Staying Longer in the Kingdom of Wonder: Cambodia Visa Extension Guide for Indian Travelers

You came for the temples, the tuk-tuks, the Amok curry, and the sunsets over Angkor Wat. But something about Cambodia just makes it hard to leave. Maybe it’s the pace of life, maybe it’s the $1 noodles, maybe it’s the endless adventures tucked into sleepy provinces and river towns.

So now what?

You’re in Cambodia, your visa is nearing expiration, and your heart says stay. The good news? You can extend your visa if you do it right and don’t wait until the last minute.

Here’s everything Indian passport holders need to know about Cambodia visa extension from options and timelines to processes and pitfalls.

First: What Type of Visa Are You Holding?

Before talking about extensions, let’s figure out what you’re currently holding. Cambodia offers several types of visas for Indian travelers, and the extension rules vary slightly depending on which one you got at entry.

The two most common visa types for tourists and short-term visitors are:

T (Tourist) Visa

• Typically valid for 30 days
  
• Can be extended once, for another 30 days
  
• Total maximum stay: 60 days
  

E (Ordinary) Visa

• Also issued for 30 days at entry
  
• Meant for business, volunteer, or long-term stays
  
• Can be extended multiple times
  
• Allows long-term stay in Cambodia (with proper extensions)
  

If you’re here for leisure or casual travel, you likely entered with a T visa. If you’re volunteering, freelancing, or doing something more long-term, you probably got the E visa. Check your entry stamp to confirm.

When Should You Apply for a Visa Extension?

Timing is everything. Don’t wait until your visa expires, or you’ll be fined and potentially face deportation.

The ideal window to apply for an extension is 7 to 10 days before your current visa expires. This gives processing agents enough time to handle your paperwork and ensures you’re not stuck in immigration limbo.

If your visa expires, you may have to pay an overstay fine per day and risk issues with future entries.

Where Do You Apply for a Cambodia Visa Extension?

There are two main options:

1. Immigration Department in Phnom Penh

This is the official route. You can go directly to the Department of Immigration in Phnom Penh and file your extension in person.

Pros:

• Official and transparent
  
• You’re in direct control of your application
  

Cons:

• Time-consuming
  
• Language barrier
  
• You may have to wait in queues and deal with paperwork
  

2. Travel Agencies or Visa Services

This is the more convenient option, especially for tourists or digital nomads. Many local visa agencies across Cambodia offer extension services—they’ll collect your passport, submit it for you, and return it with the updated visa.

Pros:

• Easy, quick, no queues
  
• Agencies understand all requirements
  
• Saves you time and effort
  

Cons:

• Slightly more expensive due to service fees
  
• You need to trust the agency with your passport

Always go with reputable agencies that have been recommended by other travelers.

How Long Can You Extend?

Tourist Visa (T-class)

• Extension Duration: 30 days
  
• Number of Extensions Allowed: Once only
  
• Total Maximum Stay: 60 days from date of entry
  
• After that, you must exit Cambodia (you can re-enter with a new visa)
  

Ordinary Visa (E-class)

This one is more flexible. You can choose:

• 1-month extension (single or multiple entry)
  
• 3-month extension (single or multiple entry)
  
• 6-month extension (multiple entry)
  
• 12-month extension (multiple entry)
  

Longer extensions usually require documentation. For example:

• Employment letter (for work)
  
• Volunteer certificate (for NGO work)
  
• Business license or sponsor letter

If you’re extending just for personal travel or freelance work, 1- or 3-month options are typically easier to get.

Documents You’ll Need

Regardless of visa type, you’ll usually need:

• Your original passport (valid for at least 6 months)
  
• A passport-size photo (on white background)
  
• Your current visa copy
  
• Completed visa extension application form
  
• In some cases: proof of funds, travel itinerary, or letter of invitation

If applying through an agency, they’ll often handle the forms and guide you on what’s required based on your situation.

Processing Time

Standard processing takes around 3 to 5 working days. Some agencies offer expedited service for an extra fee.

Make sure you’re not planning to travel out of Cambodia during this time, as your passport will be with the immigration office.

Overstaying Your Visa: What Happens?

Let’s say you forget the date and overstay your visa by a few days. What happens?

You’ll have to pay an overstay penalty.
This is calculated per day of overstay and must be paid when exiting the country.

Overstaying is not a criminal offense (yet), but repeated overstays may affect future visa approvals or even get you blacklisted.

Our advice: don’t risk it. If you want to stay longer, extend it the right way.

Can You Do a Visa Run Instead?

Yes. A visa run involves exiting Cambodia (usually to Thailand, Laos, or Vietnam), and re-entering with a new visa.

Many long-term travelers and digital nomads use this strategy—leave for a few days, get a new visa on arrival, and re-enter for another 30 days.

However, frequent visa runs may raise red flags with Cambodian immigration. It’s legal but not always encouraged if done excessively.

If you plan to stay long-term, consider switching to an E visa and applying for a proper extension.

Digital Nomads and Long-Term Travelers: What’s the Best Option?

If you’re planning to live in Cambodia for a few months, maybe working remotely or exploring the country at leisure, your best bet is:

1. Enter with an Ordinary (E) Visa
   
2. Apply for a 6- or 12-month extension (depending on your needs)
   
3. Work with a reliable local agent to handle the documentation and process

Many long-stayers in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Kampot follow this route.

What to Avoid

• Don’t try to bribe or “speed up” the process illegally
  
• Don’t overstay assuming you can talk your way out of it
  
• Don’t trust fly-by-night visa agents—ask around and read reviews
  
• Don’t forget to get a receipt when your passport is taken by an agency
  
• Don’t wait until the last 1 or 2 days before applying

Final Thoughts

Cambodia is one of Southeast Asia’s most welcoming and affordable destinations—and if you want to stay longer, the government does provide fairly flexible options.

Whether you’re in love with temple hopping, café hopping, or just hammock life on the Mekong, extending your visa the right way will keep your stay stress-free and legal.

OneVasco Makes Visas Easy

At OneVasco, we specialize in helping Indian travelers with all things visa-related including extensions, renewals, and re-entries for Cambodia.

Don’t let paperwork ruin your adventure. Let us handle the admin, so you can soak in the sights, slurp your noodles, and chill in Cambodia just a little longer.