Cambodia visa – everything you need to know

 

Planning a trip to Cambodia but still unsure about the visa application process? Don’t worry, in this article, we’ll provide you with all the essential information and the best practical tips to obtain your Cambodia visa.

 

What is a visa ?

A visa is an official document issued by a country’s government, allowing foreigners to enter, stay, or leave its territory for a specific period and for a particular purpose, such as tourism, work, studies, or family visits.

Most countries require a visa for entry, and the application conditions can vary significantly. These conditions may include submitting supporting documents, paying fees, and sometimes undergoing an interview.

Types of visas include tourist, business, student, and transit visas, each with its own rules and requirements. It is therefore essential to research the specific conditions of the destination country, as failure to meet these requirements can lead to complications at the border.

Understanding the different types of visas available and the criteria for obtaining them is crucial when preparing for any international trip. Each visa category has its own eligibility conditions and required documents. Proper preparation can not only facilitate entry into the country but also ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.

Now let’s detail the two main types of visas for Cambodia.

 

Visa application Cambodia, illustration

 

Type of Cambodian visas

 

Touist visa (T)

The Cambodian tourist visa, also known as the “Visa T,” is designed for travelers wishing to explore the country for leisure, vacations, or to experience its rich cultural heritage.

This single-entry visa allows for a 30-day stay. This means that if you leave Cambodia before the visa’s expiration, it becomes immediately invalid, and a new application will be required to re-enter the country.

If you wish to extend your stay, it is possible to obtain an additional 30-day extension by applying at immigration offices, usually located in Phnom Penh. However, this extension is limited to a single renewal, bringing the total duration of your stay to a maximum of 60 days. Once this limit is reached, you will need to leave Cambodia, as no further extensions under this type of visa are possible on-site.

The tourist visa is specifically intended for leisure activities. It allows visitors to explore historical sites, participate in cultural events, or discover the country’s natural wonders. However, it does not permit engaging in paid work, conducting business, or participating in professional activities. Travelers must ensure they adhere to these restrictions to avoid penalties.

 

 

Ordinary visa (E)

The ordinary visa (class E) is designed for foreigners wishing to stay in Cambodia for extended periods. This visa is particularly suitable for those coming for work, study, retirement, or simply for a prolonged stay. It is initially valid for 30 days from the date of entry, but it offers extension possibilities that make it very flexible.

One of the main advantages of the ordinary visa is its ability to be extended indefinitely. Unlike tourist visas, which can only be extended once for a maximum of 30 days, the ordinary visa can be extended for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, or even 1 year.

To extend your visa, you simply need to visit an immigration office in Cambodia, submit the required documents, and pay the associated fees. It is advisable to apply for this extension a few days before your visa expires to avoid any issues.

Another key feature of the ordinary visa is the possibility of multiple entries. If you obtain a 6-month or 1-year ordinary visa, you can enter and exit Cambodia without invalidating your visa. However, if you have a 1-month or 3-month visa and you leave the country, it will be canceled, and you will need to apply again to return.

The types of ordinary visas include categories for various purposes, which suit expatriates and foreign workers, as well as a specific visa for employment. This work visa is required for those holding legal employment in Cambodia and also requires a valid work permit.

 

 

How to get your Cambodia visa ? 

 

Tourist visa

 

Visa on arrival

There are several options available to obtain a tourist visa. The first is the visa on arrival, which you can get directly upon arrival at the international airports in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, as well as at certain land border crossings.

For this, you must have a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity, one or two passport-sized photos, and you will need to pay a fee of approximately 30 USD in cash. Once there, you simply need to fill out an application form, present your documents, and then wait for your visa to be issued.

 

E-visa

Another option is the e-visa, which can be applied for online through the official Cambodian government website. You will need to provide a valid passport (with at least six months of validity), a scanned passport-sized photo, and a payment method (usually a credit card) to pay the fee of approximately 36 USD (30 USD for the visa and 6 USD for the processing fee). After filling out the online form and uploading the required documents, you will receive your e-visa by email, usually within three days.

 

 

Visa at the Embassy or Consulate

Finally, you can also apply for a visa at the Cambodian embassy or consulate in your country before departure. To do this, you will need your valid passport, passport-sized photos, a completed application form, and payment of the fees, which vary depending on the embassy. Submit your documents and wait a few days for your application to be processed.

 

Ordinary visa

 

Visa on arrival

Just like the tourist visa, you can obtain an ordinary visa upon arrival at the international airports of Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. To do so, you must present a valid passport (at least 6 months), a passport-sized photo, and pay a fee of approximately 35 USD. Upon arrival, fill out the application form and submit it with the required documents.

 

E-visa

You can also apply for your type E visa online through the official portal. The procedure is the same as for the tourist visa, but you will need to pay 42 USD (35 USD for the visa and 7 USD for the processing fee) and submit the required documents.

 

Required documents

In addition to a valid passport and passport-sized photos, you will need to submit the following documents: an invitation letter from your employer and the business license certificate (a document issued by the tax authorities in Cambodia. It proves that a company or individual has paid the annual operating tax, which is mandatory for all businesses conducting commercial activities in the country).

 

Required documents for the e-visa type E

 

Notes when applying for a visa

 

Check the validity of your passport 

Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your date of entry into the country. This requirement is crucial, as it ensures that you have enough time before your travel document expires, which can be especially important in case of unforeseen circumstances, such as a flight change or an extension of your stay.

Additionally, some border crossings, particularly those located in less frequented or less developed areas, may be especially strict about this requirement. They might deny entry to travelers whose passports do not meet this condition, even if your intended stay is short.

This could lead to significant inconveniences, such as needing to return to your home country to renew your passport, which could delay your trip or even jeopardize your plans.

 

Download the application

Starting from September 1, 2024, travelers will be required to report their arrival in Cambodia through the Cambodia e-arrival app, available on smartphones. This process involves entering the personal information of each traveler (adults and children), including passport number and validity (along with a scanned copy), dates and purpose of stay, as well as the place of accommodation. The app also allows users to fill out the customs declaration, especially for goods to declare, and to complete a short health questionnaire.

Once the information is submitted, a QR code is generated. It is important to note that this QR code is not a visa.

Eventually, the app will offer the option to apply for a Cambodian visa (e-visa), but this feature is not yet available.

It is strongly recommended to complete this formality before boarding. For travelers without smartphones, tablets are available in Cambodian airports.

 

We hope the information shared above provides you with practical and essential advice for your trip. If you have any questions or need further clarification, do not hesitate to contact Parfum d’Automne. We are here to help and assist you in preparing for your journey!