Phnom Penh — Cambodia’s newly operational Techo International Airport (TIA) is set to roll out a modern smart gate immigration system designed to streamline the entry and exit process for Cambodian nationals and foreign travellers from 17 key countries.
Announcing the development, Lieutenant General Sok Veasna, Director-General of the General Department of Immigration, said on Monday that the new system will enhance safety, efficiency, and convenience for travellers. The announcement was made at the Ministry of Interior just ahead of the airport’s first flights on Tuesday.
The smart gate system uses facial recognition technology and passport scanning to automatically verify the identity of travellers before granting them access through immigration checkpoints. However, Veasna emphasized that passengers must already hold a valid visa and have completed Cambodia’s online E-Arrival form to use the facility.
“This technology will save time for travellers and improve our immigration services. But it’s essential that all documents are ready beforehand,” he said, adding that any issues or malfunctions can be reported directly to the General Department of Immigration.
Citizens from countries with high travel frequency to Cambodia—including ASEAN member states, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, the United States, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom—are among the nationalities expected to benefit the most from the smart gate rollout.
High-Level Review and Preparations
The announcement follows a comprehensive inspection conducted on August 4 by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Sokha. During his visit, Sokha reviewed the deployment of immigration personnel and facilities at key locations throughout Techo International Airport, ensuring readiness for the operational launch.
The Deputy Prime Minister inspected a wide range of airport infrastructure and services, including the departure hall, check-in counters, X-ray screening systems, immigration checkpoints (including visa issuance, departure forms, and smart gates), fast-track lanes, premium lounges, food courts, immigration police offices, and CCTV monitoring rooms.
At the arrival area, he observed the visa-on-arrival counters, baggage claim sections, VIP lounges, and the digital CeA electronic arrival card system.
Praising the immigration department’s preparations, Sar Sokha stated: “The use of modern technology like Smart Gate shows Cambodia’s commitment to improving service quality and embracing innovation in our immigration system.”
Official Inauguration in October
Although flight operations have already begun, the Techo International Airport is expected to hold its official inauguration ceremony on October 20, presided over by Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, according to the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation.
TIA is expected to become Cambodia’s primary international gateway in the coming years, significantly boosting capacity for both passenger and cargo flights, while showcasing Cambodia’s ambition to modernize its infrastructure in line with regional and global standards.
Also read, Cambodia Opens US$1.5 Billion Techo International Airport with First Flights
