Before boarding your flight to Cambodia, it is important to check your passport, visa requirements, Cambodia e-Arrival requirements, accommodation details, airport information, transportation, money, and other essential travel documents.
Here is our practical guide to help you prepare for a smooth arrival in the Kingdom of Cambodia.
1. Check Your Passport Before Traveling
Your passport is the most important document for entering Cambodia.
Before departure, check that:
Your passport has sufficient validity for Cambodia’s entry requirements.
Your passport is in good condition.
Your personal information matches your airline ticket and visa information.
You have enough blank passport pages if required.
You keep a digital or printed copy of your passport separately from the original.
Entry requirements can change, so travelers should always verify the latest passport requirements with the relevant Cambodian authorities, their airline, or the Cambodian embassy or consulate responsible for their country before departure.
2. Check Whether You Need a Cambodia Visa
Visa requirements depend on your nationality, passport type, purpose of travel, and length of stay.
Many international visitors can apply for a Cambodia e-Visa before traveling, while eligible travelers may also have other visa options depending on current Cambodian immigration regulations.
Applying in advance can make your arrival more convenient because you will already have your visa documentation prepared before boarding your flight.
Before applying, always use the official Cambodian government visa service and check whether your intended airport or border entry point accepts your visa type.
Important: Avoid unofficial websites that may charge additional service fees or provide misleading visa information.
3. Complete the Cambodia e-Arrival Requirements
International travelers should also check the latest Cambodia e-Arrival requirements before traveling.
Cambodia has introduced a digital arrival system that can combine arrival-related information that travelers previously completed using paper forms.
Before departure, prepare information such as:
Passport details
Flight information
Arrival date
Accommodation or hotel details in Cambodia
Contact information
Travel information requested by the system
We recommend completing any required arrival information before your journey rather than waiting until you reach the airport.
Because procedures may be updated, check the official Cambodia e-Arrival information before departure.
4. Know Which Airport You Are Flying Into
Always check the airport name and airport code shown on your flight confirmation.
Two important international gateways for visitors are:
Siem Reap Angkor International Airport
Travelers visiting Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, and the Angkor Archaeological Park commonly arrive through Siem Reap Angkor International Airport.
The airport is outside central Siem Reap, so arranging your airport transfer before arrival can save time and make your first day more comfortable.
Techo International Airport
Travelers beginning their Cambodia journey in Phnom Penh should carefully check their flight confirmation for their arrival airport and make transportation arrangements accordingly.
If your hotel or tour operator is arranging your transfer, send them your correct:
Airline name
Flight number
Arrival date
Scheduled arrival time
Passenger or booking name
This allows the local team to monitor your arrival and arrange the correct airport pick-up.
5. Keep Your Hotel Information Ready
Immigration or arrival procedures may require information about where you will stay in Cambodia.
Keep your first hotel's information easily accessible, including:
Hotel name
Hotel address
Telephone number
Booking confirmation
Do not rely only on internet access to retrieve this information after landing. Saving a screenshot or PDF of your hotel confirmation on your phone can be helpful.
6. Prepare Your Flight and Airport Transfer Information
If you have booked a private airport transfer, provide your tour operator with your flight information before departure.
For example:
Arrival Airport: Siem Reap Angkor International Airport
Airline: [Airline Name]
Flight Number: [Flight Number]
Arrival Date: [Date]
Arrival Time: [Time]
Hotel: [Hotel Name]
Lead Traveler: [Full Name]
After collecting your luggage and completing the required arrival procedures, proceed to the designated meeting area and look for your driver or representative holding a sign with your name.
7. Prepare Some Cash for Your Arrival
The official currency of Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel (KHR). The US dollar is also commonly encountered in Cambodia, particularly in tourism-related transactions, although payment practices can vary.
It is useful to have access to money for expenses such as:
Airport transportation
Food and drinks
Small purchases
Local markets
Tips
Personal expenses
ATMs are widely available in major tourist destinations, but travelers should check their bank's international withdrawal and transaction fees.
