China entry requirements for Cambodia passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

Cambodian passport holders need a visa to enter China in 2026. You must apply at a Chinese embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa for tourism. Processing takes 4–7 working days, so plan ahead.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa application
Apply before travel
You need a visa to enter China. Apply at the China Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in your home country — the official portal is visaforchina.cn. Processing takes 4–7 business days for standard applications; expedited service costs extra. You must submit your passport in person or via an authorized agent.Apply for visaRequired
Valid passport
Must have at least 6 months validity
Your Cambodian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from China. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. Carry a photocopy of the bio page as backup.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of exit from China
Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. A flight booking to Cambodia or a third country works. If you overstay your visa, you pay 500 RMB per day at the airport exit.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in China ready. Officers at major airports like Beijing Capital and Shanghai Pudong sometimes ask for it. A printed booking confirmation from Booking.com or Agoda is fine.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can cover your stay
Carry bank statements or a credit card showing sufficient funds for your trip. There is no fixed minimum, but having at least 3,000 RMB equivalent (about $420 USD) per week of stay is a safe benchmark. Immigration rarely checks this for visa holders, but it helps if asked.Recommended
Visa required — apply well in advance
There is no visa on arrival or e-visa for Cambodian passport holders. Start your visa application at least 2–3 weeks before your planned departure to allow for processing and any delays.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter China. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the visa. Border officials will deny entry otherwise.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for a visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate
Visit the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in your country. Submit the completed form, passport, photo, and supporting documents. Pay the fee (around $30–$60 depending on visa type and processing speed). Processing takes 4–7 working days.
2
Collect your visa and check the details
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check that your name, passport number, validity dates, and number of entries are correct. If anything is wrong, ask for a correction immediately.
3
Arrive at a Chinese port of entry
At the airport, follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'All Passports'. Present your passport with the visa, and be ready to show your return ticket and hotel booking if asked. The officer may take your fingerprints (digital scan).
4
Complete arrival declaration (if required)
China does not currently require a separate arrival declaration for most travellers, but you may be asked to fill a health declaration form on the plane or at the airport. Follow instructions from airline or immigration staff.
Download China Entry Checklist
PDF · Cambodia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$30 USD (approx. 210 CNY)

Standard option for tourism; extension possible at local PSB.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$50 USD (approx. 350 CNY)

Ideal for frequent travellers; extension possible per stay.

Business visa (M visa)
Max stay30-60 days, extendable
Validity3-6 months
Cost~$60 USD (approx. 420 CNY)

Requires invitation letter from Chinese company.

work visa
Z Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. 700 CNY) plus processing
For those with a job offer in China. Requires employer sponsorship, work permit, and health check. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
X Visa (Student Visa)
Up to 5 years, depending on course
~$50 USD (approx. 350 CNY) plus school fees
For enrolled students at Chinese institutions. Requires admission letter and JW201/JW202 form. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
M Visa (Business Visa) with long-term stay
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 1,400 CNY) plus investment
For investors with significant business in China. Requires proof of investment and company registration. May lead to permanent residence.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Cambodian passport holders; varies by embassy.~$30 USD (approx. 210 CNY)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period.~$50 USD (approx. 350 CNY)
Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of ~$500 USD (approx. 3,500 CNY).~$10 USD (approx. 70 CNY) per day

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%

Approval probability calculator

Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.

Transiting through China

Transit visa required

Cambodia passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in China, unless they qualify for the 24-hour or 144-hour visa-free transit policy at certain airports.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid visa for the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Schengen countries may qualify for 144-hour visa-free transit at major airports.
  • 24-hour visa-free transit is available at most international airports if staying airside and not leaving the transit area.
Transit hubsBeijing Capital International Airport (PEK) · Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) · Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)

Health & vaccines for China

Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk

Major cities experience high PM2.5 levels; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.

Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.

Altitude sicknessLow risk

Relevant in high-altitude areas like Tibet; acclimatize gradually.

Malaria risk: low

Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas, but present in rural parts of Yunnan and Hainan. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

Beijing
Beijing Exit-Entry Administration Bureau
No. 2 Andingmen East Street, Dongcheng District
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00

For visa extensions and re-entry permits; bring passport, photos, and proof of stay.

Shanghai
Shanghai Exit-Entry Administration Bureau
1500 Minsheng Road, Pudong New Area
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00

Handles visa extensions; arrive early to avoid long queues.

Practical information for KH travellers

Country basics
CapitalBeijing
LanguageStandard Chinese (Mandarin)
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyChinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 6.79 CNY
updated May 29
Time zone
Local timeUTC+8
vs New York+13h
vs Los Angeles+16h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
A,C,ITypes A (two flat pins), C (two round pins), and I (three flat pins) are used.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; boil or use bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Police110
Medical120
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. China does not offer visa on arrival for Cambodian passport holders. You must get a visa from a Chinese embassy or consulate before you travel.
Standard processing takes 4–7 working days. Expedited service (1–3 days) may be available at extra cost — check with the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in your country.
Fees vary by visa type and processing speed. Expect around $30–$60 for a single-entry tourist visa. Double-entry and multiple-entry visas cost more. Check the CVASC website for current fees.
Your visa application will be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply for the visa. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Yes, immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready.
Extensions are possible in some cases, but they are not guaranteed. You must apply at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit-Entry Administration office before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
Not for the visa application itself, but it is strongly recommended. Medical costs in China can be very high, and insurance covers emergencies.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.