Can UK citizens get a Cambodian visa on arrival? Yes, at Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI), and major land border crossings (Poipet, Bavet, Tropaeng Kreal). The fee is $30 USD, cash only. Last reviewed 8 September 2026 based on FCDO travel advice and Royal Embassy of Cambodia guidance.
Yes, UK Citizens Are Eligible for a Cambodian Visa on Arrival
UK citizens holding a full British citizen passport are eligible for a Cambodian visa on arrival. A visa is mandatory: there is no visa-free access to Cambodia for British citizens. The visa issued is a Tourist Visa (Type T): single-entry, valid for 30 days from the date of entry. A Business Visa (Type E) is available at Phnom Penh airport for work purposes and requires a work permit from the Department of Labour and Social Affairs.
Common denial reasons at the Cambodian visa on arrival counter include: passport with less than 6 months validity, damaged passport, missing passport photo, insufficient USD cash, and failure to submit the e-Arrival Card for air arrivals. If uncertain about eligibility, contact the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in London at 64 Brondesbury Park, Willesden Green, London NW6 7AT; tel: 020 8451 7850; email: [email protected].
Documents, Cost & Preparation for a Cambodian Visa on Arrival
UK citizens need four items for a Cambodian visa on arrival: a valid British citizen passport with at least 6 months validity from the arrival date and at least 1 blank visa page; one passport photo (35 mm x 45 mm, white background, taken within the last 3 months, carried loose, neutral expression, no spectacles); a completed visa application form (available at the VOA counter or distributed on the flight); and $30 USD in cash.
The Cambodian visa on arrival costs $30 USD, cash only. No credit cards, debit cards, contactless, or mobile payments are accepted. Bring clean, undamaged US dollar notes, ideally post-2006 series. ATMs dispensing USD are located after baggage claim but before immigration at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports; expect queues during peak arrival times. UK travellers can also apply for an e-Visa via evisa.gov.kh for $36 USD (minimum 4 business days processing).
What If You Forget Your Passport Photo?
A digital scan option is available at the VOA counter for approximately $1-$3 USD surcharge if you arrive without a printed passport photo. Print photos before departure from a UK photo booth (Booth, Max Spielmann) to avoid this extra cost.
Step-by-Step Process & Entry Points for UK Travellers
Head to VOA counter
Deplane and follow signs to the Visa on Arrival counter, separate from the immigration queue.
Complete forms
Collect and complete the arrival card and visa application form, available on the flight or at the counter.
Submit documents
Submit your passport, one passport photo, completed form, and $30 USD in cash at the VOA desk.
Get visa stamp
Receive your passport with the visa stamp and proceed to immigration clearance for passport control.
Typical wait time: 15-45 minutes depending on time of day and season. UK citizens can use the Cambodian visa on arrival at PNH, SAI, and land borders including Poipet (Thailand), Bavet (Vietnam), and Tropaeng Kreal (Laos). VOA is available at more entry points than the e-Visa. Land border wait times vary; carry exact USD change and be prepared for possible informal surcharge requests.
Visa on Arrival vs e-Visa vs Embassy Visa: Which Is Best for UK Travellers?
| Feature | Visa on Arrival | e-Visa | Embassy Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $30 USD | $36 USD (incl. processing) | $30-$35 + service fee |
| Processing time | Walk-up (15-45 min) | Min. 4 business days | 5-10 business days |
| Eligible ports | All airports + land borders | PNH, SAI, KOS + Tropaeng Kreal | All ports |
| Documents at border | Passport, photo, form, cash | Printed e-Visa, passport | Passport with visa sticker |
| Best for | Spontaneous trips, land crossings | Planned trips, peace of mind | Business travel, extended stays |
The e-Visa is available via evisa.gov.kh (operated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, not the Royal Embassy in London) and via the iOS and Android apps. The Cambodian visa on arrival is the only option valid at all land border crossings.
Cambodia e-Arrival Card in 2026: What UK Travellers Must Know
Since 1 September 2024, all UK citizens entering Cambodia by air must submit a free e-Arrival Card within 7 days before arrival. This digital declaration does not replace the Cambodian visa on arrival: it is mandatory for all air travellers, including e-Visa and VOA holders. Each traveller, including children, must submit individually. Land and river crossings require a paper arrival form completed on arrival.
What Happens If You Forget the e-Arrival Card?
Failure to complete the e-Arrival Card may result in denial of boarding by the airline at your UK departure airport, or delays and additional scrutiny at Cambodian immigration. Complete it on your phone at the airport if Wi-Fi permits.
How Long Is a Cambodia Visa on Arrival Valid? Extensions & Overstay
A Cambodian visa on arrival grants UK citizens a single-entry stay of 30 days. UK travellers can extend once for 30 additional days by paying $30 USD at the Department of Immigration in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, with processing taking 3-5 working days. Required: passport, extension form, passport photo.
Overstaying a Cambodian visa on arrival carries financial fines with no cap on the amount, plus detention and deportation for extended overstays. Begin the extension process by day 25 to allow for the 3-5 day processing time.
Under the Foreigners Present in Cambodia System (FPCS), your hotel or guesthouse manager auto-registers your stay. If staying with friends, family, or in your own home, self-register via the FPCS app (Android/iOS) using a Cambodian phone number. Failure to register may block your visa extension.
FAQ: Cambodia Visa on Arrival for UK Citizens in 2026
Can UK citizens get a visa on arrival in Cambodia in 2026?
Yes. UK passport holders are eligible at airports (PNH, SAI) and land borders (Poipet, Bavet, Tropaeng Kreal). Fee: $30 USD cash, 30-day single-entry.
How much does a Cambodia visa on arrival cost for UK citizens?
$30 USD, cash only. Bring clean, post-2006 US dollar notes. No cards accepted.
What documents do I need for a Cambodia visa on arrival?
Valid UK passport (6+ months validity, 1 blank page), one passport photo (35×45 mm, white background, within 3 months, loose), completed application form, and $30 USD cash.
Do children need a separate visa for Cambodia on arrival?
Yes. Every traveller, including infants, requires an individual visa ($30 USD each), own passport photo, and completed form.
Can I use a UK Emergency Travel Document for a Cambodia visa on arrival?
Border officials have discretion. Contact the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in London (020 8451 7850; [email protected]) before departure.
Is there an ATM before immigration at Cambodian airports?
Yes. ATMs dispensing USD are located after baggage claim but before immigration at PNH and SAI. Expect queues during peak times.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate flying from the UK to Cambodia?
No. Only required if arriving from a WHO risk-listed country. Direct UK-to-Cambodia flights do not trigger this requirement.
Can I get a Cambodia visa on arrival at a land border crossing?
Yes. Poipet (Thailand), Bavet (Vietnam), and Tropaeng Kreal (Laos) accept VOA. Carry exact USD change; informal surcharge requests may occur.
How long can I stay in Cambodia on a visa on arrival?
30 days, extendable once for 30 additional days ($30 USD) at the Department of Immigration in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap (3-5 working days).
What happens if I overstay my Cambodia visa on arrival?
Financial fines with no cap, plus detention and deportation for extended overstays. Begin extension by day 25 to avoid penalties.
