Cambodia Issues Short-Term Transit Visas to Tourists Visiting Cambodia by Cruise Ship

• 2 March 2023
• Property Focus
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The Royal Government of Cambodia has announced that it will offer short-term transit visas to tourists visiting the country on a cruise ship. The new policy, effective from 1 March 2023, allows international tourists to apply for a transit visa type D for a five-day stay.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, transit visas (D) are issued to non-immigrant foreigners who are transit passengers, drivers, staff, employees, and active personnel on vehicles, trains, ships, or planes. The visa was issued by a Sub Decree on 10 June 2016, on “Procedures to allow Non-Immigrant Foreigners to Enter, Leave and Reside in the Kingdom of Cambodia”.

The announcement of the short-term visa comes after a surge in foreign tourists visiting Cambodia by water, particularly to Sihanoukville by ship, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 29 December 2022, at least seven cruise ships carrying 3,133 passengers have docked at the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port.

Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism, HE Thong Khon, stated that the country received around 400,000 international tourists in January 2023, with about 5,000 arriving by water, particularly by colossal cruise ships. This marks an increase of 1,283% compared to the same month in 2022.

The Cambodian government has been taking steps to encourage foreign visitors to the country to aid in tourism recovery following the pandemic. From 1 September 2022, the government allowed long-term foreign residents to apply for a visit to the Angkor and Koh Ker temples complex once a year, free of charge.

The new short-term transit visa policy is expected to promote tourism in Cambodia further and make it easier for cruise ship passengers to explore the country during their travels.

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• Laws and Regulation
• Tourism and Travelling