(CHAM YEAM) Cambodia has imposed temporary closures at two major land crossings along the Cambodia–Thailand border for e‑Visa holders, citing ongoing military tensions and security concerns. As of September 9, 2025, travelers with Cambodian e‑Visas cannot enter at Cham Yeam in Koh Kong Province or Poipet in Banteay Meanchey Province. The measure follows months of strain along the frontier and remains in place “until further notice,” according to the official e‑Visa system.
Authorities say the restrictions are a direct response to the fragile security picture after a year of intermittent clashes in the sensitive Emerald Triangle area. A notable exchange of fire on May 28 prompted a heavier military presence on both sides. Although a ceasefire was signed on July 28, officials describe the situation as unstable, especially around certain border segments. For now, the closures affect entry only by e‑Visa holders at the two busiest Cambodia–Thailand gateways.
Where e‑Visa holders can enter and exit
Under the current policy, travelers with an approved Cambodian e‑Visa can still enter through airports and selected land points away from Thailand. Open e‑Visa entry points include:
- Phnom Penh Techo International Airport (KTI) — replaced the former Phnom Penh International Airport on September 8.
- Siem Reap International Airport (SAI)
- Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS)
- Bavet land crossing with Vietnam
- Tropaeng Kreal land crossing with Laos
E‑Visa holders may exit Cambodia at any official checkpoint, including Cham Yeam and Poipet, even though those two sites do not currently accept e‑Visa entry.
Unclear status for embassy/consular visas
Cambodia has not clarified whether visas issued by embassies or consulates face the same limits. The official notice singles out e‑Visa holders, which suggests other visa types may be treated differently, but there is no definitive confirmation yet. That distinction matters for:
- Regional travelers who prefer overland routes
- Expats who rely on routine border crossings
Until an official update, many travelers are contacting consulates directly to confirm whether embassy‑issued visas are accepted at the affected land ports.
Impact on travelers and local industry
The closures have immediate practical and economic effects:
- Travelers: Longer routes and higher costs for trips that previously used Poipet or Cham Yeam. Budget itineraries (e.g., Bangkok → Poipet → Siem Reap by bus) now often require flights or multi‑country overland detours.
- Backpackers: Fewer same‑day crossing options and higher transport costs.
- Expats/long‑term visitors: Loss of easy visa‑run options; many are shifting to longer‑term visas or planning more complex routes through Vietnam or Laos.
- Local businesses: Hotels, drivers, vendors, and border traders report reduced foot traffic and fewer same‑day visitors.
- Economy: Border trade between Thailand and Cambodia topped 64 billion baht in the first four months of 2025 — a pipeline now partially affected by the security posture.
Immigration lawyers advise building flexibility into travel plans, carrying printed/digital copies of documents, and following official sources closely.
Practical travel alternatives and advice
For travelers planning a trip now, the main adjustment is to change entry routes. Recommendations:
- Shift to air travel:
- Fly Bangkok → Phnom Penh (KTI) or Bangkok → Siem Reap (SAI) to avoid overland uncertainty.
- Use alternate land crossings:
- Enter via Bavet (Vietnam) or Tropaeng Kreal (Laos) to keep the e‑Visa valid.
- If considering land travel from Thailand:
- Consider applying for an embassy/consular visa only after confirming directly with officials that it will be accepted at your intended checkpoint.
Other practical tips:
- Print or download your e‑Visa and e‑Arrival Card; carry proof of onward travel and sufficient funds.
- Book refund‑friendly transport and allow extra time for security checks.
- Monitor official updates in the days before departure; border statuses can change quickly.
Official requirements and links
Cambodia requires an online e‑Visa application for most short‑stay travelers who use the electronic system. The government also requires the Cambodia e‑Arrival Card to be completed online ahead of travel.
- Apply for the e‑Visa at the official portal: Cambodia e‑Visa (Government Portal)
- Complete the Cambodia e‑Arrival Card online at least 7 days before arrival: Cambodia e‑Arrival Card. This step has been mandatory since January 1, 2025.
- Prepare documents:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Recent photo
- Proof of onward travel
- Evidence of sufficient funds
- Plan to enter through KTI, SAI, KOS, Bavet, or Tropaeng Kreal if you are an e‑Visa holder.
- Do not plan to enter at Cham Yeam or Poipet until authorities announce a change.
Security outlook and what would signal a change
The security backdrop will determine how and when crossings reopen. Key signals to watch for:
- Joint statements by Cambodian and Thai authorities
- Updated notices on the official e‑Visa portal
- Airline or tour operator schedule and route updates
Analysts expect any reopening to be gradual — possibly starting with limited categories of travelers or restricted hours — rather than an immediate full restoration.
“The present limits look security‑driven rather than a permanent shift in visa policy,” according to analysis by VisaVerge.com. Travel and immigration advisers echo that view and expect adjustments to track the security picture.
Insurance, safety, and operational notes
- Travel warnings from several countries urge avoiding non‑essential travel near the border.
- Insurance policies may exclude conflict zones — check coverage before travel.
- Bus companies have added notes to bookings and some have suspended cross‑border routes running through Poipet.
- Phnom Penh’s new airport designation (KTI) affects transfer guides, pickups, and travel apps — double‑check airport names and codes.
Final takeaway
The temporary closures at Cham Yeam and Poipet highlight how quickly immigration procedures can change in security‑sensitive border regions. Travelers who:
- Prepare early,
- Keep documents accessible,
- Monitor official channels, and
- Keep plans flexible
will have the smoothest journeys while the situation develops. VisaVerge.com reports that most travelers who switch to air routes or the Vietnam/Laos crossings complete trips without extra immigration friction; the main disruptions are itinerary changes and increased costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
This Article in a Nutshell
Cambodia has restricted e‑Visa entries at Cham Yeam and Poipet land crossings effective September 9, 2025, citing increased military tensions after clashes on May 28 and an unstable security environment despite a July 28 ceasefire. The closures apply only to travelers entering with Cambodia’s electronic visa; exits at those crossings remain allowed. E‑Visa holders can still use Phnom Penh Techo International Airport (KTI), Siem Reap (SAI), Sihanoukville (KOS), Bavet (Vietnam), and Tropaeng Kreal (Laos). The government has not confirmed whether embassy‑issued visas are treated the same, so travelers should confirm with consulates. The closures disrupt budget overland routes, raise travel costs, and reduce border commerce. Advisories include shifting to air travel, using alternate land crossings, carrying printed e‑Visa and e‑Arrival Card copies, booking flexible transport, and monitoring official e‑Visa portal updates.
