Cambodia e-Arrival Card – One fast online form, zero long queues — get your entry done before you land!
Your Cambodia e-Arrival Card Cheat Sheet
The Cambodia e-Arrival Card is now mandatory for all air arrivals — and it’s completely free when you use the official portal. Submit your digital forms within 7 days before flying, get your QR code, and skip the paper shuffle at immigration. No more fumbling with customs forms or health declarations while jet-lagged. The Cambodia e-Arrival Card streamlines your entry into one simple online process, giving you more time to focus on those 4:15 AM Angkor Wat sunrise pickups.
Quick takeaway: This digital shift means faster immigration, fewer mistakes, and zero airport paperwork headaches. Complete it 3-5 days before departure for optimal peace of mind.
Cambodia e-Arrival Card: The Game-Changing Digital Revolution You’ve Been Waiting For
Picture this: You’ve just endured a 14-hour flight to Siem Reap, your body clock is completely scrambled, and all you want is to crash at your hotel before tomorrow’s sunrise tour. But first? Three separate paper forms — immigration, health declaration, customs forms — all while standing in a crowded terminal with a pen that barely works.
Not anymore.
Cambodia’s e-Arrival Card system officially replaced that paper nightmare on September 1st, 2024. This isn’t just a minor upgrade — it’s a complete reimagining of how you enter the Kingdom of Wonder. Instead of juggling multiple documents at 2 AM, you handle everything online from your couch, days before departure.
Key Features of Cambodia e-Arrival Card:
- Complete Digital Integration: One online form replaces three separate paper documents (immigration, health, customs)
- Zero Cost: Absolutely free through the official arrival.gov.kh portal — beware of third-party sites charging fees
- Smart Timing Window: Submit within 7 days before arrival (not earlier, not later)
- QR Code Generation: Get your unique code that speeds you through immigration
- Airport Coverage: Mandatory for Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville international airports
- Mobile Friendly: Complete via official app or website
- Edit Function: Make changes before final submission
- Backup Options: Airport kiosks available if you forget (but expect delays)
What Makes This Different?
The old system scattered your entry information across multiple checkpoints. Immigration officers checked one form, health officials another, customs teams a third. Now? Everything feeds into one unified digital system that immigration officers access with your QR code scan.
Real impact: Siem Reap airport processing times dropped from an average of 45 minutes to under 15 minutes for travelers with completed e-Arrival cards during peak season.
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How Cambodia e-Arrival Card Actually Works (Step-by-Step Reality Check)
Let’s cut through the official jargon and talk about what actually happens when you use the Cambodia digital immigration system.
The 7-Day Window: Why It Matters
You can’t submit your e-Arrival submission more than 7 days before arrival. Why? Cambodia’s system generates real-time data feeds to immigration computers, and they don’t want outdated information clogging their servers.
Pro tip: Submit 3-5 days before departure. Too early and you’ll get an error message. Too late and you’re rushing through forms while packing.
Required Information Breakdown:
- Passport Details (obviously)
- Flight Information (arrival date, flight number, departure city)
- Cambodia Address (hotel name works fine)
- Health Declaration (COVID symptoms, recent illness, medications)
- Customs Declaration (items to declare, currency amounts over $10,000)
- Contact Information (email, phone number for follow-up)
The system cross-references this data with airline manifests and visa databases. If something doesn’t match, you’ll face delays at immigration regardless of your QR code.
Mobile App vs Website: What Works Better?
Both the Cambodia e-Arrival app and website function identically, but I’ve noticed the mobile app handles photo uploads more smoothly if you need to add supporting documents. The website, however, works better for families submitting multiple cards simultaneously.
Technical note: The app requires iOS 12+ or Android 8+, so older devices need to use the website.
Cambodia e-Arrival Card Requirements: Who Needs What When
Here’s where it gets specific. The Cambodia e-Arrival portal applies to everyone arriving by air — tourists, business travelers, transit passengers, returning residents. No exceptions.
