From the sun rising over the ancient temples of Angkor Wat to the gentle flow of the Mekong River in Phnom Penh and the idyllic beaches of Koh Rong, Cambodia is a destination that captures the hearts of all who visit. For French citizens, the long-standing cultural ties and incredible sights make it an especially compelling trip.
But before you can start planning your temple-hopping itinerary, you'll need to sort out your entry requirements. The good news is that Cambodia's modern eVisa system makes this process easier than ever.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the Cambodia e-Visa application for French passport holders. We'll cover the exact documents you need, the different visa types, processing times, and crucial travel tips to ensure your journey is smooth, simple, and stress-free.
Do French Citizens Need a Visa for Cambodia?
Yes, this is the first and most important point. French passport holders are required to obtain a visa to enter the Kingdom of Cambodia for tourism or business.
Fortunately, you have three convenient options to get one:
The Cambodia e-Visa (Recommended): Apply online in advance, skip the queues, and have your visa ready before you even leave France.
Visa on Arrival (VoA): Get your visa upon landing at the major airports. This is a popular option but can involve queues and requires you to have specific documents and US dollars in cash.
Embassy Application: The traditional method of applying at a Cambodian embassy (like the one in Paris) in advance. This is generally unnecessary for short-term tourism.
For the vast majority of travelers, the e-Visa is the preferred method for its convenience and peace of mind.
Cambodia e-Visa vs. Visa on Arrival?
This is the main decision French travelers have to make. Both are valid, but they suit different travel styles.
The e-Visa (Apply in Advance):
Pros: This is the "peace of mind" option. You complete the entire process from home, pay online in advance, and receive your visa approval via email. Upon arrival, you can skip the long "Visa on Arrival" queue and head straight to the dedicated eVisa immigration line.
Cons: It costs slightly more than the VoA (a $6 processing fee) and requires you to apply at least a few days before you fly.
The Visa on Arrival (Get it at the Airport):
Pros: It requires no pre-planning. You just show up, fill out a form, and get your visa.
Cons: You must have a passport photo with you (if not, they will charge you to scan your passport photo). You must pay the $30 USD fee in cash (they do not reliably accept other currencies or credit cards). And, you will have to wait in line, which can be long after a big flight.
Recommendation: The e-Visa is highly recommended. The small extra fee is well worth the convenience of a fast, smooth entry after a long flight from France.
How to Apply for the e-Visa from France?
Here is the simple Cambodian e-Visa Application process to get your visa online.
Fill in the Application Form: Enter your personal details, passport information (your passport must be valid for at least 6 months), and your travel dates.
Upload Your Documents: This is the most important part. You will upload digital copies of your required documents (see the full checklist below).
Pay and Submit: Pay the visa fee online ($36 USD for a T-Visa) using a Visa or Mastercard.
Receive Your eVisa: Once approved, your eVisa will be sent to your email as a PDF. You must print two copies of this document.
Cambodia e-Visa Requirements for French Citizens
Here is the complete checklist of documents you may be asked for:
Passport Bio Page: A clear, color scan of your French passport's information page.
Applicant Photo: A recent, digital passport-style photo (details below).
Flight Ticket In: Your confirmed flight itinerary into Cambodia.
Flight Ticket Out: Your confirmed flight itinerary showing you plan to leave Cambodia (e.g., a flight home to France or to a neighboring country).
Hotel Reservation Document: Proof of your first night's accommodation.
Last 3 Months Bank Statements: Proof of sufficient funds for your travel.
While the Cambodia Visa Requirements all of these, having your flight tickets and hotel booking is a standard requirement for entry into any country, so you should have them ready regardless.
Cambodia e-Visa Photo Requirements Explained
Your application photo must be a clear, passport-style digital image.
Format: JPEG or PNG.
Background: Must be a plain white or light-colored background.
View: Full face, neutral expression, looking directly at the camera.
No Glasses: It is strongly recommended to remove glasses.
No Hats: No headwear, unless for religious purposes.
Cambodia e-Visa T (Tourist) vs. e-Visa E (Ordinary): Which One to Choose?
This is a key choice in the application, as seen in the uploaded image. Both are valid for 90 days from the date of issue, for a single entry.
e-Visa T (Tourist): This is the correct choice for 99% of travelers. It grants you a 30-day stay for tourism purposes. This visa can be extended one time for an additional 30 days, but you must do this in person at the immigration office in Phnom Penh.
e-Visa E (Ordinary): This is not a tourist visa. It is for those coming to Cambodia for business, to look for work, or to retire. It also grants an initial 30-day stay, but its main feature is that it can be extended indefinitely in-country for 1, 3, 6, or 12-month periods.
For your holiday, make sure you select the "e-Visa T (Tourist)".
How Long Does the Cambodia e-Visa Take?
The Cambodia Visa states 3 working days. However, many visa services offer expedited options (as seen in the uploaded image) to get your application reviewed faster.
Normal Processing: 3 - 5 Working Days
Rush Processing: 2 - 3 Working Days
Super Rush Processing: 1 - 2 Working Days
It is always recommended to apply at least one to two weeks before your flight to avoid any last-minute stress.
Where is the Cambodia e-Visa Accepted? (Ports of Entry)
This is one of the most important rules to know. The e-Visa is NOT accepted at all Cambodian borders.
