Cambodia Visa Extension Guide for Travelers
Cambodia is a land of breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural history that attracts countless travelers each year. From the majestic Angkor Wat temple complex to the serene beaches of Koh Rong Island, this Southeast Asian country has many wonders for daring explorers.
If you want to fully appreciate what Cambodia has to offer, you might feel that you’ll need a longer stay. So, let’s have an in-depth look at how to extend your stay in Cambodia through the visa extension process.
Cambodia Visa Types
Before we get into the extension process, it’s also important to know which type of visa you currently have. Cambodia offers different visa types depending on the reason for your stay. Below are the most used visa types:
Tourist Visa
Tourist visas are for short-term visits, lasting for 30 days. You can get these upon arrival at the airport or in advance. With this visa, you can enter the country only once and if you want to extend your stay, you can get it extended for another 30 days. If you want to continue your visit even after that, you’ll have to leave Cambodia and reapply for a new visa.
Cambodian "Ordinary" Visas (E-Class)
If you are planning a longer stay, Cambodian E-class (ordinary) visas are the best option. These visas are valid for 30 days, but you can get them extended indefinitely for one, three, six, or 12 months. The E-class visa can be extended into various categories, like:
- EB (business visa extension)
- EG (general extension for job-seekers)
- ER (retirement visa)
- ES (student visa)
Khmer (K-Class) Visa
This visa is issued if you’re of Cambodian descent and have foreign passports. It is specifically made for those people who are returning to their ancestral homeland.
Official Visa (B-Class)
This visa is exclusively available to foreign officials employed by organizations like the United Nations. Only upon invitation from the Cambodian government will this visa be granted.
Courtesy Visa (C-Class)
If you’re an international non-governmental organization (NGO) employee who has signed an agreement with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this visa can be given to you at no cost.
Where Do You Apply for Your Cambodia Visa Extension?
Presently, there is no option to extend your Cambodian visa online. This means you'll have to visit the Department of Immigration, which is located on the Russian Federation Boulevard, opposite Phnom Penh International Airport. The office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. - Monday through Friday. Public holidays and weekends are off.
Important: If you need a visa extension, apply for one before your current visa expires. If you try to do it later, it will lead to complications and/or penalties.
Documents Required for Visa Extension
You’ll need the following documents to apply for a visa extension in Cambodia.
- The current validity of your passport must be 6 months or more.
- There should be an empty page in your passport for the extension stamp.
- You’ll need a passport-sized photograph that is not older than 6 months.
- You have to finish the application form to extend the visa.
- You must also have the funds for the renewal fee in U.S. dollars.
According to the type of visa you are extending, you may have to bring additional documents, like a travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, or a letter of employment.
The Visa Extension Process
The process for extending your visa in Cambodia is quite simple. Just follow the steps given below:
Fill the application form
First, you fill the application form. During this time, make sure all the information you put in is correct according to the passport and the visa you presently have. If there are any mistakes found in the form, it will lead to rejection or delay of extension.
Pay the visa extension fee
You'll have to pay a fee which will depend on how long you want the extension to be. If you have a tourist visa and you want to extend it for 30 days, it will cost you depending on the duration of your extension and also the type of extension you want. The payment is usually accepted in US dollars.
Submit the application
Now you can give your documents and the extension application form to the immigration officer. The officer may have a few questions for you and according to your need, they might ask for more documents.
Receive the Extension
If your application is granted, you'll get it a visa extension stamp on your passport. This will be the proof of your extended stay in the country.
Important Considerations When Applying for a Visa Extension
If you want the entire process of your visa extension to be smooth and easy, there are a few more things you need to keep in mind:
Start Early
Make sure to submit your application for a visa extension before the present expiration date. This way you can avoid the penalties for overstaying and any other complications.
Penalties for Overstaying
In Cambodia, you are allowed to overstay your visa for up to 30 days. But for such overstay, you’ll be fined $10 daily. If your overstay crosses 30 days, you’ll have to face more complications, like being deported, going to prison, or ban from entering Cambodia again.
Keep Information Consistent
You must make sure that the details in your visa extension application are correct and match the information with the visa and passport you are currently using. If the details don’t match, you’ll have to face delays or even rejection.
Seek Guidance from Immigration Authorities
Speak with the immigration officials if you have any questions or concerns regarding the process of extending your visa. They can help you with correct information and clarify any uncertainties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I extend my Cambodia visa online?
Right now, visa extensions cannot be done online. You must visit the Department of Immigration in Phnom Penh.
How much does a Cambodia visa extension cost?
The cost of a visa extension depends on the type of visa and the duration of the extension you need. If you have a tourist visa, the fee ranges from depends on the nationality, type of eVisa and urgency.
How long can I stay in Cambodia with a tourist visa?
A tourist visa lets you stay for an extra 30-day. If you want to extend this visa even more,
It can be done for 30 days only. If you want to extend it even further, you'll have to leave Cambodia and then reapply for a new visa.
What happens if I overstay my visa in Cambodia?
If you overstay your Cambodia visa, you’ll have to pay a $10 daily fine. This type of overstay is allowed for 30 days. If you overstay further, you may have to pay a hefty fine, prison time, or deportation.
Final Thoughts
The process of extending your Cambodian visa is a simple one if you follow it in the correct manner. So stay informed, submit your application on time, and follow the guidelines to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience in the Kingdom of Cambodia.
To learn more about the application process and your eligibility, visit the eVisa website online. If you need more help, visit the Cambodia Visa Online Helpdesk. Enjoy your stay in Cambodia!
READ MORE:
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cambodia e-Visa. Get answers to the most common questions about the requirements, important information and documents required to travel to Cambodia.
Cambodia Visa Online is an online travel permit to visit Cambodia for tourism or commercial purposes. International visitors must have a Cambodia e-Visa to be able to visit Cambodia. Foreign citizens can apply for an Cambodia e-Visa Application in a matter of minutes.
Check Eligibility for Cambodia e-Visa and apply for Cambodia e-Visa 5 days prior to your scheduled flight to Cambodia. Canadian citizens, Argentine citizens, French citizens, Emirati citizens and Russian citizens are eligible to apply online for Cambodia e-Visa.