The most common Cambodia trip sees the Angkor temples from Siem Reap, then continues to the Royal Palace and National Museum in Phnom Penh.
Don't try to do both cities in one day; give each its own days. Temple days often start before dawn.
Visa and entry systems can change, so reread the official site for anything that has changed since our check on 23 October 2026.
Visa and entry requirements for Cambodia
Whether you need a visa, how long you can stay and which pre-arrival forms apply all depend on your nationality and the purpose of your trip. Check the official source below, and your own government's travel advice, before you book.
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality. The official e-Visa site lists the tourist visa (T) at USD 30: single entry, enter within three months of approval, stay one month, about three working days to process. All travelers, with or without a visa, must also submit the Cambodia e-Arrival declaration; the official site recommends doing so within seven days before arrival. Apply only on the official site; look-alike agency sites may add fees.
- Cambodia e-Visa (official) (Kingdom of Cambodia)
- Stay on a tourist e-Visa: 1 month; enter within 3 months of approval
- UNESCO: Angkor inscribed in 1992
- Police: 117
How is Cambodia divided?
Siem Reap is the base for Angkor Archaeological Park. Phnom Penh is the capital, home to the Royal Palace and the National Museum. Give each city its own days rather than seeing both in one. The sun is strong on temple days, so bring water and a hat.
UNESCO inscribed Angkor as a World Heritage site in 1992. You need a park pass to enter the Angkor temples, and the Phnom Penh museum has its own ticket. Combining both cities works best with four nights or more.
| City | What to do | Airport |
|---|---|---|
| Siem Reap | Angkor temples, Angkor Pass | Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) |
| Phnom Penh | Royal Palace, National Museum | Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) |
Based on official information and UNESCO.
What do I need to enter?
The official e-Visa site lists the tourist visa (T) at USD 30, single entry, entry within three months of approval, a one-month stay and three working days of processing. To apply you need a passport with more than six months of validity on entry, a digital photo and a credit card for payment.
Even with a visa, all travelers must complete the Cambodia e-Arrival declaration, which the official site recommends submitting within seven days before arrival. For two people needing visas, that is two USD 30 visas, USD 60. Apply only on the official site and check the address: look-alike agency sites may charge extra fees.
Who do I contact in an emergency?
The main number for the Cambodian police is 117, and reports can also be made via Telegram at +855-979-117-117. Save your own country's embassy contacts before you go. Scams, including fake overseas job offers, have been reported, so be cautious about job offers received while traveling.
How do I travel between the two cities?
Siem Reap Angkor International Airport opened on 16 October 2023, about 50 km from the city; airline notices say the drive takes about 1 hour 10 minutes. Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are linked by air and by road, and times and fares change by date, so check with the operator before booking.
Keep travel days light after arrival. Match your hotel check-in time to your transfer, and allow plenty of time to reach the airport when you fly.
What should I check before I go?
Save your e-Visa approval before departure if you need one, and complete the e-Arrival within seven days before arrival. Check Angkor Pass prices and how to buy it in our Siem Reap article. Save local emergency numbers and your embassy's contacts in a note you can read offline, in case you lose signal.
Pre-departure checklist
- Check whether you need a visa; if so, apply for the e-Visa and save the approval
- Submit the e-Arrival within seven days before arrival
- Check Angkor Pass prices and how to buy it
- Check the transfer time from Siem Reap airport
- Save emergency numbers
Which city suits my trip?
- For the temples: plan your Angkor Pass days in Siem Reap first.
- For the palace and museum: check museum opening hours in Phnom Penh first.
- For both cities: allow four nights or more and check transfer times first.
FAQ
Do I need a visa for Cambodia?
It depends on your nationality. If you need one, the official e-Visa tourist visa costs USD 30.
How long can I stay on an e-Visa?
One month, and you must enter within three months of approval.
When do I submit the arrival declaration?
All travelers must submit the e-Arrival, even with a visa; the official site recommends doing so within seven days before arrival.
How much are visas for two people?
Two USD 30 visas, USD 60. Apply only on the official site.
How soon after approval must I enter?
Within three months of approval. The stay is one month from the date of entry.
Sources
- Cambodia e-Visa (official) · Kingdom of Cambodia · accessed 2026-10-30
- Visa types · Kingdom of Cambodia e-Visa · accessed 2026-10-23
- Siem Reap airport relocation notice · Bangkok Airways · accessed 2026-10-23
- Angkor · UNESCO World Heritage Centre · accessed 2026-10-23
Information was checked against the official sources listed above. Opening hours, fees and fares can change; please confirm with the venue or operator before you visit.
