Cambodia e-Visa Blog

More than 55,000 travelers have chosen Cambodia e-Visa

You Were Really Efficient

July 19th, 2010

“A friend of mine told me that you were really efficient, this is the prove.”

One of our customer encounter some problem with the payment page. He has forgotten to write down the reference now. He emailed us few hour ago and everything solved with our dedicated team working around the clock.

We will continue improving our service.

The following Visa guide applies to Tourist Visas only, and not Business or Diplomatic Visas. The guide is applicable to American citizens, holders of passports issued in the United States and those born in the US.

1. No Advance Planning

Some countries will grant you a tourist visa automatically upon arrival, and there’s no need for pre-arrangements or payments. Immigration officers will stamp your passport with a date showing either the number of days you can stay, or a date indicating when you must leave the country. The stamp on your passport serves as a ‘Visa’. You’re allowed to enter multiple times, within a specific no of days. They start counting on the first day you enter the country. In other words, this is called a multiple-entry Visa.

Sometimes, this comes with a fee. On arrival at the entry point, you’ll need to visit the ‘Visa-on-arrival’ counter to submit your Visa application. You’ll be required to provide passport-sized photos and a stamping fee. The Visa usually takes the form of sticker or simply a stamp on your passport. By default, you will get a single-entry Visa, but citizens of some countries may have the option to pay extra for longer stays and multiple entries. For those with single-entry Visas, you can stay for a specific number of days. Each time you leave the country and re-enter, you have to apply for another visa.

Country Stamping Fee Day to Stay No of Entry
Hong Kong Free 90 Days Multiple Entry
Japan Free 90 Days Multiple Entry
Korea Free 90 Days Multiple Entry
Macau Free 30 Days Multiple Entry
Malaysia Free 90 Days Multiple Entry
Maldives Free 30 Days Multiple Entry
Philippines Free 21 Days Multiple Entry
Singapore Free 90 Days Multiple Entry
Sri Langka Free 30 Days Multiple Entry
Taiwan Free 30 Days Multiple Entry
Thailand Free 30 Days Multiple Entry
Indonesia USD25 30 Days Single Entry
Laos USD50 60 Days Single Entry
Myanmar 30USD 28 Days Single Entry

2. Three-Day Preparation

Some countries require you to submit your visa application before you make your trip. You can’t do it at the entry point. Usually, you will get a reference number or an approval letter to indicate that your Visa has already been received. Some countries will grant you the Visa without a fee. Others may need you to pay for the stamping fee at the Visa-on-arrival counter. Submission of application is to be done online without the need to hand over your original passport.

For some countries, you will receive your Visa soon after submitting your application online. Since you get the Visa in advance, and you can print out your visa, this is by far the most convenient way.

You must enter the country within a specific day after your application has been received or you have received your visa in advance.

Country Stamping Fee Day to Stay Validity No of Entry How to Get Visa?
Australia Free 3 Months 1 Year Multiple Entry Visa granted on arrival automatically
Vietnam USD25 1 Month 1 Year Single Entry Need to go to the Visa on arrival counter upon arrival
Cambodia USD25 1 Month 3 Months Single Entry Visa granted on arrival automatically

3. Two-Week Preparation

Some countries require your Visa to be ready well before entering the country. The visa is granted beforehand by the embassy of the country you wish to visit. It is usually easier to do it in your home country before you travel. You can also apply through travel agents, who have runners, thus saving you a trip to the embassy. Some embassies allow you to mail in your passport together with your application.

Depending on the country, the expiry date on your Visa may begin once it is been issued to you, instead of beginning on the day you enter the country.

Country Stamping Fee Day to Stay No of Entry
China 140USD 30 Days Single Entry
India 60USD 6 Months Multiple Entry
Russia 130USD 30 Days Single Entry

Visa-on-arrival has been granted since last month at two main international airports of Yangon and Mandalay to facilitate world tourists who were previously required to apply for the entry by transiting through Singapore and Thailand where Myanmar embassies are based.

According to the official statistics, tourists arrivals in Myanmar hit 227,400 in the calendar year of 2009, up 25 percent compared with 2008, since the launch on new visa on arrival service on July 2010

Source: Asia Travel Visa Fan Page

Tips for Online Visas

July 5th, 2010

Tips for online visa application

Picture this scenario, you see a blank page on your computer, you press ‘next’ and it takes forever to load. What’s up? If this happens to you while you’re in the process of applying for an online Visa, make sure that you’re not uploading an image that’s not too big in size. Resize your picture and try again. If not, try with another computer or a different web browser such as Google Chrome or Firefox.

Another good tip is to have your passport with you while you’re making an application, you’ll definitely need some of the info in there. If you’re applying for friends, make sure you’ve gotten all their details and pictures before you start. This will save you a lot of grief.

