Individuals holding a diplomatic or service passport issued by Sri Lanka can now travel to Cambodia without a visa. Travellers with other types of passports still need to apply for a visa.
Reinforcing diplomatic relations
In recent months, the Cambodian government has been strengthening diplomatic and economic relations with various international partners. An important part of this is the easing of visa requirements for travellers from these countries. In addition to Sri Lanka, holders of diplomatic or service passports from Georgia, among others, can travel to Cambodia without a visa.
The relaxation of visa requirements for Sri Lankan officials is part of a large-scale tourism agreement between Sri Lanka and Cambodia. Both countries have suffered significantly from the coronavirus pandemic. While Cambodia is seeing its own tourism sector recover, Sri Lanka is struggling with both economic and political problems.
More flights between Cambodia and Sri Lanka
An important part of the agreement is to increase the number of direct flights between Cambodia and Sri Lanka. Currently, travellers from Sri Lanka have to change flights in Malaysia or Singapore, which increases the cost of air tickets. The two governments also want to set up joint events to boost tourism between the two countries. Both countries have a predominantly Buddhist population, and the authorities see opportunities here to organise religious events.
Cambodia ready to welcome international tourists
Cambodia made it through the corona crisis relatively well. The country has reported only 3056 deaths due to COVID-19. Meanwhile, about 90 per cent of the population has been fully vaccinated. The country has taken several measures to encourage tourism to the country. Although the visa system was shut down during corona, both the e-visa Cambodia and the visa on arrival can now be applied for again.
Although the tourism industry insisted on making the Cambodia visa temporarily cheaper or even free, the Cambodian government decided not to do so. The cost of the Cambodia visa is the same as before COVID-19. The visa conditions also remain unchanged. This means that travellers are allowed to stay in Cambodia for a maximum of 30 days. The visa itself is valid for 90 days, but can only be used for one trip to Cambodia. If one leaves the country and wants to return later, a new visa must be applied for, even if the current visa is still valid.
In addition, Cambodia has scrapped the mandatory PCR test before departure and the rapid test on arrival at the airport. The Cambodian government has said that the country is ready to welcome back as many tourists as before the corona pandemic.
Please note: this news article about the visa for Cambodia is more than one year old. It might contain outdated information and advice, and no rights can therefore be derived from this article. Are you going on a trip soon and do you wish to do know what rules currently apply? Read all about the up-to-date information about the visa for Cambodia.