Cambodia bets on visa-free travel to draw 600,000 Chinese visitors
Cambodia is aiming to welcome at least 600,000 Chinese visitors during a four-month visa-free trial that takes effect on Monday (15 June), in a move designed to boost arrivals from its largest international tourism market.
Tourism Minister Huot Hak told The Cambodia China Times that the visa exemption programme, which runs until 15 October, is designed to simplify travel procedures for Chinese tourists while improving arrival services and visitor experiences across the country.
The initiative allows Chinese citizens holding passports of the People’s Republic of China, including travellers from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, to enter Cambodia without a visa for stays of up to 14 days. Visitors may enter multiple times during the trial period and are only required to complete the country’s E-Arrival Card before travelling.
The programme is being launched as Cambodia seeks to build on the strong recovery of Chinese tourism, which has become increasingly important to the Kingdom’s visitor economy.
Visa-free entry takes effect
The visa exemption programme was authorised by the Royal Government of Cambodia and announced by the Ministry of Tourism earlier this year. According to the official announcement issued on 15 January, Chinese passport holders entering Cambodia between 15 June and 15 October 2026 are exempt from visa application requirements and visa fees. The measure applies regardless of whether travellers arrive directly from China or from another country.
The Ministry of Tourism said the policy aims to increase the number of Chinese visitors while encouraging tourism stakeholders to support and promote the initiative. Beyond traditional sightseeing, visitors will find diverse entertainment options available during their stay, including online free casino games and other recreational activities designed to enhance their travel experience.
Officials have stated that all relevant agencies have completed preparations for the programme’s launch, including measures to improve entry procedures and visitor services.
Chinese market remains Cambodia’s largest source of visitors
Chinese travellers continue to play a central role in Cambodia’s tourism recovery. According to the Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia welcomed 331,199 Chinese visitors during the first four months of 2026, making China the country’s largest source of international tourists. China ranked ahead of regional markets such as Vietnam and Thailand, which have historically been among Cambodia’s leading visitor sources.
While arrivals from China between January and April were 14.5 per cent lower than during the same period in 2025, the market remains the Kingdom’s largest contributor of foreign visitors.
Tourism statistics also show that Cambodia received approximately 5.6 million international visitors in 2025. More than 1.2 million of those visitors came from China, representing year-on-year growth of about 42 percent.
Speaking to more than 11 major Chinese media organisations on 13 June, Huot Hak described China as one of Cambodia’s most promising tourism markets. “Chinese tourists ranked first among international visitor arrivals to Cambodia, reflecting the strong potential of the Chinese tourism market for Cambodia’s tourism sector,” he said.
Improving services for Chinese travellers
Huot Hak said the visa exemption programme is intended to make travel to Cambodia easier by reducing entry procedures, improving customs clearance and strengthening reception services. He described the initiative as more than a visa policy, calling it a signal of friendship towards Chinese visitors.
“When Chinese tourists step off the plane and set foot on Cambodian soil, they will immediately feel the warm welcome of the Cambodian people,” he said.
The minister said preparations have been made around the needs of Chinese travellers, including accommodation, transportation, dining, shopping, travel routes and souvenir preferences.
The Ministry of Tourism has also improved arrangements for Chinese-language tour guides and plans to expand Chinese-language signage and visitor information at airports, major tourist attractions and key tourism areas.
Huot Hak said that, in order to improve border clearance efficiency, the General Department of Immigration is preparing to introduce a “Smart Gate” system at Techo International Airport and Siem Reap Angkor International Airport to improve entry efficiency for Chinese tourists.
The ministry is also advancing its “China Ready” certification programme, which evaluates tourism businesses and aims to provide more convenient and reliable services for Chinese guests.
Tourism attractions and safety measures
Huot Hak highlighted four major tourism regions for Chinese visitors: Siem Reap and Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s southwestern coastline and the country’s north-eastern eco-tourism destinations. He also sought to reassure travellers about visiting during the rainy season, noting that rainfall is typically brief and that forests, lakes and waterfalls are often at their most scenic during this period.
Addressing safety concerns, the minister said Cambodia continues to intensify efforts against online scams and transnational crime.
The government has maintained a nationwide campaign against telecommunications and cyber fraud and has implemented legislation aimed at combating such crimes. According to Huot Hak, these measures are intended to ensure that tourists and investors can travel to and conduct business in Cambodia with confidence.
“Tourist safety is fully guaranteed,” he said.
The visa-free programme is also likely to be closely watched by Cambodia’s gaming and hospitality sectors, particularly in Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville, where international tourism contributes to visitor traffic at hotels, entertainment venues and casino resorts.
The four-month trial will be monitored throughout its implementation period before any decisions are made regarding future arrangements. As the programme begins, Cambodia is targeting at least 600,000 Chinese arrivals during the trial period ending on 15 October.
Asian iGaming returns to the City of Dreams. From 30 November to 2 December 2026, SiGMA South Asia unites 3,500+ industry leaders, innovators and decision-makers in Colombo to shape the future of gaming.
