Cambodia launches digital immigration form
Cambodia has followed other nations within the region by launching a digital immigration form for anyone entering the country. The scheme came into effect as of July 1st, with early reports that it is going well.
The online application replaces the former hand written yellow form,, which seemingly no one paid much attention to, with an online version. Malaysia recently launched a similar scheme, although visitors can still fill out the paper version on arrival should they desire.
What does the digital immigration form entail?
Officially known as the Cambodia e-Arrival (CeA) scheme, it will require all arrivals to enter their details via a mobile app. As per the old hand written variety everyone entering is required to fill one out, regardless of if you have valid visa, or not.
You can read about the different types of Cambodian visa here.
Following the downloading of the app, visitors and returnees will be requited do the following;
1. Register: This requires taking a photo of the passport and uploading it
2. Complete E-Arrival Card: This replaces the former immigration, customs, as well as health declarations.
3. Issuing QR Code. After completion of the application guests will be sent a QR code, which will then need to be saved and presented to immigration.
This is similar to the current scheme in the Philippines.
What else do I need to know about digital immigration in Cambodia?
It has been reported that the new Cambodian digital immigration form should be completed 7 days before arrival, although early reports have shown that the issuing of the QR code is fairly instantaneous.
The report further stated that should visitors fail to fill out the form for any reason then tablets would be provided at airports so that guests could do so on arrival. It should though be noted that airlines may well now insist on seeing the QR code before issuing a boarding pass.
It is hoped that the new form will help speed up turnaround times at Cambodian airports, as well as borders, both of which can reach bottlenecks at peak times.
You can download the IOS version here, and the Android version here, while more information about the scheme can be done here.
Author: Gareth Johnson
Gareth Johnson is the founder of Young Pioneer Tours and has visited over 180+ countries. His passion is opening obscure destinations to tourism and sharing his experience of street food.
