Cambodia Denies Viral Rumors of Border Closure, Entry Ban

PHNOM PENH, May 26, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s immigration authorities have dismissed as false social media claims that the Kingdom has closed its borders and barred foreigners under 40 from entry.

The General Department of Immigration (GDI) said Tuesday the rumors, circulated on Chinese platform WeChat, were “misleading and baseless.” Posts alleged Phnom Penh International Airport had suspended arrivals and that land checkpoints would impose strict restrictions from May 26. They further claimed all foreigners under 40 would be denied entry regardless of visas or business documents.

Officials stressed no such directive had been issued. “Immigration police have never received instructions to prohibit travelers under the age of 40,” the GDI said, adding that controls remain focused on preventing illegal infiltration and transnational crime, not restricting legitimate visitors.

The department emphasized that tourists, investors, businesspeople, traders and migrant workers remain welcome, and that international airports and border checkpoints continue operating normally. Civil Aviation spokesman Sin Chansereyvutha confirmed Techo International, Siem Reap Angkor and Sihanoukville airports are fully operational.

The clarification followed Thai media reports of more than 200 Chinese charter flight cancellations to Thailand due to rising fuel costs, prompting Bangkok to consider tourism stimulus measures.

Cambodia is intensifying efforts to revive tourism and attract foreign investment. In a bid to boost arrivals from China, the government recently announced a pilot visa‑free program allowing Chinese citizens to stay up to 14 days between June 15 and October 15, 2026.