Cambodia Tightens Foreign Residency Rules to Support Tourism and Investment Growth

Cambodia has moved to tighten its foreign residency regulations as part of an effort to strengthen national security and bolster confidence among tourists and international investors. The Ministry of Interior has instructed the General Department of Immigration (GDI) to increase oversight of foreign nationals, including better monitoring of residency status and compliance with Cambodian law, in a measure officials say will make the country safer and more attractive for long-term economic engagement. These changes were highlighted during a government conference reviewing 2025 achievements and outlining policy directions for 2026.

Officials emphasized that with increased cross-border movements and rising interest in Cambodia’s tourism and investment landscape, robust residency management is crucial to prevent illegal stays and related security concerns. Enhanced enforcement at entry and exit points, coupled with tighter tracking of foreign residents, aims to reassure visitors and businesspeople that Cambodia is serious about maintaining order while welcoming global engagement.

For the tourism sector, the new regulations could help create a more predictable and secure environment for travelers, potentially encouraging repeat visits and longer stays. At the same time, investors are expected to benefit from greater regulatory clarity and stability, key factors when deciding to commit capital in emerging markets. By tightening foreign residency controls alongside other reforms, Cambodia is signaling its intention to balance openness with effective cross-border governance to support continued growth in tourism and investment in 2026.