Canada Visa RequirementsFor Cambodia passport holders
Cambodian citizens require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada. The application fee is $100 CAD and processing typically takes 4-8 weeks.
Cambodia passport holders require a visa to enter Canada.
Apply online through the IRCC portal or in person at a designated Visa Application Centre. The nearest VAC for Cambodians is typically in Bangkok, Thailand. Fee: $100 CAD. Biometrics enrollment is required ($85 CAD additional for most applicants). Processing time: 4-12 weeks. Submit well in advance of planned travel. A strong application includes bank statements, property ownership, employment letter, and a clear itinerary.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Biometrics
Required at first application
Required Documents
Valid Passport
Must be valid for the duration of your intended stay. Ensure at least 2 blank pages are available.
Completed Online Application (IMM5257)
Apply via the IRCC ImmiAccount portal. Complete all forms including Schedule 1 (Background Declaration).
Digital Photo
Recent photo meeting Canadian photo specifications: plain white background, neutral expression.
Biometrics Enrollment
Enroll biometrics at a designated VAC (Bangkok for Cambodians). Fee: $85 CAD additional.
Bank Statements (6 months)
Statements showing consistent savings and income over the past 6 months.
Employment Letter
Letter from employer confirming position, salary, leave approval, and commitment to return.
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel bookings or signed invitation letter from host in Canada (IMM5481 form if applicable).
Return Flight Itinerary
Confirmed or provisional booking for return flight from Canada.
Travel Insurance
Insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation for the full duration of the Canadian visit.
Evidence of Ties to Cambodia
Property ownership documents, family ties, business records to demonstrate intent to return.
Current Travel Situation
Cambodia to Canada: What You Need to Know
Canada does not offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to Cambodian passport holders. The Cambodian diaspora in Canada is relatively small, and bilateral trade and tourism volumes are modest, meaning there is no strong diplomatic push for visa liberalization. The Canadian Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is required for tourism, visiting family, and short business trips. Applications are processed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and can be submitted online or at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). The process is stringent, requiring strong proof of ties to Cambodia and financial sufficiency.
How to Get There
No direct flights from Phnom Penh (PNH) to Canada. Connect via Bangkok (BKK), Tokyo (NRT), Hong Kong (HKG), or Vancouver (YVR) to Toronto (YYZ) or Montreal (YUL). Total journey: 20-28 hours. Air Canada, Cathay Pacific, and Japan Airlines operate common routes. Within Canada, domestic flights and Via Rail trains connect major cities.
Money & Banking
Canada uses the Canadian Dollar (CAD). ATMs are everywhere. Credit cards widely accepted. Daily budget: $80-120 CAD (budget), $150-250 CAD (mid-range). USD is sometimes accepted at border areas but CAD is standard. Tipping is expected: 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per bag for porters.
Practical Tips
Apply at least 3 months before your intended travel date to account for processing delays. Biometric enrollment must be done at a VAC; the Bangkok VAC is the most convenient for Cambodians. Provide 3-6 months of bank statements showing consistent savings. Include a detailed cover letter explaining your trip purpose, itinerary, and ties to Cambodia (job, property, family). A single-entry visa is standard for first-time applicants; request multiple-entry if you plan to re-enter from the US.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Cambodian citizens need a visa for Canada?
Yes. Cambodian passport holders require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada. There is no visa-free or visa-on-arrival arrangement for Cambodians.
Where do Cambodians apply for a Canadian visa?
Apply online through the IRCC ImmiAccount portal. Biometrics enrollment is required at a designated Visa Application Centre; the nearest for Cambodians is typically in Bangkok, Thailand.
How long does Canadian visa processing take for Cambodian applicants?
Processing typically takes 4-12 weeks. Apply at least 3 months before your planned travel date to allow adequate time.
What is the biometrics fee for a Canadian visa application?
In addition to the $100 CAD application fee, most applicants pay an $85 CAD biometrics fee. Total minimum cost is $185 CAD.
Can I get a multiple-entry Canadian visa as a Cambodian?
First-time applicants typically receive a single-entry visa. After a successful visit with no immigration issues, subsequent applications may result in a multiple-entry TRV valid for up to 10 years or passport expiry.
What is the strongest evidence I can provide for a Canadian visa application?
Property ownership, consistent employment with a competitive salary, savings equivalent to at least 2-3 months of Canadian costs, family ties in Cambodia (spouse, children), and a well-documented previous travel history are the strongest supporting factors.
Are there direct flights from Cambodia to Canada?
There are no direct flights. The most common connections are via Tokyo (NRT), Hong Kong (HKG), Vancouver (YVR), or Los Angeles (LAX). Total journey time is 20-28 hours.