Choosing the right visa is one of the most important decisions before traveling to Cambodia. While both the Tourist Visa (T-Class) and Ordinary Visa (E-Class) allow you to enter the country, they are designed for very different purposes.
If you're only visiting for sightseeing, a Tourist Visa is usually the right choice. If you plan to work, retire, study, or stay in Cambodia for an extended period, the Ordinary Visa is generally the better option.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Tourist Visa (T-Class) | Ordinary Visa (E-Class) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Tourism and holidays | Long-term stay (work, retirement, study, business, job seeking) |
| Initial Validity | 30 days | 30 days |
| Extension Available | Usually one 30-day tourist extension | Yes, through Extension of Stay (EOS) categories |
| Long-Term Stay | ❌ Limited | ✅ Yes |
| Work in Cambodia | ❌ No | Can be extended to EB for eligible workers (a work permit may also be required) |
| Retirement | ❌ No | ✅ ER Extension |
| Study | ❌ No | ✅ ES Extension |
| Job Seeking | ❌ No | ✅ EG Extension |
| Business Activities | Limited to permitted visitor activities | Suitable for those intending to apply for an EB Extension |
| Best For | Tourists | Expats, employees, retirees, students, entrepreneurs |
What Is a Tourist Visa (T-Class)?
The Tourist Visa (T-Class) is intended for people visiting Cambodia for:
- Holidays
- Sightseeing
- Visiting friends or family
- Short-term leisure travel
Key Features
- Valid for 30 days
- Normally eligible for one 30-day extension
- Not intended for long-term residence
- Not designed for employment
After the permitted stay ends, travelers generally need to leave Cambodia unless another lawful immigration pathway applies.
What Is an Ordinary Visa (E-Class)?
Despite its common nickname of "Business Visa," the Ordinary Visa (E-Class) is actually Cambodia's primary entry visa for people planning a longer stay.
After entering Cambodia with an E-Class Visa, you can apply for the appropriate Extension of Stay (EOS).
Ordinary Visa Extension Types
| Extension | Purpose |
| EB | Employment, business owners, eligible self-employed persons |
| ER | Retirement |
| ES | Study |
| EG | Job seeking |
Each extension has its own eligibility requirements and supporting documentation.
Which Visa Should You Choose?
Choose the Tourist Visa if you:
- Are visiting Cambodia for a vacation.
- Plan to stay for about a month.
- Do not intend to work, study, or retire in Cambodia.
Choose the Ordinary Visa if you:
- Have accepted a job in Cambodia.
- Plan to apply for a Business (EB) Extension.
- Are retiring in Cambodia.
- Will study at a recognized educational institution.
- Need flexibility for a longer stay.
Can You Work with a Tourist Visa?
No.
A Tourist Visa is not intended for employment in Cambodia.
If you plan to work, you should generally enter with an Ordinary Visa (E-Class) and then apply for the appropriate EB Extension of Stay. Depending on your employment, you may also need a valid Cambodian work permit.
Can You Convert a Tourist Visa to an Ordinary Visa?
Cambodian immigration policies can change, and there is no general guarantee that a Tourist Visa can be converted into an Ordinary Visa from within Cambodia.
If you know before traveling that your purpose is employment, retirement, study, or another long-term stay, it is generally recommended to enter with the appropriate Ordinary Visa (E-Class) from the beginning.
Example Scenarios
| Traveler | Recommended Visa |
| Visiting Angkor Wat for 2 weeks | Tourist Visa |
| Backpacking around Cambodia for 1 month | Tourist Visa |
| Starting a new job in Phnom Penh | Ordinary Visa (E-Class) |
| Retiring in Siem Reap | Ordinary Visa (E-Class) → ER Extension |
| University student | Ordinary Visa (E-Class) → ES Extension |
| Looking for employment | Ordinary Visa (E-Class) → EG Extension |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which visa is easier to obtain?
Eligibility depends on your nationality and the applicable immigration rules. Both visa types are available only to eligible travelers and remain subject to approval by Cambodian authorities.
Can I extend both visas?
- Tourist Visa: Usually eligible for one tourist extension.
- Ordinary Visa: Can be extended into the appropriate Extension of Stay category (EB, ER, ES, or EG), provided the relevant requirements are met.
Is the Ordinary Visa only for business?
No. Although it is often called a "Business Visa," the Ordinary Visa (E-Class) is also the starting point for retirees, students, job seekers, and others planning a long-term stay.
Which visa do most expats use?
Most long-term foreign residents begin with an Ordinary Visa (E-Class) and then apply for the appropriate Extension of Stay based on their purpose of stay.
Official Resources
- General Department of Immigration (GDI): https://immigration.gov.kh/public/
- Official Cambodia eVisa: https://www.evisa.gov.kh
- Official Cambodia e-Arrival: https://portal.arrival.gov.kh
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation: https://www.mfaic.gov.kh
TravelKH Tip
If you're unsure whether you'll remain in Cambodia beyond your holiday, consider your long-term plans carefully before you travel. Choosing the correct visa at the start can save time, reduce administrative complications, and help you transition smoothly if your stay extends beyond tourism.
TravelKH Disclaimer
TravelKH provides this guide for general informational purposes only. Cambodia's visa regulations, eligibility criteria, extension policies, fees, and immigration procedures may change without prior notice.
Visa issuance, extensions, and permission to enter Cambodia are entirely at the discretion of the competent Cambodian immigration authorities. This guide does not constitute legal or immigration advice.
Before making travel arrangements or applying for a visa, always confirm the latest requirements with:
- General Department of Immigration (GDI)
- Official Cambodia eVisa website
- Official Cambodia e-Arrival portal
- Nearest Cambodian Embassy or Consulate
TravelKH is an independent travel information website and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Royal Government of Cambodia.
