Cambodia eVisa for UK citizens

Passport

British travellers visiting Cambodia must carry a valid UK passport with at least 6 months of validity from their date of entry, and a minimum of one blank page for entry stamps. Check your passport well before booking: UK passport renewal can take several weeks.

Visa and eVisa for British citizens

UK citizens are not visa-exempt for Cambodia and must obtain one before or upon arrival. The most convenient option is the Cambodia eVisa, which British passport holders can apply for fully online before travelling. It allows a single entry and a stay of up to 30 days, and is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. A return or onward flight ticket is required as part of the application.

Alternatively, British citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at eligible Cambodian airports and border crossings, though applying for the eVisa in advance is recommended to avoid queues. The stay can be extended once for an additional 30 days at the Cambodia Immigration Office. If you plan to work, study, or stay longer, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa through the Royal Embassy of Cambodia.

Travel insurance is not mandatory for Cambodia, but it’s strongly recommended. High-quality care for serious issues often requires medical evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore, something standard health plans rarely cover and which can be very expensive.

Common risks include dengue and other mosquito-borne illness, road accidents (traffic and driving standards vary), and water/temple-area injuries. A policy with robust emergency medical and medical evacuation limits plus 24/7 assistance is prudent. Read exclusions carefully (pre-existing conditions, motorcycle use without proper license/helmet, adventure sports).

Cambodia uses the riel (KHR), but the economy is heavily dollarized, USD is widely accepted, and many prices in tourist areas are quoted in dollars, small change may be given in riel. ATMs are common in cities and tourist hubs and often dispense USD, many machines charge a per-withdrawal fee. Card acceptance (Visa/Mastercard) is growing in urban retailers and supermarkets, but cash remains essential for markets, tuk-tuks, and rural areas. Prefer withdrawals/exchanges via reputable banks.

Customs & currency rules: you may bring in any amount of foreign currency, but declare amounts over USD 10 000 (or equivalent) on arrival, exporting over USD 10 000 without having declared it on entry requires approval from the National Bank of Cambodia and Customs. The e-Arrival system includes the customs declaration. Keep official receipts if exchanging money.

Cambodian culture is gracious and tradition-minded, with daily life shaped by Theravada Buddhism and strong community values. A little Khmer courtesy unlocks a lot of warmth.