VLP Legal Press #15
Different Types of Visa
Are You Applying for the Right Visa to Enter Cambodia?
Planning a trip to Cambodia? Whether it's for a short visit or a longer stay, for holiday or for work, choosing the right visa is key.
Start by asking yourself two simple questions:
What’s the purpose of your trip? Are you going for tourism, business, work, or something else?
Do you need a visa at all? This depends on your nationality - some passports require a visa to enter Cambodia, while others don’t.
Getting these answers right will help you apply for the correct visa and avoid unnecessary hassle. However, in this week’s legal press, we’re focusing on visa procedures for foreigners employed to work in Cambodia.
Categories of Visa
The Cambodian visa system divides visas by purpose of stay, duration, and entry/exit rights. The main categories (non-exhaustive list) are:
1.Diplomatic and Official Visas
2.Short-Term Visas
Tourist Visa (T): For tourists single-entry and valid for 30 days.
Long-Term Tourist Visas (T1, T2, T3): Multiple-entry options valid from one to three years, promoting tourism and cultural exchange.
ACMECS Visa (KHM): For tourists traveling within the Ayeyawady–Chao Phraya–Mekong cooperation region.
3. Business and Employment-Related Visas
E Visa (Ordinary/Business): Short-term entry visa valid not more than 3 months, commonly used by businessmen and foreign employees.
E1, E2, E3 Visas: Long-term business visas (valid one to three years), multiple-entry, facilitating economic and investment activities.
4. Special Visa
K Visa: For persons of Khmer origin holding foreign passports, valid until passport expiry.
Visa Procedure for Foreign Employees
Apart from holding a valid Foreign Employment Card issued by the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT), foreigners employed in Cambodia would require a visa to enter and remain in Cambodia during the duration of their work. They typically follow a two-stage process: entry and extension for employment purposes.
Step 1: Obtaining the Entry Visa
Initial Entry: Employees normally enter on an E-class visa (business visa).
Application Channels:
Diplomatic mission, General Consulate, or Honorary Consulate of Cambodia.
International Entry Points such as Cambodia airports.
Tourism e-visa website: https://www.evisa.gov.kh/.
Requirements:
Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity).
Visa application form.
Recent photograph (4x6).
Visa fee.
Step 2: Extension of Stay for Employment
After entry, the E visa must be converted into a suitable extension depending on the individual’s status:
EB Visa: For employees and business operators. This is the most used visa.
EG Visa: For job-seekers in Cambodia.
EP Visa: For foreigners exploring business opportunities.
ER Visa: For retirees.
ES Visa: For students enrolled in Cambodian institutions.
ET Visa: For technical experts.
Extension Validity Options: 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, or 12 months (with single or multiple entries, depending on type). EB Visa is commonly issued for a duration of 12 months with multiple entries.
Required Documents (EB Visa – Employment):
Completed extension application form.
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the requested extension.
Recent photograph (4x6).
Supporting employment documents, such as:
Company business license and patent certificate.
Employment contract signed by both parties.
Evidence of marital status if applying for dependents.
Payment of visa extension fee.
Submission: Applications must be filed at the General Department of Immigration, Ministry of Interior.
Compliance and Penalties
Purpose of Stay: The actual activity of the foreigner must match the visa type.
Overstay Penalties:
Up to 30 days: USD 10 per day.
More than 30 days: subject to higher fines and compulsory departure within 7 days.
Repeated or serious violations: individuals will be compelled to pay a double fine and be subjected to expulsion from Cambodia.
This is for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. For further guidance, contact us at: