Expat Visas and Work Permits in Cambodia – What’s The Updated Situation In 2021 – that will be the topic of today’s article.
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Introduction
Over the past decades, more and more foreigners have been moving to Cambodia, the kingdom of Wonder. Without a doubt, the attraction of the world-famous temples of Angkor Wat is located in the country. While the nation’s rich history attracts some, others have realized its benefits.
One reason expats and tourists often give their love of Cambodia is the positive attitudes from locals. English is the country’s second language, and thanks to the growth of tourism and an increasing number of international companies entering the Cambodian market. Does that sound interesting to you?
Of course, you’ll never regret traveling to this country. They have a unique culture, and it’s even among the few countries in the world to use the U.S. dollar as the de facto currency that provides economic stability and makes life easier for her citizens. That’s why it is one of the best destinations for expat today.
However, it’s home to tons of outdoor activities. For those with a love for beaches and the ocean, the country’s leading coastal destination is Sihanoukville, which is popular with Cambodians. It offers you something for your entire tight budget, and it’s possible to live like a backpacker in a bamboo hut in the country.
There’s also a proliferation of associations and chambers of commerce such as Amcham, Eurocham, Britcham, Auscham, and many others, to mention a few. Now, we have compiled this article to highlight the expat visas and work permits updates in Cambodia. Read further to check what we have for you.
What to Know About Cambodia Visa (2021)
While you may have heard Cambodia is closed for business during the COVID-19 pandemic, you can still enter the country with compliance to strict rules and regulations in 2021. If you’re researching for a future trip, skip to the types of Cambodia visas, and check the non-pandemic updated visa situation.
As of July 22, 2021, the visa to Cambodia can only be obtained at a Cambodian embassy or consulate. Also, tourist visas are not available while the visa exemptions, electronic tickets, and visa-on-arrival have been suspended. Also, some of the land borders, including Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos, are closed. Meanwhile, those with proper visas and travel documents can still enter the country by plane.
In addition, if you want to fly to this country, you must show proof of health insurance. Aside from this fact, foreigners may also be required to purchase the 20-day COVID-19 insurance from Forte or other policies. Again, you must also have a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours before you travel.
Family members traveling together can quarantine in the same hotel room, but they are tested before you enter any room. Meanwhile, those who test positive to COVID-19 will be hospitalized at their own expense. More so, others might have asked for proof of flight or hotel booking options for visas.
Different Visa Types in Cambodia
There are numerous visas to enter Cambodia, including the eVisa. On the flip side, the type of visa you need depends on your country of residence and the reason for traveling to Cambodia. Also, it is vital to have the correct type of visa to avoid deportation. Let’s quickly dive into the classes.
Cambodia Business Visa
The Cambodia business visa is also known as the E-class visa. It is suitable for people who want to work or conduct business in Cambodia. With this kind of visa, foreign citizens can set up a business in the country without disturbance from the government. At the same time, it is prohibited for expats to buy property.
Cambodia Student Visa
The Cambodia visa is issued to foreigners who wish to study in any country’s educational institution. If you want to apply for this kind of visa, you’ll need to provide a copy of your passport and two passport photos. Besides, the tickets are valid depending on the length of the course you apply for.
Cambodia Retirement Visa
As the name implies, the Cambodia retirement visa is meant for seniors who love to retire in Cambodia. It’s a one-year renewable visa, and you’ll need to provide proof of financial statement to support yourself and help your retiree status from your initial country of residence.
Cambodia Tourist Visa
The tourist visa for Cambodia was introduced to make it easy for foreigners to enter the country for tourism purposes, not more than 30 days. To apply for this kind of visa, you’ll need to complete the online registration form by entering your details and paying for other due charges.
Cambodia Visa on Arrival
Visitors can also obtain a Cambodia visa on arrival. The application is completed, and a fee is payable by your credit or debit card. Meanwhile, to save time by avoiding long lines and waiting at the border control, travelers can obtain the tourist visa in advance instead of queuing for the visa-on-arrival.
Updated Situation and Travel Tips for Expats
Backpacking Cambodia was one of the best experiences you’ll ever imagine. While the country is still trying to find its way after the horrifying genocide carried by the Khmer Rouge regime, there are many reasons to relocate to the country. Without further ado, let’s walk you through the process.
When to Travel To Cambodia
As of 2021, the best time to visit Cambodia is between November and February as the heat dies down. Meanwhile, it’s still dry enough for outdoor activities, but many people still enjoy seeing the country from March through May as the weather starts to get warmer, making it perfect for scuba diving and all.
Hire a Driver or Take a Bus
The traffic in Cambodia is notorious and not in a good state, whereas traffic rules seem to be non-existent. For the locals in the country, this is not the problem as they have long since grown compared to what bit used to be. For foreign tourists, it can quickly become overwhelming for the first time. That’s why we advise you to travel by public transport.
