Asia - e-visa or visa on arrival for Siem Reap?

I was wondering if anyone had advice or recent experience on immigration at REP. I've found some old posts which suggest that the process for each passenger isn't any faster with an e-visa, but you may (or may not) clear immigration faster depending on how many people got the e-visa vs. how many lines are open for it.

In general does it make sense to go ahead and get an e-visa, or does it really not make much if any difference?

To each their own, but I would recommend you just arrive. It is simple and with each arrival only 30/40 paxs, and a dozen immigration people, it takes no time. Once off the plane, walk across the tarmac to the International Arrivals hall. As you enter, immediately on your left is where you lodge the visa application and pay the money. You then proceed to the other end of all the lined up officers and wait for your name to be called. This usually is not as Mr Smith, but Mr John, so answer to first or last names. Before arriving download the application forms, fill out and attach the photos. The next area is for baggage arrival, then the Customs people ask a question or two and a left hand turn takes you out to the taxis. Very easy, enjoy REP.

Sounds good, thanks!

To each their own, but I would recommend you just arrive. It is simple and with each arrival only 30/40 paxs, and a dozen immigration people, it takes no time.

PG's A320 often have 140+ filing out of the plane and visa applications can take upwards of 45 minutes. YMMV. Those '12' officers are not working individually. One will take your passport and visa application and pass it to the next guy and on down the line.


As you enter, immediately on your left is where you lodge the visa application and pay the money. You then proceed to the other end of all the lined up officers and wait for your name to be called. ....The next area is for baggage arrival, then the Customs people ask a question or two and a left hand turn takes you out to the taxis. Very easy, enjoy REP.

Nobody who is an obvious tourist is asked any questions. Only Cambodians (or Thais) carrying plastic rainbow bags or boxes are ever asked questions. Everyone else simply files by the customs clerks and hands over their form. Period.

Sounds good, thanks!

kryptonite is maybe saying that if flying on Bangkok Air there are long delays and no customs check. If flying in from SIN, SGN, HAN, KUL or China and you are not the last person to deplane, it will not be a problem. If you would like to have a visa beforehand , and you are in Thailand, get the concierge at your hotel to pick one up for you, they will have the forms and you will have the photos, it is nothing to get too worried about.

kryptonite is maybe saying that if flying on Bangkok Air there are long delays and no customs check. If flying in from SIN, SGN, HAN, KUL or China and you are not the last person to deplane, it will not be a problem. If you would like to have a visa beforehand , and you are in Thailand, get the concierge at your hotel to pick one up for you, they will have the forms and you will have the photos, it is nothing to get too worried about.

That's useful info. More curious than worried, since the e-visa seemed pretty easy.

That's useful info. More curious than worried, since the e-visa seemed pretty easy.

Anything I can do ahead of a trip, I do it. Maybe it saves you a few minutes, maybe not. But not having to bother filling out paperwork on arrival just makes life easier IMHO.

Having e-visas saved us time. YMMV.

kryptonite is maybe saying that if flying on Bangkok Air there are long delays and no customs check. If flying in from SIN, SGN, HAN, KUL or China and you are not the last person to deplane, it will not be a problem. If you would like to have a visa beforehand , and you are in Thailand, get the concierge at your hotel to pick one up for you, they will have the forms and you will have the photos, it is nothing to get too worried about.

Kryptonite? Is this another of your BKKROPisms?