Cambodia has started a temporary visa-free entry programme for Chinese citizens, giving eligible travellers a simpler way to visit the country during a four-month trial period.
The scheme runs from June 15 to October 15, 2026. During this period, holders of passports issued by the People’s Republic of China may enter Cambodia without applying for a visa or paying visa fees. Cambodian state news agency AKP, citing the Ministry of Tourism, says eligible travellers may stay for up to 14 days per visit and may make multiple entries during the programme.
Who is covered by the visa-free trial?
The most detailed official wording published by AKP says the exemption applies to PRC passport holders, including travellers from Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau. It also states that Taiwan is excluded. Travellers do not need to arrive directly from China; the exemption applies whether they travel from China or from another country.
This is a temporary pilot measure, not a permanent change to Cambodia’s general visa policy. Travellers who are not covered by the programme should continue to check Cambodia’s normal visa rules before departure.
The Cambodia e-Arrival Card is still required
The visa waiver removes the visa application and visa-fee requirement for eligible Chinese travellers, but it does not remove Cambodia’s arrival formalities. AKP says travellers must still complete the Cambodia e-Arrival Card. The official Cambodia e-Arrival portal describes the digital form as covering immigration, health and customs declarations.
In practical terms, eligible travellers should treat the e-Arrival Card as a required pre-arrival step even though the visa itself is waived. Travellers should use the official e-Arrival website or official app and complete the form within the permitted pre-arrival window.
Why this matters for travellers
For Chinese holidaymakers, the change makes short Cambodia trips easier to plan: no tourist visa application, no visa-on-arrival payment for eligible passport holders, and the option to enter more than once during the trial period. This is especially useful for regional itineraries that combine Cambodia with Thailand, Vietnam, Laos or other Southeast Asian destinations.
The 14-day limit is important. Travellers planning longer Cambodia stays, work-related visits, study, relocation or other non-tourism purposes should not assume the pilot waiver covers their trip. They should check the correct visa category before booking.
Tourism context
Cambodia is using the measure to rebuild and strengthen arrivals from China, one of its most important inbound tourism markets. AKP reported that Cambodia received 331,199 Chinese visitors in the first four months of 2026, making China the country’s largest source of international tourists during that period.
The policy is likely to be most relevant for short leisure trips to Cambodia’s main visitor destinations, including Angkor, Phnom Penh and coastal areas, but the entry rule applies nationally rather than to one specific city or airport.
What travellers should check before departure
- Passport eligibility: confirm that the traveller holds a passport covered by the PRC passport wording of the policy.
- Travel dates: the waiver is scheduled for June 15 to October 15, 2026 only.
- Stay length: each visa-free stay is limited to up to 14 days per visit.
- e-Arrival: complete Cambodia’s e-Arrival Card through the official portal or app before arrival.
- Purpose of travel: use the waiver only if the trip fits the conditions of the pilot programme; otherwise check the normal visa route.
- Airline checks: confirm documentation requirements with the airline before boarding, as carriers may check entry eligibility at departure.
Because this is a pilot policy, travellers should re-check official Cambodian sources close to departure in case implementation details, airline procedures or entry-point practices change during the trial.
Primary sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, eligible Chinese citizens may enter Cambodia visa-free during the pilot period from June 15 to October 15, 2026, according to Cambodian official reporting. The stay limit is up to 14 days per visit.
Yes. Cambodian official reporting says eligible travellers may enter and exit Cambodia multiple times during the pilot period.
Yes. The visa waiver does not remove the e-Arrival requirement. Travellers should complete Cambodia’s digital e-Arrival Card through the official portal or app before arrival.
AKP’s January 2026 report says the policy applies to PRC passport holders, including Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, while Taiwan is excluded.
No. The measure is described as a four-month pilot programme running from June 15 to October 15, 2026. Travellers should check official rules again before booking or departure.
