Cambodia transitions to electronic visas at its embassies, enhancing convenience for international visitors

Cambodia has discontinued physical visa stickers at its embassies and consulates abroad from October 3, 2026, requiring visas issued through its diplomatic missions to be provided electronically. The change affects Indian travellers applying through Cambodian missions overseas, although application procedures may vary by location. Visa on Arrival remains available to eligible travellers.

The change means Indian travellers applying for Cambodian visas through embassies and consulates will no longer receive physical stickers in their passports. Instead, their visas will be issued electronically.

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However, the shift does not necessarily mean that all applications must be submitted online. The application process will continue to depend on the procedures followed by individual Cambodian diplomatic missions.

For instance, the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Bangkok continues to accept visa applications in person through its consular section, although visas are issued electronically. Cambodia's Honorary Consulate in Osaka, meanwhile, directs applicants and travel agencies to use the country's official e-Visa portal and no longer accepts physical visa applications at its counter.

Indian travellers should check the application procedure with the relevant embassy or consulate before applying.

Cambodia expands digital visa services

The change follows a series of updates to Cambodia's digital immigration system. From August 1, 2026, Cambodia expanded its electronic visa platform to cover additional categories, including visas for diplomatic passport holders, official travel and courtesy purposes. The country also updated its electronic visa certificate, replacing the previous barcode with a QR code to facilitate verification.

The latest change is part of Cambodia's broader shift towards digital immigration procedures.

Visa on Arrival remains available

The discontinuation of physical visa stickers does not mean Cambodia has abolished Visa on Arrival. The facility remains available to eligible travellers at designated entry points.

Indian passport holders should check the visa requirements applicable to their nationality, purpose of travel and intended entry point before departure. The move to electronic visa issuance does not automatically make Cambodia visa-free for Indian citizens.

e-Arrival is a separate requirement

Cambodia's e-Arrival system is separate from its e-Visa service. Travellers required to complete the arrival process must submit their information digitally within seven days before entering the country.

The country has also introduced the v-Pass, which replaced traditional immigration stamps and QR-code slips for foreign travellers entering and leaving through international airports and seaports in 2025.

The e-Visa, e-Arrival and v-Pass serve different purposes. Indian travellers should check the applicable visa and arrival requirements before travelling to ensure they have completed the necessary formalities.