The Royal Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh is set to launch its e-visa application system on October 8th, marking a significant shift towards digitalisation.
While those with Cambodian passports are eligible for a 60 day tourist visa exemption, this move is expected to streamline the visa application process for education, internships, long-term tourism and business engagements.
The last day for walk-in visa applications at the Royal Thai Embassy will be October 4th, 2024, after which applicants will be required to submit their applications through the official e-Visa portal (https://www.thaievisa.go.th/).
The e-Visa fee payment must be made using debit or credit cards. QR code, bank transfer and cash payments will no longer be accepted.
The introduction of the e-Visa is expected to facilitate the process for Cambodians travelling to Thailand, particularly for long-term visa holders like students and professionals.
Kuch Rithchhady, a third-year student of Architecture and Design at Assumption University in Thailand, said, as a Cambodian student studying in Thailand, she spent a lot of time and money initially applying for the visa.
"I'm living in the city, so it's not that hard to go to the embassy several times to apply, but my friends in other provinces, like Siem Reap and Poipet, have to travel to Phnom Penh to apply. So, the e-Visa system will definitely help,” she said.
She currently holds a non-immigrant ED visa and must renew it annually at the Cambodian embassy in Thailand. She also needs to report every 90-days.
Former journalism intern in Bangkok, Soeung Nimol, who previously applied for a Thai visa, also mentioned the convenience the e-Visa will bring. She said she applied for the visa on her own and, as it was her first time, she found the process very complicated. She had to visit the embassy three or four times, because she was missing some documents.
"I didn’t know what they needed or how the process worked. It took so much time. I was so worried the visa wouldn’t be approved in time for my internship," Nimol said.
She believes that the e-visa program will greatly benefit those going to Thailand for long-term purposes, reducing the need for multiple trips to the embassy. Applying online will not waste as much time, she opined.
An e-visa user manual and a video tutorial have been made available for applicants with which to familiarise themselves with the new system. These resources can be accessed at:
- https://www.thaievisa.go.th/static/English-Manual.pdf
- https://www.thaievisa.go.th/video-user-manuals
Applicants with further inquiries can also reach out to the embassy via email at visa.pnh@mfa.go.th.
In addition to the e-visa development, Thailand also announced in July this year that nationals from 93 countries, including Cambodia, are eligible for visa exemptions for tourism, business engagements or urgent work. This exemption allows stays of up to 60 days, extendable for an additional 30 days, subject to the immigration officer’s discretion.
For those applying to study in Thailand, the following documents are required:
- Biodata page of the passport or travel document
- A photograph taken within six months prior to the application
- Documentation indicating current location
- Financial evidence (bank statements or sponsorship letter)
- Letter from the university
- Enrolment confirmation letter (signed by an authorised representative of the university, along with their ID or passport copy)
Internship applicants will need similar documentation, with the enrolment confirmation letter replaced by a letter confirming participation in the internship or program issued by the host company or organisation.
The adoption of the e-visa is seen as a significant improvement for Cambodian nationals, who often faced logistical hurdles and long wait times for visa approvals. With the online system, travellers can expect a more streamlined process that minimises the need for physical visits to the embassy.
