Cambodia is considering visa-free entry for European Union citizens and digital nomads, but only if a pilot scheme with Chinese visitors proves successful later this year.

The proposal comes from EuroCham Cambodia, which urged the government to modernise its visa policy in a new White Book released this week. Among 77 recommendations, it called for flexible visa-free stays of 15, 30 or 45 days to encourage more frequent travel and boost investment.

Tourism Minister Huot Hak said the ministry valued the suggestions and was committed to exploring progressive policies to strengthen Cambodia’s appeal as a global destination. He pointed to the visa-free trial for Chinese citizens, running from June to October, as a crucial test case. “Should the pilot project yield positive results, the government would definitely consider expanding this strategy to other major and high-value markets, including the European Union,” he told Kiripost.

The idea of a dedicated visa for digital nomads also featured prominently. EuroCham argued that Cambodia could follow models in Dubai and Japan, attracting long-term visitors who contribute more to local economies. Chairman Tassilo Brinzer said such reforms would help reposition Cambodia’s tourism industry towards higher-value travellers.

The numbers underline the potential. In 2025, Cambodia welcomed more than 684,000 visitors from the EU, a 12.3 per cent rise on the previous year. Overall international arrivals reached 5.5 million, though that was down sharply from 6.7 million in 2024 amid border tensions with Thailand and wider geopolitical uncertainty.

Critics note that visa-free entry would mean losing direct revenue, with Europeans currently paying $30 for a visa on arrival or $35 for an e-visa. But EuroCham insists this would be offset by higher spending in shops and restaurants, plus fees from digital nomad applications. The White Book also highlighted Cambodia’s new e-Arrival card system, which it said provides effective oversight of visitor flows and addresses security concerns.

For the government, the challenge is balancing openness with control. The visa-free trial for Chinese tourists is being closely monitored for its economic and logistical impact during the low season. If it works, EU citizens could be next in line for easier access, a move that would align Cambodia with regional competitors such as Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia.

As global travel patterns shift and remote work rises, Cambodia faces a choice: stick with traditional visa revenue or embrace reforms that could bring in more visitors, more investment and a stronger tourism sector. The outcome of the Chinese pilot scheme may well decide the path ahead.

-2026-05-21

Great ideas, they should definitely implement that.

Good Idea!

On 5/21/2026 at 11:40 AM, geovalin said:

visa-free entry for European Union citizens and digital nomads,

Great idea and as a bonus for ALL long term residents with a visa (retirement, educational, marriage etc)., once you have completed 2 YEARS permanent residency in Cambodia you are eligible for a one year free pass to the Angkor Archaeological Park (Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, Ta Phrom, and the many other Khmer structures), saving you around 30US$ per visit! This pass is renewable each year. I have one and it is well used here in Siem Reap and the neighbouring Park. I have saved hundreds of dollars.

No harm in trying I guess, but with the increase in air fares and other costs due to the problems in the Middle East it's maybe not the best time to get a correct indicator for the success of a visa free trial. I'm generally sceptical about the impact of abolishing inexpensive visa fees, especially if the goal is to attract higher spending tourists.