Visa Requirements For Teachers In Cambodia

Cambodia is one of the easiest places in Asia to start teaching English, especially if you're new to the field. You can arrive, explore the country, and start job hunting with very few bureaucratic hurdles. The laid-back nature of the visa system is part of what makes Cambodia so appealing.

But just because it's easy to get in doesn't mean you can stay and work without any paperwork. If you’re planning to teach for more than a few weeks, you’ll need the right visa and, eventually, a work permit. Getting familiar with how Cambodia’s visa system works will save you headaches down the road—and help you stay focused on what really matters: teaching, traveling, and making the most of your time abroad.

✈️ 1. Entering Cambodia: Tourist Visa vs. Ordinary (E-class) Visa

Most foreign teachers begin their journey into Cambodia with either a Tourist Visa (T-class) or an Ordinary Visa (E-class)—both of which are available on arrival or via e-visa.

The Tourist Visa is valid for 30 days and can be extended once for another 30 days. It's fine for short visits or scoping out schools, but it’s not intended for work or long-term stays.

The smarter option for teachers is the Ordinary Visa (E-class). Like the Tourist Visa, it’s initially valid for 30 days—but unlike the T-class, it’s designed to be extended long-term. Once you’ve secured a teaching job, you can convert this visa into the appropriate E-class extension (usually EB, EG, or one of the work categories), allowing you to stay legally while working.

If you're serious about teaching English in Cambodia, the Ordinary Visa is the one to go for from the start.

📌 2. Ordinary Visa (E-class): Your Starting Point for Teaching

The Ordinary Visa (E-class) is the best option for anyone planning to teach English in Cambodia long-term. But it’s important to know: this visa isn’t a work visa on its own—it’s simply the foundation.

You can apply for an E-class visa either on arrival or through an e-visa portal before your trip. Once issued, it gives you a 30-day stay—but what really matters is what you do next: this visa allows you to apply for longer-term extensions based on your purpose in Cambodia (like work, volunteering, or searching for a job).

If you're planning to teach, this is the visa you want from day one. It keeps your options open and is the one most commonly converted into a legal teaching visa in Cambodia.

🧾 3. E-class Visa Extensions: Which One Do Teachers Need?

Once you’ve entered Cambodia on an Ordinary (E-class) visa, the next step is choosing the right extension—and for English teachers, that’s almost always the EB Visa Extension.

The EB extension is designed for foreign nationals working in Cambodia. It doesn’t automatically grant a work permit, but it does allow you to live and work legally once the proper steps are taken. EB extensions come in various durations: 1, 3, 6, or 12 months, with multiple-entry options typically available on the 6- and 12-month extensions.

Most teachers either apply with the help of a visa agent or through their school or employer, who may cover or assist with the paperwork. It’s common to begin with a shorter extension while you settle into your job and upgrade to longer terms later.

💼 4. Work Permits and Legal Employment

To teach legally in Cambodia long-term, foreign teachers are technically required to have a work permit issued by the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training.

In practice, enforcement varies—some schools never mention it, while others take it seriously and process everything on your behalf. However, in recent years, Cambodia has started cracking down more consistently, especially in cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

If your employer doesn’t handle the process, you may need to apply on your own. The requirements are straightforward:

• Valid passport and visa
• A job offer or employment contract
• A criminal background check
• A basic health check
• Some passport-sized photos and a small processing fee

It’s usually easier if your school helps, but with a local visa agent, you can manage it independently too. Either way, having a valid work permit keeps you fully legal, which can be crucial for visa renewals, crossing borders, or applying for future jobs.

🧑‍🏫 5. Can You Start Working Before the Permit Is Issued?

In reality, many teachers begin working as soon as they’re hired, even if their work permit hasn’t been issued yet. This is especially common for trial teaching days, part-time roles, or short contracts at language schools.

While technically not legal, it’s widely tolerated—especially if you’re actively getting your documents in order. Most employers don’t expect everything to be finalized on day one, and the immigration system in Cambodia is generally more forgiving than in places like South Korea or Japan.

That said, it’s smart to start the paperwork as soon as you accept a job, either with your school’s help or through a reliable visa agent. Getting your work permit and visa extensions sorted early helps you avoid issues down the line, especially when it’s time to renew or switch jobs.

🔄 6. Renewals, Overstays, and Visa Runs

Staying long-term in Cambodia is relatively simple if you keep your paperwork in order. With a valid EB visa extension, renewals are typically straightforward—especially if you're employed or working with a visa agent. Many teachers opt for 6- or 12-month multiple-entry extensions to avoid frequent renewals.

Overstaying, however, comes with a price: you'll be fined $10 USD per day, and repeated offenses could impact your ability to re-enter Cambodia in the future. It’s easy to forget your visa expiry date, so set reminders and renew early.

As for visa runs—trips to neighboring countries like Thailand or Vietnam to reset your visa status—they’re becoming less reliable. Cambodian immigration has started to crack down on people using frequent re-entries without valid reasons. If you're planning to teach long-term, it's better to stay legal from inside the country with the proper visa and permit.

📍 7. Where to Get Your Visa and Extensions

If you're in Phnom Penh, getting your visa sorted is relatively easy—there are numerous visa agencies and government offices familiar with handling teacher paperwork. Many schools also have preferred agents who can streamline the process for you.

In Siem Reap, Battambang, or other cities, you’ll still find licensed visa agents or services that work closely with local schools. These agents can help apply for the E-class visa, process your EB extension, and sometimes even assist with work permit applications.

Typical documents you'll need for your extension include:

• Your passport (with at least 6 months validity and blank pages)
• A few passport-sized photos
• A job offer or employment letter (for EB extension)
• Payment for the visa fee (prices vary based on duration and agent used)

Using a trusted local agent is often worth the small fee—especially when navigating the different extension types and paperwork.

💬 8. Tips for a Smooth Visa Process

Navigating visas in Cambodia is generally straightforward—but a little planning goes a long way. Here are some key tips to keep things hassle-free:

• Enter with a plan: If you're serious about teaching, skip the tourist visa and start with the Ordinary (E-class) visa. It gives you more flexibility for long-term stay and extensions.
• Work with schools that assist: Many reputable schools will help organize your EB visa extension and work permit, saving you time and avoiding mistakes.
• Use a reliable visa agent: If you're arranging your documents solo, a good agent can guide you through the maze of paperwork and minimize delays.
• Keep digital and paper copies of your visa, passport ID page, extension slips, work permit, and any letters from your employer.
• Stay updated: Cambodian visa policies don’t change often, but when they do, it can be without much notice. Keep an eye on local expat forums or embassy pages.

With a bit of prep and the right support, staying legal while teaching in Cambodia is easy to manage.

📝 Conclusion: Start Easy, Stay Legal

Cambodia’s visa system is one of the most forgiving in Asia, making it a popular launchpad for first-time English teachers. But don’t mistake flexibility for a free pass—if you plan to work and stay long-term, taking care of your visa and work permit is essential.

The EB visa extension is your go-to for legal employment, and while work permit enforcement has been spotty in the past, it’s becoming more consistent. Get the basics sorted early, and you’ll avoid headaches later.

With a clear path and a bit of preparation, you can focus on what really matters—teaching, exploring, and living well in one of Southeast Asia’s most welcoming countries.

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