Visas for foreigners entering Cambodia will increase by $10 in October, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement yesterday.

Under the new pricing system, those holidaying here will pay $30 upon arrival, while those on business will have to hand over $35.

“The new visa fees will take effect on October 1,” the statement says.

Minister of Tourism Thong Khon said officials from his ministry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs approved the increase based on the cost of visas in neighbouring countries and because Cambodia’s fees have not been raised since 1997.

“We need to increase the budget, too,” he said, adding that he believed the increase would not have any negative effect on tourist numbers to the Kingdom.

Despite the increase, Khon said the government was considering extending its list of countries whose citizens can travel to Cambodia without a visa.