Phnom Penh
Cambodia is set to launch a trial e-Arrival Card scheme for all travelers entering the country, starting from January 1, 2024, according to an announcement by the Ministry of Interior. The new electronic system aims to streamline the immigration process by replacing various paper forms currently required upon arrival. The e-Arrival Card is designed to simplify immigration formalities and health procedures for both foreign travelers and Cambodian citizens arriving through international airports. During the trial period, which runs from January 1 to June 30, 2024, passengers will have the option to either fill out an electronic form or use the traditional paper form for immigration, customs, and health information. However, from July 1, 2024, all passengers will be required to complete the electronic form as the e-Arrival Card scheme is officially launched. The move towards digitization and the adoption of electronic systems aligns with global trends in enhancing travel efficiency, especially amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Cambodia’s tourism sector, a vital component of its economy, is expected to benefit from the streamlined process as the country aims to attract more international visitors. In the first 10 months of 2023, Cambodia recorded a significant increase in international tourist arrivals, reaching 4.4 million, marking a notable rise of around 180% compared to the same period in the previous year, according to the Ministry of Tourism.
