Cambodia is a country of unique charm and cultural heritage known across the globe for its incredible natural beauty, breath-taking temples, fertile rice fields, and rich and fascinating history. But with so much to see and do outside of Angkor, a vacation to Cambodia can be a lot more than just temples.
DISCOVERY OF CAMBODIA
With a long coastline and rugged countryside, the natural delights of Cambodia are every bit as appealing as those of its neighbours, from jungle treks to beach holidays. Cambodian people are also remarkable, offering a unique warmth and friendliness that is even more special considering their recent dark history.
Phnom Penh, the vibrant capital of Cambodia is situated at the confluence of three rivers, the mighty Mekong, the Bassac and the great Tonle Sap. Phnom Penh still maintains considerable charm and tranquility with French colonial mansions and tree-lined boulevards amidst monumental Angkorian architecture. Deep in the forests of Cambodia’s Siem Reap province, the elegant spires of an ancient stone city soar skyward above the sprawling complex of Angkor Archaeological Park. By its enormous scale and amazing architecture, Angkor Complex is without a doubt one of the world´s most spectacular sites. The proximity of the Angkorian ruins turned Siem Reap into a boomtown in less than half a decade. Huge, expensive hotels have sprung up everywhere and budget hotels have mushroomed. Despite the massive shift in its economic fortunes, Siem Reap remains a safe, friendly and pleasant town.
VISAS FROM WORLDWIDE CAMBODIAN EMBASSIES
– Visas in advance are available from Cambodian embassies but will require supporting documentation that is not usually required for visas on arrival, and what is required varies from embassy to embassy. The standard requirement is your passport, passport photos, evidence of health insurance coverage, and a letter of invitation from a registered Cambodian business or school (stamped, of course). There’s a letter template posted in the Cambodia Visa and Work Permit Group on Facebook. While you’re there, search for your nearest embassy to find out what evidence they are requiring.
ONLINE VISAS
-Tourist visas (T-visas) are also available online, in advance. The cost is $30 plus a $6 processing fee, with a 3-day processing time. The visa is a 30-day visa valid for 90 days (meaning you must enter Cambodia within 90 days of the visa being issued, but can only stay for 30 days). Tourists can apply in advance for a 30-day visa on the official site, evisa.gov.kh. Unofficial sites charge more.
ARRIVAL OF IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOM FORMS
– Up to now, Cambodia still requires travellers to fill Customs and Immigration forms on or before arrival at the country. Recently, Cambodia is moving toward E-form, called Cambodia e-Arrival, which visitors can fill in before arrival via Apps/Website, or via QR at airport of departure. Details as below:
App/ Website for E-form
– Cambodia e-Arrival card can be filled via website: https://arrival.gov.kh/
– Or through Apps from PLAYSTORE – Apps name: “Cambodia e-Arrival”.
– QR links at Check-in counters & at waiting room at Airport of Departure.
– QR links at Cambodia Airport at Arrival (but you may have to wait to fill in).
Where/ When and Other Note
– E-form need to fill within 7 days before arrival, otherwise, it will be required to do one more time.
– This is trial period, and e- Arrival card is applied at Siem Reap Airport only. Some airlines, which fly to Siem Reap will stop providing paper forms on board after this trial period.
– Phnom Penh airport is on the process, but not yet ready.
– At all land/water borders, hard (paper) forms are still implemented as normal.
– The trial period supposed last until Jun 2024. After trial period, all borders (air, land and water) will stop using Hard copy forms, but E-form.
– All other procedures for Cambodia visa are kept un-change (E-visa, Visa on arrival, Fast track).