Cambodia Entry Requirements

Children must have their own passport with valid visa (same requirements as adults - no visa-free entry for children even if parents have visa exemption). Minors (under 18) traveling without both parents should carry: notarized parental consent letter from absent parent(s), copy of parents' passport ID pages, and birth certificate. Single parents should carry birth certificate and, if applicable, sole custody documents. Divorced parents should have custody documentation. While not always checked, these documents prevent issues at immigration. Children adopted from Cambodia require special documentation - consult your embassy.

Pets entering Cambodia require: health certificate issued by licensed veterinarian within 7 days of travel, rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before arrival), import permit from Cambodian Department of Animal Health and Production (apply at least 2 weeks in advance), microchip identification (recommended), and treatment for parasites. Some airlines have additional requirements. Pets must enter through Phnom Penh International Airport. Quarantine is typically not required if documentation is in order, but authorities reserve the right to quarantine. Certain breeds may face restrictions. Costs include permit fees (approximately USD $50-100) and potential inspection fees. Contact the Department of Animal Health well in advance: +855 23 219 389.

Tourist visas (30 days) can be extended once for an additional 30 days for approximately USD $45-50 through travel agencies or immigration offices. For longer stays, consider obtaining a Business Visa (Type E) which can be extended for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months. Extension costs: 1 month (USD $45-50), 3 months (USD $75-90), 6 months (USD $155-175), 12 months (USD $285-310). Business visas can be converted to Ordinary visas (Type E) with multiple entry options. Extensions are processed through travel agencies, guesthouses, or directly at immigration offices in major cities. Overstaying your visa results in fines of USD $10 per day and potential deportation or entry bans. For retirement or long-term residence, consult immigration authorities about retirement visas (ER) available for those over 55 years old.

Passengers transiting through Cambodia without leaving the international transit area do not require a visa if continuing their journey within 24 hours on confirmed onward tickets. However, Cambodia does not have sterile international transit areas at all airports, so most connecting passengers will need to clear immigration and obtain a visa. If you plan to leave the airport, even for a few hours, you must obtain a visa. E-visa or visa on arrival are both suitable for short transit visits. Confirm with your airline whether you'll need to collect and recheck baggage, as this requires passing through immigration and customs.

Foreign journalists and media professionals working in Cambodia require special accreditation from the Ministry of Information. Tourist or business visas are not appropriate for journalistic work. Apply for journalist credentials through the Ministry of Information well in advance of travel. Requirements include: letter from media organization, assignment details, passport copies, and application fees. Working on tourist/business visas can result in deportation and equipment confiscation. Documentary filmmakers and photographers engaged in commercial work should also seek proper accreditation. Contact: Ministry of Information, +855 23 218 214.

Travelers holding dual nationality should enter and exit Cambodia on the same passport. If you hold Cambodian citizenship, you must enter and exit using your Cambodian passport regardless of other nationalities held. Dual nationals should not attempt to enter on a foreign passport if they hold Cambodian citizenship. For former Cambodian citizens who have renounced citizenship, carry documentation of renunciation if available. Consult the Cambodian embassy if you have questions about dual nationality status.

Short-term volunteers (under 30 days) may enter on tourist visas, though technically volunteer work requires a business visa. Long-term volunteers and NGO workers should obtain Business Visas (Type E) and apply for work permits through their sponsoring organization. NGOs must be registered with the Ministry of Interior. Work permits require: valid passport with business visa, employment contract, health certificate, police clearance, passport photos, and application fees (approximately USD $100-150). Processing takes 2-4 weeks. Working without proper authorization can result in fines and deportation. Sponsoring NGOs typically handle visa and work permit arrangements.