Cambodia eArrival Card for US Citizens

That shift means every traveler flying into Cambodia, including US Citizens, now needs to submit a digital entry declaration before landing rather than filling out paperwork on the plane or at the immigration counter.

This guide walks US Citizens through exactly what the Cambodia eArrival Card is, when to submit it, what information you'll need on hand, and how to avoid the scam sites and common mistakes that trip up first-time travelers.

Did you know? US Citizens aren't on Cambodia's visa-free list, but applying in advance is straightforward — the eVisa costs $30, takes a few business days, and covers a single entry of up to 30 days. — Visa policy of Cambodia — Wikipedia

This is an independent guide, not an official government website. Below, you'll find everything American citizens need to know about the eArrival Card, plus how we can help you get it right.

What Is the Cambodia eArrival Card (and Why US Citizens Need It)

The Cambodia eArrival Card is a free digital form that combines three separate paper declarations — immigration, health, and customs — into one online submission. Instead of filling out multiple cards during your flight or at the airport, you complete everything in advance from your phone or computer.

For US Citizens, this applies whether you're traveling for tourism, business, or visiting family. It's required at Cambodia's three international airports: Techo International Airport (which replaced Phnom Penh International Airport in September 2025), Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport, and Sihanoukville International Airport.

One detail that catches many US passport holders off guard: the eArrival Card isn't just for foreign visitors. Cambodian citizens, diplomats, and airline crew all need to submit one too. And unlike some countries' systems, there's no group or family submission — every traveler, including children and infants, needs their own individual card.

Is the eArrival Card the Same as a Cambodia Visa?

No — and this is one of the most important distinctions for US Citizens to understand before booking a flight.

The eArrival Card is an entry declaration. It tells Cambodian immigration who you are, where you're staying, and confirms your health and customs information. It does not grant you permission to enter Cambodia on its own.

If your nationality requires a visa to enter Cambodia, you'll still need to secure that separately — whether through an eVisa applied for in advance or a Visa on Arrival. Some versions of the eArrival portal now let you apply for a Visa on Arrival within the same online session, which can save you time at the airport counter. But the two remain separate products with separate purposes, and completing your eArrival Card does not exempt you from Cambodia's visa requirements.

Do US Citizens Need a Visa to Enter Cambodia?

This is the one place where US Citizens' experience differs sharply from Vietnamese, Thai, and South Korean Citizens covered elsewhere in this guide: the United States is not on Cambodia's visa-free list, so US Citizens need to arrange a visa before — or immediately upon — arrival.

You have two straightforward options. An eVisa applied for in advance costs around $30, covers a single entry, and is typically approved within a few business days — this is the option most travelers use, since it avoids any counter lines on arrival. Alternatively, a Visa on Arrival is available at the airport for around $30 for tourism or $35 for business, also valid for stays of up to 30 days. Some versions of the eArrival portal now let you apply for a Visa on Arrival within the same online session as your eArrival Card, which can save a step at the airport.

Here's the part that catches people off guard regardless of which option you choose: even once your visa is sorted, the eArrival Card is still required. It's a separate, non-negotiable step in your travel prep, on top of — not instead of — whatever visa process applies to you.

When to Submit: The Pre-Arrival Window Explained

Timing matters more than most travelers expect. The Cambodia eArrival Card can only be submitted within 7 days before your arrival date — submit too early and the system may not accept it.

For US Citizens, the practical sweet spot is 48 to 72 hours before departure. This gives you enough buffer to fix mistakes or technical issues without cutting it so close that a last-minute problem becomes a boarding-gate emergency. At minimum, aim to have it submitted at least 24 hours before your flight.

Waiting until you're at the airport is technically possible at some locations via kiosk, but it causes delays and puts you at the mercy of airport Wi-Fi and long queues. Submit it from home instead.

Documents and Information US Citizens Will Need

Before you start the form, have the following ready:

• Passport details: full name exactly as it appears on your passport, passport number, nationality, and expiration date
• Flight information: flight number and arrival date
• Accommodation address: the hotel or residence where you'll be staying in Cambodia
• Health declaration details: basic travel and health-related questions
• Customs information: standard declarations covering currency and dutiable goods
• Visa details: your visa or eVisa reference, if applicable, or your intent to apply for a Visa on Arrival

Having a digital copy of your passport photo page on hand speeds things up considerably, since you'll need to enter every detail exactly as printed.

How to Complete the Cambodia eArrival Card

There are two official ways for US Citizens to submit their eArrival Card, and both lead to the same result: a confirmation and QR code.

