The Angkor Wat Pass for residents – Free entry to the beatiful Angkor Archaelogical Park for long term Cambodia residents
For those from around the world who have made Cambodia their home, exploring the country’s rich cultural heritage has never been easier. Since September 1st 2022, the Cambodian government has introduced a special Angkor Wat pass allowing long-term foreign residents to visit the Angkor Archaeological Park and Koh Ker Temple free of charge using the Angkor Wat Special Pass. This initiative aims to encourage domestic tourism and offer expatriates the chance to experience one of the world’s most remarkable historical sites.
Who is eligible for the Angkor Wat Pass for Residents?
This special Angkor Wat Pass is available to foreigners who have legally resided in Cambodia for at least two years. This includes a range of long-term residents, such as:
Diplomats and embassy staff
Those who have retired in Cambodia
Investors and business owners
Foreign workers of Cambodian businesses
Employees of international organizations and NGOs
Public and private sector experts
Families of eligible applicants
To prove your eligibility for this, you’ll be required to show two years worth of ordinary visas. Although the guidelines state you need to have lived in Cambodia for 2 years, if you can demonstrate 2 years worth of visas they have usually been accepting this for the passes. For example, if you moved to Cambodia in January 2024, and renewed your visa for another year in January 2025, although you’ve only been living in the country for 1 year and 2 months (at the time of writing this article), they would usually accept that as the two year requirement being satisfied.
The pass is not available to short-term visitors, or tourists in Cambodia.
How do I apply for the Angkor Wat Pass for residents?
Applying for the special Angkor Wat pass is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to provide specific documents to prove your eligibility. Here’s what you’ll need:
– A copy of your valid passport
– Proof of at least two years of legal residence in Cambodia (such as a long-term visa or residency permit)
– A recent passport-sized photo (4×6 cm, taken within the last six months). For this photo, if you’re applying online you’ll be given the opportunity to take the photo on your phone or device and upoad it directly.
You can apply for the pass through two main methods:
Online Application – Visit spass.angkorenterprise.gov.kh to fill out the online form and submit your documents. (Be wary of fake sites imitating this official site and charging you unnecessary fees)
In-Person Application – Submit your application at the Angkor Enterprise ticket office in Siem Reap during business hours.
What does the Angkor Wat Pass for residents include?
The Angkor Wat Residents Pass is valid for one year from date of issue and allows free entry to:
Angkor Archaeological Park – Home to Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm, and dozens of other temples.
Koh Ker Temple – A fascinating, less-visited ancient temple complex northeast of Siem Reap.
The pass is valid for one year from the date of issuance, meaning you can use it at any time within that period. If you do your application online, it will be sent as a digital ticket to your email address with a QR code that gets scanned at the various ticket checkpoints.
What is not included in the Angkor Wat Pass for Residents?
– Phnom Kulen National Park, The beautiful national park with waterfalls and other historic sites, located around 50km from Siem Reap.
– Other smaller temple sites that aren’t part of the Angkor Archaeological Park such as Phnom Kroum.
Why this initiative matters
This program to offer a free Angkor Wat Pass to long term residents is part of Cambodia’s broader effort to promote cultural tourism and also recognize the contributions of long-term foreign residents. It not only gives expatriates a deeper connection to Cambodia’s history but also encourages more people to explore beyond Angkor Wat to lesser-known sites like Koh Ker.
If you’ve been living in Cambodia for a while and haven’t yet visited Angkor Wat or Koh Ker due to the cost, the Angkor Wat Pass for residents is the perfect opportunity for you to get out and see what you’re missing!. Whether you’re drawn to the grandeur of Angkor’s ancient temples or the serene beauty of Koh Ker, the Angkor Wat Residents Pass makes experiencing these world-famous sites easier than ever.
For the latest updates or to apply for an Angkor Wat Pass for residents, check out the official Angkor Enterprise website or visit their office in Siem Reap. Happy exploring!
When is the best time to visit Cambodia and Angkor Wat?
If you’re planning to visit Cambodia to see the breathtaking temples of Angkor Wat, check out our article “When is the best time to visit Cambodia” by CLICKING HERE to find out the advantages and disadvantages of the different seasons in Cambodia!
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