Cambodia’s Revolutionary Visa-Free Access For Chinese Tourists Signals The Start Of A New Era In Southeast Asian Tourism, Offering Unmatched Potential For Economic And Cultural Growth

Published on December 3, 2025

Cambodia has taken a bold step towards revitalizing its tourism industry by launching a groundbreaking visa-free program for Chinese tourists, aimed at unlocking unprecedented growth in both tourism and economic development. This move comes at a time when Cambodia is looking to bounce back from the pandemic’s impact and seize new opportunities for international trade and investment. By offering Chinese nationals the ability to visit without the need for a visa, Cambodia is not only making the country more accessible but is also positioning itself as a prime destination for travelers, especially those from one of its largest and most important international markets. This initiative is set to fuel tourism growth, create new business opportunities, and strengthen Cambodia’s ties with China.

Starting from June 15 to October 15 next year, Chinese tourists will be able to visit Cambodia without needing a visa, thanks to a new pilot program announced by the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism on December 3. This initiative is part of Cambodia’s effort to boost its tourism industry, especially as it recovers from the impact of the global pandemic.

The Cambodian government has granted approval for the pilot visa exemption, allowing Chinese nationals traveling from China to stay in Cambodia for up to 14 days without having to apply for a visa or pay any visa-related fees. However, the travelers will still need to complete an e-arrival card upon their entry into the country, which is a standard procedure for all international tourists visiting Cambodia.

The four-month pilot program allows Chinese tourists to make multiple visits during the period, offering greater flexibility for both leisure and business travelers. The initiative is expected to attract a larger number of Chinese nationals to Cambodia, further enhancing the Kingdom’s tourism sector.

This visa exemption is expected to play a vital role in boosting the influx of Chinese visitors, who have historically been one of the largest groups of international tourists to Cambodia. In the first 10 months of 2025, Cambodia welcomed approximately 4.8 million international tourists. Of this number, about one million were Chinese nationals, according to recent statistics. This is a positive recovery, especially compared to the numbers seen before the pandemic.

In 2019, Cambodia received roughly 2.3 million Chinese tourists, accounting for nearly one-third of all international visitors to the Kingdom. This large share of the international tourist market showcases the significant role that Chinese travelers have historically played in Cambodia’s tourism industry. The government is now keen to restore and surpass these numbers through targeted initiatives like the visa exemption program.

Tourism experts and officials have long highlighted the importance of Chinese visitors to Cambodia’s economy. Beyond contributing to the growth of the tourism industry, Chinese tourists have also played a role in opening doors to investment opportunities in other sectors. The anticipated increase in visitors is expected to create new business opportunities, particularly in hospitality, retail, and transport services.

Cambodia has long been a popular destination for Chinese tourists, who are drawn to its rich cultural heritage, including the world-renowned Angkor Wat temple complex, one of the most significant archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. Additionally, Cambodia’s beautiful beaches, vibrant cities, and historical landmarks have made it a favorite destination for those seeking a mix of culture, adventure, and relaxation.

Before the pandemic, Cambodia offered multiple visa options for Chinese nationals. Chinese tourists could either apply for a visa on arrival, an e-visa, or obtain a visa through the embassy. While these options still exist, the introduction of the visa-free exemption during the four-month trial period is expected to make the destination even more appealing, especially for short-term visits.

This pilot program comes as Cambodia’s tourism sector is working to recover from the severe downturn caused by COVID-19, which significantly impacted global travel. During the height of the pandemic, Cambodia, like many other countries, saw a sharp decline in international arrivals. The Cambodian government has worked diligently to encourage tourism recovery by rolling out various strategies, such as promoting the country as a safe and attractive destination, simplifying travel regulations, and now, with this visa exemption, making the process of entering the country easier and more accessible.

This initiative follows a broader trend in Southeast Asia, where many countries are offering visa-free access or visa exemptions to specific countries in an effort to revive tourism and rebuild their economies. The Cambodian government hopes that this pilot program will not only attract more Chinese tourists but also increase awareness of Cambodia as a prime travel destination in Asia.

The timing of this visa exemption is particularly important, as it coincides with the summer and early autumn months when Chinese tourists typically travel in large numbers. This period also aligns with peak travel seasons for business events, conventions, and international conferences, all of which Cambodia aims to host in greater numbers. As the world emerges from the pandemic, the demand for international travel is surging again, and Cambodia seeks to capitalize on this momentum.

The program’s success will be closely monitored by the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism, which has expressed interest in making the exemption a permanent feature if the pilot phase proves successful. By doing so, Cambodia could not only enhance its standing as a leading Southeast Asian tourist destination but also foster long-term relationships with the Chinese market, which remains one of the most important sources of tourism revenue for countries worldwide.

Cambodia has unveiled a groundbreaking visa-free program for Chinese tourists to stimulate tourism and economic growth. This bold move aims to attract more visitors, boost trade, and strengthen ties with China, one of the Kingdom’s largest tourism markets.

In conclusion, the announcement of a visa exemption for Chinese tourists between June 15 and October 15 next year is a significant step in Cambodia’s strategy to revive its tourism industry. The move aims to attract more Chinese visitors, who have been vital to Cambodia’s tourism sector in the past. With easier entry procedures, Cambodia hopes to foster greater tourism growth, business opportunities, and stronger international ties. If successful, this pilot program may serve as a model for further tourism initiatives in the future, helping Cambodia to regain its position as a top travel destination in Asia.