Cambodia e-visa fee cut aims to attract more global travelers
Cambodia has officially reduced fees for its electronic visa (e-visa) services, signaling a renewed national effort to boost inbound tourism and improve accessibility. The initiative is part of the country’s broader post-pandemic recovery strategy and reflects its push to remain competitive within Southeast Asia’s increasingly digital and traveler-friendly visa ecosystem. The Cambodia e-visa update is aimed at both short-stay tourists and international business visitors.
Background: Making tourism a pillar of economic recovery
Cambodia’s tourism sector contributed nearly 12% of GDP before the COVID-19 pandemic but faced a dramatic downturn in 2020–2021. While international arrivals have slowly rebounded, the government remains committed to policy interventions that encourage long-term recovery.
Visa fees have long been a sticking point, especially for price-sensitive travelers and digital nomads. By reducing the cost of e-visas, the country is sending a clear message: Cambodia is open for business, leisure, and long-term exploration.
What’s changing: Lower fees for tourist and business visas
As announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, the following updates are now in effect:
Tourist e-visa (T-class): Reduced from USD $36 → $30
Business e-visa (E-class): Reduced from USD $42 → $35
These updates are reflected on Cambodia’s official e-Visa portal, which remains the recommended platform for electronic visa applications. The move not only reduces cost barriers but is framed within a wider plan to digitize border procedures and improve transparency.
Editorial insight: Cambodia's digital pivot toward tourism growth
This fee adjustment may appear small, but it represents a deeper strategic shift. As neighboring countries like Thailand and Malaysia ramp up visa-free schemes and simplified digital processes, Cambodia is aligning itself with ASEAN’s broader digital travel transformation.
Lower entry costs also encourage longer stays and repeat visits, especially from regional travelers in Vietnam, Laos, and Singapore. For business visitors and startup founders evaluating Southeast Asia as a base, affordability and ease of entry are increasingly influential.
Future outlook: Affordability meets accessibility
Cambodia’s revised visa policy is a timely and targeted move as global travel surges in 2025. With international tourism expected to hit new highs across Asia, competitive pricing and seamless digital access will be key differentiators.
The government’s next challenge will be to complement this pricing strategy with improved tourism infrastructure, destination marketing, and regional partnerships. If executed effectively, Cambodia could convert this administrative update into sustained inbound growth.
