Cambodia e-Arrival Card – Complete Guide for Travelers

The Cambodia e-Arrival Card is a digital entry system designed to simplify the immigration process for travelers arriving in Cambodia.

Instead of filling out paper immigration and health declaration forms at the airport, visitors can now complete the process online before departure.

This digital solution helps reduce waiting times, improves border management, and makes the arrival experience more convenient.

Many countries are adopting similar systems because they increase efficiency and allow immigration authorities to process traveler information more accurately.

What Is the Cambodia e-Arrival Card?

The Cambodia e-Arrival Card is an electronic document that collects information before arrival in Cambodia.

It replaces traditional paper-based immigration forms and combines several entry procedures into one convenient online application.

Travelers are required to provide personal details, passport information, travel plans, accommodation details, and health-related declarations through the digital platform.

The system was introduced to modernize border procedures and improve the overall experience for international visitors entering the country.

Why Cambodia Introduced the e-Arrival Card

The Cambodian government introduced the e-Arrival Card to improve efficiency at airports and reduce paperwork for travelers.

Traditional paper forms often caused long queues, delays, and errors because applicants completed them manually during flights or after landing.

By moving the process online, immigration authorities can review information before arrival and process entries more quickly.

The digital system also helps improve security because authorities can better manage traveler records and monitor incoming visitors.

In addition, the e-Arrival Card supports Cambodia’s efforts to modernize tourism infrastructure and provide a smoother travel experience for international guests.

Who Needs to Submit the Cambodia e-Arrival Card?

All air passengers entering Cambodia must submit the e-Arrival Card — regardless of nationality, visa type, or length of stay.

This includes tourists, business travelers, expats, returning Cambodian citizens, and airline crew.

Visitor Type e-Arrival Card Required?
Tourist (air) ✅ Yes — mandatory
Business traveler (air) ✅ Yes — mandatory
Expat / resident (air) ✅ Yes — mandatory
Cambodian citizen (air) ✅ Yes — mandatory
Diplomat (air) ✅ Yes — mandatory
Airline crew ✅ Yes — mandatory
Transit passenger (air) ✅ Yes — check with airline
Land border traveler ❌ No — paper form used
Seaport / cruise ❌ No — paper form used

Air Passengers (Mandatory)

Most people arriving at a Cambodian airport must submit the e-Arrival Card before boarding their flight. Airlines, including AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Vietnam Airlines, and Singapore Airlines, verify submission at check-in. Failure to submit may result in boarding denial.

The three international airports requiring the e-Arrival Card:

  • Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH)
  • Siem Reap International Airport (REP) / Angkor International Airport
  • Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS)

Land Border Visitors (NOT Required)

Land border travelers do NOT need the Cambodia e-Arrival Card.

All land border crossings — including Poipet (Thailand), Bavet (Vietnam), and Koh Kong (Thailand) — still use paper arrival/departure forms as of 2025.

The General Department of Immigration has not announced a timeline for extending the digital system to land borders.

Transit Passengers

Transit passengers connecting through Cambodian airports should submit the e-Arrival Card.

Confirm requirements with your airline before travel, as rules may vary by transit duration and whether you clear immigration.

Children and Families

Each traveler — including children and infants — requires their own e-Arrival Card.

There is no family submission option. Parents or guardians complete the form on behalf of minors. Infants under 2 years old still require a separate submission.

Is the Cambodia e-Arrival Card Free?

The Cambodia e-Arrival Card is completely free when submitted through the official website arrival.gov.kh or the official mobile app.

The only legitimate costs associated with entering Cambodia by air are:

  • e-Arrival Card: $0 (free)
  • eVisa (if required): $30 + $7 processing fee
  • Visa on arrival (if applicable): $30

Always verify you are on arrival.gov.kh before entering any personal information.

Main Benefits of the Cambodia e-Arrival Card

One of the biggest advantages of the Cambodia e-Arrival Card is convenience.

