Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism officially announced a new, short-term visa-waiver program for Chinese nationals, effective next year, aiming to significantly increase visitor numbers and inject vitality into the nation’s critical tourism sector. The pilot scheme, which grants visa-exempt entry for up to 14 days, is set to run for four months during the high travel season, signaling a strategic effort by Phnom Penh to deep-en bilateral cooperation and accelerate economic recovery driven by international arrivals.
New Policy Details Unveiled
The government approved the trial program on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, allowing Chinese passport holders traveling directly from China to enter Cambodia without obtaining a visa. This streamlined process, which waives all associated fees, requires only the submission of an electronic arrival card upon entry. The initiative is scheduled to commence on June 15 and conclude on October 15, 2026, permitting multiple entries within the designated four-month window.
Minister of Tourism Huot Hak championed the measure, describing it as a “historic milestone” for the relationship between the two nations, during a Cambodia–China music and cultural event in Siem Reap. He emphasized that the introduction of visa-free travel is expected to provide substantial momentum for the tourism sector, a cornerstone of Cambodia’s national economy.
China’s Central Role in Tourism Recovery
Official data highlights the necessity of the Chinese market for Cambodia’s post-pandemic growth trajectory. According to the Ministry of Tourism, the country hosted one million Chinese visitors between January and October 2025, marking an impressive 44.6% increase compared to the previous year.
While Vietnam currently holds the top position, China remains Cambodia’s second-largest source market, contributing 21% of the 4.75 million international tourists recorded during the first ten months of the year. This substantial influx solidifies the government’s focus on courting this market.
Minister Hak asserted that the sustained success and future expansion of Cambodia’s tourism industry are fundamentally intertwined with the renewed inflow of both Chinese tourists and foreign investment. He stressed the nation’s commitment, stating Cambodia is “fully prepared and ready” to receive these visitors.
What This Means for Travelers and the Industry
This temporary visa exemption is a significant operational change that simplifies travel logistics and reduces costs for Chinese visitors, potentially making Cambodia a more attractive regional destination.
Key Takeaways for Future Visitors (June 15 – Oct. 15, 2026):
- No Visa Required: Travelers from China may enter Cambodia without a visa.
- Stay Duration: Maximum stay is 14 days per entry.
- Requirements: Only an electronic arrival card must be completed.
- Fees Waived: All standard visa fees are temporarily suspended.
The success of this pilot program could set a precedent for future, longer-term visa facilitation policies, benefiting local businesses, hotels, and attractions dependent on international revenue. By easing restrictions, Cambodia is strategically positioning itself to capitalize on the sustained rebound of outbound Chinese travel, underpinning the wider goal of achieving pre-pandemic tourism heights. The decision reflects a broader governmental strategy to prioritize high-potential markets through targeted policy adjustments.