Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (IATA code SAI) is the primary air gateway to the Angkor Wat temple complex, located 45 kilometers east of Siem Reap town. All international passengers landing at SAI must submit the Cambodia e-Arrival Card (CeA) within seven days before arrival and hold an approved Cambodia eVisa or visa-exempt passport.
Understanding Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI vs. Retired REP)
Travelers planning a visit to the Angkor Archaeological Park must make sure their documents reflect Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (IATA code SAI), which replaced the old close-in Siem Reap International Airport (legacy code REP). Situated in Soutr Nikom district roughly 45 kilometers east of downtown Siem Reap, SAI was built to protect the foundations of the Angkor temples from aircraft vibrations while accommodating regional jets from Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang.
When filling out your Cambodia eVisa application and your mandatory Cambodia e-Arrival Card (CeA), select Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) from the port-of-entry dropdown. Even if your flight schedules shift and you fly into Phnom Penh Techo International Airport (KTI) instead, an approved Cambodia eVisa remains valid at all three international airports (SAI, KTI, and Sihanoukville KOS).
- Official IATA Code: SAI (Siem Reap Angkor International Airport).
- Distance to Siem Reap Old Market / Pub Street: ~45 km via the dedicated 24.5 km airport expressway and National Road 6.
- Typical transfer time: 45 to 55 minutes by official airport taxi, minivan, or shuttle bus.
- Key direct regional flight corridors: Bangkok (BKK & DMK), Singapore (SIN), Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), and Hanoi (HAN).
Why Flying into SAI Replaced the Bangkok–Poipet Overland Route in 2026
Historically, thousands of backpackers and regional loop travelers traveled overland by bus or taxi from Bangkok to Siem Reap via the Aranyaprathet–Poipet land border checkpoint. In 2026, all land border crossings between Thailand and Cambodia — including Poipet (Banteay Meanchey) and Cham Yeam (Koh Kong) — are completely closed until further notice, and government travel advisories from the UK and Australia warn against approaching the border zone.
Because overland transit between Thailand and Cambodia is suspended, flying from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) or Don Mueang (DMK) directly into Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) is the standard, safe, and supported way to combine Thailand and Angkor Wat in 2026. Keep in mind that when you fly out of Thailand and later return to Bangkok, you will need the Cambodia e-Arrival Card (CeA) for your SAI arrival and a fresh Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within 72 hours of flying back to Thailand.
All Cambodia–Thailand land crossings (including Poipet and Cham Yeam) are closed in 2026. To travel between Bangkok and Siem Reap, book a short flight into SAI and carry your Cambodia eVisa and CeA QR code.
Pairing Your Cambodia eVisa (Type T or E) with the 7-Day CeA at SAI
One of the most frequent questions at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport is whether the Cambodia e-Arrival Card (CeA) replaces the Cambodia eVisa. It does not. The CeA only replaces the paper immigration disembarkation card, health form, and customs declaration. Unless you travel on a visa-exempt passport — specifically one of the nine exempt ASEAN countries (Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam for 30 days; Brunei, Myanmar, Thailand for 14 days), the Maldives (30 days), or Seychelles (15 days) — you still need a visa to enter Cambodia.
Applying online for the Cambodia Tourist eVisa (Type T, US$30 government fee, single entry up to 30 days) or Business/Ordinary eVisa (Type E, US$35 government fee) before your trip saves considerable time inside the SAI terminal. Since 1 August 2026, official Cambodia eVisa certificates feature a verifiable QR code rather than the older barcode. When you land at SAI with both your eVisa certificate and your CeA QR code already completed, you walk past the Visa on Arrival cashier desks and head directly to the Foreign Passports immigration booths.
- 3 to 14+ days before your trip: Apply for your Cambodia Tourist eVisa (Type T) or Business eVisa (Type E). Standard government processing takes about 3 business days.
- Within 7 days before landing at SAI: Submit your Cambodia e-Arrival Card (CeA) with your SAI flight number and Siem Reap hotel address (or pre-order early with Nomadic Mart from $20 so we queue it automatically).
- Before boarding your flight to SAI: Save both your eVisa PDF and your CeA QR code offline on your phone and carry a printed copy.
- At SAI Immigration: Present your passport (valid 6+ months), eVisa QR certificate, and CeA QR code to receive your digital Cambodia v-Pass entry record by email.
What If You Use Visa on Arrival at SAI Instead of an eVisa?
Visa on Arrival remains available at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) for general tourist and business travelers who did not secure an eVisa ahead of time. However, using Visa on Arrival requires queuing at the on-arrival visa counter before entering the main immigration line, presenting a physical passport photo, and paying the fee in clean, undamaged US dollar notes.
During peak morning and midday arrival waves from Bangkok and Singapore, the Visa on Arrival counter at SAI can back up significantly behind tour groups. Holding a pre-approved Cambodia eVisa and a completed CeA QR code eliminates cash handling at the border and gets you onto the expressway toward Siem Reap town much faster.
Baggage Claim, Customs Allowances & Getting from SAI to Siem Reap Town
After clearing SAI immigration and receiving your digital v-Pass confirmation email, proceed downstairs to the baggage carousels. Because your Customs Declaration is embedded inside your Cambodia e-Arrival Card (CeA), travelers with nothing to declare walk straight through the green channel. Remember that foreign currency over US$10,000 must be declared, and duty-free allowances for adults aged 18 and older are capped at 2 liters of alcohol, 200 cigarettes (or 50 cigars / 250g tobacco), and 350 milliliters of perfume.
In the SAI arrivals hall, official transport counters sell fixed-rate tickets for private sedans, family minivans, and shared airport shuttle buses into Siem Reap town. You can also book a ride via the Grab app or arrange a hotel driver pickup. Keep clean, crisp US dollar bills in small denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20) or Cambodian Riel for snacks, SIM cards, and tips, as torn or faded US notes are routinely declined across Siem Reap.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the airport code for Siem Reap in 2026? — The official airport code is SAI (Siem Reap Angkor International Airport). The old REP airport near the temples is closed to commercial flights.
Do I need both a Cambodia eVisa and the Cambodia e-Arrival Card for SAI? — Yes, unless your passport is visa-exempt (such as most ASEAN nations). The e-Arrival Card (CeA) replaces paper customs and immigration forms, while the eVisa grants legal entry permission.
Can I take a bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap via Poipet in 2026? — No. All Thailand–Cambodia land border crossings, including Poipet, are closed in 2026. You must fly between Thailand and Siem Reap (SAI) or Phnom Penh (KTI).
How early before landing at SAI can I submit the Cambodia e-Arrival Card? — The official Cambodia e-Arrival window opens 7 days before your arrival date. With Nomadic Mart (from $20), you can submit your details earlier and we file automatically when your 7-day window opens.
How far is Siem Reap Angkor Airport (SAI) from Siem Reap town and Angkor Wat? — SAI is roughly 45 kilometers east of Siem Reap town. The drive takes 45 to 55 minutes along the dedicated airport highway.
Can I extend a 30-day Cambodia Tourist eVisa (Type T) after arriving at SAI? — Yes. A Cambodia Tourist visa (Type T) grants an initial stay of up to 30 days and can be extended once inside Cambodia, provided your hotel registers you in the FPCS system and your passport has at least 6 months validity.
