Cambodia to Launch Trial Visa Waiver for Chinese Tourists in 2026 as Arrivals Surge

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 3, 2025) — Cambodia will introduce a trial visa-free entry program for Chinese citizens next year, a move aimed at capitalizing on surging Chinese arrivals and reinforcing tourism recovery.

From June 15 to Oct. 15, 2026, Chinese travelers will be able to stay in Cambodia for up to 14 days without applying for a visa or paying fees. Visitors will only need to complete the E-Arrival Card and may enter and exit multiple times during the trial period, according to the Office of the Council of Ministers.

The decision comes as Cambodia welcomed about 4.3 million international visitors in the first nine months of 2025, down 8.8% from the same period last year. China ranked as the third-largest source market with 880,000 visitors, a sharp increase of 46.3%, underscoring its growing importance to Cambodia’s tourism sector.

Thourn Sinan, chairman of the Cambodia chapter of the Pacific Asia Travel Association, called the visa waiver a historic first. “This is the first time Cambodia has ever implemented a visa exemption trial for any country,” he said, urging the government to expand the policy to other major markets.

Officials said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been authorized to consult with Beijing on a permanent reciprocal visa exemption and to work with the private sector to promote the policy effectively in China.

Cambodia’s tourism industry, a key driver of economic growth, is central to the country’s vision of achieving upper-middle-income status by 2030. The visa waiver trial is expected to further boost arrivals, hotel occupancy and spending, reinforcing Cambodia’s position as a preferred destination for Chinese travelers.