Cambodia & Practicalities : All types of visa
- Editorial team
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Cambodia offers several types of visa for different travel purposes, each with specific requirements, validity periods and application methods. Understanding these options and the application procedure is essential for easy entry into the country.
Types of Cambodian visa
1. Tourist visa (category T)
Purpose: For leisure and tourism.
Validity: 30 days from entry, single entry.
Extension: May be extended once for a further 30 days within Cambodia.
Application: Available on arrival at airports and land borders, or in advance via e-visa or embassy.
Fees: Approx. 30 USD.
Requirements: Passport valid for at least six months, passport photo, visa fee and completed application form.
Notes: After extension, a new visa is required to re-enter Cambodia.
2. Ordinary visa (category E)
Purpose: Flexible visa for long-term stays, including tourism, business, study or residence.
Validity: initially similar to tourist visa, but can be extended several times.
Extensions : The business visa (EB), retirement visa (ER), student visa (ES) and job-seeker visa (EG) are extensions to the ordinary visa tailored to specific needs, valid for up to a year or more depending on the type.
Application: Must be obtained in advance or extended through Cambodian immigration offices.
Notes: Extended E visas generally allow multiple entries.
3. Business visa (EB)
Purpose: For business travelers or people working or investing in Cambodia.
Validity: 30 days on departure, extendable to one year or more.
Application: Available online, on arrival or at embassies.
Fees: Approx. 35 USD plus processing fees.
Requirements: Passport, photos, proof of business activities or invitation, and sufficient funds.
4. Khmer visa (category K)
Purpose: For descendants of Cambodians holding a foreign passport.
Period of validity: Unlimited multiple entries.
Requirements: Proof of Cambodian descent such as birth certificate, family record book or Cambodian identity card.
5. Official visa (category B)
Purpose: For employees of a foreign government or international organization invited by the Cambodian government.
Period of validity: Depends on the duration of the mission.
Requirements: Letter of invitation from the government.
6. Courtesy visa (category C)
Purpose: For diplomats or official visits.
Details : Issued in special circumstances by the government.
How and where to obtain a Cambodian visa?
Visa on arrival (VOA): Available at Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville airports, as well as at several land border crossings. A passport valid for six months, two passport photos, a completed form, proof of onward travel and sufficient funds are required. Fees are $30 for a tourist visa, $35 for a business visa, plus a $7 processing fee (cash, USD). Since 2025, travelers must complete an electronic arrival card (CeA) online at least seven days before arrival.
Electronic visa: Apply online via the official Cambodian government portal. You must provide a digital passport photo, a valid credit card for payment and a passport valid for six months. Processing takes about three working days. The visa is valid for a single entry, a stay of 30 days and a validity of 3 months from the date of issue.
Embassy or consulate: Visas can be obtained in advance from Cambodian embassies or consulates worldwide. This method is preferable for long-term stays or special visas, such as business or official visas.
Precautions and advice
Passport validity: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your date of entry.
Photos: Bring recent passport photos (2 “x2”) for VOA and embassy applications.
Proof of onward travel: Prepare documents such as a return or onward air ticket.
Funds: Prepare proof that you have sufficient funds for your stay.
Visa extensions: Tourist visas can be extended once for 30 days; for longer stays, you must change your visa or apply for an ordinary or business visa. Extensions must be applied for at Cambodian immigration offices.
Electronic Arrival Card: Mandatory for air travelers since 2025, to be completed at least seven days before arrival.
Cash payment: Visa fees at arrival points are paid in cash in US dollars; credit cards may not be accepted.
Check eligibility: Nationals of certain countries may be exempt from visa requirements or benefit from different procedures; check before travelling.
Accuracy of application: Fill in visa forms carefully to avoid delays or refusals.
Avoid overstaying: Overstaying a visa can result in fines or deportation.
The Cambodian visa system is designed to accommodate a wide range of visitors, from short-term tourists to long-term professionals and descendants of Cambodians. By planning ahead, ensuring that all documents are in order and understanding specific visa requirements, travelers will avoid complications and make the most of their stay in the Kingdom of Wonders.
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