ACMECS Single Visa for Cambodia: Application & Requirements

Travelers planning to visit multiple countries in Southeast Asia may be able to apply for the ACMECS Single Visa.

Citizens of 35 countries are eligible for the ACMECS Single Visa. By completing just one application, tourists can get a single entry visa for both Cambodia and Thailand. Find more information about the ACMECS visa to travel to Cambodia, and who can apply, below.

What Is the ACMECS Visa?

The ACMECS Single Visa makes traveling to Cambodia and Thailand on the same trip easier. Instead of submitting separate visa applications for each country, just one form is required.

ACMECS stands for Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy. It is a coalition made up of 5 neighboring countries in Southeast Asia:

The ACMECS visa is only valid for Cambodia and Thailand. You need to apply for separate visas if they plan to visit Laos, Myanmar, or Vietnam.

With the ACMECS Single Visa, you can enter Cambodia and Thailand once. It is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, allowing up to 60 days in Thailand and up to 30 days in Cambodia.

Countries Eligible for the ACMECS Single Visa

The ACMECS visa is not available to everyone. Citizens of the 35 countries listed below can apply for the ACMECS Single Visa for Cambodia and Thailand:

ACMECS Visa Application Requirements

Tourists need to complete just one application to get a visa for Cambodia and a visa for Thailand using the ACMECS system. The drawback is that the visa is not available online.

You have to apply for an ACMECS Single Visa at a Thai or Cambodian embassy or consulate. Pre-clearance is required from both sides.

Tourists need the following documents to apply for the ACMECS visa:

Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and additional documents could be requested.

You need to pay the ACMECS visa fee at the point of application. You then pay the visa fee for the other country at the international border checkpoint.

How long does it take to process an ACMECS visa application?

ACMECS visa applications are generally processed in 7 to 10 working days.

However, passport holders from countries in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa should apply more in advance as they could be required to attend an interview.

Alternatives to the ACMECS Single Visa for Cambodia

There are several other visas to travel to Cambodia. Citizens of most countries can apply for a Cambodia eVisa. This is a more convenient option than the ACMECS visa for many travelers, as the application process is 100% online.

It takes just a few minutes to fill out the form and, on approval, the visa is delivered by email. Like the ACMECS visa, the Cambodia eVisa is a single-entry permit valid for stays of up to 30 days.

The electronic visa for Cambodia can be used to enter the country through international airports and land border checkpoints.

Thailand also has an electronic visa application system for tourists.

Visa on arrival in Cambodia and Thailand

Most travelers can get a visa on arrival in Cambodia and Thailand. Cambodian visas are issued at Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville International Airports.

Visas can also be obtained at certain Cambodian land borders with Thailand.

Visitors are, however, advised to apply online in advance to avoid waiting in line at the airport.

Travelers are reminded that the ACMECS Single Visa is only valid to enter Cambodia and Thailand. You should check the visa requirements for any other Southeast Asian nation you wish to visit.

Visa applications must be made through the embassy to stay in Cambodia for longer than 30 days or for non-tourism purposes.