Background
On 9 March 2026, the Ministry of Tourism held a discussion meeting on the mechanism for monitoring, follow-up, and evaluation of a pilot visa exemption policy for Chinese citizens during a four-month trial period in 2026. The meeting was led by Minister of Tourism Huot Hak and included ministry leadership, representatives of state institutions, and private sector participants.
According to the ministry, the meeting focused on defining key indicators for the Chinese tourist market, reviewing work progress, discussing a tourism promotion strategy for the Chinese market, and establishing a monitoring and evaluation mechanism for implementation of the pilot policy. The ministry stated that the policy had received high-level approval from the Prime Minister.
Scope of Application
The pilot policy applies to Chinese citizens holding passports of the People’s Republic of China, including passport holders from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao, while excluding Taiwan. The ministry stated that the exemption applies whether travelers arrive directly from China or from another country, provided they hold a PRC passport when entering Cambodia.
The trial period is scheduled to run from 15 June 2026 to 15 October 2026. During this period, eligible Chinese visitors may stay for up to 14 days per entry. The ministry stated that multiple entries will be permitted.
Key Provisions or Decisions
Under the pilot arrangement described by the ministry, eligible Chinese travelers will receive visa exemption without a prior application and without payment of a visa fee. Travelers will, however, be required to complete an e-arrival card.
The meeting addressed the mechanism to monitor implementation of the policy and evaluate its effectiveness during the trial period, alongside tourism promotion planning targeted at the Chinese market.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
The announcement provides an operational reference point for airlines, tour operators, hotels, and other tourism-related businesses serving the Chinese market. It identifies the eligible traveler group, the trial period, the permitted length of stay, and the use of multiple entries under the pilot.
For compliance and travel planning purposes, the ministry’s statement indicates that no visa application or visa fee will be required for eligible travelers during the stated period, but completion of the e-arrival card remains necessary.
Official Source
Ministry of Tourism statement issued from the ministry headquarters on 9 March 2026 regarding the discussion meeting on the monitoring, follow-up, and evaluation mechanism for the 2026 four-month pilot visa exemption policy for Chinese citizens.