Always Respect the Religion
As a foreigner, it’s always essential to have respect for the country’s culture. The same method applies to Cambodia. And the vast majority of the country is Buddhist, so they have certain customs regarding clothes, and dressing, especially for women.
Be Conscious of Packing Luggage
In Cambodia, the weather can be pretty hot, humid, and sometimes sunny. Therefore, be conscious when you’re packing your luggage to the country. Besides, when you finish with sunscreen, you can pack more of it as it’s essential. But, always remember that you’ll have to cover yourself, even in good/bad weather.
Cambodia Gay and Lesbian
Gay and lesbian travelers shouldn’t experience any problems when traveling to this country. Homosexuality is not illegal, although neither is recognized and talked about, but they accept two women and men to link hands or arms in public.
Benefits of Living in Cambodia (2021)
As Cambodia’s expat community continues to swell, there’s an obvious appeal to live and enjoy the Kingdom of Wonder. While there are bountiful advantages of living here, there are tons of disadvantages too. So, it would be better to weigh both options before planning to relocate in 2021.
Life is Easy in Cambodia
Unlike other countries you’ll ever think of, living in Cambodia makes life easy for locals and foreigners. Moreover, rules are rarely abided by, and health and safety are also scarce. They are proud of their culture, and the religious sites with music, dance, arts, and folklore will always constitute an intriguing journey to travel to this country.
Cambodia Is Developing
Cambodia is still developing, and there’s no doubt that development is happening in the country at a rapid pace. Aside from these facts, roads are constantly being upgraded, and infrastructures are improved, there are new accommodations, and also new initiatives are being launched. So, there is something new to explore in this country.
Great Living Conditions in Cambodia
The cost has got to be the first reason when considering a move to Cambodia. This is because; a move to this country should lower your overall expenses, no matter the home country you’re coming from. Meanwhile, a simple apartment in the country can cost you nothing less than $100 for a whole month.
Digital Nomad Lifestyle in Cambodia
For expats looking to relocate to freelance or live this digital nomad lifestyle, a move to this country will offer essential and desirable benefits. This is because; Wi-Fi is widely available across most towns, and you can purchase high-speed mobile internet at a low price. Also, in Cambodia, there are little to no restrictions on the website you can visit.
Wonderful Expat Community
People in Cambodia are enormously welcoming, and the language is easy to learn. Besides, English is widely spoken in major towns and cities, and it’s possible to make true friends with the locals as fast as possible. With this in mind, you can feel included in a local society when you enter the country.
Great Options to Eat Well
For many expats in Cambodia, dining out daily proves to be more affordable than in other countries you could ever imagine. Whether it is breakfast, lunch, or dinner, there are enticing options of food to consider. And while the quality of food available is relatively high, the price remains surprisingly low.
Fair Visas and Immigration Rules
Cambodia has recently launched a dedicated Retirement Visa, and it’s available to foreigners upon their arrival. Moreover, some of the main criteria you need to satisfy are being aged 55 years or older and hold a valid passport. This way, immigration officials can then be extended through a travel agent.
Cons
Expats Liable To Live Younger
The average life expectancy for Westerners living in Western countries is about 75 to 80 years old. In Cambodia, the case is different, as the life expectancy of living in Cambodia is about 57 years old. Although there are several reasons why moving to this country will shave more years of your life, but you just have to weigh other factors. Meanwhile, the government has a lot of common diseases.
Horrible Place for Child-Raising
If you’re planning to raise your child in this country, it would be better that you make a Plan B. Besides, World Health Organization statistics show that a child born in Cambodia is ten times more likely to die before the age of five than a child born in other countries. This is because; most of the diseases that kill adults in Cambodia are even more dangerous to young children.
Appalling Infrastructure in Cambodia
This is one of the reasons why we advise you to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of moving to this country. Even when you compare the infrastructure here to other neighboring countries such as Vietnam, you’ll see its no doubt that the infrastructure is truly appalling. Aside from this fact, the schools, utilities, hospitals, and roads are of inferior quality.
Liable to Destroy Your Financial Future
Moving to Cambodia can affect your financial future. Let’s agree that the hallmark of a successful life is living as long as possible while acquiring many possessions and getting a good wife. With that being said, it may not be easy to get a good wife in Cambodia unless you’re transferred to a multinational company.
You May Become an Alcoholic Expats
If you’re not careful in the country, you may become an alcoholic expat and make friends gossipy. This is because; the country has long been known for fugitives and fuck ups, as well as death pats and deadbeats. Moreover, there are a lot of Western bar owners in the country offering exclusive drinks to locals.
4 Things to Know As an Expat
Before moving to Cambodia, there are many things you need to know. Jumping from one travel blog to the other could give you outdated information. If you take the time to read our content, you’ll see that we’re giving you the best information from a reliable source. Now, below are the things expat should know.
1. SIM Cards Usage
I’ve seen various blogs saying you’ll need to buy a SIM card when getting to Cambodia. This is not true, and it’s even seen as outdated information. Your phone can work perfectly with your SIM; that’s why you’ll need to read this content well to save the stress and money of buying a new SIM card.
