Cambodia immigration guide.

Cambodia offers a variety of visa options tailored to the diverse needs of foreigners entering the country. Whether visiting for tourism, employment, study, retirement or diplomatic purposes, understanding the different visa types is essential for a smooth and legal stay. Each visa has specific requirements, validity periods and extension possibilities, making it important for applicants to choose the correct visa type and comply with Cambodia’s immigration regulations.

This article provides an overview of the key visa categories and important considerations for foreigners planning to enter Cambodia.

Types of visas in Cambodia

There are five types of visas in Cambodia, including:

• Ordinary visa (E-class)
• Khmer visa (K-class)
• Official visa (B-class)
• Courtesy visa (C-class)
• Tourist visa (T-class)

Ordinary visa

Foreigners planning to stay in Cambodia for an extended period may consider applying for the ordinary (E-class) visa. The ordinary visa is initially valid for 30 days.

However, it can be extended indefinitely for periods of one month, three months, six months or one year. Holders of the one-month and three-month extensions must apply for a new visa if they leave and wish to re-enter Cambodia, as these are single-entry only.

In contrast, the six-month and one-year extensions allow multiple entries into the country.

There are four types of extensions for the E-class visa, which are:

• Business visa extension (EB)
• General visa extension (EG)
• Retirement visa extension (ER)
• Student visa extension (ES)

Business visa extension

The EB visa extension is issued to foreigners who plan to work in Cambodia.

The visa covers:

• Foreigners who are working in Cambodia
• Foreigners who want to start a business
• Freelancers
• Foreigners’ spouse and children

Even though the foreigner has obtained the EB visa extension, it does not guarantee that the foreigner can work in Cambodia. Work permits and foreign employment cards must also be secured to work in Cambodia legally.

Spouses and children of the EB visa holders can submit the visa holder’s employment letter stating that the company supports the spouse’s EB application as a non-working dependent.

Self-employed foreigners and those who have a registered business in Cambodia can write a letter confirming their employment which must be stamped with a business stamp.

Documents needed to apply for an EB visa extension are:

• Passport
• Passport photo
• Address in Cambodia
• Employment contract or proof of business
• Work permit

During the initial six-month or one-year period, it is possible to apply for the EB visa without a work permit, allowing time for the applicant to seek employment.

However, when applying for a second six-month or one-year extension, the applicant must submit a valid work permit or proof of business activity to demonstrate compliance with immigration requirements.

Work permit and employment card application

The work permit is issued by the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MOLVT). The permit is valid for one year; however, it is only valid until 31 December of the year it was issued.

Work permits must be renewed within 1 January and 31 March, and late renewals are subject to penalties which start on 1 April.

The employment card contains the employment history of the foreigner in Cambodia. The card is valid for one year and must be renewed before 31 March.

Applications can be made online through the MOLVT Foreign Workers Centralised Management System.

General visa extension

The EG visa extension is intended for foreigners who are residing in Cambodia while seeking employment. It is typically issued for one, three or six months, and is generally non-renewable beyond this period. This visa does not permit the holder to work, but provides a legal stay while the individual explores job opportunities or considers long-term plans.

The EG visa is commonly used by those entering Cambodia on an E-class visa for the first time. Once the visa holder secures a job, they are expected to transition to an EB visa extension and obtain a valid work permit before commencing employment.

This extension is single-entry only, meaning that if the visa holder leaves Cambodia during the validity period, the visa will be invalidated, and they will need to apply for a new visa upon re-entry.

Retirement visa extension

The retirement extension is issued to foreigners of retirement age who have proof of retirement in their home country, such as pensions or social security. The retirement extension is only available to foreigners aged 55 or above who can financially support themselves.

The ER retirement visa extension can be issued for one, three, six or 12 months.

Student visa extension

The ES student visa extension is issued to students who intend to study in Cambodia. Students who are applying for this visa extension must provide a letter from the Cambodian school and have evidence of funds to support themselves.

The ES student visa can be issued for one, three, six or 12 months.

Khmer visa

The Khmer (K-class) visa is for individuals of Cambodian descent who enter the country using a foreign passport. It recognises the right of return for overseas Cambodians and enables them to live in Cambodia without the restrictions placed on other foreign nationals.

