Cambodia: 14-Day Visa Exemption for Chinese Tourists

• 14-day visa exemption. Chinese tourists can enter Cambodia without a visa for a 14-day stay.
• 20% drop in Chinese arrivals. In the first 5 months of 2026, the number of Chinese visitors fell 20% compared to the same period in 2025.
• Nearly 400,000 Chinese tourists. Despite the decline, Cambodia welcomed about 400,000 Chinese between January and May 2026.
• Goal: revive tourism. The government hopes this measure will reverse the trend and attract more visitors.
• Direct impact on Siem Reap. The city of Angkor, heavily dependent on Chinese tourism, is expected to benefit from this policy.

The Cambodian government announced the measure on June 22, 2026, after observing a continuous decline in Chinese arrivals. Here are the key steps:

1. January-May 2026: Chinese tourist arrivals drop 20% compared to 2025, totaling 400,000 visitors.
2. June 2026: The Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Interior develop a visa exemption policy for Chinese.
3. June 22, 2026: The government officially announces the 14-day visa exemption for Chinese tourists.
4. Late June 2026: The measure takes effect immediately, with no transition period.
5. Coming months: The government will monitor arrivals and may extend the exemption to other nationalities if results are positive.

The decline in Chinese arrivals affects sectors and regions unevenly. Here is an overview of the figures by segment:

• Potential increase in customers. Expats working in hospitality, restaurants, or travel agencies could see a rise in Chinese clients.
• Less paperwork. Expats organizing tours for Chinese groups will no longer have to handle visa applications for their clients.
• New markets. Entrepreneur expats can target Chinese tourists with tailored services (guides, apps, shops).
• Pressure on infrastructure. A sudden surge in tourism could strain transport and tourist sites, affecting quality of life.
• Price stability. The influx of tourists could drive up rents and service prices, impacting expat budgets.

1. Check the exact conditions. Make sure the exemption applies to your nationality and intended stay duration.
2. Keep your documents up to date. Even without a visa, a valid passport (at least 6 months) and a return ticket are required.
3. Follow official announcements. Check the Ministry of Tourism and Immigration websites for any updates.
4. Adapt your offering. If you work in tourism, prepare Mandarin-language services and train your staff.
5. Anticipate peak periods. Plan your travel and bookings in advance during high-traffic times.
6. Respect local rules. Chinese tourists must comply with Cambodian laws; set an example as an expat.
7. Stay informed via the community. Join expat groups in Siem Reap to share feedback.