Cambodia offers several visa types depending on the purpose and duration of your visit. Choosing the right visa is important – applying for the wrong type can result in denial of entry or complications during your stay. This guide covers every Cambodia visa type, who they are for, and how to get them.
Cambodia Visa Types Overview
Cambodia’s visa system includes the following main categories:
| Visa Type | Code | Purpose | Duration | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | T | Tourism, sightseeing, leisure | 30 days | $30 |
| Ordinary Visa | E | Business, employment, long-term stay | 30 days (extendable) | $35 |
| Diplomatic Visa | A | Diplomats and government officials | Per agreement | Free |
| Official Visa | B | International organization staff | Per agreement | Free |
| Courtesy Visa | C | Special guests of the government | Per invitation | Free |
| Transit Visa | T | Passing through Cambodia | 7 days | $25 |
For most travelers, the choice comes down to the Tourist Visa (Type-T) or the Ordinary Visa (Type-E).
Tourist Visa (Type-T)
The Tourist Visa is the most common visa for visitors to Cambodia. It is designed for:
- Sightseeing and tourism
- Visiting friends and family
- Attending cultural or sporting events
- Short-term recreational activities
Key details:
- Validity: 3 months from the date of issue
- Stay: Up to 30 days per entry
- Entries: Single entry only
- Fee: USD 30 (plus USD 6 processing for eVisa)
- Extension: Once for an additional 30 days (approximately USD 45)
How to obtain:
- eVisa: Apply online at evisa.gov.kh (recommended)
- Visa on arrival: Available at airports and border crossings
- Embassy: Apply at a Cambodian embassy or consulate
The Tourist Visa does not permit employment, business activities, or long-term residence. If you need to work or stay long-term, you need the Ordinary Visa.
For a complete guide to the tourist eVisa, see our eVisa complete guide.
Business/Ordinary Visa (Type-E)
The Ordinary Visa (sometimes called the Business Visa or Type-E visa) is for travelers who need to:
- Conduct business meetings or negotiations
- Attend conferences and professional events
- Work in Cambodia (with additional work permit)
- Study or conduct research
- Stay in Cambodia long-term
Key details:
- Validity: 3 months from the date of issue
- Initial stay: 30 days
- Entries: Single entry (multiple-entry options available for extensions)
- Fee: USD 35 at the border (eVisa option available for some nationalities)
- Extension: 1, 3, 6, or 12 months (fees vary)
Extension options for Ordinary Visa:
| Extension Duration | Approximate Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | $80 | Single entry |
| 3 months | $150 | Single entry |
| 6 months | $200 | Multiple entry |
| 12 months | $300 | Multiple entry |
Important: The Ordinary Visa alone does not authorize employment. To legally work in Cambodia, you need both the Ordinary Visa and a work permit issued by the Ministry of Labor. Working without a permit can result in fines, deportation, and a ban on re-entry.
How to obtain: The Ordinary Visa is available on arrival at international airports and major border crossings. Some nationalities can apply online. You can also apply at a Cambodian embassy in your home country.
Diplomatic and Official Visas
These visa types are reserved for government officials, diplomats, and international organization staff:
Diplomatic Visa (Type-A): Issued to holders of diplomatic passports traveling on official government business. This visa is typically arranged through government channels and is free of charge.
Official Visa (Type-B): Issued to staff of international organizations such as the United Nations, World Bank, or ASEAN Secretariat. Also arranged through institutional channels.
Courtesy Visa (Type-C): Issued to individuals invited by the Royal Government of Cambodia for official events or as distinguished guests.
These visa types are not available to the general public and are processed through specialized diplomatic channels.
Visa-Free Entry
Citizens of the following ASEAN countries can enter Cambodia without a visa for limited periods:
| Country | Visa-Free Stay |
|---|---|
| Thailand | 14 days |
| Vietnam | 30 days |
| Laos | 30 days |
| Indonesia | 30 days |
| Malaysia | 30 days |
| Singapore | 30 days |
| Philippines | 30 days |
| Myanmar | 14 days |
| Brunei | 14 days |
Important: Visa-free entry is for tourism only. If you plan to work or stay beyond the visa-free period, you need to obtain the appropriate visa. Overstaying the visa-free period results in fines of USD 10 per day.
Which Visa Do You Need?
Use this simple decision guide:
You need a Tourist Visa (Type-T) if:
- You are visiting Cambodia for tourism or leisure
- You are visiting friends or family
- Your stay is 30 days or less (or you plan to extend once for 30 more days)
- You will not engage in any business or employment activities
You need an Ordinary Visa (Type-E) if:
- You are traveling for business purposes
- You plan to work in Cambodia
- You want to stay longer than 60 days
- You need multiple entries over several months
- You are studying or conducting research
You may not need a visa if:
- You are a citizen of an ASEAN member country
- Your stay is within the visa-free period for your nationality
- Your purpose is tourism only
When in doubt, apply for the Ordinary Visa. It offers more flexibility and can be converted or extended more easily than the Tourist Visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert a tourist visa to a business visa in Cambodia?
Converting visa types within Cambodia is not straightforward. In most cases, you need to leave the country and re-enter with the correct visa type. Some visa agents may facilitate conversions, but this is not guaranteed. Plan your visa type before arrival.
Can I apply for the Ordinary Visa online?
The eVisa system primarily serves tourist visas. The Ordinary Visa is typically obtained on arrival at airports and major border crossings, or through a Cambodian embassy. Check evisa.gov.kh for the latest eligibility.
What is the difference between a visa and a work permit?
A visa allows you to enter and stay in Cambodia. A work permit authorizes you to be employed. For legal employment, you need both an Ordinary Visa and a work permit from the Ministry of Labor.
How many times can I extend my tourist visa?
The Tourist Visa can typically be extended once for 30 additional days. If you need more time, you may need to leave and re-enter Cambodia, or convert to an Ordinary Visa.
Is there a retirement visa for Cambodia?
Cambodia does not have a specific retirement visa category. Retirees typically use the Ordinary Visa with regular extensions. Some expats use the 6-month or 12-month multiple-entry ordinary visa for long-term stays.
