Renewing your visa in Cambodia

In 3 bullets

• Tourist visa: 1 extension only, 30 days, ≈ 45 USD.
• EB / ER / ET visas: 1 to 12-month extensions, renewable indefinitely, multi-entry from 6 months upwards.
• Procedure at the General Department of Immigration in Phnom Penh, in person or via an agent (30-80 USD service fee).

Eligibility

To extend a Cambodian visa, you need:

• To hold a valid visa (T, EB, ER, ET or ES). Once expired, no further extension is possible: you must exit and re-enter.
• Passport valid ≥ 6 months after the end of the requested extension.
• Physical presence in Cambodia at the time of filing — unless you mandate an agent who files for you (you remain in the country but without the passport in hand).

Cost and duration

Optional agent fees: 30 to 80 USD to handle the filing for you.

The full list of Cambodia visas summarises annual costs by profile.

How to renew

Route 1 — In person at the General Department of Immigration

The main address is in Phnom Penh, near the international airport, on Russian Federation Boulevard. Procedure:

1. Show up with passport, photos, form and amount in USD cash.
2. File at the counter, pick-up ticket issued.
3. Collection within 5 to 10 business days.

Advantage: official fee with no surcharge. Drawback: you are without a passport during the period — so no international travel.

Route 2 — Via an agent (the most common)

In Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, specialised visa firms handle the filing:

1. You hand over passport + photos + amount + 30 to 80 USD service.
2. The agent files and tracks the case.
3. Passport collection at the agency within 5 to 10 business days.

Advantage: no queue, no half-day lost. Drawback: surcharge and passport out of your control for a few days.

Route 3 — Online (limited)

The e-Visa portal does not offer visa extensions online for EB / ER. Only the initial visa is manageable from abroad via evisa.gov.kh. To extend once in-country, you must go through routes 1 or 2.

Required documents

• Original passport with current visa.
• 2 passport-format ID photos (4×6 cm).
• Extension form (filled at the office or by the agent).
• Amount in USD cash.
• Residential address in Cambodia (lease, hotel or employer letter).
• For long EB renewals (12 months), the agent may request an employer certificate or company articles.

Extension / Renewal

When to start the procedure?

• Tourist visa: between D-7 and D-3 before expiry. Not earlier (possible refusal if too soon), not later (systematic refusal).
• EB / ER visa: 2 weeks before expiry of the current extension, or even a month if you must travel.
• EB 6 / 12-month multi-entry: anticipate further if you have an international trip planned — the procedure ties up the passport for 5 to 10 days.

Periods to avoid

• Khmer New Year (mid-April): all administrative offices close for 5 to 7 days.
• Pchum Ben (October): 3 to 5 days closed, agents understaffed in surrounding weeks.
• January-March: peak period due to annual work-permit renewals. Lead times stretch.

What if I must travel during renewal?

Solutions:

• Choose a multi-entry extension (6-month EB or 12-month EB / ER) before travelling.
• Postpone the trip by 2 weeks.
• Mandate the agent and retrieve the passport before travel, even if you lose part of the new extension.

Common pitfalls

FAQ

How many times can I renew an EB visa?

No limit. Many expats have been on yearly-renewed EBs for 10 to 20 years. No official administrative cap.

Can the 5-10 day lead time be shorter?

With certain agents and outside peak periods, yes — sometimes 2 to 3 days. Don’t bank on it.

Can I renew from Siem Reap or Sihanoukville?

Yes, secondary immigration offices exist. In practice, Phnom Penh remains the fastest and most predictable. Many provincial agents route files through the capital.

What if my visa expires on a public holiday?

Expiry is set by the date written on the stamp, with no holiday postponement. Plan ahead: if your expiry falls on Khmer New Year, start the procedure at least 3 weeks before.

Can my agent also handle my work permit renewal?

Often yes. Many visa firms do both (EB visa + MLVT work permit) in a combined package. It’s more efficient than separating them. See our work permit guide.