You CAN use the e-Visa at:
Phnom Penh (PNH) International Airport
Siem Reap (REP) International Airport
Sihanoukville (KOS) International Airport
You CAN also use the e-Visa at these major land borders:
Poi Pet (from Thailand, near Bangkok)
Cham Yeam (from Thailand, near Trat)
Bavet (from Vietnam, near Ho Chi Minh City)
Tropaeng Kreal (from Laos)
You CANNOT use the e-Visa at any other land border or seaport, including the popular river boat crossing from Chau Doc (Vietnam) to Phnom Penh. If you plan to enter at a non-listed port, you must get a Visa on Arrival or an embassy visa.
Can I Extend My Cambodia e-Visa?
Yes, you can.
e-Visa T (Tourist): Can be extended once for an additional 30 days. You must apply in person at the Immigration Department office in Phnom Penh (opposite the airport).
e-Visa E (Ordinary): This visa's main purpose is to be extended. You can get long-term extensions of 1, 3, 6, or 12 months. Any travel agent in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap can process this for you.
What to Do When You Arrive at Immigration
Your arrival will be simple. Make sure you have the following in your hand-carry luggage:
Your French Passport (valid for 6+ months).
Two (2) printed copies of your e-Visa approval letter. (They will keep one at immigration and you should keep the other with your passport).
Your completed Arrival/Departure Card (they will give this to you on the plane).
Look for the dedicated "e-Visa" line at immigration. This line is almost always shorter and faster than the "Visa on Arrival" line.
What to Do if Your eVisa Payment is Declined
This is a common and frustrating problem on the Cambodia Visa. If your payment fails:
Call Your Bank: Your French bank (like BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole, etc.) may be automatically blocking the transaction for fraud protection. Call the number on the back of your card and pre-authorize the payment.
Try a Different Card: Visa and Mastercard are the only cards accepted. Try one from a different bank if you have it.
Try a Different Browser/Device: Clear your browser's cache, use an "Incognito" window, or even try your phone instead of your computer.
Wait and Retry: Sometimes, the portal's payment gateway is simply down. Wait a few hours and try again.
Help! My eVisa Hasn't Arrived and My Flight is Soon!
You applied 4 days ago, your flight from Paris is tomorrow, and your inbox is empty. Don't panic.
Check Your Spam/Junk Folder: This is the #1 reason. The email often gets flagged as spam.
Check Your Application Status: Go back to the Cambodia e-Visa page. There is a "Check & Change" button on the homepage. Enter your application reference number and email.
Download from the Portal: If your status shows "Approved," you can download the eVisa PDF directly from the website. This is just as valid as the emailed copy.
Your Final Backup Plan: If it's still "Pending," don't cancel your trip. As a French citizen, you are eligible for the Visa on Arrival (VoA). Just go to the VoA line when you land, pay the $30 USD cash, and provide a passport photo.
Problem at Check-in: Airline Staff Unfamiliar with the eVisa
This is a stressful but manageable situation. You're at the check-in desk at Charles de Gaulle (CDG), and the airline staff insists you need a "sticker visa" in your passport.
How to handle this:
Stay Calm and Polite: The staff are just following a checklist.
Show Your Printed eVisa: Present your clear, printed eVisa approval letter.
Point to the QR Code: Explain that this is the official electronic visa and that it has a QR code that will be scanned by immigration in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap.
Use the Magic Word "TIMATIC": Airline staff use a database called TIMATIC to check visa rules. Politely say, "Could you please check TIMATIC? It will confirm that Cambodia offers an eVisa for French citizens and that a printout is the correct document."
What Happens if You Arrive at a Border That Doesn't Accept the eVisa?
This is a critical rule. You've taken the river boat from Chau Doc, Vietnam, to Phnom Penh, and you arrive at the river border. You present your eVisa, and the officer shakes their head.
The eVisa is NOT accepted at seaports or minor land borders.
In this situation, you will likely be denied entry at that port. You will be forced to return to Vietnam. You must then travel to an approved land border (like Bavet) or fly into one of the three international airports. Always check that your entry point is on the approved list.
What are the Penalties for Overstaying Your Visa in Cambodia?
Do not overstay your visa. The 30-day limit on your e-Visa T is strictly enforced.
If you overstay, you will be required to pay a fine upon departure at the airport. The current penalty is $10 USD for every day you have overstayed. While this may seem manageable for a day or two, it can add up quickly.
More importantly, a significant overstay (over 30 days) can lead to detention, deportation, and a ban on re-entering Cambodia in the future. If you want to stay longer, get the 30-day extension before your initial visa expires.
People Also Ask (FAQ for French Travelers)
Do children from France need their own e-Visa?
Yes, every individual, regardless of age, must have their own passport and their own visa. This includes infants and children. You must complete a separate e-Visa application for your child.
What happens if my e-Visa application is rejected?
This is very rare if you are a French citizen with no criminal history. The most common reason for rejection is an incorrect passport number or a poor-quality photo. The $36 fee is non-refundable. If rejected, you cannot re-apply immediately; your best option is to get a Visa on Arrival when you land.
Do I need a Yellow Fever vaccine for Cambodia?
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is not required for travelers coming from France. It is only required if you are traveling from (or have transited for more than 12 hours in) a country with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission (e.g., in Africa or South America).
Conclusion: Your Journey to the Kingdom of Wonder Awaits
For French citizens, the path to Cambodia is clear and simple. The e-Visa system is a fast, reliable, and modern tool that lets you secure your entry long before you leave home. By choosing the e-Visa, you are prioritizing a smooth, queue-free arrival, allowing you to start your adventure the moment you step off the plane.