Most travelers shall be issued entry-visa upon their arrival. For further information, please directly contact the Immigration Police Unit at the Phnom Penh Airport International or the Siem Reap Airport. Some countries where the Royal Embassies and Consulates of Cambodia installed, travelers shall then apply for an entry-visa prior to their departure. Multi-entry visa can be extended at the Department of Foreigner of the Ministry of Interior.
Beside the Phnom Penh Airport International and Siem Reap Airport, there are additionally few of border gateways where travellers can apply for an entry-visa upon their arrival.
Visa can be obtained at the following points of entry:
Airports
- Phnom Penh International Airport
- Siem Reap International Airport
Cambodia-Vietnam border
- Bavet International Check Point
- Kha Orm Sam Nor International Check Point
Cambodia-Thailand border
- Cham Yeam International Check Point
- Poi Pet International Check Point
- OSmach International Check Point
Application for an entry visa requires:
- A completed visa application form
- Passport valid at least further 4 months
- One recent photograph (4x6)
- Appropriate visa fee
- Supporting documents for business and official visas
In particular, the entry-visa is free for Cambodian nationals who live abroad and Malaysians. Also, the entry visa is free of charge for the Service and Diplomatic Passport holders from Myanmar, Brunei, Philippines and Vietnam.
Cambodia has a tropical climate with three distinct seasons – Hot/Dry from March to May, Rainy/Monsoon from June to October and small Winter/Cool from November through February. The average annual temperature is 280C – 320C, this ranges in the capital city of Phnom Penh. The temperature during the small winter is 140C - 160C at provinces throughout the country but in Phnom Penh is about 160C – 200C. In the early April, it is found that there are some rain showers through the beginning of May. The end of May and the beginning of June the full monsoon starts till the end of October.
As Cambodia's climate is hot and humid almost all year round, it is ideal to have light clothing to be worn throughout the year. But during the small winter from December till March, you are advised to wear thick clothing. It is also advisable for ladies and gentlemen, when entering any Buddhist pagoda, in tradition, ladies are inappropriately found to wear shorts, trousers or any sexy attire. Men and women are cultured for a dignitary image¾is not to wear shorts and cap when you are in the complex of a Buddhist pagoda. The flip-flops, boots or shoes must specially be taken off before entering into any Buddhist temple. At ancient temples, you are free to wear any as you wish but not bras and under-pan.
It depends upon your need whether you are in a hurry to get to your destination or you wish to take things leisurely, there is a wide range of choice of transportation.
1. By air, you can travel with Cambodian Airlines for domestic flights by Cambodia Angkor Airs (CAA). The flight routes are set for major tourist destinations and economic zones at the provinces of Siem Reap and Sihanoukville (Charter Flight).
2. By rail, the railway network of Cambodia that stretches from East to West, which run from Phnom Penh to the provinces of Kampong Chhnang, Pursat, Battambang and Bantey Meanchey and other routes: Phnom Penh-Sihanouk Ville and Phnom Penh-Kampot. Be ensured that the Cambodian railway network is under development and time consuming to catch train.
3. By road, Cambodia now has several bus companies and private taxis are also available throughout Cambodia. But the bus operations are still very limited based on the road condition. Travellers can take coach from Phnom Penh to neighbouring provinces such as Kampong Speu, Takeo, Kampot, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Cham, Neak Leung (in Prey Veng), Ta Mao (in Kandal) and to two other cities of Sihanouk Ville and Keb. In particular, Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City along the National Road 1 is now available. Taxies are available to make a journey throughout the country.
4. By water, several speedboat firms can be seen along Tonle Sap River. These speedboats carry passengers from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap Angkor and further from Siem Reap to Battambang province; also are available for destinations along Mekong River such as from Phnom Penh to Kampong Cham, Kratie and Steung Treng. Above all, travellers can make a voyage from Vietnam to Phnom Penh as well.
Not to worry if you are coming alone. Cambodians are very friendly and Cambodia is especially called a land of smile. Traveling alone is generally safe and relatively comfortable for both men and women. Plan your trip around your interests and prepare yourself to be flexible enough to take the inevitable glitches in stride. Visitors who encounter unforeseen problems and difficulties can seek the Cambodian Tourist Police Unit or any other Police Station for any assistance.
Medical services are available in all towns at government run hospitals and private clinics. Non-prescription drugs are available at pharmacies as well as supermarkets, hotels, and shopping centers. International class hotels also have their individual in-house medical Doctor to service their guests.
You will require an international driving permit or a valid license issued by your government to drive in Cambodia. Car rental can be arranged through hotel or through various car rental companies which can be located through the Yellow Pages Directory.
Items such as video equipment, cameras, radio cassette players, watches, pens, lighters, perfumes and cosmetics are duty free in Cambodia. Visitors bringing in dutiable goods may have to pay a deposit for temporary importation, refundable upon departure.
There are 5 term breaks in the year for schools throughout Cambodia. The term breaks vary slightly from state to state. However, they fall roughly during the later part of the months of January (1 week), March (2 weeks), May (3 weeks), August (1week), October (4 weeks).
To avoid "cultural offenses", here are some tips:
Remove shoes when entering homes and places of worship.
When handling food, do so with the right hand only.
Tipping is not a custom in Cambodia. It is unnecessary in hotels and restaurants where a 10% service charge, unless the service rendered is exceptionally good.
Refrain from raising your voice or displaying fits of anger as considered ill mannered.
It is advisable for you to contact the Cambodian Diplomatic Mission nearest you for up-to-date information concerning the importation of pets from your country. Various airline companies may also be able to help you with this.