When carrying foreign currency, keep banknotes in good condition, as damaged or heavily marked notes may be difficult to use or exchange.
8. Internet, SIM Cards and eSIMs
Staying connected makes traveling in Cambodia much easier.
Mobile internet is useful for:
Maps and navigation
Messaging your hotel or tour operator
Translation
Ride-hailing services
Checking reservations
Sharing travel photos
Emergency communication
Depending on your phone, you can purchase a local SIM card or arrange an eSIM before your trip.
Check whether your phone is unlocked and compatible before purchasing a local SIM or eSIM service.
9. What to Expect After Landing
Although procedures can vary depending on the airport and your circumstances, international arrival normally involves several stages.
You may need to:
Follow signs toward immigration.
Complete any necessary visa or entry procedures.
Present your passport and required travel documentation.
Proceed through immigration.
Collect your checked baggage.
Complete customs requirements.
Enter the arrivals area.
Meet your driver, hotel representative, or tour guide.
Keep your passport and important documents easily accessible until you have completed all arrival formalities.
10. Cambodia Customs: Know Before You Pack
Before packing, check Cambodia's latest customs regulations, especially if you are carrying:
Large amounts of cash
Medication
Commercial goods
Restricted food or agricultural products
Alcohol or tobacco above permitted allowances
Professional equipment
Drones or specialized electronic equipment
Never carry luggage or packages for another person unless you know exactly what they contain.
Travelers taking prescription medication should keep it in appropriate packaging and consider carrying supporting medical documentation where necessary.
11. What Should You Wear When You Arrive?
Cambodia has a tropical climate, so lightweight and breathable clothing is usually comfortable.
However, if you plan to visit Angkor Wat, Buddhist pagodas, the Royal Palace, or other religious and cultural sites, bring appropriate clothing that respects local customs.
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a hat, and a reusable water bottle can also be valuable during your Cambodia journey.
12. Be Careful With Unofficial Services
As with many international destinations, travelers should be cautious when dealing with unknown individuals offering transportation, visa assistance, currency exchange, or other services.
For a smoother arrival:
Use official immigration and visa channels.
Arrange transportation through your hotel or a reputable local tour operator.
Confirm prices before accepting a service.
Keep your passport and valuables secure.
Do not hand your passport to an unauthorized person.
Use official government websites when completing immigration or visa applications.
13. Consider Booking an Airport Transfer in Advance
After a long international flight, having transportation waiting for you can make your arrival much easier.
A pre-arranged private transfer means you do not need to search for transportation immediately after leaving the terminal.
With About Cambodia Travel & Tours, travelers can arrange private airport transfers as part of their Cambodia holiday. Please provide your correct flight information in advance so our team can coordinate your arrival.
14. Cambodia Pre-Arrival Checklist
Before leaving home, make sure you have checked:
✓ Passport validity
✓ Cambodia visa requirements
✓ Cambodia e-Arrival requirements
✓ Flight ticket and airport code
✓ Hotel reservation
✓ Airport transfer confirmation
✓ Travel insurance
✓ Cash and international payment cards
✓ SIM card, roaming plan, or eSIM
✓ Copies of important travel documents
✓ Emergency contact details
✓ Medication and necessary documentation
✓ Appropriate clothing for temples and religious sites
Welcome to Cambodia – The Kingdom of Wonder
Preparing a few important things before departure can make your arrival in Cambodia much smoother.
From the moment you land to your first visit to Angkor Wat, Cambodia offers an extraordinary combination of ancient history, Khmer culture, beautiful landscapes, delicious food, and warm local hospitality.
At About Cambodia Travel & Tours, we specialize in creating private and personalized journeys throughout Cambodia, including airport transfers, Angkor temple tours, cultural experiences, countryside excursions, multi-day Cambodia tours, and tailor-made itineraries.
Whether Cambodia is your first destination in Southeast Asia or part of a longer regional journey, our local team is ready to help you plan your trip from arrival to departure.
Plan your Cambodia journey with About Cambodia Travel & Tours.
Website: www.aboutcambodiatravels.com