Many travelers confuse the Cambodia eVisa and the Cambodia Arrival Card. These are two completely different documents with different purposes. This guide explains exactly what each one is and whether you need both.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Cambodia e-Arrival Card | Cambodia eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Immigration/customs form | Entry authorization (visa) |
| Cost | FREE | $36 USD |
| Who needs it? | ALL air travelers | Non-exempt nationalities |
| Where to apply | arrival.gov.kh | evisa.gov.kh |
| Processing time | Instant (minutes) | ~3 business days |
| Validity | For specific arrival date | 3 months from issue, 30 days stay |
| When to apply | 1-7 days before arrival | At least 1 week before travel |
Cambodia e-Arrival Card – What Is It?
The Cambodia e-Arrival Card is a free mandatory digital form replacing the old paper immigration arrival card, health declaration, and customs declaration. Every air traveler must complete it at arrival.gov.kh within 7 days of arrival. It is NOT a visa and does NOT grant entry authorization.
See our complete guide: What is the Cambodia Arrival Card?
Cambodia eVisa – What Is It?
The Cambodia eVisa is an electronic visa ($36) that grants entry authorization to Cambodia for 30 days. It is applied for in advance at evisa.gov.kh and takes approximately 3 business days to process. It is separate from the arrival card system.
Do I Need Both?
If your nationality requires a visa (US, UK, Australia, most EU countries, Canada, etc.):
- Yes – you need both the e-Arrival Card (free, at arrival.gov.kh) and a visa (eVisa $36 or Visa on Arrival $30-35)
If your nationality is visa-exempt (ASEAN, China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, etc.):
- Only the e-Arrival Card is needed (free)
Which Should You Apply For First?
- First: Apply for Cambodia eVisa at evisa.gov.kh (takes 3+ business days) OR plan to get Visa on Arrival
- Then: Complete the e-Arrival Card at arrival.gov.kh within 7 days of your arrival date
Learn about fees: Cambodia Arrival Card fee guide. Check Cambodia entry requirements 2026 for full details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Cambodia eVisa and the Arrival Card?
The Cambodia e-Arrival Card is a free mandatory immigration form for all air travelers. The Cambodia eVisa is a paid ($36) entry authorization for non-exempt nationalities. They are two entirely separate documents.
Do I need both the Cambodia eVisa and the Arrival Card?
Yes – if you need a visa. The e-Arrival Card is always required for all air travelers. The eVisa is required if your nationality is not visa-exempt. Both are needed simultaneously.
Which comes first – the eVisa or the Arrival Card?
Apply for the e-Visa first (3+ business days processing at evisa.gov.kh), then complete the e-Arrival Card within 7 days of your arrival.
Can I enter Cambodia with just the Arrival Card and no visa?
Only if your nationality is visa-exempt. Most nationalities (US, UK, Australia, EU) need a visa in addition to the e-Arrival Card.