Visitors can complete the application online from home instead of filling out multiple forms after a long flight.

The digital process also reduces waiting times at immigration checkpoints because officers already have access to submitted information before arrival.

Another important benefit is improved accuracy, as travelers can carefully review their information online before submission.

Some of the key benefits include:

  • Faster airport immigration procedures
  • Reduced paperwork during travel
  • Easier submission of traveler information
  • Improved accuracy of personal details
  • Better organization of travel records
  • Enhanced border security measures

These advantages make the e-Arrival Card a valuable tool for both travelers and Cambodian immigration authorities.

Information Required for Cambodia e-Arrival Card

When applying for a Cambodia e-Arrival Card, travelers must provide accurate and complete information.

The online form generally asks for personal details such as full name, nationality, date of birth, and passport number.

Applicants are also required to provide travel-related details, including flight information, accommodation address, and expected arrival date.

In some cases, health declarations or customs-related information may also be requested.

Providing incorrect or incomplete details could delay the immigration process or create problems during entry.

Required Information Description
Personal Details Full name, nationality, date of birth
Passport Information Passport number and expiration date
Travel Details Flight number and arrival date
Accommodation Hotel or residence address in Cambodia
Health Declaration Basic health or travel-related information

Travelers should double-check all submitted information before finalizing the application.

How the Cambodia e-Arrival Card Works

The Cambodia e-Arrival Card system is designed to be simple and user-friendly.

Visitors complete the application online before departure and receive confirmation electronically after submission.

Upon arrival in Cambodia, immigration officers can access the submitted information digitally, which reduces the need for paper forms and manual processing.

In many cases, travelers only need to present their passport and confirmation details during immigration checks. The entire system is intended to speed up the arrival process while maintaining proper security controls.

How to Get a Cambodia e-Arrival Card

Obtaining a Cambodia e-Arrival Card is a straightforward process that can usually be completed within a short amount of time.

Travelers should carefully follow each step of the application process to avoid delays or mistakes before departure.

  1. Visit the official Cambodia e-Arrival Card website or mobile application.
  2. Create an account or start a new application.
  3. Enter your personal information and passport details.
  4. Provide travel data, including flight and accommodation details.
  5. Complete any required health or customs declarations.
  6. Review all entered information carefully before submission.
  7. Submit the form and wait for confirmation.
  8. Save or print the card to present upon arrival if necessary.

In conclusion, completing the Cambodia e-Arrival Card application in advance can help travelers enjoy a smoother and more organized arrival experience at Cambodian airports.

Processing Time and Submission Recommendations

The Cambodia e-Arrival Card is generally processed quickly because it is a digital system.

Many travelers receive confirmation shortly after submitting the application, although processing times may vary depending on technical issues or travel periods with high demand.

To avoid stress before departure, it is recommended to complete the application several days before the trip to Cambodia.

Early submission also gives enough time to correct mistakes if additional information is requested.

Waiting until the last minute could create unnecessary complications, especially if internet access or technical support is limited.

What Happens at the Airport?

Present your QR code to the immigration officer upon arrival at the airport. The officer scans the code and processes your entry in seconds.

Airport arrival process:

  1. Collect your baggage.
  2. Proceed to immigration.
  3. Present your passport + QR code (phone screen or printed).
  4. Immigration officer scans QR code.
  5. Passport stamped — entry complete.

If you don’t have your QR code:

  • Airport kiosks are available at Phnom Penh (PNH), Siem Reap (REP), and Sihanoukville (KOS) airports.
  • Kiosk submission causes delays — allow extra time.
  • Bring your passport and travel details to complete the form at the kiosk.

TIP: Screenshot your QR code before landing — airport Wi-Fi can be unreliable.

Cambodia e-Arrival Card and Visa Requirements

It is important to understand that the Cambodia e-Arrival Card does not replace a visa requirement for travelers who need one.