Coverage Areas:
| Airport | IATA Code | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phnom Penh International | PNH | Mandatory | Busiest international gateway |
| Siem Reap-Angkor International | SAI | Mandatory | Primary Angkor access point |
| Sihanoukville International | KOS | Mandatory | Beach destination hub |
Land and sea arrivals: Currently exempt, but rumors suggest expansion in 2026.
Visa vs e-Arrival Card: Critical Distinction
Your Cambodia electronic arrival form is NOT a visa. You still need:
- e-Visa ($30 tourist, $35 business) OR
- Visa on Arrival (where eligible) OR
- Diplomatic/official visa
The e-Arrival card simply digitizes your entry paperwork. Think of it as your digital customs and immigration forms, not your permission to enter.
Special Situations:
Transit passengers: Required if you’re leaving the international transit area Diplomatic passport holders: Still need to complete e-Arrival card ASEAN nationals: e-Arrival card required despite visa exemptions Children: Need separate submissions (no family group option yet)
Why Your Angkor Adventures Depend on e-Arrival Card Success
Cambodia welcomed over 6.7 million international visitors in 2024, with 1.02 million specifically visiting Angkor Archaeological Park. That’s a lot of people moving through those three airports — and every single one needs their e-Arrival QR code ready.
The Sunrise Tour Reality
Most Angkor visitors book sunrise tours with pickups between 4:15-4:40 AM. Miss your immigration slot due to incomplete paperwork, and you’re looking at:
- Late hotel arrival (potentially after midnight)
- Insufficient sleep before pre-dawn pickup
- Rushed temple preparation
- Potential tour delays affecting other guests
Journey Cambodia’s sunrise tour data shows 98% on-time pickup rates for guests with completed e-Arrival cards versus 87% for those handling paperwork at airports.
Cambodia Travel Entry Form Impact on Popular Tours
| Tour Type | Pickup Time | Immigration Delay Impact | Recommended Submission Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour | 4:15-4:35 AM | High – affects sleep quality | 4-5 days before arrival |
| 2-Day Sunset & Sunrise | Day 2: 4:15-4:35 AM | Medium – one buffer day | 3-4 days before arrival |
| 2-Day Exclusive Highlights | Day 2: 4:40 AM | Medium – private tour flexibility | 3-4 days before arrival |
–
Real Numbers from Siem Reap
Angkor visitor statistics 2024:
- International visitors: 1.02 million (+28% from 2023)
- Revenue generated: $47.8 million (+28.5% from 2023)
- Average stay in Siem Reap: 2.3 days
- Percentage booking sunrise tours: 73%
When 740,000+ visitors per year need to catch 4 AM buses, immigration efficiency becomes critical infrastructure.
Cambodia e-Arrival Card Costs
Let me be completely clear about this: the official Cambodia e-Arrival Card costs absolutely nothing. Zero. Zilch. Free.
Official Channels Only:
Website: arrival.gov.kh
Mobile app: “Cambodia e-Arrival” (official government developer)
Cost: $0.00
Processing time: Instant QR code generation
Red flag indicators:
- Any site asking for payment
- URLs not ending in .gov.kh
- “Express processing” offers
- Third-party customer service numbers
Submit Cambodia Arrival Card: Your Detailed Action Plan
Time for the practical stuff. Here’s exactly how to complete your Cambodia customs health declaration through the e-Arrival system.
Pre-Submission Checklist:
✓ Passport (valid for 6+ months)
✓ Flight details (booking confirmation)
✓ Cambodia accommodation address
✓ Return/onward flight information
✓ Email address (for QR code delivery)
✓ Smartphone/computer with reliable internet
Step-by-Step Process:
1. Access the Official Portal Navigate to arrival.gov.kh or download the official app. Ignore any pop-up ads or “faster service” offers.
2. Create Your Account Enter email and create password. You’ll receive a verification email — check spam folders if needed.
3. Personal Information Section
- Full name (exactly as on passport)
- Passport number and expiration date
- Date of birth
- Nationality and gender
- Occupation
4. Travel Details
- Arrival date and time
- Flight number
- Departure airport/city
- Purpose of visit (tourism, business, transit)
- Intended length of stay
5. Address in Cambodia Hotel name and address work fine. If staying multiple places, use your first night’s accommodation.
