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Stepping into Cambodia, you’re greeted by the vibrant energy of Phnom Penh, the ancient grandeur of Angkor Wat, and the tranquil beaches of the south. Thirty days here simply isn’t enough for many travelers—and that’s where the Cambodia visa extension process comes in.

Whether you arrived on a Tourist (T-type) visa or the standard eVisa, your initial 30-day stamp gives you a taste, but not the full experience. Fortunately, extending your stay in the Kingdom of Wonder is straightforward, provided you follow the rules and apply well before your current visa expires.

This comprehensive, human-written guide cuts through the confusion, clearly defining your options, costs, and the steps required to secure your stay, ensuring you can keep exploring, working, or retiring in this beautiful Southeast Asian nation.

Can I Extend My Cambodia eVisa (T-Type)? The Crucial Difference

Let’s start with the most common question: Can I extend my Cambodia eVisa? The answer is yes, but only once.

The Cambodia Tourist eVisa (T-Type), which includes the standard eVisa and Visa-on-Arrival options, permits an initial 30-day stay. You can extend this T-type visa for an additional 30 days at the Department of Immigration. This means your maximum stay on a T-type visa is 60 days. After that, no further extensions are permitted on the Tourist visa, and you must exit the country and re-enter if you wish to return immediately.

• T-Visa Extension Duration: One single extension of 30 days.
• Maximum Total Stay on T-Visa: 60 days.

If you know you want to stay in Cambodia longer than two months, you need to look at the other visa class immediately.

The Gateway to Long-Term Living: Converting to an Ordinary (E-Type) Visa

For anyone planning a stay longer than 60 days—be it for digital nomad life, finding a job, or retirement—the most critical step is converting your initial T-type visa into an E-type, or Ordinary, visa.

The Ordinary (E-Type) visa is also issued for 30 days upon arrival (often costing a few dollars more than the T-type), but unlike the tourist version, it is infinitely renewable. This is the only way to genuinely secure Cambodia long-term visa options.

If you entered on a T-type, you can still convert it to an E-type by visiting the Department of Immigration in Phnom Penh and requesting the change, though sometimes this is best done through a trusted agency. Once you hold a valid E-type stamp, you can apply for one of the following renewable extensions, known as the E-type subcategories.

The Cambodia Visa Extension Process: Step-by-Step Guide

The actual Cambodia visa extension process is relatively simple and almost always involves a trip to Phnom Penh, regardless of whether you apply yourself or use an agent.

1. Gather Documents: You will need your physical passport (with at least six months of validity remaining and a blank visa page), a single passport-sized photo (often 4x6cm or 35x45mm), and the required extension fee in U.S. Dollars cash.
2. Choose Your Method: Decide if you will go through a travel agent (faster, easier, slightly more expensive) or the official Immigration Department (cheaper, requires more time and two visits).
3. Submit Application: Hand over your passport and application form. If using an agent, they handle all the paperwork and submission.
4. Wait: Processing typically takes 3 to 7 working days. You will be given a receipt or a temporary ID.
5. Collection: Return to the office (or collect your passport from the agency) on the date specified and receive your passport with the new extension stamp.

Going Independent: Extending Your Visa at the Phnom Penh Immigration Office

For budget travelers and those with time to spare, extending your visa directly at the Phnom Penh immigration office is the cheapest way.

The Department of Immigration is located across from the Phnom Penh International Airport. While travel agencies charge a handling fee (often $10-$20 extra), doing it yourself cuts this cost entirely. However, you must be prepared for two visits: one to submit your application and another to collect the passport (usually 3 to 5 business days later). Operating hours can be specific, so plan to arrive outside of the midday heat and well before closing time to ensure your application is accepted that day.

The Convenience Factor: Using an Agency for Your Cambodia Visa Extension

The vast majority of expats and long-term tourists opt to use a travel agent, guesthouse, or visa facilitator. Why? Convenience.

An agent acts as an intermediary, submitting and collecting your passport, which is particularly valuable if you are staying in Siem Reap, Kampot, or Sihanoukville and don’t want to make an unnecessary trip to the capital. While the cost is slightly higher, the peace of mind and time saved are often worth the expense. When choosing an agent, ask for recommendations from fellow travelers or check online reviews to ensure their reliability.

Specialized Long-Term Extensions: EB, ER, EG, and ES Visas

Once you hold the Ordinary E-type visa, you can specify your long-term extension based on your purpose of stay:

The Cambodia EB Visa (Business/Work)

The Cambodia EB visa is for foreigners working, freelancing, or running a business in the Kingdom. Initially, you can obtain a 6- or 12-month EB extension without a work permit, allowing you time to settle and find employment. However, for the second and subsequent extensions, you are legally required to provide proof of employment, such as a company letter, or a work permit issued by the Ministry of Labour.

The Cambodia ER Visa (Retirement)

The Cambodia ER visa retirement option is an excellent, long-term choice for foreign nationals aged 55 or older. While officially, you must show proof of a pension or sufficient funds to support yourself and confirm you are not working, enforcement can be less stringent than in some neighboring countries. This visa is renewable for up to 12 months with multiple entries.

EG and ES Visas

• EG (Job-seeker): This extension is typically for those seeking work. It’s usually issued for 1, 3, or 6 months but is generally not renewable beyond that. The government expects you to transition to an EB visa once you secure a job.
• ES (Student): For students enrolled in a recognized Cambodian educational institution. Requires a letter of enrollment and proof of funds. Renewable for up to 12 months.

Don’t Overstay! Penalties and the Importance of Timing

Never underestimate the seriousness of an expired visa. Overstaying is illegal and results in an immediate fine of $10 USD per day for every day you remain past your visa’s expiry date.

If your overstay is significant (over 30 days), you risk detention, potential deportation, and a serious black mark on your travel record, which can complicate future attempts to enter Cambodia or other countries. Always apply for your extension with at least one week remaining on your current visa to allow for processing time. If you apply too late, you’ll be paying the fine in addition to the extension fee.

Final Checklist: Ensuring a Smooth Visa Extension Submission

Before you hand over your precious passport, use this simple checklist for your Cambodia eVisa extension (or E-type extension):

• Passport: Valid for at least six months from the date the extension starts.
• Photo: One recent passport-sized photo (35x45mm or 4x6cm is generally accepted).
• Visa: Your current visa must still be valid (no more than 7 days from expiry is recommended).
• Cash: The full fee in crisp, undamaged U.S. Dollar bills.
• Registration: Ensure your guesthouse/landlord has registered you on the Foreigners Present in Cambodia System (FPCS), as this is now often checked during the extension process.

Getting your paperwork sorted is the least exciting part of travel, but in Cambodia, mastering the E-type extension is the secret to an extended, enriching stay. Whether you are chasing the next sunrise over Angkor or launching a new business, this guide should give you the clarity you need for a stress-free submission. Safe travels!