Published: 15 January 2026. Last reviewed: 8 September 2026.
UK passport holders need no visa for stays up to 30 days. For longer visits, a Cambodia eVisa costs $36 online while a visa on arrival costs $30 cash at the border. Both grant a single-entry 30-day tourist stay.
The eVisa is processed in approximately 3 business days before travel and is accepted at major airports and select land borders. The visa on arrival is issued immediately at all ports of entry but requires cash payment in US dollars and queuing at immigration.
Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for Cambodia?
UK passport holders are visa-exempt for stays up to 30 days – no eVisa or visa on arrival required. This exemption remains current in 2026 (source: Cambodian embassy data, 2021).
Holders of a UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) do not automatically inherit the visa exemption. They must check entry requirements based on their actual nationality, not their UK residency status.
Other exempt nationalities include ASEAN, Japan, South Korea, and US citizens (14-day limit).
If your stay will exceed 30 days, you must choose between a Cambodia eVisa and a visa on arrival before or upon reaching Cambodian territory. For a detailed walkthrough, see our guide on whether UK citizens can get a Cambodian visa on arrival in 2026.
What Is a Cambodia eVisa vs Visa on Arrival?
The eVisa costs $36 online; the visa on arrival costs $30 cash. Both grant a 30-day stay valid for 3 months from issue.
The Cambodia eVisa is an electronic tourist visa (Type T, single-entry) obtained online via evisa.gov.kh. Payment is by credit/debit card: $30 visa fee plus $6 processing fee, with ~3 business days processing time. You receive a PDF with QR code by email. Introduced in April 2006 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the eVisa is accepted at Phnom Penh, Siem Reap (SAI), Techo (KTI), and Sihanoukville airports plus select land borders (Poipet, Bavet, Kaam Samnor).
The visa on arrival is accepted at all ports of entry, including every international airport and land crossing. Forms are distributed on arrival, and the Cambodian embassy recommends obtaining a visa before travel. The visa on arrival costs $30 paid in US dollars cash only.
Warning: Avoid Fake eVisa Websites
Only evisa.gov.kh is the legitimate portal for the Cambodia eVisa. Unofficial third-party sites charge $50 to $100+ in inflated fees. For application issues, contact evisa.gov.kh/contact_us.
VOA Cash Tips: Bring Crisp USD Bills
Bring crisp, undamaged USD bills for the visa on arrival, as torn notes may be rejected. Carry the exact $30 amount, as change may not be available at border counters.
eVisa vs Visa on Arrival: Side-by-Side Comparison
- Saves $5-30 in unofficial fees
- Safer and often cheaper overall
- Costs $6 more upfront ($36 vs $30)
- Visa on arrival better suits last-minute or overland trips
| Feature | Cambodia eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $36 ($30 visa + $6 processing fee) | $30 |
| Payment | Credit/debit card online | Cash, US dollars only |
| Processing time | ~3 business days before travel | Immediate (queue: 15-120 min) |
| Application | Online at evisa.gov.kh | In person at border checkpoint |
| Validity | 3 months from issue | 3 months from issue |
| Stay duration | 30 days | 30 days |
| Entry type | Single-entry | Single-entry |
| Entry points | Airports + select land borders | All ports of entry |
| Documents | Digital photo upload | Physical passport photo |
| Extension | +30 days at Immigration Office | +30 days at Immigration Office |
| Scam risk | Low (pre-approved, minimal contact) | Medium (cash, unofficial fees possible) |
| Best for | First-time visitors, peak-season travel | Last-minute trips, overlanders |
Cambodia Visa Requirements 2026: What to Know Before You Go
Both the eVisa and visa on arrival require a passport valid at least 6 months from the entry date, one blank visa page, a passport photo, and a mandatory free e-Arrival Card.
- Passport: min. 6 months validity from date of entry, 1 blank visa page
- Photo: 2×2 inches, taken within 6 months, 1 copy
- eVisa-specific: digital photo upload, credit/debit card for $36 payment
- Visa on arrival-specific: physical photo, crisp USD bills, $30 exact amount
- e-Arrival Card: mandatory for ALL travellers, free, submit within 7 days before arrival at arrival.gov.kh, save QR code (offline in app)
- Non-UK passport holders with UK BRP: check eligibility by nationality
Use eVisa for first-time/peak/family trips; VOA for overland/last-minute/budget.
Don’t Confuse: e-Arrival Card Is NOT a Visa
The e-Arrival Card replaces the customs declaration and is required even with an eVisa. It is free, needs internet to submit at arrival.gov.kh, and the QR code is available offline in the app after submission. You need BOTH a visa and the e-Arrival Card to enter Cambodia.
FAQ
Is it better to get a visa on arrival or online for Cambodia?
The eVisa ($36) is better for most UK travellers – it saves time and reduces scam risk. The VOA ($30) suits last-minute or overland trips.
Can you still get a visa on arrival in Cambodia in 2026?
Yes. Visa on arrival remains available at all international airports and land border checkpoints for $30 cash in US dollars.
Can I get a Cambodia visa on arrival at Siem Reap airport?
Yes. Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) offers visa on arrival. Techo International Airport (KTI), Phnom Penh, and Sihanoukville airports also provide visa on arrival services.
What happens if my eVisa is denied?
Common reasons include poor photo quality, passport data errors, and payment failure. You can reapply online or obtain a visa on arrival at the border. Contact evisa.gov.kh/contact_us for support.
Do I need both an eVisa and an e-Arrival Card?
Yes. The e-Arrival Card at arrival.gov.kh is mandatory for all travellers regardless of visa type. It is free and replaces the customs declaration form.
How long can I stay in Cambodia with an eVisa or VOA?
Both grant a 30-day stay, valid for 3 months from issue, single-entry. You can extend either by an additional 30 days at the Cambodia Immigration Office.
Is the Cambodia eVisa cheaper than visa on arrival?
No. The eVisa costs $36 ($30 visa fee plus $6 processing fee). The visa on arrival costs $30. The eVisa is $6 more upfront but can save $5-30 in unofficial border fees.
Which is safer: eVisa or visa on arrival in Cambodia?
The eVisa carries low scam risk because it is pre-approved online. The visa on arrival carries medium scam risk due to cash transactions and potential unofficial fees.
Can I extend my Cambodia eVisa or visa on arrival?
Yes. Both can be extended by an additional 30 days at the Cambodia Immigration Office. The process requires your valid passport and the applicable fee.
Does the Cambodia eVisa work at all land border crossings?
No. The eVisa is accepted at select land borders including Poipet, Bavet, and Kaam Samnor, plus all major airports. The visa on arrival is accepted at all ports of entry.
Sources
- Cambodia eVisa portal (Ministry of Foreign Affairs): evisa.gov.kh (accessed September 2026)
- Cambodian e-Arrival Card: arrival.gov.kh (accessed September 2026)
- Royal Embassy of Cambodia in London: 64 Brondesbury Park, Willesden Green, London NW6 7AT – cambodiaembassyuk.org
- Embassy of Cambodia in Washington D.C.: embassyofcambodiadc.org (visa exemption data, 2021)
This article is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Cambodian government. Always verify current requirements at evisa.gov.kh before travel.
