Cambodia Visa-Exemption: Chinese Tourists Can Enter Visa-Free from June 15, 2026

In a clear effort to boost its tourism sector and strengthen bilateral partnerships, the Cambodian government launched a long-awaited measure on 15 June 2026: a visa exemption for Chinese nationals.

The exemption was announced by Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism on 16 January 2026. For the official announcement, visit tourism.gov.kh.

A strategic move timed to coincide with the country’s "green season," the policy aims to balance tourism flows and support the economy during the rainy months.

What’s new: Cambodia’s visa-free entry terms

Chinese passport holders are no longer required to obtain an e-Visa or visa on arrival. Entry requirements have been significantly simplified.

Eligibility criteria

• Phase dates (pilot period): 15 June – 15 October 2026

• Maximum stay: Up to 14 consecutive days.

• Entry flexibility: Multiple entries allowed. Travelers may exit and re-enter Cambodia freely within the four-month window.

• Cost: Fully waived (30 USD tourism visa fee removed).

The timing of this initiative corresponds with Cambodia’s "green season" (rainy season). It is part of a broader government strategy to smooth annual visitor numbers and bolster economic activity near major hubs such as Phnom Penh, Siem Reap (Angkor), and Sihanoukville.

Border procedure: the essential Cambodia e-Arrival Card

Note: Visa exemption does not mean a waiver of immigration formalities.

Under guidance from the Cambodian Council of Ministers, travelers benefiting from the fee and administrative waiver must still comply with a mandatory digital step: the Cambodia e-Arrival Card (CeA).

Traveler checklist: what to prepare before your flight

1. Submit online: Complete the e-Arrival Card within 7 days prior to arrival.

2. Unified declaration: The online form replaces paper immigration, customs, and health declarations.

3. Present QR code: After validation, a unique QR code is generated. Immigration officers at international airports or land border checkpoints will scan it.

Our agency already integrates a dedicated assistance module for completing the e-Arrival Card. Use our tool here.

Geopolitical outlook

With roughly one million Chinese tourists recorded in the first ten months of the prior year, China ranks as Cambodia’s third-largest outbound market, closely following Thailand and Vietnam.

Local bodies such as the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) view the program as a catalyst for renewed investor confidence and accelerated trade.

Beyond tourism, Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been mandated to negotiate reciprocal visa exemptions with Beijing, broadening access for the Cambodian diaspora and business professionals.

Impact on other nationalities: global entry rules at a glance

This measure is currently limited to Chinese passport holders. Travelers from Europe, Africa, the Americas and elsewhere remain subject to standard requirements.

Reminder: entry rules for most nationalities

• Tourist Visa (Type T): Mandatory for most Western and non-Asian nationalities.

• Stay duration: Grants a 30-day tourist stay.

• Pro tip: Apply for an e-Visa before departure. While visas on arrival are still available, the electronic format is the only way to ensure a fast, delay-free pass through immigration.

• Universal rule: Present the e-Arrival Card QR code is required for 100 percent of entrants, regardless of visa exemption status.

Current visa-exempt nationalities to Cambodia

• 30 days: Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Maldives

• 15 days: Seychelles

• 14 days: Brunei, Myanmar, China, Macao, Hong Kong (temporary through 15 October 2026).

• 14 days: Thailand

From visa eligibility checks to e-Visa applications and e-Arrival Card submissions, our secure platform streamlines all consular steps. Plan your trip here.