Cambodia launches 4-month visa-free trial for Chinese tourists

Chinese tourists can visit Cambodia visa free from June 15 to Oct 15 next year, under a pilot program announced by the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism on Dec 3.

The Cambodian government has approved the implementation of a pilot visa exemption for Chinese nationals travelling from China, according to a document released by the ministry.

The exemption allows a 14-day stay during the four-month pilot program, without requiring any application or fees. The completion of an e-arrival card upon entry is still required.

During the pilot period, Chinese tourists can enter Cambodia multiple times.

During the first 10 months of this year, Cambodia attracted about 4.8 million international tourists, of which about one million were Chinese tourists, according to Xinhua, citing Cambodian Tourism Minister Huot Hak.

Before the pandemic in 2019, Cambodia received about 2.3 million Chinese tourists, accounting for about one-third of the total international tourist arrivals to the kingdom.

"The growth of Chinese tourists is a great opportunity, not only to boost the development of the tourism industry, but also to create investment opportunities in other sectors,” Hak said on Nov 27.

Currently, Chinese tourists can enter Cambodia with a visa-on-arrival, an e-visa, or a visa obtained through the embassy.