Other than credit card payments, many online Visa portals accept Paypal. At the payment page, they will prompt you to log in to your Paypal account using your email address, and then you can make the payment from there. In some countries, you’ve got to go through an extended program in Paypal to verify your credit card.

Always enter your application in ENGLISH (Roman alphabet), not in Chinese or Japanese characters, and make sure you review all your information, especially your passport number and date of birth.

If you have two nationalities, pick one to enter. Use the one where you’re most likely to be approved. If you were born in the country you wish to visit, but are now holding a foreign passport, please check with their embassy. In Cambodia, for example, you need to apply for a special Visa, not a tourist Visa if you were born there. And, in Vietnam, if you were born there, you’re exempted from getting a Visa.

Apply Cambodia Tourist Visa without going to embassy or leaving passport to 3rd party runners

More travel visa tips?

Happy Customers, Rina Hasegawa

February 2nd, 2010

Thank you so much, I have no words to express my gratitude! I look forward to visit Cambodia.

Rina Hasegawa, one of the Cambodiaonarrival.com customer

Feedback from Travellers

February 1st, 2010

Your answer is quite clear for us, thank you very much. We have got all the travel guide, which help us a lot. Thanks again, said Huang Chuanxin, China

Beijing

This makes our day! :)

The Travel Guide is Useful!

January 21st, 2010

Includes culture, language, places to visit, hotels, guesthouses...

This is what we have received from our Visa applicant Rauno Korhonen, Sweden. He is kind enough to share with us his travel tips too

“Air asia flies also to Cambodia from Bangkok. You only mentioned Bangkok air and Thai Airways. Air Asia is the cheapest flight.”

Cambodia Visa On-arrival, Apply Now

Apply Visa On Arrival Online

January 15th, 2010
Travellers arriving at Siem Reap internation airport

Travellers arriving at Siem Reap internation airport

Check and validate your Visa application before travel to Cambodia. This new service is brought to you by Cambodiaonarrival.com. It helps you to find the best way to apply your Travel Visa, the safer and quicker way! Plus, you get free travel guidebooks for both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Apply Now!

To all travelers to Cambodia, do your part to punish the evils!

e-Visa project was first launched in year 2006. The original Team is a web design company in Malaysia, who also donated funds to build schools in Cambodia. The team worked hard day and night to improve, to fund, to market and to support the system till it became a valid and trustworthy site and received overwhelming feedback from customers, friends and even other web developers.

For 30 months , the Team had built the system, had paid employees in Malaysia and Cambodia to maintain the system, had paid for the internet connections & PCs, had even travelled to Cambodia to set up the network and to do marketing and admin. All these work were invested with the agreement for eventual payment when it becomes profitable. However, just as the system became profitable, the system was hijacked with Mr Adrian Phang as the mastermind.

The original e-Visa website. The original service provider uploaded the original version at http://www.cambodiaonarrival.com in order for travelers to do a side-by-side compare of old & new website.

The original e-Visa website. The original service provider uploaded the original version at http://www.cambodiaonarrival.com in order for travelers to do a side-by-side compare of old & new website.

The project was originally created by people at 1.com.my

The project was originally created by people at 1.com.my

Two Kumomo Schools built in Cambodia by 1.com.my

Two Kumomo Schools built in Cambodia by 1.com.my

Mike praised on the original website

Mike praised on the original website

Then comes the evils!

On the 28th of June 2008, 3 culprits hijacked the Cambodia e-Visa website. However as expected, the culprits being non dedicated and money-faced, could not maintain the system well enough and had caused a lot of problems to existing e-Visa holder and new applicants.

New service provider launched their website by illegally infringing the original e-Visa website

New service provider launched their website by illegally infringing the original e-Visa website

The Team is suing Mr. TY Thong from GoVoice Sdn Bhd, Mr. Adrian Phang from Green Solutions Technologies Sdn Bhd and HE HONG Panharith, General Inspector of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation. Read the court case document.

The evils returned

The evils returned

There are no clues where the money goes if you pay your Visa fee online. It is skeptical now as the system is now managed by a bunch of crooks.

It gets even more murky now. The new website is down most of the time. The service provider changed the header to cover their sin of infringement. The site is a mess now if you compare it with the original site.

The new service provider claimed that it is an upgrade. We DOUBT… :)

Original e-Visa website Vs New e-Visa website

New e-Visa website having problem most of the time

New e-Visa website having problem most of the time

Check this out, they don’t even bother to change this picture. The girl is a former team member from the Team. Again, another proof that the current service provider is a crook.

Former team in 1.com.my

Former team in 1.com.my

Please do not apply Cambodia e-Visa until the justice prevails.

