Do you intend to exchange the beauty of Paris in the spiritual grandeur of Angkor Wat? Cambodia will continue to be a leading tourist destination among the French in Southeast Asia. Luckily, by 2025, the administrative obstacles have been substituted with the simplified digital system.
This is the guide for a Cambodia e-Visa for French Citizens to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, to make sure that your trip to the country will be as pleasant as it can be.
Do French citizens need a visa for Cambodia in 2025?
Yes, all French passport holders are required to have a valid visa to enter the Kingdom of Cambodia. While the “Visa on Arrival” is still an option at some checkpoints, the Cambodia e-Visa is the preferred method for 2025. It allows you to skip long airport queues and ensures your documents are verified before you even board your flight.
Which Cambodia e-Visa type should French travelers choose?
When applying Online for Cambodia Visa, you will select between two main categories:
- e-Visa T (Tourist): Perfect for holidays, sightseeing, and visiting family. It permits a stay of up to 30 days.
- e-Visa E (Ordinary): Often chosen by those looking into business opportunities or long-term stays. It provides an initial 30 days but is eligible for extended stays (3, 6, or 12 months) once you are inside the country.
What are the passport and document requirements for French applicants?
The application is entirely online and user-friendly. You will need:
- Valid French Passport: Must be valid for 6 months beyond your arrival date.
- Digital Photo: A recent passport-style photo in color with a plain white background.
- Email Address: Your approved visa will be sent here as a PDF.
- Payment Method: A credit/debit card or digital wallet for the fee.
How long is the Cambodia e-Visa valid after approval?
Once your e-Visa is approved, it is valid for 90 days. You must enter Cambodia within this three-month window. Once you cross the border, you are permitted to stay for up to 30 consecutive days.
What are the processing times for French citizens?
We offer three tailored processing tiers to fit your travel schedule:
- Normal Processing: 3 – 5 Business Days.
- Rush Processing: 2 – 3 Business Days.
- Super Rush Processing: 1 – 2 Business Days (Ideal for last-minute trips).
How much does the Cambodia e-Visa cost?
The total Cambodia Visa fee is transparently broken down as:
Total Fee = Government Visa Fee + Processing Fee (+ Optional Rush Fees)
Using a professional agent ensures your application is manually reviewed to prevent government fees from being wasted due to a simple typo or an incorrect photo format.
Can I work or search for a job on a Tourist e-Visa?
No. It is strictly prohibited to work on a Type T (Tourist) visa. If your goal is employment, you must apply for the Ordinary (Type E) Visa, which allows you to apply for a work permit once you are in the country.
Can I convert my visa type upon arrival?
Generally, you cannot “convert” a Tourist (Type T) visa into an Ordinary (Type E) visa after you have already landed or cleared immigration. If you think you might want to stay long-term to work or live, it is vital to apply for the e-Visa E (Ordinary) from the start. Converting categories usually requires leaving the country and re-entering with the correct visa type.
How many times per year can I enter Cambodia?
The official maximum number of times that a French citizen can enter the country of Cambodia in a calendar year is still without a limit as long as there is a valid visa of entry to Cambodia. Nonetheless, when you are constantly coming and going on the Tourist visas, the immigration officers might someday request evidence of your travel purpose. In the case of frequent travelers, the long-term extensions of a regular visa are the more reliable path to follow.
What happens if I don’t use my visa and want to travel now?
If you have an e-Visa that was approved but you never used it, check the “Expiry Date” on the certificate. Cambodia e-Visas are valid for entry within 90 days from the date of issue.
- If it’s within 90 days: You can still use it to enter.
- If the 90 days have passed: The visa is void. You must apply for a new e-Visa before your new travel date.
Which ride-hailing apps work best in Cambodia?
Forget traditional street hailing—apps are safer and cheaper.
- Grab: The most popular app in Southeast Asia. You can link your French credit card for seamless payments.
- PassApp: A local favorite that is often slightly cheaper for “Tuk-Tuk” rides. You usually pay the driver in cash (USD or Riel) at the end of the trip.
Where should I get a SIM card upon arrival?
You will find kiosks for Cellcard, Smart, and Metfone immediately after you clear customs at the airport.
- Cost: Usually $5–$10 for a generous data package valid for 30 days.
- Requirement: You will need to show your passport to register the SIM card.
Why choose an Agent (cambodia-evisa.info) over the Gov portal?
While you can use the official site, many French travelers choose cambodia-evisa.info for the added security and “human touch” benefits:
| Feature | cambodia-evisa.info | Government Portal |
| Support | 24/7 Live Chat, WhatsApp, & Phone | Email only (slow response) |
| Error Check | Manual Review of photos/details | No review (errors lead to rejection) |
| Late Night Help | Call us at 2 AM and we will answer | No phone support |
| Payment Options | Cards, GPay, & Secure Wallets | Limited card options |
| User Interface | Human-friendly & simplified | Complex bureaucratic forms |
Can I change my arrival airport after the visa is approved?
Yes! One of the best features of the Cambodia e-Visa is its flexibility. Even if you stated you were arriving at Phnom Penh (PNH) but decided to fly into Siem Reap-Angkor (SAI) or Sihanoukville (KOS) instead, your e-Visa remains valid as long as the port is an e-Visa-supported entry point.
What are the rules for minors traveling on a Transit Visa?
If a French minor is transiting through Cambodia and stays within the international transit area, a visa is generally not required. However, if the layover is long and the family decides to clear immigration to stay at a hotel, the minor must have their own e-Visa. Every traveler, regardless of age, needs their own travel authorization.