China’s Visa-Free Entry to Cambodia Sparks Explosive Surge in Flight Searches – What You Need to Know!

Published on December 5, 2025

In an exciting development for travelers, searches for flights from major Chinese cities to Cambodia have surged dramatically, following the announcement that Cambodia will implement a visa-free entry policy for Chinese citizens during a four-month trial period next year. According to Tongcheng Travel, the company observed a significant increase in flight searches from Tuesday to Wednesday, which more than doubled compared to the previous period. This news has set off a wave of excitement among travelers, both for business and leisure purposes.

Details of the Visa-Free Policy

Cambodia’s government made the announcement official through a letter released on Tuesday, revealing that the country would be allowing Chinese nationals to enter without the need for a visa from June 15 to October 15 of the coming year. This temporary trial period is expected to make travel between the two nations more accessible and convenient. According to the Xinhua News Agency, the policy is set to run for four months, offering a significant opportunity for Chinese citizens to explore Cambodia without the usual visa requirements.

A Sharp Rise in Flight Searches

Following the announcement, the number of flight searches from China to Cambodia has seen an astonishing rise. Tongcheng Travel, a leading online travel agency, reported that flight inquiries for popular routes between the two countries increased by more than 100 percent between Tuesday and Wednesday morning. This surge indicates a highly positive reception to the news and reflects a growing interest in visiting Cambodia for both leisure and business purposes.

Increased Demand for Business and Leisure Travel

The rise in travel demand between China and Cambodia has been evident in both the business and leisure sectors. Tongcheng Travel has highlighted that since November, bookings for hotels in Cambodian cities such as Phnom Penh have increased by over 60 percent compared to the same period last year. The introduction of the visa-free policy is expected to further boost this trend, with many Chinese tourists looking to take advantage of the new travel opportunity.

Impact on Flights Between China and Cambodia

With many Chinese workers currently residing in Cambodia set to return home at the end of the year, there is expected to be a significant surge in flight bookings for routes from Cambodia to cities like Chengdu, Nanning, and Guangzhou. This increase in bookings will likely coincide with the holiday season, further fueling demand for flights. The flow of people between the two countries is expected to reach new heights in the coming months, especially with the added convenience of visa-free travel.

Cambodia’s Growing Popularity as a Travel Destination

Cambodia has already seen a notable increase in visitors from China, with around 1 million Chinese nationals traveling to the Southeast Asian nation between January and October this year, according to data from Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism. This surge in Chinese visitors has been facilitated by the growing economic ties and increasing interest in both the tourism and business opportunities that Cambodia offers.

Boost in Travel During Peak Periods

Tongcheng Research Institute has pointed out that the visa-free policy will coincide with two of the busiest travel periods in China: the summer travel peak and the National Day holiday. These are some of the most significant travel periods in China, with millions of people traveling both domestically and internationally. It is anticipated that the easing of travel restrictions for Chinese citizens will make Cambodia an even more attractive destination during these peak times. As a result, Cambodia is expected to experience a surge in tourist arrivals, particularly during the summer months and the National Day celebrations in October.

Conclusion

The introduction of a visa-free entry policy for Chinese citizens to Cambodia represents a pivotal moment in the travel and tourism sector for both countries. As interest in Cambodian destinations continues to grow, particularly among Chinese travelers, this initiative is expected to bring substantial benefits to both nations. The increase in flight searches, hotel bookings, and overall travel demand highlights the potential for Cambodia to further establish itself as a key destination for international tourists, particularly from China.

The anticipated surge in bookings and travel during the trial period next summer and during the National Day holiday is just the beginning. With Cambodia’s tourist appeal growing and travel restrictions easing, it is expected that the trend will continue well beyond the four-month trial period, marking a new chapter in the dynamic relationship between China and Cambodia.