Journey to the Land of Pharaohs: Navigating EGYPT VISA FOR POLISH CITIZENS and EGYPT VISA FOR PORTUGUESE CITIZENS

Cambodia, with its strategic location in Southeast Asia and burgeoning economy, offers significant opportunities for business and investment.¹ For citizens from North America looking to explore these ventures, understanding the specific visa pathways is crucial. This article focuses on the nuances of obtaining a CAMBODIAN BUSINESS VISA FOR US CITIZENS and the broader CAMBODIAN VISA FOR CANADIANS, covering options for both business and general travel.

The CAMBODIAN BUSINESS VISA FOR US CITIZENS: Your Gateway to Commerce

For US citizens planning to engage in commercial activities, investment, or employment in Cambodia, the CAMBODIAN BUSINESS VISA FOR US CITIZENS is the appropriate choice. This visa is formally known as the "Ordinary Visa" or "E-class" visa. Unlike the tourist visa (T-class), the E-class visa is extendable for longer durations once you are in Cambodia, making it suitable for sustained business engagement.

Initial Application Options for US Citizens:

1. eVisa (Recommended for Initial Entry):

   • US citizens can apply for an "E-class" eVisa online through the official Cambodia eVisa portal (evisa.gov.kh).²
   • This initial eVisa is typically for a single entry and allows a 30-day stay.
   • The fee is usually around $35 USD (plus processing fees).
   • Required Documents: A valid US passport (at least 6 months validity beyond entry), a recent passport-sized digital photo, and an online application form.
   • Purpose: When filling out the eVisa application, select "E-Class" (Ordinary) and indicate "Business" as your purpose. While you might not need extensive business documentation for the initial 30-day eVisa, having a basic business purpose or intention to seek employment is implied.

2. Visa on Arrival:

   • US citizens can also obtain an E-class visa on arrival at Cambodia's international airports (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville) and certain land border crossings.
   • This is also a single-entry, 30-day stay visa.³
   • The fee is approximately $35 USD (cash only, though electronic payments are becoming more common at airports).
   • Required Documents: A valid US passport, a passport-sized photo, and a completed application form (provided at the airport/border).⁴

3. Embassy/Consulate Application:

   • For those who prefer a physical visa sticker in their passport or need specific multi-entry options from the outset, applying at a Cambodian Embassy or Consulate in the US (e.g., in Washington D.C.) is an option.
   • Requirements might be more extensive and could include an invitation letter from a Cambodian company, company registration documents, and a business cover letter from your US company. This process can take longer.

Extending the CAMBODIAN BUSINESS VISA FOR US CITIZENS (EB Visa):

The true utility of the E-class visa for business purposes lies in its extendibility. Once you have entered Cambodia on the initial 30-day E-class visa, you can apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) at the Department of Immigration in Phnom Penh.⁵ This converts your E-class visa into an "EB" (Employment/Business) visa.

• Extension Durations: EB visa extensions can be granted for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, or 12 months.⁶
• Multiple Entry: Longer extensions (6 or 12 months) are typically multiple-entry, allowing you to leave and re-enter Cambodia without invalidating your visa.⁷
• Crucial Requirement: Work Permit: For EB visa extensions, particularly those beyond 3 months, having a valid Cambodian work permit is almost always required. The work permit is obtained separately through the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT) and requires sponsorship from a Cambodian-registered company.
• Other Documents for EB Extension: Passport, photos, application form, letter of employment from a Cambodian company, copy of the company's Patent Tax license and business registration, and proof of residence.

CAMBODIAN VISA FOR CANADIANS: Flexible Options for All Travelers

For CAMBODIAN VISA FOR CANADIANS, similar convenient options are available, encompassing both tourist and business purposes. Canadian citizens can choose between the eVisa, Visa on Arrival, or embassy application, providing flexibility for various travel plans.

Options for CAMBODIAN VISA FOR CANADIANS (Tourist and Business):

1. eVisa (Online Application):

   • Canadian citizens are eligible for both "T-Class" (Tourist) and "E-Class" (Ordinary/Business) eVisas via the official eVisa portal (evisa.gov.kh).
   • Tourist eVisa: Single entry, 30-day stay, valid for use within 90 days of issue.⁸ Fee around $30 USD.
   • Business eVisa (E-Class): Single entry, 30-day stay, initial validity. Fee around $35 USD.
   • Required Documents: Valid Canadian passport (at least 6 months validity), digital photo, and online form.

2. Visa on Arrival:

   • Canadians can also obtain a visa on arrival at international airports and some land border crossings.⁹
   • Tourist Visa on Arrival: Single entry, 30-day stay, $30 USD (cash).
   • Business Visa on Arrival (E-Class): Single entry, 30-day stay, $35 USD (cash).
   • Required Documents: Valid Canadian passport, passport-sized photo, and completed application form.

3. Embassy/Consulate Application:

   • For specific needs or multi-entry options from the outset, Canadians can apply at a Cambodian Embassy or Consulate (e.g., in Ottawa). Requirements will depend on the visa type (Tourist or Business) and can be more extensive for business visas.

Extending Visas for Canadians:

• Tourist Visa Extension: The initial 30-day T-Class visa can usually be extended once for an additional 30 days at the Department of Immigration in Phnom Penh.¹⁰
• Business Visa Extension (EB Visa): Similar to US citizens, a Canadian on an initial 30-day E-class visa can apply for an EB visa extension for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months. This requires a valid work permit and supporting documents from a Cambodian company if working.

General Important Considerations for Both Nationalities:

• e-Arrival Card (Mandatory from July 1, 2024): All air travelers arriving in Cambodia must complete a mandatory e-Arrival Card online within 7 days before arrival. This replaces traditional paper forms and is separate from your visa.
• Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended entry date into Cambodia and has at least one blank page.
• Accuracy: Double-check all information on your application form. Any discrepancies can lead to delays or rejection.
• Official Sources: Always refer to the official Cambodian eVisa website (evisa.gov.kh) or the Cambodian Embassy/Consulate in your country for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Avoid unofficial third-party visa services that may overcharge or provide incorrect information.
• Work Permits: For business visas, especially for longer stays and employment, remember that a visa (even an EB visa) does not automatically grant the right to work.¹¹ A separate work permit from the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training is mandatory.

By meticulously following these guidelines, both US and Canadian citizens can smoothly navigate the CAMBODIAN BUSINESS VISA FOR US CITIZENS and the broader CAMBODIAN VISA FOR CANADIANS, ensuring a productive and enjoyable stay in the Kingdom of Wonder.