Cambodia launches pilot visa-free entry for Chinese tourists from June 2026

The Cambodian government has announced that it will trial a visa-free entry policy for Chinese tourists from 15 June to 15 October 2026. 

According to Khmer Times, the decision was approved within the framework of the Tourism Working Group and supported by the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

It also received approval from Prime Minister Hun Manet.

Under the pilot scheme, Chinese nationals may stay in Cambodia for up to 14 days without applying for a visa or paying fees. They will only need to complete an E-arrival card.

The Ministry of Tourism confirmed that multiple entries will be permitted throughout the trial period. Tourism Minister Huot Hak described the move as a significant step in national tourism promotion.

Hak told Khmer Times that the exemption is being implemented to demonstrate progress and to allow the government to consider extending the policy from four months to 12 months.

He urged tourism operators and the private sector to develop tour packages that appeal to Chinese travellers.

Alignment with regional Asean visa policies

Cambodia’s move aligns it with several Asean states that have removed visa requirements for Chinese nationals.

Regional neighbours such as Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore already grant similar access.

The Philippines has also reinstated its e-visa system or Chinese visitors following a two-year suspension.

Industry leaders say these shifts highlight growing competition for a significant tourism market.

Industry reaction and tourism market trends

Chhay Sivlin, President of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents, welcomed the decision. 

She said that Chinese tourists have historically dominated Cambodia’s tourism market and that renewed promotion will help unlock further potential.

Data from the Ministry of Tourism indicates that Cambodia welcomed around 4.8 million international visitors between January and October 2025. 

Of these, approximately 1 million were Chinese tourists.

Xinhua reported that an official letter signed by Hing Thoraxy confirmed government approval for the visa exemption trial. 

The letter also authorised negotiations with China to simplify visa procedures for Cambodian citizens in future.

Thourn Sinan, Chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association Cambodia chapter, told Xinhua that the policy is expected to attract more tourists, businesspeople and investors. He said the sector had been waiting for such a development.

Following the announcement, interest from Chinese travellers rose sharply. Global Times reported that Qunar.com recorded significant increases in flight searches to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Searches for flights from Shanghai to Phnom Penh rose 5.2 times, while Beijing saw a 4.3-fold increase, and Shenzhen a three-fold rise. Most airfares to Dakhmao Airport are now priced below 1,000 yuan (approximately US$142).

Flights from Guangzhou and Shenzhen dipped below 500 yuan (approximately US$70), according to Qunar.com. Siem Reap, home to Angkor Wat, saw Shanghai–Siem Reap searches rise fivefold.

Global Times also reported that Tongcheng.com observed a doubling of search popularity for major routes to Cambodia. 

Analysts cited by the publication noted that Chinese outbound tourism spending power remains strong.

They added that improving safety standards and service quality will be essential for Cambodia to manage rising demand.