Border Crossing Requirements
Borders around Cambodia. Image design and source: Canby Publications.
Insurance Requirements:
Insurance is not mandatory to enter Cambodia, but it is required for those entering or returning to Thailand. In Cambodia, you can use Forte insurance.
You can obtain specific travel insurance in Thailand from providers like AXA before crossing the Thai border. This can be easily done online and has to be planned.
Required Original and Printed Documents at the Border:
Valid passport (front page and inside pages).
Vehicle registration document in your name or with proper documentation to allow you to use the vehicle abroad.
Valid driver's license (ASEAN or international with an International Driving Permit).
Additional Documents for Thai Vehicles Entering Cambodia only: TM2 form (information of conveyance). TM3 form (passenger list) if you have passengers.
Fees:
100 THB processing fee for Thai vehicles entering Cambodia.
USD 35 visa fee to enter Cambodia (exact USD amount is recommended).
Tips and Advice:
It is recommended to go through the O'Smach (Chom Chom / O'smach) border crossing instead of Poipet, as it is usually easier and less complicated. Although Poipet has been improved recently for cars, motorcyclists who had to search another border often say it is not recommended. Overlanders have also recommended Choam, Sa-Ngam, Phsar Phrum, and Banpuggard.
Make sure you are not crossing at a military-only border.
On your departure card, crossing to Cambodia, specify the border you plan to depart from. If you fill out the eCustoms form online for temporary vehicles before your trip, you won't have to leave your vehicle's "green book" at the border. If you don't complete the eCustoms form, you'll need to leave the green book at the border, and you won't be able to exit through a different border.
Prepare photocopies of all your documents and have the exact change for any fees.
Aim to cross the border during off-peak hours to avoid long queues.
Cambodian Regulations and Entering/Exiting at Different Border Points:
According to the Prakas on the Implementation of Safety Rules and Regulations to Facilitate Self-Driving Tours, the key requirements for bringing a temporary entry-exit vehicle into Cambodia include:
Completing a summary declaration form (entry) and submitting it to the customs officer at the border.
Providing copies of your passport, driver's license, vehicle identification, and other required documents.
Temporarily exempted from the requirement for a Cambodian legal insurance card.
Important Note for Entering and Exiting at Different Borders: Entering Cambodia with a vehicle at one border point and exiting at another is possible, but requires advance planning. This cannot be arranged spontaneously while already in Cambodia. It must be done through the Cambodian Customs website before your trip.
Here's how:
Create an account: Register on the Cambodian Customs website: https://tvs.customs.gov.kh/
Create an application: Prepare pictures of the following documents on your phone or computer for easy uploading:
Two pictures of your vehicle's registration document (green book), showing the page with your name and the cover.
Two pictures of your passport: the main page with your photo and the cover.
Two pictures of your identity card (front and back).
Two pictures of your driving license (front and back).
The application requires you to specify the border crossing where you will exit Cambodia and your planned departure date. If your travel plans change, you can ask for changes to this information on the website after your application is approved.
It is strongly advised to complete your application well before you arrive at the border. At busy crossings like Poipet, customs officials may not have the time to assist with on-the-spot applications. While some officials may be helpful, this is not guaranteed.
Cambodian Regulations: According to the Prakas on the Implementation of Safety Rules and Regulations to Facilitate Self-Driving Tours, the key requirements for bringing a temporary entry-exit vehicle into Cambodia include:
Completing a summary declaration form (entry) and submitting it to the customs officer at the border.
Providing copies of your passport, driver's license, vehicle identification, and other required documents.
Temporarily exempted from the requirement for a Cambodian legal insurance card.
Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional information to be included in this guide.
