Cambodia Border Crossings
Visa requirements to enter Cambodia by land from a neighboring country
Many travelers visit several southeast Asian countries on one trip, one of the most popular destinations being Cambodia.
Foreigners can get there overland via Cambodia’s border countries To do so, visitors from overseas must have a valid Cambodia visa for their trip.
Tourists can find out more about Cambodia border crossings and visa requirements on this page.
Which Countries Border Cambodia?
The 3 countries that border Cambodia are:
- Thailand to the west and northwest
- Laos to the northeast
- Vietnam to the southeast
There are international border crossings between Cambodia and each of its neighboring countries.
Documents to Cross the Cambodia Border
To enter Cambodia from a neighboring country, foreigners will be asked to present border officials with the following documentation:
- Passport
- Cambodian Visa
The passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months and have at least one blank page for a stamp.
Provided travelers have these documents in order, the border crossing should be straightforward.
Cambodia Border Crossing Visa Requirements
The majority of visitors need a visa to cross Cambodia’s borders. Citizens of just 9 nations can enter the country visa-free.
To complete the Cambodia border crossing quickly, eligible passport holders should apply for their visas online in advance.
The Cambodia eVisa application can be completed from anywhere with an internet connection, this is convenient for people on the move. To allow enough time for processing, the application should be made at least 4 days before arrival.
Business eVisas and Tourist eVisas for Cambodia are available, travelers should request the type of visa which corresponds to their reason for visiting.
Conveniently, the visa is sent to the applicant by email on approval, to be presented along with the passport to immigration authorities at the border.
Land border crossings that accept eVisa
The Cambodia eVisa is accepted at the Poipet and Cheam Yeam borders with Thailand and the Bavet border with Vietnam.
Cham Yeam—Koh Kong province (from Thailand)
- Border crossing name in Cambodia—Cham Yeam
- Border crossing name in Thailand—Hak Lek
- Closest international airport—Kang Keng International Airport
- Nearest Cambodian town—Koh Kong
Poipet— Banteay Meanchey province (from Thailand)
- Border crossing name in Cambodia—Poipet
- Border crossing name in Thailand—Aranyaprathet
- Closest international airport— Siem Reap International Airport
- Nearest Cambodian town—Serey Sophone
Bavet -Svay Rieng province (from Vietnam)
- Border crossing name in Cambodia—Bavet
- Border crossing name in Vietnam—Moc Bai
- Closest international airport— Phnom Penh International Airport
- Nearest Cambodian town—Svay Rieng town
Travelers should confirm Cambodia land border crossing operating hours in case of any changes.
To enter Cambodia from neighboring countries at another land border, a visa on arrival must be obtained.
Can you get a visa for Cambodia at the border?
Travelers who need to use a Cambodia border crossing that does not accept the eVisa should get a visa on arrival. All other tourists are advised to apply online in advance.
Those who require a visa on arrival may have to wait for some time in long queues. At relevant crossings, those with an eVisa can pass through immigration much faster.
To obtain a visa on arrival, applicants are asked to hand the following documentation over to officials:
- Passport (valid for 6 months and with 2 blank pages for stamps)
- Completed application form
- 2 passport photos (or pay a small fee for a passport scan)
The visa fee must be paid in cash at the Cambodian border, so applicants must have the correct amount with them.
Be aware of border scams
Another reason why it is advisable to apply for an eVisa rather than at the border is that there are reports of tourists being overcharged for the visa on arrival. By arriving at the border with the visa already paid for, visitors can avoid any such inconvenience.
Foreigners should also be wary of people offering to help them as they wait in line, they must not hand their passport to anyone until they reach the immigration officials at the desk.
Thailand, Vietnam and Laos Border Crossings
Tourists can choose from several border checkpoints when arriving from Lao, Vietnam, or Cambodia. Those who wish to apply for their visa online should select an option that accepts the eVisa.
Thailand to Cambodia border crossings
International visitors can use one of 6 Thailand to Cambodia crossings:
- Aranyaprathet to Poipet (most popular, eVisa accepted)
- Hat Lek to Koh Kong (eVisa accepted)
- Chong Jom to O Smach
- Chong Sa Ngam to Anlong Veng
- Ban Pakard to Phsar Prom Pailin
- Ban Laem to Daung Lem
There are bus services to and across the border.
Vietnam to Cambodia border crossings
There are 5 Vietnam to Cambodia crossings for international travelers:
- Moc Bai to Bavet (most popular, eVisa accepted)
- Thanh to O Yadao
- Tinh Bien to Phnom Penh
- Xa Xia to Prek Chak
- Vinh Xnong to Kaam Samnar (river crossing)
Public transport including buses and boats can be used to make the crossing.
Laos to Cambodia border crossings
Travelers arriving in Cambodia from Laos can use one of the following crossings:
- Tropaeng Kreal border post (eVisa accepted)
- Dong Kralo to Veun Khan
Road and river crossings are available, some guesthouses will arrange transport packages.
Cambodia Border Opening Hours
In general, Cambodia border crossings are open from 8 am until 8 pm. At weekends and later in the evening travelers may be required to pay around a dollar as an ‘overtime’ surcharge.
How to Reach Cambodia by Road
Here is how to reach Cambodia from a neighboring country by road:
- Take a taxi, bus, or other vehicle to the border crossing of the neighboring country
- Get out of the vehicle to get an exit stamp at the immigration office
- Cross the border on foot or by bus
- Go to the Cambodia immigration office to present eVisa and receive passport stamp
- Continue journey to Cambodian destination by road
Note that travelers who have not applied for a Cambodia visa in advance will need to wait in line for the visa on arrival.
There are buses and taxis available close to the international land borders.