Cambodia Border Entry FAQ — What Happens on Arrival | VisaToCambodia
FAQ
Cambodia Border Entry FAQ — Immigration, Stamps & What to Expect
At the Cambodian border, you present your printed eVisa, passport, and e-Arrival QR code. Immigration stamps you in, and you collect your bags. Most arrivals take under 15 minutes. Here is what to expect.
What happens at the Cambodian border on arrival?
Walk to a regular immigration counter (not the visa-on-arrival queue), present your printed eVisa (2 copies), passport, and e-Arrival QR code. The officer stamps you in. Collect your bags and clear customs. Most arrivals take 5-15 minutes.
Which Cambodia airports accept the eVisa?
All three Cambodian international airports accept the eVisa: Phnom Penh (PNH), Siem Reap Angkor (SAI), and Sihanoukville (KOS). All three have dedicated immigration counters that process eVisas faster than visa-on-arrival.
Which Cambodia land borders accept the eVisa?
Bavet (from Vietnam) and Tropaeng Kreal (from Laos) accept the Cambodia eVisa. Cham Yeam and Poipet are currently closed for eVisa entry — verify the latest list before travel if entering by land.
Can I enter Cambodia at Poipet with an eVisa?
No. Poipet is currently closed to eVisa entry. Most travellers crossing from Thailand at Poipet use visa-on-arrival at the border counter — or fly into Phnom Penh / Siem Reap with the eVisa instead.
What if my Cambodia eVisa is rejected at the border?
A valid eVisa is rarely rejected, but it can happen if your passport is damaged, your name does not match, or immigration flags a security concern. In that case you may be denied entry and returned — no refund applies.
How long is the Cambodia entry stamp valid?
30 days from the date of arrival on a tourist eVisa, and 30 days extendable on a business eVisa. The stamp records the actual arrival date, which is what immigration uses to count your stay — not the visa issue date.
Do I need to fill out a paper landing card in Cambodia?
No — Cambodia replaced paper landing cards with the e-Arrival online form. If a flight attendant hands you a paper form, you can ignore it; the e-Arrival you submitted online covers the same info.
Will Cambodian immigration ask me questions?
Usually no — eVisa entries are quick. Occasionally officers ask about hotel address, length of stay, or purpose of visit. Answer briefly and honestly. Have your hotel name and return flight details on your phone in case.
What happens if I overstay my Cambodia visa?
A $10 USD per-day overstay fine is charged at exit, payable in cash. Beyond 30 days of overstay, fines escalate and you may be banned from re-entry. Always exit on or before your last permitted day.
Can I be denied entry to Cambodia even with an eVisa?
Yes, but it is rare. Denial happens for damaged passports, name mismatch, prior immigration violations, criminal flags, or insufficient passport validity. Make sure your passport is in good condition and matches your eVisa exactly.
What customs allowance does Cambodia have?
Standard allowances: 1.5 litres of alcohol, 400 cigarettes, $10,000 USD cash without declaration. Drugs (including small amounts of cannabis) are a serious offence and are not tolerated.
Are there express immigration lanes for Cambodia eVisa holders?
At Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, eVisa holders use regular immigration counters which are typically faster than the visa-on-arrival counter. There is no separate "express" lane, but the eVisa skip is meaningful at peak times.
Do I need yellow fever vaccination for Cambodia?
Yellow fever is required only if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission (most of Sub-Saharan Africa, parts of South America). Coming from Europe, North America, Australia, or Asia, no yellow fever proof is required.
Can I bring my dog or cat to Cambodia?
Yes, with paperwork. Pets need a rabies vaccination certificate, an export health certificate from your origin country, and sometimes an import permit. Plan 6-8 weeks ahead. Contact the Cambodian embassy for the latest pet-import checklist.
What if I am refused entry to Cambodia — what happens?
Refused travellers are typically held briefly at the airport and put on the next return flight at their own cost. The original carrier is fined if they boarded you in error. Document the reason and contact your embassy if needed.