K visa in Cambodia — Cambodian diaspora
The K visa (special visa) is reserved for Cambodian nationals holding a valid foreign passport. Free of charge, multiple entries, indeterminate validity.
- Cost
- 0 USD Free of charge — no consular fees at the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Paris
- Duration
- Indeterminate validity, multiple entries
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Reading
- 4 min
In 3 bullets
- Visa exclusively reserved for Cambodian nationals travelling with a foreign passport — dual nationals and Khmer diaspora.
- Free of charge, multiple entries, indeterminate validity — no periodic renewal requirement.
- In-person attendance required at a Cambodian embassy, with proof of Cambodian origin.
Eligibility
The K visa (called “special visa” in official regulations) is exclusively issued to:
- Cambodian nationals holding a valid foreign passport: dual nationals, Khmer diaspora members naturalised abroad who have retained Cambodian nationality.
This visa is not available to foreigners without Cambodian nationality.
Cost and validity
- Cost: free — no consular fees at the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Paris.
- Validity: indeterminate, multiple entries — no annual renewal requirement.
- Processing time: 48 to 72 working hours.
How to obtain the K visa
The procedure is exclusively in person:
- Gather proof of Cambodian origin (see Documents required section).
- Attend in person at the visa service of the Royal Embassy of Cambodia.
- Fill in and sign the visa application form provided by the embassy.
- Submit the complete file at the counter. In case of doubt about the documents, the application may be rejected on the spot.
- Collect the visa within 48 to 72 working hours.
The K visa can also be issued on arrival in Cambodia (airports, border crossings), subject to presenting the same proof of origin.
Documents required
Mandatory:
- Valid foreign passport (original and copy).
- Visa application form (filled in and signed — provided by the embassy).
Proof of Cambodian origin (at least one of the following):
- Old Khmer birth certificate;
- Old Cambodian identity card (the “carte noire”);
- Old Cambodian passport;
- Marriage certificate showing that one parent is a Cambodian national;
- Family record book showing birth to a father or mother of Cambodian nationality or origin;
- Any other civil status document or official paper proving Cambodian origin or nationality.
Renewal after passport change
The K visa is tied to the passport on which it was issued. When renewing the foreign passport, a new application must be filed:
- Enclose a photocopy of the new passport.
- Enclose a copy of the old K visa.
- Submit the file at the embassy visa service.
Common pitfalls
FAQ
Who can apply for the K visa?
Only Cambodian nationals — persons holding Cambodian nationality — who travel with a valid foreign passport. This visa is not intended for foreigners without Cambodian nationality.
Is the K visa free?
Yes, at the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Paris, the K visa is issued with no consular fees.
Is attendance at the embassy required?
Yes, physical presence at the visa service is mandatory. No online procedure exists for the K visa.
Does the K visa expire?
The validity is indeterminate with multiple entries. A new K visa must be applied for when renewing the foreign passport, enclosing the old K visa in the file.
Can the K visa be obtained on arrival in Cambodia?
Yes, the K visa can also be issued on arrival, subject to presenting the same proof of Cambodian origin to immigration officers.
Sources (2)
Every fact in this guide comes from official documents or government sites. An access date is recorded for each source.