If Heels Could Talk  – Entering Cambodia as a Nigerian

For a long time, Siem Reap, Cambodia, has been on the list of places I’ve wanted to visit. This town is the home to the ruins of Angkor, a UNESCO World Heritage site. I, however, did not anticipate or have an appreciation for the process for Cambodian visas for Nigerians. Now that I do, I’m sharing my experience to help the next person set expectations about obtaining a Cambodian visa as a Nigerian, and also plan successfully. 

Cambodian E-Visa for a Nigerian

I quickly learned that Nigerian passport holders were not eligible for the e-visa. However, it wasn’t clear whether I needed to apply at the embassy where I live, or if I was eligible for a visa on arrival. 

Important Update: As of 2025, Nigerian passport holders can apply for a Cambodian e-visa. However, you must still have all items ready per the visa on arrival section below. 

Embassy Visa Application

I made an appointment, completed the required forms, and went to the Cambodian Embassy in Tokyo. I arrived, submitted my items, only to be told that the embassy in Japan did not have the authority to issue visas to Nigerian passport holders. Keep in mind that I had reached out six weeks prior and was told that I could apply. This left me so deflated!

My Cambodian Visa On Arrival Experience as a Nigerian 

With all my safe options exhausted, the only option I found was a visa on arrival at Cambodia. However, I didn’t want to risk not being allowed to board or being allowed into the country. To be safe, I made sure I got my visa to Vietnam (it was a combined trip), and applied so that it would be effective for the duration of the entire trip. 

I arrived at the Siem Reap airport and went into the visa on arrival line, and I was quickly pulled aside when I presented my passport. I was asked several questions and then asked to provide the following pieces of information, which were photographed or scanned:

1. My passport
2. A recent photo
3. All visas in my passport
4. My accommodation in Cambodia
5. My flight out of Cambodia to my next destination
6. My flight from my next destination back to Tokyo
7. My Japanese residence card
8. My US Green Card

I was asked about:

1. What I do for a living
2. How many days I planned on being in Cambodia
3. If I was travelling alone
4. Where I was staying and whether I had paid (I had)
5. My reason for visiting Cambodia
6. How much I had available for the trip and specifically how much I had in cash

At this point, I was not at all amused by the endless questioning while I saw others breeze through the visa on arrival queue. It just seemed unfair, unjust. They scanned every document, repeated several questions, and frankly had no reason to deny me entry into the country. They went back to the cash on hand question. 

Cash Requirement for Cambodia Entry

I carry as little cash as possible, and I try to use my card where possible. I had a total of $130 in cash and this was due to me making an additional effort, as I read the $30 visa fee had to be paid in cash in exact change and in USD. 

I was told that I need a minimum of $500 USD in order to be given the visa. I offered to show my bank account and credit card. They declined. At the time, I wasnt sure if the requirement was a flat amount of a variable based on the number of days. The information about this supposed requirement was not anywhere online. 

Not ready to back down on this seemingly ridiculous request, I asked then what the alternative was, and they said I’d be sent back and not allowed into the country. And I oop!!!

At this point, I gave in and was escorted (with armed military personnel) to the ATM outside the terminal. Of course, this got a lot of attention from both locals and foreigners. After getting the cash (yes, ATMs there dispense USD), I paid my $30 visa fee and my visa was issued. This process took over an hour. 

Just A Little Extra Flavour

Visa in hand, I finally got in line for immigration. My relief was short-lived. 5 minutes in, someone decided to be silly! A different officer walked to me, and you CANNOT tell me he didn’t single me out. He takes my passport and asks me to step out of the line and I lose my spot in line. He proceeds to start questioning me all over AGAIN, even though he could see that I had just been issued a visa. 

After the first three or so questions, I suggested that he talk with his colleagues that already held me hostage for a long time. 

After a bit more time wasting and walking around aimlessly with my passport, he finally hands me back my passport, and I rejoin the line all over again. 

I got through immigration smoothly, grabbed my bag, and found the gentleman from the hotel holding a sign with my name. The poor guy was wondering if I missed my flight. 

The cold towel, fruit, and drink on the ride were exactly what I needed to cool off from the ordeal. I LOVED my time in Cambodia but absolutely hated my experience at the port of entry. 

In Conclusion, Here’s What I’d Tell To A Nigerian Passport Holder Looking To Visit Cambodia

• Yes, Nigerian passport holders are eligible for a visa on arrival (as of the date of this post).
• Know your rights
• Expect questioning
• Have your bookings handy
• Bring cash
• Pack a truckload of patience

I was told that people from about 20 countries are subject to these additional checks. The most frustrating aspects of my experience were the following:

1. The misinformation and lack of clear information on the part of the government of Cambodia. I also sent several emails to their email address but no one responded. The embassy in Tokyo also misinformed me at first.
2. There is nowhere online where entry requirements for us are clearly stipulated
3. The unfairness of it all! I have tough skin, but it gets exhausting

Cambodia was country #66 on my Nigerian passport! Life is generous!

Happy Travels!