Cambodia Waives Visa Requirements for the Chinese Nationals in 2026 Trial, Boosting their Tourism Recovery, Regional Connectivity and Economic Growth

Published on December 4, 2025

In a major move to reboot tourism and remain competitive within the Southeast Asian market, Cambodia will grant a visa-free entry under a new trial program starting in 2026. Chinese tourists will visit Cambodia for up to 14 days without a visa between June 15 and October 15, requiring only an e-arrival card upon entry.

This move, according to the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism, aims at firming Cambodia’s destination offering and securing a greater market share of the Chinese outbound travel market, which remains one of the most lucrative in the world. By reducing entry barriers, Cambodia aims at stimulating more tourist arrivals to boost local economies and enhance its regional competitiveness in the post-pandemic era.

Stimulating Cambodia’s Tourism Economy and Local Businesses

The visa waiver program will likely have a profound tourism impact across Cambodia’s hospitality, retail, and service industries. With China being one of Cambodia’s top source markets for international visitors, this policy shift will directly benefit local businesses in key tourist hotspots like Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville.

Tourism-dependent businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and shopping centers, stand to benefit as Chinese tourists account for a large percentage of Cambodia’s foreign visitor numbers. The influx of travelers will lead to an increase in tourism spending, from guided heritage tours of Angkor Wat to beach holidays along Cambodia’s coast. As Chinese visitors explore these iconic sites, local economies will see a boost in tourism receipts, creating opportunities for job growth, investment in tourism infrastructure, and wider economic development.

For tour operators, the visa waiver will make it easier to craft affordable tour packages, while retailers and local artisans will benefit from increased demand for souvenirs, local goods, and culinary experiences, all popular with Chinese travelers.

Regional Competitiveness and Strengthening Cambodia’s ASEAN Role

Cambodia’s decision to waive visas for Chinese nationals also serves as a strategic move to strengthen its regional competitiveness. Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, have already relaxed entry requirements for Chinese tourists, making them more attractive destinations for outbound Chinese travelers. Cambodia, by waiving visa fees, can keep up with the region’s evolving tourism landscape and maintain its appeal for Chinese tourists.

In addition, Cambodia is enhancing its role within the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, which seeks to improve economic collaboration across the region. With the visa waiver, Cambodia aligns itself with broader goals to increase cross-border travel, promote trade relations, and enhance regional mobility. This move will further strengthen Cambodia’s economic integration within ASEAN while also increasing tourism connectivity between China and Southeast Asia.

Increasing Tourism Revenue and Economic Resilience

The tourism sector has always been a key driver of Cambodia’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP and job creation. By welcoming more Chinese tourists, Cambodia can diversify its tourism offerings, attracting a wider range of visitors who are interested not only in cultural and heritage experiences but also in nature-based tourism, beach holidays, and adventure activities. This can help Cambodia tap into different market segments and reduce its reliance on traditional tourism types.

As tourism revenue grows, the Cambodian government can reinvest in tourism infrastructure, including transport links, cultural sites, and community-based tourism projects, ensuring that both the economy and the country’s tourism offerings continue to expand. The visa waiver not only boosts Cambodia’s short-term economic recovery but lays the foundation for long-term resilience in the post-pandemic travel era.

Aligning With ASEAN and China’s Growing Tourism Market

The visa waiver program aligns Cambodia’s tourism strategies with broader ASEAN efforts to boost regional tourism flows. For China, the world’s largest outbound tourism market, Southeast Asia is an increasingly popular destination, with Cambodia offering affordable travel options, rich cultural experiences, and accessible flight routes.

Cambodia’s visa waiver will encourage more Chinese nationals to consider the country for multi-country tours in Southeast Asia, linking Cambodia’s rich heritage with neighboring destinations. The initiative also positions Cambodia as a top destination for Chinese tourists seeking a combination of cultural exploration and nature tourism, particularly around the iconic Angkor Temples and the country’s serene coastline.

Long-Term Impacts on Cambodia’s Tourism Sector

The visa waiver will mark a bold step for Cambodia and one likely to have long-lasting effects on tourism and economic growth. Reduced travel barriers should lead to more Chinese arrivals, higher spending, and broader tourism offerings for Cambodia. Stronger word-of-mouth promotion and repeat visits are likely to fuel a tourism cycle that benefits the wider economy as more Chinese nationals experience Cambodia’s diversity of attractions.

In the longer run, Cambodia will be able to develop a more resilient and diversified tourism sector, attracting visitors from across ASEAN, China, and other parts of the world, thus supporting sustainable growth in local communities and strengthening the overall Cambodia brand within Southeast Asia. By embracing innovative visa policies, Cambodia is reaffirming its role as an attractive, accessible destination in Southeast Asia, reinforcing its commitment to growth in the China-ASEAN tourism sector, and creating new opportunities for future generations of travelers.