Cambodia is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture. However, one thing that you need to be aware of if you are planning on traveling there for vacation or work is its visa rules. If you have ever wondered what happens if you overstay your visa in Cambodia, then this blog post is for you! We will discuss what happens when someone overstays their visa in Cambodia, if there are any fees to pay or other legal consequences applicable in this situation.
What is a Cambodia visa and what does it do
Cambodia visa is an official travel authorization document that allows its holder to enter Cambodia and stay on its territory for a specified period of time.
The most popular visa type for visits to Cambodia is the tourist one that is available for foreign travelers online.
Cambodia uses a system of electronic visas for all leisure-related visits to the country, making it possible for travelers to skip the inconvenient embassy visits and speed up the whole visa handling process.
More about the Cambodia eVisa
Cambodia eVisa was introduced back in 2006 in an effort to ease and speed up the process of handling a visa before departing to Cambodia.
Now that Cambodia is starting to reopen its borders for the first time since the pandemic hit, eligible travelers can apply for the single-entry Cambodia eVisa online. The issued document will allow them to spend 30 days in Cambodia and enjoy all leisure-related activities.
The validity period of Cambodia eVisa is 90 days and starts exactly on the day of visa issuance. This is the time in which you should take your trip to Cambodia to cross the border without any issues.
How to apply for the Cambodia eVisa?
To apply for the Cambodian eVisa from home, prepare your valid passport and take a photograph of your face using your phone or a PC camera. Next, follow through with these steps:
- Fill the application form – carefully fill the application form with the required data and check if everything is correct.
- Cover the issuing fee – choose any preferred method of online payment and cover the handling fee.
- Check your email inbox – the approved travel authorization document will be delivered to your email box no later than 72 hours from applying.
Why is it important to have a valid visa when you visit Cambodia
It’s crucial to have a valid visa when you visit Cambodia since that will be your travel authorization document.
The customs officials will check if each traveler has a valid passport and a valid Cambodia visa upon entering.
Travelers who do not comply with this requirement may be refused entry. Apply for your Cambodia visa online at least 3 business days before departure to allow for appropriate processing and get your document on time.
Can you extend your visa while in Cambodia
Tourist visa extension can only be done upon arrival with the help of the Cambodian Government and the Immigration Department.
The issued eVisa can only be extended for additional 30 days and travelers who decide to do so must cover the extension fee.
The consequences of overstaying your Cambodian visa
Overstaying the issued Cambodian visa is connected with facing different consequences.
Sometimes, it might simply be a fine, usually of $10 per each day of overstay. However, in extreme cases, such a situation may lead to more serious legal consequences, such as deportation or being detained.
What happens if you overstay your Cambodian visa for more than one month
If you overstay your Cambodian visa for more than one month you will most likely be deported to your home country.
It’s best to avoid overstaying your Cambodian eVisa and stick to the original validity period not to come across any issues during your travels.