2. Getting Job in Cambodia
Getting a job in this country is not as easy mention. Before arriving in Cambodia, I’ve heard that the use of email was sporadic at best. Later did I know most schools were hired on a walk-in basis. Most places in Cambodia use email, and you can easily apply for jobs online even before arriving in the country. More so, it’s always better if you research well, as this could make moving and getting a job a stress-free process.
3. Learn Few Khmer Words
While it is not necessary to speak Khmer fluently, it’s better to learn few words to communicate with the locals. With this in mind, you should endeavor to learn the language if you genuinely want to know more about their culture and norms. Ultimately, you’d be glad to discover new things while living in Cambodia.
4. Understanding Visa Process
ITA will definitely post about Cambodian visas, but it’s better to know a lot of information before traveling to the country. Surprisingly, some companies may cover your visa fee, while some may reimburse the visa cost at the end of the contract.
Types of Expat Visa in Cambodia
For most outsides that have never been to Cambodia, it’s quite essential to know the kind of visa suitable while traveling to this country. Also, a visa for Cambodia is needed for citizens from most countries globally, be it for study, work, tourism, or business. While Cambodia is closed to general tourism now for the COVID-19 pandemic, let’s quickly dive into the types of visas in the country.
Suspended Visas
The following are the types of visas that are suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions for all nationalities.
- Cambodia online visa or e-Visa for tourism has been suspended
- Visa exemption type of visas has been suspended until further notice
- Cambodia visa on arrival
- Tourist visa has also been suspended
COVID-19 Requirements to Travel to Cambodia
1. Negative COVID-19 Test Results
One of the latest updates in Cambodia is that; you should test negative to the global pandemic. Aside from this fact, the certificate should be dated and stamped within 72 hours before you fly. Again, it has to be original, and you must have emailed the test result before departure.
2. Health Insurance Coverage
Health insurance coverage is a mandatory requirement for expats wanting to travel to this country for whatever reasons. In some countries, you may need to provide proof of insurance when applying for a visa. On the flip side, Cambodia might not ask for it, but it’s better to get it beforehand.
3. Letter of Employment
A stamped letter of invitation from a registered Cambodian business is required to be submitted with your visa application. Meanwhile, it’s not everyone that’d be invited. Therefore, in this case, you can submit the letter of employment from your employer to show that you have a job offer or a legitimate job.
4. 2021 Refundable Deposit of $2000
Upon your arrival to Cambodia, you’ll need to deposit 2000 USD. This money will be used to cover the COVID-19 test result, accommodation cost, local transportation fees, and other expenses during the quarantine period in case you test positive in the long run.
5. Proof of Accommodation
In truth, hotel reservations are not mandatory in Cambodia. Moreover, some airlines are insisting you have a reservation before you travel. Therefore, we suggest you book for a couple of nights and tell them you’re not sponsored or invited by a company or employer.
6. Mandatory Quarantine Requirements
After you might have arrived in Cambodia, you’ll be required to quarantine in a designated hotel. Once you’re at the airport, after the immigration, they will conduct a PGR test, and you’ll be taken to the hotel from the airport. However, if you’ve tested positive, you’d need to quarantine for all 14 days.
Visa Types
1. T Class (Tourist Visa in Cambodia)
The tourist visa type is meant for people who would like to visit Cambodia for tourism and sightseeing in different outdoor activities in the country. Also, if you’re planning to stay in the country for 30 days or less, this is the right choice of visa. Meanwhile, the tourist visa may cost you $30 to be obtained.
T Class Requirements
- Proof of your financial stability in recent time
- Proof of your onward journey and round-trip flight tickets
2. Online Visa or e-Visa in Cambodia
A Cambodia online visa is valid for 30 days. Aside from this fact, it is one of the most accessible visas available to almost every nationality in Cambodia. Again, you can get it for as low as $37 while the application process is entirely online. In addition, Afghanistan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and other selected countries can’t get an e visa for Cambodia.
3. E Class (Ordinary Visa)
A Cambodia ordinary visa is entirely different from the online visa type. This is one of the most sought-after visas in Cambodia that allows emigrants to stay in the country for an extended period. You can get this visa for as low as $35 for thirty days.
E Class Requirements
- Proof of accommodation/Sponsor/health insurance
- Valid passport, copy of the bio page on your passport, and a completed Cambodia visa
- A hard copy of the COVID-19 test certificate was obtained in not more than 72 hours
Other visa types in Cambodia include the K class Khmer visa, the official/diplomatic visa type, and the Cambodia visa extension types.
Conclusion
Once you make a move to Cambodia, you’ll have to decide where to live and what to do. We’ve enlightened you on the latest visa application and requirements, from long-term stay to tourist and more. So, if it’s worth doing, you’ll enjoy living in the country with excellent trip-making memories.
