Cambodia visa types explained: Tourist, Ordinary, business, job seeker and retirement
Cambodia uses a small set of visa categories, and choosing the right one early makes everything that follows simpler. This guide explains the most common types for visitors and expats, who each one suits, and how they typically convert or extend.
Cambodia's main visa types are the Tourist visa (T) for short visits, the Ordinary visa (E or E-class) for longer or working stays, and its sub-classes EB for business or employment, EG for job seekers, and ER for retirees. The right choice depends on your purpose, your nationality and how long you plan to stay. A local visa agent in Siem Reap can usually point you to the most suitable type within one working day.
How Cambodia visa categories work
Most travellers enter Cambodia on a Tourist visa or an Ordinary visa, often obtained on arrival or online. The Ordinary visa is the gateway to longer stays: once inside the country it can usually be extended under a specific sub-class that matches your situation, such as employment, job seeking or retirement. Understanding which category you start on, and which one you plan to move into, helps you avoid choosing a path that later limits your options.
The main Cambodia visa types
Tourist visa (T)
The Tourist visa (type T) is designed for holidays, family visits and short trips. It is the simplest to obtain and a good fit if you are visiting Siem Reap for a limited period. It can generally be extended once for a short additional stay, but it is not intended for working or long-term residence. If you expect to stay longer or work, an Ordinary visa is usually the better starting point.
Ordinary visa (E / E-class)
The Ordinary visa (type E, often called the E-class or business visa) is the flexible long-stay option. Once you are in Cambodia it can typically be extended for longer periods and directed into a sub-class such as EB, EG or ER, depending on your circumstances. Many expats planning to live, work or retire in Siem Reap choose the Ordinary visa precisely because of this flexibility.
EB visa (business and employment)
The EB extension suits people who are employed by a company in Cambodia, run a business, or are the dependent spouse or child of someone who is. It is one of the most common long-stay paths for working expats. Supporting documents related to your employment or company may be requested, and a separate work permit is generally expected for those in employment. A local agent can clarify what applies to your specific case.
EG visa (job seeker / general)
The EG extension is the general or job-seeker path, often used by people who are settling in, looking for work, or whose situation does not yet fit a more specific category. It is a practical choice while you organise employment or a business and decide on a longer-term plan. Once your situation is settled, you can usually move onto a category that matches it, such as EB.
ER visa (retirement)
The ER extension is intended for retirees who wish to live in Cambodia without working. Applicants are generally expected to be of retirement age and able to show they can support themselves. Exact eligibility and supporting requirements are set by the authorities and can change, so confirm the current details with a visa agent before committing to this path.
Who qualifies for each type
Eligibility depends on your purpose, your documents and your timing rather than your nationality alone. As a rough guide:
- Tourist (T): visitors on a short trip with no plans to work or stay long term.
- Ordinary (E): anyone planning a longer stay who wants the option to extend into a sub-class later.
- EB: people employed by a Cambodian company, business owners, and qualifying dependents.
- EG: job seekers and people settling in whose situation does not yet fit another sub-class.
- ER: retirees of the relevant age who can show they are able to support themselves.
How visas convert and extend
The usual route is to enter on an Ordinary visa and then extend it inside Cambodia under the sub-class that matches your situation. Converting from a Tourist visa to a long-stay path is sometimes possible but can be more restrictive, which is why many people choose the Ordinary visa from the start.
- Tourist (T) to Ordinary (E): may be possible in some cases, but starting on an Ordinary visa is usually smoother for long stays.
- Ordinary (E) to EB, EG or ER: the standard way to settle into a long-term category once you are in the country.
- Between sub-classes (for example EG to EB): generally possible when your situation changes, with the right supporting documents.
Conversion rules, eligibility and processing details are set by the authorities and can change. Confirm the current process with a local visa agent or the relevant offices before making travel or work decisions.
Before you contact any visa agent
- No reputable agent can guarantee a visa outcome — the final decision rests with the authorities.
- You do not need to send passport scans at first contact; describe your situation first.
- Ask for a clear split between official government fees and the agent's service fee.
- Expect a realistic timeline based on your case, not an instant promise.
- Stay cautious with anyone who guarantees approval or asks for full payment up front.
Please do not attach passport scans in this form. Describe your situation only. Share sensitive documents later, and only with the provider you choose.
Tell us your situation and get help choosing the right visa type
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Cambodia Tourist visa and an Ordinary visa?+
The Tourist visa (T) is built for short visits and offers limited extension, while the Ordinary visa (E) is built for longer stays and can be extended into sub-classes such as EB, EG or ER. If you plan to work, run a business or retire in Cambodia, the Ordinary visa is usually the better starting point. A local agent can confirm which suits your plans.
Which Cambodia visa should I get if I want to work in Siem Reap?+
Most working expats enter on an Ordinary visa (E) and then extend under the EB sub-class for business or employment. A separate work permit is generally expected for those in employment. Requirements depend on your employer and your role, so check the current details with a visa agent or the relevant authorities before you start working.
Can I change from one Cambodia visa type to another?+
Yes, in many cases. The common path is to extend an Ordinary visa into the sub-class that fits your situation, and to move between sub-classes (for example from EG to EB) when your circumstances change. The documents needed vary by category. A local agent can tell you whether your specific change is possible and what it involves.
Do I need to leave Cambodia to switch visa types?+
Often you do not. Many extensions and sub-class changes can be handled inside the country without leaving. Whether this applies to you depends on your current visa, your nationality and the category you want. Confirm your options with a visa agent before booking any flights, as the rules can change.
Related visa guides
- Visa agents in Siem Reap for Cambodia visa extensions and expat help
If you need help extending or managing a Cambodia visa in Siem Reap, a local visa agent can usually help you understand your options, prepare documents and coordinate the process. Requirements depend on your visa type, nationality, current status and timing.
- Cambodia visa extension in Siem Reap
Most Cambodia visas can be extended without leaving the country. The right approach depends on your current visa type (tourist, ordinary/E-class, retirement, business or EG), your nationality, and how soon your current visa expires. A local visa agent in Siem Reap can usually clarify your options within one working day.
- Cambodia business visa extension in Siem Reap
A Cambodia business visa extension is generally for people working, running a business or being sponsored by a registered company in Cambodia. The right sub-category, duration and supporting documents depend on your employment situation. A local visa agent in Siem Reap can review your case and propose the most realistic option.
- Cambodia retirement visa extension in Siem Reap
Cambodia has a dedicated retirement visa category (ER) for foreigners aged 55 and over who can show proof of pension or sufficient funds. Rules can change and supporting documents may vary by nationality. A local visa agent in Siem Reap can confirm whether you currently qualify and how to organise the extension.
Important
Visa rules and requirements in Cambodia can change. This guide is informational only and does not replace official immigration advice. Always check with the relevant authorities or a qualified local visa service provider before making decisions.