Cambodian visa categories that ordinary travelers, expats, investors, students, retirees, NGOs, and diplomats are most likely to encounter.

Visa Type	Purpose	Who is it For?	Initial Stay	Extendable	Multiple Entry	Typical Requirements	Notes
T (Tourist Visa)	Tourism & sightseeing	Tourists	30 days	✅ Once (additional 30 days)	❌ No	Passport, application	Cannot be converted into a long-term visa. Best for holidays.
E (Ordinary Visa)	Long-term stay	Expats, workers, retirees, students, business visitors	30 days	✅ Yes (via EOS categories below)	Initially No	Passport	This is the entry visa used for most long-term stays. After arrival, it is extended into EB, ER, ES, EG, etc.
EB Extension	Business & Employment	Employees, business owners, freelancers, entrepreneurs	1, 3, 6 or 12 months	✅ Renewable	6- & 12-month extensions are multiple-entry	Employment/business documentation (requirements vary)	The most common visa extension for working foreigners. A work permit is generally required if you are employed in Cambodia.
EG Extension	Job Seeking	Foreigners looking for work	1, 3 or 6 months	Limited	❌ Generally No	Proof of job-seeking purpose	Designed for those searching for employment before obtaining an EB extension.
ER Extension	Retirement	Retirees (generally age 55+)	6 or 12 months	✅ Renewable	✅ Yes	Proof of retirement and financial means may be requested	Ideal for retirees who do not intend to work.
ES Extension	Education	Students	6 or 12 months	✅ Renewable	✅ Yes	Enrollment letter from a recognized school or university	Suitable for language students and higher education.
ET Extension	Technical / Specialist	Technical experts on specific assignments	Usually 6 or 12 months	Depends	Usually Yes	Employer or project documentation	Less commonly used than EB. Intended for technical specialists.
K Visa	Khmer Heritage	Foreign nationals of Cambodian origin	Long-term	✅	✅	Proof of Cambodian ancestry	Issued free of charge to eligible applicants with Khmer heritage.
A Visa	Diplomatic	Diplomats	Mission duration	As required	Yes	Diplomatic passport	Reserved for diplomatic passport holders.
B Visa	Official	Government officials	Official assignment	As required	Yes	Official passport	For foreign government officials on official duty.
C Visa	Courtesy	International organizations & certain NGOs	Assignment duration	As required	Yes	Eligible organization sponsorship	Typically issued to staff of international organizations or NGOs with recognized agreements.

Quick Comparison

Visa	Best For	Work Allowed	Long-Term Stay	Renewable
Tourist (T)	Holidays	❌	❌	Once only
Ordinary (E)	Entry for long-term stay	Depends on extension	✅	✅
EB	Employment & Business	✅	✅	✅
EG	Looking for a Job	❌	Short-term	Limited
ER	Retirement	❌	✅	✅
ES	Study	Limited (subject to applicable laws)	✅	✅
ET	Technical Assignment	✅	✅	Usually
K	Cambodian Heritage	Depends on status	✅	✅
A	Diplomats	Official duties	✅	Yes
B	Government Officials	Official duties	✅	Yes
C	NGOs & International Organizations	Official duties	✅	Yes

Which Visa Should You Choose?

If you are...	Recommended Visa
Tourist	Tourist Visa (T)
Digital Nomad	Ordinary Visa (E) → EB Extension*
Employee	Ordinary Visa (E) → EB Extension
Business Owner	Ordinary Visa (E) → EB Extension
Freelancer	Ordinary Visa (E) → EB Extension (subject to meeting extension requirements)
Job Seeker	Ordinary Visa (E) → EG Extension
Student	Ordinary Visa (E) → ES Extension
Retiree	Ordinary Visa (E) → ER Extension
Cambodian Overseas (Khmer Heritage)	K Visa

Important: A visa is not the same as a work permit. Most foreigners who work in Cambodia also need a valid work permit issued by the Ministry of Labour in addition to holding the appropriate visa or extension of stay. Requirements depend on your employment status and circumstances.