The Cambodia e-Visa Scam

June 7th, 2009
Screenshot taken from Wikitravel

Screenshot taken from Wikitravel

The original provider of the e-Visa service was kicked out in murky circumstances, and their site now rails against the evils of the new provider. However, travellers who have obtained e-Visas with the new system report no problems using them.

Posted in Wikitravel Cambodia.

Got a habit of keeping a travel journal whenever you hit the road? Share your globe-trotting experience with other travelers at a4trip.com and start earning from your travel experiences!

Likewise, if you have an eye for good travel content, join our team of travel content coordinators and earn coordination fees with every guidebook compiled.

a4trip.com is an online travel content platform that stores, market and distribute travel content to a global audience in various languages. The site has been running for a year, with 60 contributors from around the globe.

With more than 25 destinations and counting, a4trip.com aims to be the premiere portal in providing essential information to travelers at very affordable price. To sign up and start earning, contact support@a4trip.com!

Since the Cambodia e-Visa system involved in infringement, Cambodia e-Visa Blog received many negative comments regarding the current system. Among them complained not able to make payment, do not receive e-Visa after payment made or received e-Visa with wrong details.

See what are they complaining about the current Cambodia e-Visa system below.

I am a travel agent staff. I applied the Cambodia E-VISA for my clients on line. First time, I filled up the application for 5 people and wait for payment. But the Web didn’t work. So, I proceed open another new Web to apply an other 5-people. (I have 20 VISAs need to apply) After i finished and checked the info, It showed correct, so I payed. But when I check the aprroved VISA’s details, I find that the approved visa’s details are confused with that i filled up on the first time. That is say. the approved VISA’s details are all wrong(include the photo,name, passport No.etc). and i payed.

Hello! Me and my friends are visiting Cambodia next week! I got my e-visa few weeks ago, but my friends did´nt! Someone is charged my credit card already (I applied all visas)! What I have to do to get visas or get money back???

I am in Ningbo,China. I want to apply Cambodia E visa, but can not login your website http://evisa.mfaic.gov.kh, kindly help!

Besides, the news on Cambodia e-Visa system infringement can also be found in Wikitravel under Cambodia Visa section.

Cambodia e-Visa in Wikitravel

Therefore, tourists to Cambodia are strongly recommended not to apply for e-Visa for the time being. As an alternative, on arrival visa can be easily obtained at price USD20.

Kumomo Schools

October 16th, 2008

In rural Cambodia, hundreds of villages are still lack of a functional primary and secondary school.The construction cost of a rural school is $13,000. To find out more about how you can help, please visit CambodiaSchools.com.

Cambodia hopes to become a leader in the development of bio-fuel in the face of increasing global oil prices, say government officials.

The development of bio-diesel produced from Jatropha curcas, a plant native to Cambodia, has drawn attention from investors, said Sat Samy, deputy secretary of state for the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy during a workshop on Cambodian bio-diesel held recently in Phnom Penh.

Bio-energy industries are present in a number of countries, said Secretary of State for Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy Ith Praing, adding that European Community (EC) countries will increase their use of bio-fuels from 15 percent to 20 percent of the total by 2020 with the intention of reducing green gas emissions.

Sat Samy told Rasmei Kampuhea that bio-diesel from Jatropa oil has many benefits; providing cheap fuel for generators, a renewable source of revenue for the economy and decreasing Cambodia’s reliance on fuel imports. Bio-fuel also promotes the use of agricultural land for cash crops, he said, as well as ensuring a clean environment, as bio-fuel is far less polluting than fossil fuels.

The industry is in its infancy in Cambodia, said the secretary of state, adding that ten firms have started production or shown interest in Jatropha cultivation so far.

A recent study showed 3,500 Jatropha trees can be grown per hectare, producing 3,000 liters of oil annually after three years.

Some Jatropha oil, produced by smallholders, is already available in Cambodia, priced at 2,300 riel (about US$0.57) per liter. Firms are buying Jatropha seeds for 400 riel (about US$0.10) per kilogram, said the deputy secretary of state, adding that many seeds have been sold in Kampong Chhnang, Prey Veng, and Kampong Speu.

Hi there, we wish to get help to proofread our website. If you are interested, please post your contact in the Leave a Reply form, thank you.

Volunteer Development Poverty Children Association

VDPCS School was first established in early 2005 by two Buddhist monks, Rathana Nn and Togh Main, who wanted to give some of Siem Reap’s poorest children a positive future by offering free education, and thus the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty in which many find themselves. With occasional donations and the help of local and foreign volunteers, they struggled but managed to teach over a hundred children and teenagers in 2 simple, thatch classrooms for about a year. In spring 2006, enough funds were raised to rebuild a very basic new school at a more suitable location with 3 classrooms. Subsequently student numbers jumped, reflecting the urgent desire for education in Cambodia.

