China has already become the second largest source of foreign tourists to Cambodia, second only to Vietnam.
Between January and October of this year, Cambodia received one million Chinese tourists, representing a year-on-year increase of 44.6%. Chinese tourists accounted for 21% of the total 4.75 million international arrivals to the kingdom in the first ten months of the year.
Minister Hak concluded by stating that the future of Cambodia's tourism industry and economy are "inseparably linked" to the influx of Chinese tourists and investors. "Cambodia is fully prepared and ready to welcome the return of Chinese tourists and investors," he stated.
The Cambodian government has taken a decisive step to boost its tourism sector by approving a visa waiver pilot program for Chinese citizens. This measure, considered a "historic milestone" by Tourism Minister Huot Hak, aims to attract an even greater influx of Chinese travelers to the country.
Minister Hak declared at a cultural event in Siem Reap that this decision will pave the way for "comprehensive cooperation" and be key to the development of tourism, one of the kingdom's economic pillars.
Details of the pilot waiver The visa waiver policy will be implemented for a four-month period, from June 15 to October 15, 2026, coinciding with the peak travel season. Key details of the program include:
• Duration: Allows a 14-day stay without the need for a visa. • Cost: Chinese visitors will be exempt from paying any visa fees. • Process: Only an electronic arrival card needs to be completed. • Flexibility: Multiple entries will be permitted during the trial period.
Cambodia's dependence on the Chinese market is evident in the 2025 figures.
