visa-admin
Updated 2026-05-22 5 min
In short
- ●The Cambodian visa system is now fully digital and structured.
- ●Tourist, business, and retirement visas have specific rules to know.
- ●Extensions are possible but require careful preparation.
- ●Administrative errors can be costly: follow this guide to avoid them.
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Main visa types
30 days
Max duration without extension
36 USD
Tourist visa cost (e-Visa)
+200
e-Visa eligible countries
Who is eligible?
Eligibility depends on the visa type and your situation. Here are the main criteria:
- Tourist visa (T): All nationalities, max stay 30 days, non-renewable on site.
- Business visa (E): Open to all, allows extensions up to 1 year. Requires a passport valid for 6 months and a photo.
- Retirement visa (ER): Reserved for those 55 and older, proof of income (min. 1,000 USD/month) and medical insurance.
- Digital nomad visa: No specific visa, but the E visa with extension works. Must prove remote work.
What changes vs today
The system was modernized in 2026. Here are the main changes:
| Item | Before | Now |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist visa application | Visa on arrival (paper) | e-Visa mandatory (online) |
| e-Visa validity | 3 months | 6 months |
| E visa extension | 1 month at a time | 1, 3, 6, or 12 months |
| 1-year extension cost | 290 USD | 320 USD |
| Processing time | 5-7 business days | 3-5 business days |
| Biometric registration | No | Yes (for E and ER visas) |
Step by step: how to prepare
Follow these steps to get your visa hassle-free:
- Step 1: Determine the visa type — Tourism (T), business (E), or retirement (ER) based on your project.
- Step 2: Check your passport — Valid at least 6 months after entry date, with 2 blank pages.
- Step 3: Prepare documents — Digital passport photo, proof of stay (flight, accommodation), and for ER: proof of income and insurance.
- Step 4: Apply online — Fill out the form on the official website evisa.gov.kh.
- Step 5: Pay the fee — By credit card (Visa, Mastercard). Keep the receipt.
- Step 6: Receive your e-Visa — By email within 3 to 5 business days. Print 2 copies.
- Step 7: On arrival — Present your printed e-Visa, passport, and boarding pass. An officer may ask for proof of onward travel.
What it means for Siem Reap
- No more visa on arrival at Siem Reap airport: everything is done online before departure.
- Visa extensions are processed at the Siem Reap immigration office (near the old market) or through authorized agencies.
- Digital nomads can easily extend their E visa through local agencies (service fees around 50-80 USD).
- Retirees must provide proof of income translated into English and certified.
- Biometric checks are now systematic for long-stay visas.
Common mistakes to avoid
Here are the most frequent pitfalls:
- Mistake 1 — Confusing T and E visas. The tourist visa does not allow work or extension beyond 30 days. If you plan a long stay, get an E visa from the start.
- Mistake 2 — Forgetting biometric registration. Since 2026, any E or ER visa requires a visit to the immigration office within 30 days of arrival. Without it, the extension will be denied.
- Mistake 3 — Overstaying. A fine of 10 USD per day of overstay applies. Beyond 30 days, you risk a ban and blacklisting.
- Mistake 4 — Using a non-official website. Many sites charge extra fees. Use only evisa.gov.kh.
- Mistake 5 — Neglecting medical insurance. For the retirement visa, coverage of at least 50,000 USD is mandatory. Without it, the application will be rejected.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a visa on arrival in Siem Reap in 2026?
No, visa on arrival has been abolished. You must obtain an e-Visa before departure. The application is online on the official Cambodian immigration website.
Which visa should I choose for a 6-month stay in Cambodia?
The business visa (E) is the most suitable. It allows extensions of 1, 3, 6, or 12 months. You can extend it at immigration or through an agency in Siem Reap.
How much does a one-year visa extension cost?
The official cost is 320 USD for a one-year extension. Agencies charge additional service fees, usually between 50 and 80 USD.
Is there a specific visa for retirees over 55?
Yes, the retirement visa (ER) is available for those 55 and older. It requires proof of income of at least 1,000 USD per month and valid medical insurance in Cambodia.
What if my visa expires while I am in Cambodia?
You must pay a fine of 10 USD per day of overstay. If the delay exceeds 30 days, you risk a ban and blacklisting. Go to the immigration office immediately.
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Published by
Siem Reap Hub
The community guide for expats and travelers in Siem Reap, Cambodia