Cambodia visa online for UK citizens
UK citizens wishing to travel to Cambodia need a visa. Find out about the options available, the documents required, the cost and the processing time for your trip.
Cambodia is a popular destination for British travellers thanks to its fascinating landscapes, rich history and iconic temples, such as Angkor Wat. However, in order to enter the country, UK citizens must obtain a visa. This article explores the different visa options for Cambodia, the steps involved, the documents required, and the cost and processing time. Whether you're a tourist or travelling on business, you'll find all the information you need to plan your trip to Cambodia.
Cambodia visa requirements for UK citizens
- UK citizens need a visa to enter Cambodia.
- The visa can be applied for online, at the embassy or on arrival.
- Documents required include a passport, photo and application form.
- The visa price varies according to the type of visa chosen.
- The processing time for a visa is generally 3 to 5 working days.
Do UK citizens need a Cambodia visa?
Yes, UK citizens need a visa to enter Cambodia, regardless of the purpose of their stay (tourism, business, etc.). Cambodia offers several visa options to suit the needs of travellers, and it is important to choose the one that suits your type of stay.
British citizens can obtain their Cambodia visa by a number of different methods, depending on the duration and purpose of the trip. Here are the major options:
- Tourist visa: A tourist visa is usually valid for a 30-day stay and can be obtained on arrival, online (e-visa), or at the embassy. This visa can be extended once, for a maximum of a further 30 days.
- Visa on arrival: British travellers can also obtain a visa on arrival at certain points of entry to Cambodia, such as Phnom Penh airport and Siem Reap. This visa is valid for a stay of 30 days.
- Business visa: If you are travelling to Cambodia on business, you will need to apply for a business visa. This is also valid for a 30-day stay, but extensions are possible.
- E-Visa: Cambodia offers an electronic visa (e-Visa) for UK citizens, which allows you to apply online before you go. This simplifies the visa process, as there is no need to go to the embassy or wait on arrival.
Which option should I choose?
The quickest and most convenient method for British citizens is often the e-Visa, especially for those planning to travel for tourism. However, for business travel or longer stays, a visa obtained at the embassy or on arrival may be required.
How do I apply for a visa to Cambodia from the UK?
There are several ways to apply for a Cambodia visa from the UK, depending on the type of visa you choose. Options include applying online via the official Cambodian government website, applying at the Cambodian Embassy in London, or obtaining a visa on arrival.
Applying for a visa online (e-Visa Cambodia)
Cambodia allows UK citizens to apply for a visa online via its official e-Visa website. This method is ideal for tourist stays and is very popular due to its simplicity and speed, but can also be done through a service provider website with assistance.
The steps for applying for an e-Visa are as follows:
- Go to the official Cambodian e-Visa website or via a service provider.
- Fill in the online application form with your personal details, dates of travel and passport details.
- Upload a passport photo and a copy of the page of your passport containing your personal details.
- Pay the visa fee online (see below for the exact price).
- Wait for confirmation of your application, which is usually processed within 3 working days.
- Receive your e-Visa by email, which you will need to print and present on arrival in Cambodia.
Apply for a visa at the Cambodian Embassy in London
If you prefer to obtain a visa in person, or if you require a specific type of visa (such as a business visa), you can visit the Cambodian Embassy in London.
Steps include:
- Completing the visa application form.
- Providing all required documents (see below).
- Pay the application fee.
- Wait for your application to be processed, which may take 3 to 5 working days.
- Collect your visa directly from the embassy.
Obtaining a Cambodia visa on arrival from the UK
UK citizens can also obtain a visa on arrival in Cambodia at major points of entry, such as Phnom Penh and Siem Reap international airports. However, it is advisable to apply for a visa before you leave to avoid delays.
Documents required by the UK to apply for a Cambodia visa?
The documents required to obtain a Cambodian visa depend on the type of visa you are applying for (e-Visa, visa on arrival, or visa at the embassy). Here is an overview of the documents required for each method:
For an e-Visa:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry into Cambodia.
- Recent passport photo (4x6 cm format).
- Travel details (departure and return dates, accommodation details).
- Payment of visa fees online by credit card.
For a visa at the embassy:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Completed visa application form.
- Recent passport photo (4x6 cm format).
- Proof of your travel itinerary (return plane ticket or proof of hotel reservation).
- Visa fee (in cash or by credit card, depending on the embassy).
- Additional documents for business visas or other types of visa (letters of invitation, etc.).
For a visa on arrival:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months after arrival.
- Completed visa application form (available at the airport).
- Recent passport photo.
- Payment of the visa fee (in cash, usually in US dollars).
How much does a Cambodia visa cost for UK citizens?
