One of the most common questions asked by people who book an entertainer yacht is, “Do I need a visa for Cambodia from a cruise ship?” To answer this question, let’s first clarify the difference between vacationers and those seeking an employment opportunity. If you are looking to vacation in Cambodia or its neighboring countries, then you do not need a working visa upon arrival. This means that you will not have to worry about acquiring this visa prior to your arrival.[..]  It is also best if you get your employer to send it via courier to avoid time delays.

Visitors to Cambodia require a Cambodian visa, obtained in advance through an authorized agent. The only exception is for cruise ship passengers in transit with a minimum 72-hour visa-free stay. Different entry routes require different types of visas, which are obtained before travel. Cruise ship passengers and seaplane passengers should check their itinerary before booking travel, as airports may impose limits on the transit time allowed for each flight. All visitors should check their visa requirements with their local consulate, which may change their requirements without notice.

Do I Need A Visa For Cambodia From A Cruise Ship

Cambodia Visa Information for Travelers Arriving by Boat and Cruise Ship

Foreign nationals who wish to enter Cambodia via cruise ship or boat need a valid Cambodian visa to enter the country, unless they are from a visa exempt country.

Cambodia is a well-known terminal for cruise ships, and tours often stop in the country. Furthermore, many travelers choose to explore the region by boat through Mekong River.

In this article you will find information about entering Cambodia as a cruise ship passenger or via boat and the visa requirements you should meet if you require one.

DO I NEED A VISA TO ENTER CAMBODIA IF I ARRIVE VIA BOAT OR CRUISE SHIP?

Yes. You do need a visa to enter Cambodia, even if you arrive via cruise ship or boat.

Most foreign travelers must have an electronic visa or consular visa to visit Cambodia.

Visitors with a passport from Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Seychelles, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam are exempt from applying for a short-term visitor visa.

Apply Now for a Cambodia e-Visa

Additionally, Cambodia does not allow day trips. Arriving and departing on the same day is only permitted when entering and leaving through Phnom Penh International Airport.

AM I ELIGIBLE FOR THE CAMBODIA EVISA WHEN ENTERING THROUGH SEA OR RIVER PORTS?

Nationals of any country, except for Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Syria are eligible to get the Cambodia eVisa through an online application.

However, the electronic visa for Cambodia is only valid to enter the country through these entry ports:

• Phnom Penh International Airport
• Siem Reap International Airport
• Sihanoukville International Airport
• Cham Yeam (Koh Kong Province) (from Thailand)
• Poipet (Banteay Meanchey Province) (from Thailand)
• Bavet (Svay Rieng Province) (from Vietnam)
• Trapeang Kriel (Stung Treng Province) (from Laos)

Unfortunately, the eVisa cannot be used to enter the Southeast Asian nation by river or sea.

CAN I GET A VISA ON ARRIVAL IN CAMBODIA FROM A CRUISE SHIP?

Cambodia offers foreign nationals the opportunity to apply for a visa on arrival as they reach an eligible port of entry. Unfortunately, visas on arrival are not an option for cruise holidaymakers.

That is because it is only possible to obtain a visa on arrival at the below entry points:

• Siem Reap International Airport
• Phnom Penh International Airport
• Land border crossing with Thailand
• Land border crossing with Laos
• Land border crossing with Vietnam

HOW TO GET A VISA FOR CAMBODIA FOR BOAT PASSENGERS

If you are planning to arrive in Cambodia by boat, there are several ways to obtain the right Cambodian visa.

• Most cruise companies offer their clients to take care of their visa as part of the holiday package. The passenger will need to provide the cruise operator with the relevant documents and the service is often more expensive than applying for a visa oneself.
• Visitors who book their trip with a travel agency are in a similar position as these businesses often include visa handling as one of their services.
• Passengers can always decide to apply at their nearest Cambodian visa or consulate in person following the standard procedure.

What documents do cruise passengers need for Cambodia?

Most foreign travelers must meet the visa requirements as well as the specific conditions of the cruise operator of their choice to board the ship.

Usually, the necessary documents for a cruise tour to Cambodia include:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months.
• A valid Cambodian visa (if applicable).
• The cruise ticket. The name of the guest on the ticket must match exactly the one on the passport and visa.
• Vaccinations for Cambodia are not required by the government. However, cruise companies may have their own policies in place to ensure their clients’ safety.
• A credit card is asked by many providers to make sure that passengers can cover their on-board expenses.

Guests should read the guidelines of their cruise provider in advance in order to have all the necessary documents before leaving.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO ENTER CAMBODIA VIA MEKONG RIVER?

Yes, it is possible to enter Cambodia via Mekong River. It’s becoming a popular way to explore Cambodia this way.

The Mekong River crosses over Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. It’s one of Asia’s longest rivers.

It’s a safe and convenient way to travel through Southeast Asia. Most cruises offer daily excursions which vary from temple and monastery visits to workshops to village walks.

As we have explained, if you are entering Cambodia via Mekong River, you will need a valid visa.

Check with the cruise ship operator or your nearest Cambodia consular office to find the easiest way to get the visa for your trip.

Water transport options when navigating the Mekong River

To explore the Mekong River, there are some transportation options available which include:

Navigating Mekong River by boat

Many travelers choose to navigate through the Mekong River by slow boat.

There are several tour operators that offer slow boat trips connecting different parts of Cambodia. These tours tend to have stops giving visitors the opportunity to visit villages, temples, and more.

Slow boats are very long, and narrow boats that float right on the surface of the water. The engine is at the back, and the driver sits upfront.

There are public and private slow boats, with public boats becoming more crowded during high season.

Mekong River by cruise ship

River cruise ships are larger than slow and speedboats. They tend to be more luxurious and comfortable, too.

A number of cruises depart from Siem Reap Port or Phnom Penh and head toward Laos and Vietnam.

You’ll find a wide range of cruise ships options to navigate the Mekong River this way.

Navigating Mekong River by speedboat

Speedboats are much faster than slow boats and cruise ships. They’re also a lot smaller.

If you’re hoping to get to one point to the next rather quickly, navigating the Mekong River by speedboat is probably the best option.

RECOMMENDATIONS WHEN ENTERING CAMBODIA BY BOAT

When arriving in Cambodia by boat, be sure to have all your documents on hand.

Furthermore, we also recommend:

• Complete the entry and exit card before approaching the counter
• Make sure your passport does not expire for at least another 6 months
• Check that your passport has at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps
• Have both, a debit or credit card, and some cash