📑 Table of Contents ▾
The short answer: yes, but it’s only $30 and takes 30 minutes to apply online. Chinese passport holders get either an eVisa ($30) or visa on arrival ($50 with facilitation fees)—both valid for 30 days single entry. For couples planning a winter trip, eVisa is the clear winner.
What Visa Options Do Couples Have for Cambodia?
Three routes exist for Chinese passport holders traveling to Cambodia:
| Visa Type | Cost | Processing Location | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| eVisa | $30/person | Online before departure | Couples who plan ahead |
| Visa on Arrival (VO) | $30 + $20 facilitation fee ≈ $50 | Phnom Penh / Siem Reap airports | Last-minute trips |
| Travel Agency | $28-56 USD equivalent | Domestic Chinese agencies | Travelers with no English |
eVisa is our recommendation for couples. Applying online before departure means you skip the airport queue, arrive with documentation already approved, and start your Phnom Penh adventure faster. Official eVisa portal: https://evisa.gov.kh (Source: Cambodia Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dec 2025).
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Cambodia eVisa as a Couple
Both partners apply individually but can be processed simultaneously. Total time: about 30 minutes for two people.
Step 1: Visit the Official eVisa Website Go to https://evisa.gov.kh, click “Apply for eVisa,” and register with a valid email. Couples can manage both applications from one email account for easier tracking.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents Required: passport (valid 6+ months), round-trip flight itinerary, hotel booking confirmation (JPG/PNG, under 2MB each). Fill in separately for each applicant but submit on the same day.
Step 3: Pay the Fee Accepted: Visa and Mastercard. $30 per person, $60 total for a couple. You’ll receive an Application ID via email—screenshot it for backup.
Step 4: Wait for Approval Official processing time: 72 hours. Actual average: 24-48 hours. Download and print two copies of the approved eVisa—present one at immigration, keep one spare.
Pro tip for couples: Each person applies separately, but submit both applications on the same morning. Processing is independent, so you should receive both approvals around the same time. Apply 3-5 business days before departure.
Arriving at Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH): A Couple’s Guide
Phnom Penh International Airport is 8 km from the city center. After landing, expect 30-60 minutes for immigration (excluding queue time):
- Fill out the Arrival Card: Provided on the plane. Key fields: name, passport number, purpose (Tourism), intended stay (default 30 days)
- Proceed to Immigration: eVisa holders use the dedicated eVisa/Visa on Arrival lane; VO applicants use the regular desk
- Immigration Check: Present passport + arrival card + printed eVisa. Officers may ask “How long will you stay?” or “Where will you stay?”—simple English answers are fine
- Collect Baggage: After clearing customs
- Currency Exchange: USD is widely accepted; Cambodian Riel (KHR) is useful for small purchases. Airport exchange booths offer decent rates
Key data point: Airport to city center costs $15-20 by car or $5-10 by tuk-tuk (Source: Numbeo, Nov 2025). Couples should pre-book a private transfer to avoid nighttime price surges upon arrival.
Budget Breakdown: What Couples Spend in Phnom Penh During Dry Season
USD is the dominant currency for tourism in Cambodia. Here’s what two people typically spend per day:
| Category | Daily Budget for Two |
|---|---|
| Budget accommodation | $30-60 |
| Food (local restaurants) | $15-30 |
| Transport (tuk-tuk + occasional taxi) | $10-20 |
| Attractions (Royal Palace, Killing Fields, etc.) | $20-40 |
| Total | $75-150/day |
We tracked prices across 10 budget hotels in Phnom Penh. Off-season (May-October) averages $20-40/night for a double room; peak season (November-February) runs $35-70/night (Source: Booking.com live pricing, Dec 2025). Stay near Wat Phnom or the Riverside for the best couple-friendly walkability.
Safety Tips for Couples Visiting Phnom Penh in Winter
Cambodia is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime exists:
- Motorcycle snatching: Don’t sling a bag over one shoulder on the street; keep bags toward the wall side
- Unofficial guides: Locals offering to “help” navigate or lead you may expect a tip—politely decline if unsolicited
- Tuk-tuk overcharging: Agree on a price before starting the ride; most city rides should cost under $5
- Nighttime caution: Avoid poorly lit streets after dark; use PassApp or Grab for licensed taxi rides
Emergency number: 012-999 (fire, ambulance, police). If your passport is lost or stolen, contact the Chinese Embassy in Phnom Penh immediately: 023-720920.
Is Cambodia’s Visa on Arrival Worth the Savings?
The main appeal of VO is spontaneity—show up and get your visa. But for couples in 2026, here’s the math:
- eVisa: $30/person = $60 couple
- VO: $30 + $20 facilitation fee = $50/person = $100 couple
The price difference is $40. Is saving $40 worth 30-60 extra minutes at the airport, potential language barriers at the immigration desk, and the risk of confusion over documentation? Most couples say no—spend the $40 on an extra nice dinner in Phnom Penh instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
eVisa vs Visa on Arrival: Which Should Couples Choose?
eVisa is better value. At $30 versus ~$50 per person, the eVisa saves couples $40 total. More importantly, arriving with an approved visa means a faster, smoother immigration process. The online application takes 15 minutes and avoids any ambiguity at the airport (Source: Cambodia Immigration Department, Dec 2025).
What Documents Do Couples Need for Cambodia?
Passport (valid 6+ months), round-trip flight itinerary, hotel confirmation, and printed eVisa approval letter. Each person applies separately, but couples can share hotel booking documentation for their applications.
Can I Extend My Cambodia Visa Once Inside the Country?
Yes. You can extend at immigration offices in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap for approximately $45, granting another 30 days. The process takes 3-5 business days. Our recommendation: apply for the correct duration upfront via eVisa to avoid the hassle.
What’s the Weather Like in Phnom Penh During Winter?
November through February is the dry season—minimal rainfall, lower humidity, temperatures of 25-32°C (77-90°F). Mornings and evenings are pleasant; midday can be hot. Pack sunscreen, light layers for evenings, and a compact umbrella for occasional showers. Couples will find this the most comfortable time to explore the city on foot.
How Should Couples Stay Connected Data-Wise in Cambodia?
eSIM is the best option. Airalo offers Cambodia eSIM plans with 7-day, 15-day, and 30-day data packages—activate the moment you land. A 7-day 1GB plan costs approximately $14, giving both partners reliable navigation and social media access throughout the trip without swapping SIM cards.
Want to turn travel into a career? Join Travel Arbitrage Partners