The cost of a Cambodian visa varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for. Here is an overview of the prices for UK citizens:
- e-Visa price from the UK : The cost of the e-Visa for British citizens is USD 36 (in 2024). This visa is valid for 30 days and can be extended once you are in the UK.
- Cambodia visa prices at the London embassy: The fee for a visa at the embassy depends on the type of visa you are applying for, but for a standard 30-day tourist visa, the cost is usually between USD 30 and USD 35. Business visas or visas for longer stays may cost more. Fees can be paid by credit card or in cash, depending on the embassy's arrangements.
- Cambodia visa on arrival price: The cost of a visa on arrival is similar to that of the e-Visa, i.e. USD 30-35. This visa is valid for 30 days and can be extended on arrival. Fees are payable in US dollars at the airport.
Cambodia visa processing times for UK citizens
The processing time for a Cambodian visa varies depending on the method chosen to obtain the visa.
- e-Visa processing time from the UK: The processing time for an e-Visa is usually 3 working days. It is possible to submit an application well in advance of your departure, and once the visa has been approved, you will receive it by email.
- Time to obtain a Cambodia visa at the embassy: Processing a visa at the embassy usually takes between 3 and 5 working days. It may be quicker if you have submitted all the necessary documents. However, if you need to submit additional documents or if the embassy is in a period of high demand, it may take a little longer.
- Waiting time for visa on arrival from the UK: The visa on arrival is issued immediately after submission of the required documents, provided everything is in order. This process usually takes 15-30 minutes at the airport, but it is advisable to allow a little time to avoid any complications.
Duration and validity of the Cambodia visa for UK citizens
The duration and validity of the Cambodia visa for UK citizens depends on the type of visa chosen. For a traditional tourist visa, British citizens can obtain a visa valid for 30 days, either on arrival or via an e-Visa. It is important to note that visas for Cambodia are generally valid for a single entry, but multiple-entry options are also available for regular travellers. For all types of visa, the passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the intended date of entry into Cambodia.
How long can I stay in Cambodia as a UK citizen?
The length of stay authorised for a UK citizen in Cambodia depends on the type of visa obtained. Here is an overview of the major options:
- Tourist visa: The Cambodian tourist visa allows UK citizens to stay for up to 30 days. This visa can be obtained on arrival or online as an e-Visa. If you wish to stay longer, you can apply for a visa extension of a further 30 days on arrival, bringing your stay to a total of 60 days.
- Business Visa: For those coming for business reasons, the Business Visa also allows an initial stay of 30 days, but can be extended several times, offering greater flexibility for longer stays. It is ideal for UK citizens who plan to enter and leave Cambodia several times.
- Visa on arrival: The visa on arrival, available for 30 days, is also an option for UK citizens. It can be extended once for a further 30 days.
Renewing your Cambodia visa
The Cambodian tourist visa can be extended once, for a further 30 days. However, renewal is subject to approval by the Cambodian immigration authorities. Once you have used the 30-day extension, it is difficult to extend your stay further without leaving the country.
UK citizens wishing to extend their stay for a longer period may consider obtaining a business visa, which can be renewed several times over a set period. For frequent travellers or those requiring a long stay, it is therefore preferable to apply for this type of visa before departure.
Cambodia visa rejected for UK citizens
Although the process of applying for a visa to Cambodia is generally fairly straightforward, there are cases where a visa may be rejected. Common reasons include incorrect or incomplete information on the application, criminal history issues, or a passport that does not meet the required criteria.
UK citizens who are refused a visa can try to clarify their situation by contacting the Cambodian embassy or immigration authorities. In some cases, additional documentation may be required to support the application. If you have any doubts about your eligibility for a visa, it is advisable to consult an immigration expert before submitting your application.
In rare cases, security concerns, such as travel bans due to past behaviour in Cambodia, may also result in a visa being rejected. It is therefore essential to follow the rules and check all conditions before applying.
Is Cambodia safe for UK citizens?
Cambodia is generally a safe country for travellers, including UK citizens, especially in tourist areas such as Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville. However, as in any other country, it is important to take precautions, particularly regarding personal safety and property. Some remote or rural areas may present increased risks, particularly due to unexploded landmines in some areas.
British citizens are advised to follow the safety recommendations issued by the UK government, register with their embassy and take out comprehensive travel insurance to protect against any unforeseen circumstances. Cambodia has a developing health system, so for serious medical problems, travellers should be prepared to be transferred to another country.
Find out if your question has been answered in the list below
- Valid passport: The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Cambodia.
- Return ticket: The Cambodian authorities may require you to present a return or onward ticket to prove that you will not be staying in the country illegally.
- Proof of accommodation: Some authorities may ask for proof that you have booked a hotel or accommodation during your stay.
- Travel insurance: Although not required, it is strongly recommended that you take out travel insurance to cover medical expenses and possible accidents during your stay.