6. Health Declaration Current COVID questions include:
- Recent symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty breathing)
- Close contact with confirmed cases
- Recent travel to high-risk areas
- Current medications
- Vaccination status (recommended, not mandatory)
7. Customs Declaration
- Currency over $10,000 USD equivalent
- Restricted items (firearms, drugs, certain foods)
- Commercial goods or samples
- Cultural artifacts or antiques
8. Review and Submit Double-check all information. The system allows edits before final submission but not after QR code generation.
9. Download QR Code Save to phone photos AND email yourself a copy. Print a backup if you’re paranoid about battery death.
Key tip: Complete one person at a time. The system doesn’t handle family group submissions well, and you’ll avoid data mixing errors.
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Cambodia Immigration Online: What Happens at the Airport
Your e-Arrival QR code transforms the airport experience, but let’s talk about what actually happens when you land.
New Arrival Process:
Traditional Route (paper forms): Immigration officer → Health checkpoint → Customs declaration → Final exit
Average time: 35-45 minutes
e-Arrival Route: QR code scan → Verification check → Exit
Average time: 10-15 minutes
QR Code Scanning Reality:
Immigration officers scan your code and instantly see:
- Your passport details
- Visa status verification
- Health declaration responses
- Customs declaration information
- Any security flags or notes
What they’re checking: The system cross-references your QR data with airline passenger manifests. Discrepancies trigger manual review.
Backup Plan: Airport Kiosks
Forgot to complete your e-Arrival card? Don’t panic. All three airports have tablet stations where you can submit on-site. But expect:
- 20-30 minute queue during peak hours
- Slower data entry on airport WiFi
- Potential boarding pass or passport verification delays
- Immigration officers who’d rather you’d done this beforehand
Peak arrival times to avoid:
- 11 PM – 2 AM (long-haul Asian flights)
- 6 AM – 9 AM (regional morning departures)
- 3 PM – 6 PM (afternoon regional traffic)
Quick Reference: Your Cambodia e-Arrival Card Essentials
For busy travelers: The Cambodia e-Arrival Card replaces all airport paperwork with one online form. Free, mandatory, takes 10 minutes, saves 30+ minutes at immigration.
Submission Window:
Within 7 days before arrival (not earlier!)
Official Channels:
- Website: arrival.gov.kh
- App: “Cambodia e-Arrival” (iOS/Android)
Required For:
All air arrivals at Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville airports
Not Required For:
Land border crossings, sea arrivals
Cost:
Absolutely free (ignore fee-charging third-party sites)
What You Need:
Passport, flight details, Cambodia address, health info, customs declarations
Processing Time:
Instant QR code generation
Backup Plan:
Airport kiosks available (expect delays)
Your Next Steps: From e-Arrival Card to Angkor Adventures
Completing your Cambodia e-Arrival Card is just the beginning of your temple adventures. With immigration streamlined, you can focus on the real reason you’re coming — those incredible sunrise moments over Angkor Wat, the intricate carvings at Bayon, the jungle-wrapped ruins at Ta Prohm.
Action steps for your Cambodia trip:
- Submit e-Arrival card 3-5 days before departure using arrival.gov.kh
- Save QR code to phone AND email yourself a backup copy
- Book your temple tours early — sunrise spots fill up fast during peak season
- Consider multi-day packages like the 2-day sunset and sunrise tour for deeper temple exploration
- Plan arrival buffer time if booking next-day sunrise tours
The digital transformation of Cambodia’s entry process reflects the country’s growing sophistication as a tourism destination. What started as a necessity during post-pandemic recovery has evolved into a genuine improvement for every visitor.
And honestly? When you’re standing in front of Angkor Wat at dawn, watching the sun illuminate those ancient towers, you’ll be grateful for every minute this system saved you at the airport.
Ready to plan your Cambodia adventure? Contact our local experts who can help coordinate your temple tours, transportation, and timing to make the most of your streamlined arrival experience.
Helpful Resources:
- Official Cambodia e-Arrival Portal: arrival.gov.kh
- Cambodia Tourism Official Information: tourismcambodia.com
- Journey Cambodia Tour Planning: journeycambodia.com