Depending on nationality, visitors may still need to apply for a tourist visa, business visa, or eVisa before entering Cambodia.

The e-Arrival Card only serves as a digital arrival and declaration system used during immigration procedures.

People should carefully verify whether their nationality qualifies for visa exemption or if a visa application is required in addition to the e-Arrival Card.

Having all the required documents prepared before departure can prevent entry problems at the airport.

Airports Supporting the e-Arrival Card

The Cambodia e-Arrival Card system is primarily used at major international airports in the country.

Foreigners arriving through Phnom Penh International Airport or Siem Reap International Airport are among the main users of the system.

As Cambodia continues to modernize its immigration infrastructure, additional entry points may also support the digital arrival card in the future.

NOTE: Before traveling, passengers should confirm whether their specific arrival location participates in the e-Arrival system.

Common Mistakes Travelers Should Avoid

Many travelers experience delays because of simple errors made during the application process.

Incorrect passport numbers, spelling mistakes, and travel dates are among the most common issues.

Some people also forget to review their information carefully before submitting the form online.

Another common mistake is waiting too long to complete the application, which can create unnecessary stress close to departure time.

Paying attention to details and preparing documents in advance can help travelers avoid most problems.

Here are some mistakes that should be avoided:

  • Entering incorrect passport information
  • Using an expired passport
  • Providing inaccurate flight details
  • Forgetting to save the confirmation document
  • Waiting until the last moment to apply
  • Ignoring official travel updates

Avoiding these issues can make the arrival process faster and more efficient.

How to Correct Errors

Submitted the form with incorrect information (wrong flight number, misspelled name, etc.).

What you can do:

  • Minor errors (accommodation address, purpose of visit): May be corrected at the immigration counter upon arrival.
  • Critical errors (passport number, name, nationality): Create a new submission with correct information — the system allows multiple submissions; immigration officers use the most recent valid one.
  • Do not try to edit a submitted form — create a new one instead.

How to Retrieve Lost QR Code

Lost or deleted the QR code email. Steps to retrieve:

  1. Go to arrival.gov.kh.
  2. Sign in to your account.
  3. Click “My Submissions”.
  4. Find your submission by date/flight.
  5. Click “Download QR Code” or “Resend Email”.

The QR code remains valid until your arrival date. You can retrieve it at any time before your flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Cambodia e-Arrival Card mandatory?

The Cambodia e-Arrival Card is mandatory for all air passengers entering Cambodia since September 2024. NOT required for land border crossings, which still use paper forms.

What is the official website for the Cambodia e-Arrival Card?

arrival.gov.kh — the only official portal operated by Cambodia’s General Department of Immigration.

How far in advance should I submit the Cambodia e-Arrival Card?

You should submit your Cambodian card within 7 days before arrival. Minimum: 24 hours before your flight. Recommended: 48–72 hours before departure.

Do I need the e-Arrival Card if I’m entering Cambodia by land?

Land border crossings (Poipet, Bavet, Koh Kong, and others) still use paper arrival/departure forms. The e-Arrival Card is only for air passengers.

Is the Cambodia e-Arrival Card the same as the eVisa?

No — they are completely separate. The e-Arrival Card is a free arrival registration for all air passengers. The eVisa is an entry permit for nationalities that require a visa. If you need a visa and are flying, you need both.

Can I submit the e-Arrival Card for my whole family?

Each traveler, including children and infants, must have their own e-Arrival Card. Parents complete the form on behalf of minors.

What if I didn’t submit the e-Arrival Card before my flight?

Airport kiosks are available at Phnom Penh (PNH), Siem Reap (REP), and Sihanoukville (KOS) airports. Kiosk submission causes delays — submit in advance whenever possible.

How long does it take to receive the QR code?

Usually, it takes from instant to a few hours after submission of the Cambodia e-Arrival Card. If not received within 24 hours, check your spam folder or log in to arrival.gov.kh to retrieve it directly.