Cambodian Children

Tragically, 24-year-old director Rathana was killed in a car crash in April 2007 and the school’s future seemed as uncertain as ever. But out of this sad incident emerged a new alliance of former volunteers and supporters worldwide who have joined forces to ensure the school’s continued existence and development. With the help of many generous people around the globe, the school has made tremendous progress.

Cambodia school student

The school became a registered NGO on 10 September 2007. The name of the NGO is Volunteer Development Poverty Children Association with registration number 1093. This is beneficial for the school and the children as it gives them greater rights under Cambodian law and hopefully opens up new channels of support from overseas.

building school for Cambodian kids

The most recent progress has been the construction of a new school as the second location (as much as the first) soon proved inadequate for the school for many reasons. Work commenced toward the end of 2007 to source sufficient new land for the school to be rebuilt. After months of negotiations the school signed a five year lease on a plot of land which was only 100 metres down the road.

Having class

Construction at this new and hopefully final location was completed at the end of February and cost $20,000USD. The school is now much bigger and better and thankfully no longer made of straw!! This was made possible with the generous support of local and foreign donors, as well as with a lot of hard work from the staff and students.

Kids attending class

There are now two large concrete buildings – one of the buildings has five classrooms which can accommodate up to forty students. Each classroom is equipped with ten bench-like desks, a whiteboard and a fan. The second building has a staff room, a computer room, a library, and two washrooms. There is also a playground in front of the classrooms where students can play before class. The school now has around 700 students with new students enrolling daily.

Buddhist monks

The new school provides a much better learning environment for the students; however, the school still struggles to cover the school’s monthly operating expenses, which is only $880 USD. Ongoing financial support is desperately needed to cover this cost, ensure the schools future, and allow these particularly poor children receive and education. In addition, they are still in need of computers so that they can start computer literacy classes. Any financial or equipment donation would be greatly appreciated and would help improve the students education.

Discussion

Most of the children that attend VDPCS are there because they cannot afford the 20cents a day fee of going to the public school; some are orphans and some with HIV. All funds raised give hope to these children of having a future and guarantees the school gates can remain open to make what’s possible for us possible for a small community in a third world country.

Volunteers teaching students in Cambodia

Volunteers:
An increasing number of qualified volunteers have been teaching at VDCPS this year and we already have numerous enquiries for 2008. We are also setting up our own volunteer program that will help to cover the school’s bills.

Would you like to find out more, support us or become a volunteer?
Please contact the Director of the School – Main Togh (first name Togh –pronounced Tong) via our website
www.childrenofcambodia.org

You can make a difference today!
Donate now via our bank account!

Online
You can now donate to the school online using Paypal’s online donation service: www.childrenofcambodia.org

Building school for the children Having fun class.jpg

cambodia-student.jpg cambodia-student-1.jpg cambodia-student-2.jpg

dolphin.gifMekong River Dolphin, was the only marine mammal known by the residents in Irrawaddy. However, the number of the endangered species was reported to be lesser in the past few years. Although there are animal conservation organizations already start fighting against the river dolphin extinction, more efforts are required to ensure the small size populations existence in Mekong River.

PDF travel guide maker – a4trip, leads the industry by including animal conservation projects in their travel guides. Besides creating awareness of animal conservation among the travelers, they also donate part of the travel guide’s income to these conservation projects. Mekong River Dolphin was featured in their Siem Reap travel guide. Mentioned in the guide are the brief introduction of the creature and also ways to prevent extinction. Traveler are also told on how to help in the reservation efforts.

Buy travel guide and donate now
Are you interested to write for other destination?

Night life in Siem Reap

April 30th, 2008

Night life in Siem Reap

Pub Street in the Old Market area is the de-facto district for nightlife. Pubs, clubs and bars are packed together, blasting contemporary music with signs outside promoting “happy hour�. Most of them stay open until at least midnight and the last bars can be open past 4am.

Funky Munky
www.funkymunkycambodia.com
Tel: 012 1824 533
Open: Midday – Late
(Closed on Monday)

Angkor What? Bar
Tel: 012-490755
Open: 6pm – 3:30am

Find out more about Siem Reap club and pub

Barbara’s Travelogue

March 27th, 2008

Our friends Barbara was so excited to share with us her fresh-baked Travelogue! She has enjoyed her trip very much, and we share the excitement with her as we browse through her blog.

Ps, read our interview with Barbara

New e-Visa Story!

March 21st, 2008

Memorable Cambodian Border Official

We’ve just added a new story received from our visitor, M.J. Krishna. He and his wife traveled to Cambodia with e-Visa and experienced with an “unfriendly” Cambodian border officials in Poipet. Read full story.

If you found this story interesting and would like to share with your friends, you can send it as postcard!