It’s relatively straightforward to get a visa on arrival at Siem Reap airport in Cambodia when you’re going to see Angkor Wat. Here’s a few tips to save time.
Arriving At Siem Reap Airport:
- Have passport photos with you already – you only need 1 passport photo for the visa
- Have $30 US Dollars (in US Dollar bills) with you before you get on the plane. There is an ATM at Siem Reap airport but if you use it you’ll have to join the back of the queue
- Travel with a pen on you
- Fill in all your forms on the flight
When you arrive at the airport, you’ll typically walk across the flight apron and into the terminal. Go left where the big queue is – it splits into two queues as you approach the visa desk. (There’s a large “Visa Fees” sign above the desk if you’re in any doubt). The queue gets so large it doubles back out towards the entrance. If you’re not prepared beforehand, you could end up wasting at least half an hour.
As you can probably guess, in this instance it does actually pay to try and get off the plane first. It might be worth paying the premium seat fee on Air Asia if you want to minimise your time in the queue.
You can also apparently buy an Evisa online provided you do so 3 working days before you arrive in Cambodia (see this Travelfish page for more info and the official Cambodian Government visa website).
If you’re still looking to buy your flight to Siem Reap, check Skyscanner to compare all fares between different airlines (handy to quickly see all departure / arrival times too).
Departing Siem Reap Airport
There are separate domestic and international departure sections at Siem Reap airport.
Once through passport control and immigration the airside area of International Departures is quite pleasant and airy. There are several boutique shops for souvenirs et al, duty free, the well-stocked Monument Bookshop and a cafe branch of the FCC along with Taste Of Asia and The Blue Pumpkin.
There is also an ATM if you need more cash, a business class lounge and a Bangkok Airways lounge if you’re flying with them.
