SETV - Phnom Penh Cambodia - Paperwork

[dennis123]

I applied for a single entry tourist visa today at the Royal Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh today, which is open for applications from 8:30 till 11:30 (Mo-Fr).

The lady asked me for a return ticket and told her I don't have it as I'm unsure where I go after as I'm a world traveller.

Second option were bank statements, she didn't tell me how much there should be in the bank and I didn't ask her either so can't provide that, however I showed:

- Paypal screenshot of my balance/wallet with copy of my ATM card that matches the bank account attached there (she didn't even look at my bank card).

- Payoneer screenshot of balance + transactions from last 30 days and again I showed my ATM card to confirm, (which she again didn't bother about to look at)

Each of those accounts hold more than 5000 euro, I think that was the requirement for the METV, along some other stuff that I don't have so I went for the single entry.

Anyway, cause of these statements I didn't have to show a ticket out which is convenient enough for me.

I applied today on friday the 13th and can pick up my passport on the 17th late afternoon, so that's like 3 business days, seems to take longer than usual.

So if you go apply for whatever visa, make sure you have either of these requirements or they'll send you away in Phnom Penh. A ticket out of the country doesn't have to be too expensive if you book well in advance I guess, no idea if any country applies but guess so.

[ubonjoe]

A one way ticket to any nearby country would be accepted and getting one 60 days later would be cheap on a low cost carrier.

The 17th is not bad for there it can at times take longer.

[roath]

A one way ticket to any nearby country would be accepted and getting one 60 days later would be cheap on a low cost carrier.

The 17th is not bad for there it can at times take longer.

What about getting a ticket out of Thailand after 90 days (i.e. after getting 30 day extension to SETV). Would that be acceptable?

[ubonjoe]

Other places yes. PP I am not sure about it.

[dennis123]

A one way ticket to any nearby country would be accepted and getting one 60 days later would be cheap on a low cost carrier.

The 17th is not bad for there it can at times take longer.

What about getting a ticket out of Thailand after 90 days (i.e. after getting 30 day extension to SETV). Would that be acceptable?

They want to see the ticket when you apply for the visa so afterwards is no option, at least not in Phnom Penh.

Unless you mean the ticket date being after 90 days instead of 60 days, I don't think they'll have a problem with that.

[TheKnave]

I hope the embassy guard (Khmer) is still in business in front of the gate. $10 + visa fee, and none of the Thai Embassy BS, plus, he delivers. Used to, anyway...nice guy, very reliable.

[JackThompson]

My understanding, from my time living in Cambodia, is one does not benefit at all by dealing directly with other nation's Consulate personnel, or Cambodian immigration, or the office issuing Drivers Licenses, etc. The only exception I can think of would be one's own consulate, applying for a passport renewal or similar.

The entire country, from the seaports to the VOA stations, are organized around kickback schemes. If you walk into the Thai consulate there, you are, essentially, denying someone their expected kickback from your application; in other words, you are "breaking standard protocol." Do not expect a cheery response. Therefore, much better to pay an agent who has a good reputation. The fee is trivial, and the result is more likely to be positive and faster. Another benefit, is that one does not even have to make a trip to Phnom Penh, or even navigate across that city in the crazy traffic.

This is not to say one cannot "get it done" on their own, or that other exceptions to this rule do not exist - only that, generally, an agent is the preferred option.

[OMGImInPattaya]

That's the normal visa processing time...2 business days. You submitted on Friday and you pick-up on Tuesday. If one's in a hurry, should aim to submit Mon-Wed.