Cambodia grants most visitors a 30-day stay on entry, whether through an e-Visa, visa on arrival, or embassy visa. If your trip runs longer than expected, you can extend your stay without leaving the country. The process depends on your visa type, and understanding your options before your initial visa expires helps you avoid overstay penalties. This guide explains every Cambodia visa extension route available in 2026.
Can You Extend a Cambodia Visa?
Yes. Cambodia permits visa extensions for all major visa categories, but the rules differ by visa type:
- Tourist Visa (T-Class) – extendable once for an additional 30 days
- Business Visa (E-Class) – extendable for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months with multiple-entry options
- Ordinary Visa – same extension rules as the Business Visa
The Tourist Visa gives you a maximum stay of 60 days (30 days initial + 30 days extension). After that, you must leave Cambodia and re-enter with a new visa. The Business Visa and Ordinary Visa offer significantly more flexibility for long-term stays.
How Long Can You Stay in Cambodia?
Your maximum stay depends on the visa you hold:
| Visa Type | Initial Stay | Extension Options | Maximum Continuous Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist (T) | 30 days | One 30-day extension | 60 days |
| Business (E) | 30 days | 1, 3, 6, or 12 months | 12 months |
| Ordinary (E) | 30 days | 1, 3, 6, or 12 months | 12 months |
| Transit (D) | 7 days | Not extendable | 7 days |
US citizens, UK citizens, and citizens of most other countries can stay up to 60 days on a Tourist Visa or up to 12 months on a Business Visa with proper extensions.
Tourist Visa Extension: Step by Step
The Tourist Visa (T-Class) can be extended once for 30 additional days. You cannot extend it a second time. If you need more than 60 days total, you must apply for a different visa type.
Option 1: Extend at the Immigration Department (Phnom Penh)
You can handle the extension yourself at the Department of Immigration in Phnom Penh.
What to bring:
- Your passport (with at least 6 months validity remaining)
- One passport-size photo (4 x 6 cm)
- A photocopy of your passport bio-data page
- A photocopy of your current visa and entry stamp
- Extension fee in US dollars (cash)
Address:
📍 Address: 332 Russian Federation Boulevard, Phnom Penh
📍 View on Google Maps
Processing time: 3 to 5 business days if you visit in person.
Option 2: Extend Through a Travel Agency
Most travellers use a licensed travel agency to handle the extension. Agencies submit your documents to the immigration office on your behalf, saving you the trip to Phnom Penh.
Advantages of using an agency:
- You can arrange the extension from Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, or other cities
- The agency handles all paperwork and queues
- Turnaround is typically the same 3 to 5 business days
Cost: Agencies charge approximately USD 45 to USD 55 for a Tourist Visa extension, which includes the government fee and their service charge. Going directly to the immigration office costs around USD 30 for the government fee alone.
Business Visa Extension Options
The Business Visa (E-Class) and the Ordinary Visa provide the most flexibility for extending your stay. Unlike the Tourist Visa, these visas can be extended repeatedly for up to 12 months at a time.
Extension Durations and Fees
| Extension Duration | Government Fee (approx.) | Via Agency (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month (single entry) | USD 35 | USD 50 – 70 |
| 3 months (single entry) | USD 65 | USD 90 – 120 |
| 6 months (multiple entry) | USD 150 | USD 180 – 220 |
| 12 months (multiple entry) | USD 280 – 300 | USD 320 – 400 |
Important: These fees can change. Confirm current rates before applying.
EB, EG, and ER Visa Categories
When you extend a Business Visa, your extension falls into one of these sub-categories:
- EB (Business Extension) – for those working for a Cambodian company or conducting commercial activity. Requires a letter of employment or business registration from a Cambodian entity.
- EG (General Extension) – for retirees, volunteers, or others who do not have formal employment in Cambodia. This is the most common option for long-term residents who are not working.
- ER (Retirement Extension) – for retirees aged 55 and above who can demonstrate sufficient financial resources. Requires proof of funds or pension income.
Each category has specific documentation requirements. Using the wrong category can result in a denied extension or complications on future applications.
Documents Required for Visa Extension
The exact documents depend on the visa type and extension category. Here is a general overview.
Tourist Visa Extension
- Passport with at least 6 months validity
- One passport photo (4 x 6 cm)
- Copy of passport bio-data page
- Copy of current visa page and entry stamp
- Completed extension application form
Business Visa Extension (EB)
All of the above, plus:
- Letter from your Cambodian employer or business partner
- Copy of the company’s business registration
- Proof of your role (employment contract or invitation letter)
Business Visa Extension (EG)
All of the standard documents, plus:
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement or proof of income)
- A brief written explanation of your reason for staying
Business Visa Extension (ER)
All of the standard documents, plus:
- Proof of age (55 or older)
- Proof of pension or savings (bank statement showing adequate funds)
- Proof of address in Cambodia (rental agreement or letter from landlord)
Where to Apply for a Visa Extension
You have two main options for submitting your extension application.
