Cambodia Targets 500,000 More Chinese Visitors With Free Visa Pilot

PHNOM PENH, May 27, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia is aiming to draw at least half a million additional Chinese tourists through a four‑month free visa pilot campaign, backed by smart tourism upgrades and stricter service standards, officials said Wednesday.

Tourism Minister Huot Hak announced the initiative during talks with a Chinese delegation attending the Cambodia Tourism Marketplace 2026 (CTM Mini‑Series). He said the government and private sector were fully prepared to welcome more visitors as Cambodia intensifies recovery efforts.

The free visa scheme will be officially launched in Beijing on June 4 as part of broader cooperation with Chinese tourism stakeholders. To improve convenience, Cambodia plans to install Smart Gate immigration systems at Techo International Airport and Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, streamlining arrivals for international travelers, particularly Chinese tourists.

Hak stressed Cambodia’s commitment to safety and service quality, citing strict anti‑online scam measures and the rollout of a “China Ready” certification for tourism businesses.

The campaign forms part of the CTM 2026 Mini‑Series under the theme “Cambodia to the World,” aimed at strengthening the country’s position as a competitive regional destination. The minister added that the pilot project is expected to boost arrivals significantly and reinforce Cambodia’s long‑standing partnership with China in tourism and economic development.