Do You Need Proof Of Onward Travel For Cambodia? (2026 Guide)

If you’re flying to Cambodia on a one-way ticket, “proof of onward travel” is one of those things that might be checked at the worst possible moment: right at airline check-in, when a gate agent is following a checklist and doesn’t care that you “plan to take a bus later.”

Here’s the practical reality for 2026: Cambodia entry requirements can include having an onward or return ticket, and even when immigration officers don’t ask, airlines often do—because they’re the ones fined and stuck with the cost if you’re denied entry. Canada’s official travel advice explicitly lists an onward/return ticket as an entry requirement, and it’s a strong signal of what airlines may enforce.

1) The Short Answer

Most travelers should assume: yes, you may be asked for proof of onward travel for Cambodia—especially by the airline.

Even if Cambodian immigration doesn’t always request it in practice (many travelers report they weren’t asked), airline staff frequently follow Timatic/IATA guidance and internal policies, and they can deny boarding if they’re not satisfied.

2) Who actually checks: airline vs. immigration

1. Airlines (most common checkpoint)
   Airlines are motivated to verify you meet destination requirements before letting you board. Many carriers use Timatic (via IATA) to validate passport/visa/entry rules. If the system flags “onward/return required,” the check-in agent may demand proof—even if the destination country rarely enforces it at the counter.
2. Cambodian immigration (less consistent)
   At the border, an officer can ask for onward travel, funds, address in Cambodia, or other supporting details. Enforcement varies by officer, airport/land crossing, and your overall travel profile. Canada’s travel advisory still frames onward/return proof as required, so it’s smart to be prepared.

3) When you’re most likely to be asked

You’re more likely to get asked for onward travel proof if any of these apply:

1. You’re flying on a one-way ticket (classic trigger).
   
2. You’re using visa-on-arrival instead of arriving with an eVisa already approved (some airline agents become stricter when the visa isn’t pre-issued).
   
3. Your passport shows lots of long stays, back-to-back entries, or frequent border runs (it can prompt “intent to exit” scrutiny).
   
4. Your itinerary looks open-ended (“I’ll figure it out later”) and you don’t have a clear address/accommodation ready.
   

Anecdotally, travelers often report that if anyone asks, it’s the airline—not Cambodian immigration. (Anecdotes aren’t official policy, but they’re useful for expectations-setting.).

4) What counts as “proof of onward travel” for Cambodia?

In practice, most airline agents and many border officers accept any of the following, as long as it clearly shows you leaving Cambodia within an allowed stay window.

1. A flight ticket out of Cambodia
   Example: Phnom Penh → Bangkok, Siem Reap → Hanoi, Sihanoukville → Kuala Lumpur.
   
2. A bus ticket leaving Cambodia (often fine, sometimes questioned)
   Examples: Phnom Penh → Ho Chi Minh City (Bavet/Moc Bai route), Siem Reap → Bangkok (Poipet/Aranyaprathet route).
   Some agents will accept this immediately; others prefer flight proof because it’s easier to interpret.
   
3. A refundable ticket (the “play it safe” method)
   If you can buy a fully refundable onward flight, this is usually the cleanest documentation to show at check-in.
   
4. A flight reservation/itinerary (temporary booking / reservation service)
   Some travelers use a legitimate reservation that produces a PNR and itinerary that can be verified. The key is that it must look like standard airline booking proof and be verifiable if the agent checks.
   

5) Comparison table: best onward-proof options for 2026

Option	Best for	Upside	Downside	Risk of airline rejection
Real onward flight ticket	Anyone who already knows next stop	Simple, universally understood	Costs more, less flexible	Very low
Fully refundable flight	People who want maximum acceptance	Strong proof + flexibility	Refund rules vary; ties up funds	Very low
Cheap “throwaway” flight	Budget travelers who don’t mind losing the fare	Quick, usually accepted	You lose the money	Low
Bus/van ticket to Thailand/Vietnam	Overlanders	Cheap, matches real plans	Some staff prefer flights	Medium
Verifiable flight reservation/PNR	Digital nomads/visa runners	Cheap + fast, looks official	Must be credible/verifiable	Low–Medium

6) If you’re entering Cambodia by land

Land borders can be looser in day-to-day enforcement, but you should still be prepared. If the officer asks, you want something you can show quickly on your phone (and ideally a screenshot/printout as backup).

Also note: visa rules and border processes can be more “variable” at some crossings, and expectations may differ from airports. If you want fewer surprises, major crossings and arriving with your visa already in hand generally reduces friction.

7) Cambodia e-Arrival and why it matters

Cambodia has moved toward digital arrival processing with the Cambodia e-Arrival system (especially for air arrivals), so you should expect more structured “trip details” questions (accommodation, travel details, etc.). The official portal is arrival.gov.kh, and you’ll see it referenced as the government site by Cambodia’s national carrier guidance.

Even if the e-Arrival workflow doesn’t always force-upload onward proof, the direction is clear: airlines and border staff increasingly expect complete, tidy trip details.

8) What to do if you don’t have onward travel yet

If you truly don’t know where you’re going next, you still have a few clean ways to avoid check-in drama.

1. Get a refundable onward flight (best acceptance)
   This is the least argumentative option at the airport.
   
2. Book a simple onward bus ticket that matches a realistic route
   If your plan is “Cambodia → Thailand/Vietnam overland,” having a bus ticket makes your story coherent. It won’t always satisfy every airline agent, but it often works.
   
3. Use a verifiable reservation method
   If you go this route, make sure the itinerary looks legit, has standard booking details, and is consistent with your allowed stay.
   

9) What happens if you can’t show it?

Two likely outcomes:

1. Denied boarding at departure airport
   This is the most common pain point. The airline may simply say: “No onward proof, no boarding.”
   
2. Extra questioning at immigration
   Less common, but possible—especially if your situation looks open-ended (no address, no funds, vague plans). Canada’s travel guidance explicitly mentions onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds, so having both categories covered keeps things smooth.

10) Practical checklist for a smooth Cambodia arrival (2026)

1. Keep onward proof ready (PDF + screenshot + email)
   Don’t rely on spotty airport Wi-Fi.
   
2. Have your first accommodation address handy
   Even a one-night booking is better than “I’ll figure it out.
   
3. Make sure your passport validity is solid
   The U.S. State Department highlights the common “six months validity” expectation for Cambodia.
4. If you’re visa-on-arrival, bring what you need
   Many travelers still do VOA at major airports and borders, but being organized reduces the chances of extra friction. (If you prefer fewer questions at check-in, arriving with an approved eVisa often helps.)
   

Bottom line

For Cambodia in 2026, you should treat proof of onward travel as “likely required in practice,” because airlines may enforce it even when border officers don’t ask. Canada’s official guidance listing onward/return proof as required is enough reason to prepare it before you fly.