As you're no doubt aware, it is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain the relevant visas for many countries around the world — whether travelling or relocating. Fortunately, however, Cambodia still has relatively relaxed visa regulations and requirements for most holidaymakers and expats. So long as you follow the rules, you should have no problem staying in the Kingdom of Wonder for a significant period of time.
Unless you are a citizen of one of the 10 Asean countries, you will need a visa to stay in Cambodia. However, if you are from any of these countries, you are exempted from the visa obligation for stays of between 21 and 30 days.
Nationals from Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka and Sudan are required to apply for a visa at a Cambodian embassy or consulate in their home country before travelling to Cambodia.
Tourist visa
Citizens from all other countries are eligible for a visa-on-arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport, Siem Reap International Airport, and Sihanoukville International Airport, and most international border checkpoints. However, If you'd rather get your visa in advance to avoid queues on arrival, the Royal Government of Cambodia has recently approved e-visas, which are valid for single-entry tourist trips up to 30 days. You simply need to complete the online application form, upload a recent passport photo of yourself in JPEG/ PNG format, then make the necessary payment by credit card.
If you obtain your visa online, you can enter and exit Cambodia by air via Phnom Penh International Airport, Siem Reap International Airport, or Sihanoukville International Airport, or cross overland at Bavet International Border Checkpoint in Svay Rieng, Poipet International Border Checkpoint in Banteay Meanchey or Cham Yeam International Border Checkpoint in Koh Kong.
Business (ordinary) visa
If you want to stay longer in Cambodia you need to come in on an Ordinary visa, valid for 30 days, and extend it with one of four Extensions of Stay (EOS).
EB - Business EOS - Extend your visa within 30 days for an EB extension for 1, 3, 6 or 12 months. Present a letter from your employer with letterhead and official stamp.
ER - Retirement EOS - Extend your visa within 30 days for an ER extension for 1, 3, 6 or 12 months. If you are 55 or older, no need for documents. If you are under 55 you need proof of retirement and sometimes proof of income from abroad.
EG - General EOS - Extend your visa within 30 days for an EG extension for max. 6 months, when you are searching for a job or want to start your own business. No documentation needed. If a job is found, change the EOS for an EB. If no job has been found, you will have to leave the country after 6 months, but can come back.
ES - Student EOS - Extend your visa within 30 days for an ES extension for 1, 3, 6 or 12 months. You need proof of enlisting in a registered educational institute.
For EB extension holders: You will also need a work permit. You can do this yourself online or let an agent do it. Work permits cost $100 for a full calendar year and have to be applied for in the first 4 months of the year. The employer needs to have you registered in his quota for foreign workers.
Costs and requirements
Visa fees, conditions and photograph requirements are all subject to change, so be sure to check at your nearest Cambodian embassy for the latest information, or visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation's website to find out how to apply for an e-visa if this is of interest to you.
The cost of a single-entry tourist visa (T) is currently US$30, while the cost of a single-entry business visa (E) is US$35.
To apply for a visa-on-arrival, you will need the following documents, as well as the visa fee:
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a passport that is valid for at least six months from your date of arrival
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a recent passport-sized photo in colour
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a completed application form that specifies the purpose of your stay
Validity and extensions
Your original visa will be valid for 30 days from your date of entry into Cambodia, but both tourists and businessmen are eligible to extend their visa. The single-entry tourist visa can be extended only once for a maximum of one month; but a business visa can be extended for one month (single-entry), three months (single-entry), six months (multiple-entries) or one year (multiple-entries).
Do be warned that if you overstay the validity term of your visa, you will need to pay a fine of U$10 per day. There is no limit to this fine, but if you overstay your visa for more than 30 days, you could even be detained and deported in addition to paying the fine.
Do also be aware that, as of September 2017, it is now compulsory for all foreigners to obtain a valid work permit and employment card in order to apply for a six-month or one-year extension to their business visa. Currently, it costs US$50 for a one-month business visa extension, US$80 for a three-month extension, US$160 for a six-month extension, and US$290 for a one-year extension, when purchased through an agent.
Visas officially need to be extended at the Department of Immigration in Phnom Penh, but you can simplify the process by enlisting the services of a local agent. Extension fees can be less if you deal directly with the Department of Immigration, but this can be a more time consuming and frustrating process, so it's often worth going through an agent instead.
If you wish to change your visa from a tourist to a business visa, you will need to leave the country and re-enter on a new visa.
Useful links:
E-visa
Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation
Expat.com
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
Embassy of Cambodia in the UK
Embassy of Cambodia in the US
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