Option 1: Apply Online (arrival.gov.kh)

1. Go to the official portal at arrival.gov.kh — this is the only legitimate government website for this form.
2. Select your traveler type and start a new submission.
3. Enter your passport and personal details exactly as they appear in your travel documents.
4. Add your flight details and Cambodia accommodation address.
5. Complete the health declaration section.
6. Complete the customs declaration section.
7. If needed, apply for your Visa on Arrival within the same flow.
8. Review everything carefully, then submit.
9. Save your confirmation and QR code somewhere you can access offline.

Option 2: Apply via the Official Cambodia e-Arrival App

Cambodia also offers an official mobile app, available on the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and Huawei AppGallery. The process mirrors the website: enter your details, complete each declaration section, and receive your QR code confirmation directly in the app. This option is convenient if you prefer completing the form on your phone while packing or during a layover — just make sure you're downloading the official app, not a similarly-named copycat.

Who Is Exempt (Cruise Arrivals and Other Cases)

Not every traveler entering Cambodia needs the eArrival Card. If you're arriving by cruise ship or through a seaport, you're currently exempt — paper arrival and customs forms are still used for these entry points.

The same applies to land border crossings. Travelers crossing overland into Cambodia continue to use traditional paper forms, at least for now. If your Cambodia trip involves a land crossing as part of a broader Southeast Asia itinerary, don't assume you need to complete the eArrival Card beforehand — you won't.

Transit passengers should double-check with their airline, since requirements can vary depending on whether you clear immigration during your layover.

After You Submit: Your QR Code and What to Show at the Border

Once you submit your eArrival Card, you'll receive a confirmation with a QR code. This QR code is your proof of submission and what immigration officers will scan when you land.

At the airport, the process is simple: collect your baggage, proceed to immigration, and present your passport along with your QR code — either on your phone screen or printed on paper. The officer scans it, your passport gets stamped, and you're through.

A practical tip worth following: screenshot your QR code before you land. Airport Wi-Fi can be unreliable, and you don't want to be scrambling to load an email at the immigration counter.

How to Spot and Avoid Cambodia eArrival Card Scam Websites

Because the eArrival Card is a relatively new system, a number of third-party websites have popped up offering to "process" your submission for a fee. Some of these sites are legitimate paid assistance services that are upfront about charging for convenience. Others are designed to look like the official government portal while charging for something that should be completely free.

Here's how US Citizens can protect themselves:

• Confirm the domain: the only official website is arrival.gov.kh. If a site's URL doesn't match this exactly, be cautious.
• Remember it's free: the eArrival Card itself costs nothing when submitted through the official portal or app. If a site is charging you just to fill out the basic arrival declaration, you're likely paying for something you don't need to.
• Separate the eVisa from the eArrival Card: if you do need a visa, that's a legitimate cost — but it's separate from the free eArrival submission, and should be paid for through Cambodia's official visa channels.
• Watch for pressure tactics: countdown timers, urgent warnings about "processing delays," or aggressive upsells are common red flags on scam sites.

Common Mistakes US Citizens Make When Filing

A few recurring errors cause unnecessary stress for travelers:

• Entering incorrect passport information, including simple typos in the passport number or name
• Using an expired passport to complete the form
• Submitting too early, outside the 7-day window, resulting in a rejected form
• Providing the wrong flight number or arrival date
• Forgetting to save the QR code before departure, then struggling to retrieve it at the airport
• Assuming the eArrival Card replaces a visa, and arriving without the correct visa documentation
• Paying a third-party site for a submission that's free through the official channel
• Assuming the eArrival Card counts as a visa. It doesn't — US Citizens still need a Cambodian eVisa or Visa on Arrival arranged separately, on top of the free eArrival Card.

If you do make a critical error, such as an incorrect passport number or name, don't try to edit your existing submission. Instead, create a brand-new one with the correct details. Immigration officers will use the most recent valid submission at the border.

How TravelDeclaration.com Can Help American Citizens

You're always welcome to complete the eArrival Card yourself directly through the official channel. Where we come in is everything around the process: reviewing your entries for the mistakes covered above, coordinating multiple passports and travelers in one household, and making sure nothing gets missed before you're standing at the gate.

We know there are other assisted-filing services out there — what we're focused on is being the most accurate and transparent one, not the only one.

More Cambodia eArrival Card Guides by Nationality

• Cambodia eArrival Card for Chinese Citizens
• Cambodia eArrival Card for South Korean Citizens
• Cambodia eArrival Card for Thai Citizens
• Cambodia eArrival Card for Vietnamese Citizens

FAQ for US Citizens

Sources & Further Reading

• Visa policy of Cambodia — Wikipedia