Cambodia Visa Guide Article! Visa Types, Application Procedure, Application Fee ...

With the reopening of flights in all directions, the Kingdom is ready to welcome the return of Chinese investors and tourists, as well as other internationals, because their presence is important for the growth of tourism and socio-economic development.

Obviously, on January 31, 2024, on the occasion of the official launch of the “Special Program to Promote Investment in Preah Sihanouk Province for 2024,"  the Prime Minister of Cambodia, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, also confirmed that the Royal Government will provide special visas for 3 years for investors who buy or rent long-term real estate worth more than $100,000.

Therefore, today Compass will introduce all visas in Cambodia, including visa types, application procedures, application fees, etc. For those who want to know and want to apply for a visa to come to Cambodia, please follow us!

Which countries does Cambodia offer visa waivers?

Generally, all countries that cross the border into Cambodia must have a visa and have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months and a blank one-page passport.

But for the 9 ASEAN member countries, staying in Cambodia without a visa, including Brunei can stay for 14 days, Indonesia for 30 days, Laos for 30 days, Malaysia for 30 days, Myanmar for 14 days, the Philippines for 21 days, Singapore for 30 days, Thailand for 14 days, and Vietnam for 30 days.

Types of Visas in Cambodia

Cambodia has two types of visas that are commonly seen and commonly used: Tourist Visa (T) and Ordinary Visa (E).

1. Tourist Visa (T): This type of visa is valid for one month from the date of entry into Cambodia and can be renewed for one month and only once. It is suitable for tourists who wish to stay in Cambodia for a short period of their vacation.

2. Ordinary Visa (E): This type of visa is valid for one month, the same as a tourist visa. However, you can renew your visa during your stay in Cambodia, depending on the following travel purposes:

- EB Visa (Business Visa): Suitable for foreigners traveling to Cambodia for business, investment, or long-term work in Cambodia. This visa extension can take up to a year and requires documents such as work permits, employment contracts, and other certificates from the company.

- ER Visa (Retirement Visa): For foreigners aged 55 and over who have retired and have sufficient pension or savings to cover their expenses in Cambodia. This visa renewal can take up to a year.

- ES (Student Visa): is for international students studying in a registered educational institution in Cambodia. This visa can be extended for up to one year. ES visa applicants may be required to present a letter of enrollment or other supporting documents from their school.

- EG Visa: Foreigners can apply for an extension of their EG visa if they are looking to work in Cambodia. This visa can only be renewed once for up to 6 months, so you can apply for an EB visa after expiration.

In addition to the visas mentioned above, Cambodia also has other types of visas, such as:

- Diplomatic visa (Type A): This visa is for non-immigrant foreigners holding a diplomatic passport and family.

- Official Visa (Type B): This visa is issued to foreigners who are on a mission within the framework of the state or within the framework of international organizations that have signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

- Courtesy Visa (Type C): This visa is for foreigners who are considered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation or the Ministries as cooperation or courtesy.

- Special Visa (Visa K): This visa is issued only to Cambodian nationals holding a valid foreign passport upon presentation of proof of Cambodian citizenship or nationality.

- Visa for Children (Type G): This visa is for children under 12 years of age.

How to apply for a visa in Cambodia??

You can have three ways to get a Cambodia visa: Visa on Arrival, e-Visa, and Applying for a visa at the Embassy. 

1. Visa on arrival

That is, travelers can receive upon arrival at the entrance or border of the destination country without having to make a prior request in their country.

Visa Application Procedures on Arrival in Cambodia:

- Fill out the immigration form: you can get it on the plane or when you arrive at the airport (such as Phnom Penh International Airport, Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport) or other border checkpoints.

- Return your completed immigration form and passport to the designated visa application counter, and prepare cash for the visa fee (around $30 for a tourist visa and $35 for an ordinary visa). 

- Take a photo and take a fingerprint under the guidance of the immigration officer, waiting to receive a stamp and visa on your passport.

2. e-Visa

The e-Visa was launched by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in April 2006 to promote tourism in Cambodia. You can apply for a visa online easily and quickly through the following procedures:

- Visit the website, https://www.evisa.gov.kh/

- Fill the visa application form

- Pay by Visa Card, MasterCard, UnionPay, AliPay, or WeChat

-  Waiting for approval in about 3 working days. Once the application is successfully approved, you will be able to download the e-Visa from the email or "Check & Change" on the website.

Expense: $30 + $6 fee for a tourist visa (type T) and $35 + $7 service fee for an ordinary visa (type E).

Required documents include: a passport valid for more than six months; a current photo size of 3.5 x 4.5 cm in digital format (JPEG or PNG); and a credit card as mentioned above (Visa / MasterCard).

Cambodia Gateways for e-Visa Types: Phnom Penh International Airport, Siem Reap International Airport, Sihanoukville International Airport, Cham Yeam Border CheckPoint (Koh Kong), Cambodia-Thai Border (Poipet, Banteay Meanchey province), Bavet International Border (Svay Rieng province), and Trapaingkriel Border Checkpoint (Stung Treng province).

3. Applying for a visa at the Embassy

Because some types of visas are not applicable on arrival visas or e-visas, you can apply for a Cambodia visa at an embassy in Cambodia or at Cambodia consulates abroad:

- Find the nearest Cambodian Embassy/Consulate

- Contact the Embassy/Consulate or visit the website to learn more about the visa application process and requirements

- Prepare the required documents, such as a passport valid for at least 6 months, a visa application, photos, a plane ticket and job application, an invitation letter, etc., according to the type of visa you are applying for.

- Send the application documents directly to the Embassy / Consulate, or some countries may allow mailing.

- Pay the visa fee according to the type requested.

It should also be noted that T and E visa types can all be applied for through the above three methods. A, B, C, and K visa types can only be applied for through the embassy.

Cambodia e-Arrival Card 

On December 13, 2023, to make it easier for foreign travelers and Cambodians to complete the immigration, customs, and health forms in the same form. The Ministry of Interior has introduced the Cambodia e-Arrival Card at the International Airport of the Kingdom of Cambodia by setting up a link to www.arrival.gov.kh. Or Cambodia e-Arrival (CeA), available in the App Store and Play Store on mobile phones or other electronic devices, starting from January 1 to June 30, 2024.

During the pilot phase, passengers may have the option of filling out an electronic form or filling out an immigration, customs, and health information form in paper form.

The official implementation will start on July 1, 2024, requiring all passengers to fill out the information in the electronic form as defined above.

Please note that currently, the e-Arrival Card system can only be used at the entrance of Siem Reap Angkor International Airport.