In Person at the Department of Immigration
The Department of Immigration in Phnom Penh handles all visa extensions directly. You must visit in person with all required documents.
Location: 332 Russian Federation Boulevard, Phnom Penh
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Processing time: 3 to 7 business days depending on workload
Going directly to the immigration office is cheaper (no agency markup) but requires you to be in Phnom Penh and handle the paperwork yourself.
Through a Licensed Travel Agency
Licensed agencies in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville can process your extension on your behalf. They submit your passport and documents to the immigration office and return your passport once the extension is complete.
Typical agency fees: USD 10 to USD 30 above the government fee, depending on the extension type and location.
Processing time: 5 to 10 business days through an agency (slightly longer due to transit time).
What Happens If You Overstay?
Overstaying your visa in Cambodia carries penalties. The fine is USD 10 per day of overstay, payable at the immigration office or at the airport when you depart.
Key points about overstaying:
- Overstays of a few days are typically handled with a straightforward fine payment
- Extended overstays (30+ days) can result in detention, deportation, and a ban on re-entry
- You cannot extend your visa after it has already expired – you must apply before the expiry date
- Airlines may deny boarding if your passport shows an overstay record
If your visa has expired, visit the Department of Immigration as soon as possible to settle the overstay fine and arrange your departure.
Extending an e-Visa
The Cambodia e-Visa is valid for a single entry with a stay of up to 30 days. You can extend an e-Visa in the same way as a regular Tourist Visa – by visiting the immigration office in Phnom Penh or using an agency.
The e-Visa extension is a single 30-day extension. After 60 days total (30 days initial + 30 days extension), you must leave the country.
Note: Some travellers report that it is easier to cross a land border (for example, to Thailand or Vietnam) and re-enter Cambodia with a fresh visa rather than going through the extension process. This “visa run” approach works well if you are near a border crossing and want to reset your stay without visiting Phnom Penh.
Visa Runs: An Alternative to Extension
If you need more time in Cambodia beyond your extension limit or prefer not to deal with the extension process, a visa run is a practical option. This involves leaving Cambodia and re-entering with a new visa.
Popular visa run routes:
- Poipet (Cambodia-Thailand border) – the most common land crossing for visa runs, accessible from Siem Reap and Phnom Penh
- Bavet (Cambodia-Vietnam border) – convenient if you are based in Phnom Penh or the southern provinces
- Flight to a neighbouring country – Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, or Kuala Lumpur, returning the same day or next day
Cost considerations: A visa run costs roughly USD 50 to USD 100 (transport + new visa fee), which may be comparable to paying an agency for an extension, especially if you factor in the speed of the process.
Tips for a Smooth Extension Process
- Apply early. Start your extension at least 7 days before your current visa expires. Rushing increases the risk of mistakes or delays.
- Keep copies of everything. Photocopy your passport, visa, entry stamp, and any supporting documents before submitting.
- Use US dollars. All immigration fees are payable in US dollars. Cambodian riel is not accepted for visa fees.
- Check your passport validity. Your passport must have at least 6 months validity remaining from the date you submit the extension application. If your passport expires soon, renew it before applying.
- Use a reputable agency. If you go through an agency, choose one with verified reviews. Unlicensed agents may overcharge or mishandle your documents.
- Confirm fees in advance. Fees change periodically. Check the latest rates on the official immigration website or ask your agency before paying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I extend my visa stay in Cambodia?
Yes. Tourist visas can be extended once for 30 additional days. Business and Ordinary visas can be extended for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months, with options for single or multiple entry.
Can I stay longer than 30 days in Cambodia?
Yes. With a Tourist Visa extension, you can stay up to 60 days. With a Business Visa and proper extensions, you can stay up to 12 months or longer by renewing.
How long can a US citizen stay in Cambodia?
US citizens can stay up to 30 days on a standard Tourist Visa or e-Visa. With an extension, the maximum stay on a Tourist Visa is 60 days. US citizens holding a Business Visa can stay up to 12 months with extensions.
How do I extend my stay on a tourist visa?
Visit the Department of Immigration in Phnom Penh with your passport, one photo, photocopies of your passport and visa pages, and the extension fee of approximately USD 30. Alternatively, use a licensed travel agency from Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, or Phnom Penh for approximately USD 45 to USD 55.
How much does a Cambodia visa extension cost?
A Tourist Visa extension costs approximately USD 30 at the immigration office or USD 45 to USD 55 through an agency. Business Visa extensions range from USD 35 (1 month) to USD 300 (12 months).
What happens if I overstay my Cambodia visa?
You will be charged a fine of USD 10 per day of overstay. Extended overstays can lead to detention, deportation, and a re-entry ban. Always resolve overstays promptly at the immigration office.
Can I extend my e-Visa?
Yes. The e-Visa can be extended once for 30 additional days at the immigration office in Phnom Penh or through a travel agency, the same as a regular Tourist Visa.
Do I need to be in Phnom Penh to extend my visa?
Not necessarily. While the Department of Immigration is in Phnom Penh, licensed travel agencies in Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, and other cities can process your extension on your behalf.
