Background
As part of the bilateral “Cambodia–China Tourism Year,” the Royal Government implemented a temporary visa exemption for holders of Chinese passports during mid-2026. The Royal Government of Cambodia authorized a 14-day visa exemption for holders of Chinese passports covering 15 June–15 October 2026. The measure received high-level approval from the Prime Minister.
The exemption removes pre-travel visa and fee requirements for eligible Chinese nationals and relies on the Cambodia e-Arrival Card as the entry registration mechanism. During the exemption period, eligible Chinese nationals may enter Cambodia without prior visa application or visa fees and are required only to complete the Cambodia e-Arrival Card.
Key Developments
On 2 August 2026, H.E. Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism, met a delegation of Chinese athletes at Angkor Wat during the 11th Angkor Empire International Marathon and reiterated the 14-day visa exemption for Chinese passport-holders. The Minister framed the exemption as a facilitation measure for travel and promotion under the Cambodia–China Tourism Year and invited further participation in tourism activities.
Policy Context
The visa exemption is an example of a time-limited immigration policy instrument that governments use to simplify short-term entry requirements for targeted nationalities during promotional or diplomatic initiatives. The Ministry of Tourism publicly communicated the policy to support tourism promotion while the exemption period runs from 15 June to 15 October 2026.
Operational Implications
Chinese passport-holders eligible under the measure are not required to obtain a visa before arrival and are exempt from visa fees for stays up to fourteen days between 15 June and 15 October 2026. Travelers covered by the exemption must complete the Cambodia e-Arrival Card as the required travel registration step before or upon arrival.
Source
Ministry of Tourism announcement at Angkor Wat and Ministry social media post: https://www.facebook.com/cambodia.tourism.ministry/posts/pfbid021HkrRbEi4tSWVaHL7XUZbUvwjN5ejjgFCQQCS4YqzeM1CuvjmEZSDoMafmw1HWAYl
