, charge $64.50 USD including an agency service fee on top of the statutory government fee.
| Fee Component | Amount (USD) | Approx. ZAR | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government eVisa fee | $36 | R 660 to 720 | Paid via evisa.gov.kh; includes visa fee + processing surcharge |
| Commercial intermediary (Sherpa) | $64.50 | R 1,190 to 1,290 | Includes third-party agency service fee |
| Embassy sticker visa (Type-T) | $30 | R 555 to 600 | Paid at embassy; requires passport submission; 7 to 10 working days |
Standard processing for the eVisa Cambodia for South Africans takes 3 business days, but approvals can arrive within 24 hours. Intermediaries offer urgent (24 hours) and super-urgent (5 business hours) processing for a fee.
Visa Validity, Duration of Stay and Entry Points
The Cambodia eVisa is valid for 90 days from issuance, permitting a 30-day single-entry stay from the arrival date. South African travellers can use the eVisa at 7 designated ports of entry:
- Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH)
- Siem Reap International Airport (REP)
- Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS)
- Poipet / Banteay Meanchey (Thailand border)
- Bavet / Svay Rieng (Vietnam border)
- Koh Kong / Cham Yeam (Thailand border)
- Tropaeng Kreal Border Post, Stung Treng (Laos border)
South African travellers can extend their Cambodia eVisa by 30 additional days at the Department of Immigration in Phnom Penh (opposite the airport), for approximately $45 USD, processing 3 to 5 business days. Not all land border crossings accept the eVisa; verify your entry point before travel.
eVisa vs Visa on Arrival – Which Should South Africans Choose?
The Cambodia eVisa ($36 USD, applied online) guarantees pre-approved entry and avoids arrival queues. Visa on Arrival ($30 USD, paid in cash at the border) offers no advance confirmation and involves 15 to 45 minute queues. South Africans prioritising certainty should choose the eVisa; those crossing at non-designated borders must use Visa on Arrival. See our Cambodia eVisa vs Visa on Arrival guide for details.
| Attribute | Cambodia eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Fee | $36 USD | $30 USD |
| Processing | 3 business days (advance) | 15 to 45 minutes (queue) |
| Advance approval | Yes | No |
| Accepted ports | 7 designated | All ports |
| Payment | Credit/debit card online | Cash (USD) at border |
Health Requirements – Yellow Fever Certificate for African Travellers
South African travellers arriving in Cambodia with a Cambodia eVisa must present a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if departing from or transiting through WHO-designated endemic countries. Direct flights from South Africa do not require a Yellow Fever certificate. However, South African travellers transiting through Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ghana, or Tanzania must carry a valid certificate with lifetime validity (since the 2016 IHR amendment). Obtain at South African travel clinics for approximately R 200 to 500. No COVID-19 vaccination or insurance is required for leisure travel in 2026.
Cambodia e-Arrival Digital Card
All South African travellers, whether holding a Cambodia eVisa or Visa on Arrival, must complete the Cambodia e-Arrival digital card within 7 days before landing. This electronic form replaced paper customs declarations; required fields: passport details, flight information, accommodation, customs declarations. South African applicants submit the form online before arrival to present alongside the printed Cambodia eVisa PDF to the immigration officer at border control.
Middle East and African Nationality eVisa Eligibility
Most Middle Eastern and African nationalities, including South African passport holders, are eligible for the Cambodia eVisa through the evisa.gov.kh portal. Some nationalities must apply through an embassy instead. A full country-by-country eligibility matrix for South African and other African travellers is available in our regional Cambodia eVisa eligibility guide.
FAQ: Cambodia eVisa for South Africans
How long does the Cambodia eVisa take to process for South African citizens?
Standard processing is 3 business days; approvals can arrive within 24 hours. Commercial intermediaries offer urgent processing for a fee.
How much does the Cambodia eVisa cost for a South African passport holder?
The government fee is $36 USD (approximately R 660 to 720), paid on evisa.gov.kh. Intermediaries may charge more, such as $64.50 USD.
Can South Africans get a Cambodia eVisa at the embassy in London?
No. The Royal Embassy of Cambodia at 64 Brondesbury Park, Willesden Green, London NW6 7AT (tel. 020 8451 7850) does not process eVisa applications. All South African applicants must apply online at evisa.gov.kh.
What happens if I overstay my Cambodia eVisa?
Overstaying beyond 30 days incurs a fine of approximately $10 USD per day, collected at departure by the General Department of Immigration.
Do South African children need a separate Cambodia eVisa?
Yes. Children require their own passport and a separate eVisa application. An unabridged birth certificate and parental consent letter (if travelling with one parent) are recommended.
Is proof of sufficient funds checked at Cambodian immigration?
Border officers may request proof of funds. Carry $500 to $1,000 USD equivalent in cash or accessible bank balance.
Can I use the Cambodia eVisa to cross all land borders?
No. The eVisa is accepted at 7 designated entry points only. Other crossings require a Visa on Arrival for $30 USD in cash.
Do I need a transit visa for a layover in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap?
No transit visa is required if you remain in the airport transit area and do not clear immigration.