To qualify for this visa, applicants must provide valid documentation proving that at least one of their parents holds or held Cambodian citizenship.

Acceptable documents include:

• Cambodian birth certificate
• Marriage certificate
• National ID card
• Listing in the family book

These documents must clearly establish the family relationship to a Cambodian citizen.

The K-class visa is issued free of charge and grants the holder lifetime multiple-entry to Cambodia, with no requirement to renew the visa. It also exempts the holder from needing a work permit to be employed in Cambodia, making it a highly beneficial option for eligible individuals planning to return, work, or reside in the country long term.

Official visa

The official (B-class) visa is issued to foreign nationals who are employed by international organisations that have a formal presence or cooperation agreement with the Cambodian government. This includes staff of bodies such as the United Nations, World Health Organisation (WHO) and other intergovernmental organisations, as well as individuals working on diplomatic or aid-related missions.

To be eligible for a B-class visa, the applicant must be entering Cambodia at the official invitation of the Royal Government of Cambodia. This invitation must be formally issued through the relevant ministry or government department, often the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The B-class visa typically allows multiple entries and may be issued for varying periods depending on the duration of the assignment. In most cases, visa extensions and exemptions from work permit requirements are facilitated through diplomatic channels, making the process more streamlined for eligible individuals.

Courtesy visa

The courtesy (C-class) visa is issued for free for employees of international NGOs that have a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

International NGOs must apply for the visa in advance and arrange for a representative to meet the applicant upon arrival in Cambodia, carrying a letter of attestation issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. If the applicant enters Cambodia on a different type of visa, they will be required to exit and re-enter the country in order to obtain a C-class visa.

Tourist visa

The tourist (T-class) visa is issued to foreigners intending to stay in Cambodia for 30 days or less. This visa can be obtained either in advance or upon arrival at the airport. It is valid for single entry only but can be extended for an additional 30 days. After the extension period, the visa holder must leave Cambodia and obtain a new visa to re-enter the country.

Basic requirements for Cambodian visa application

The following basic documents are required to apply for visas in Cambodia:

• An international passport issued by the applicant’s home country and valid for at least six months
• Passport-sized photos
• Documents required by the immigration office, such as a cover letter or invitation letter
• Accommodation proof (visa on arrival)
• Visa application form (visa on arrival)

Where can Cambodian visas be obtained?

To obtain a Cambodian visa, applicants may apply upon arrival, through a Cambodian embassy or consulate abroad or online via the official e-Visa platform.

Visa on arrival

The visa on arrival is only issued to foreigners who enter Cambodia for tourism (T-class visa) or business purposes (EB visa).

Visas on arrival are available at the following entry points:

• Phnom Penh International Airport
• Siem Reap International Airport

The Cambodian embassy

If preferred, visas can be applied in advance at the Cambodian embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country.

Conclusion

Cambodia has increasingly supported foreign investment, and more foreigners are entering the country for reasons such as tourism, work, study or retirement. To accommodate this, the government offers a range of visa types tailored to different purposes and durations of stay. From short-term tourist visas to long-term ordinary visas with multiple extension options, each visa comes with its own eligibility criteria and requirements.

Understanding these visa types, along with the application processes, renewal timelines and compliance obligations, such as work permit requirements for employment, can help individuals understand the Cambodian immigration system more effectively. For tailored advice and assistance with securing or renewing a visa, applicants can consult a local expert or service provider to ensure full compliance with Cambodia’s immigration regulations.

How Acclime can help with obtaining visas

Before entering Cambodia, it is important to understand which type of visa best suits your purpose of stay, whether it be for tourism, employment, study, retirement or official duties. Acclime’s team of experts can guide you through the entire visa process, from assessing your eligibility and recommending the most appropriate visa type to preparing and submitting the necessary documentation.

Acclime also provides support with visa extensions, work permit applications, and compliance with Cambodia’s immigration laws to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Whether you are an individual, an international NGO or a business looking to hire foreign staff, Acclime ensures that all visa and work-related requirements are met efficiently and in full compliance with government regulations.