Cambodia denies entry ban for under‑40 travellers

Cambodia’s immigration authorities have firmly rejected rumours that the country is barring travellers under the age of 40, insisting that borders remain open to all legitimate visitors.

The General Department of Immigration (GDI) issued a statement yesterday after claims spread on WeChat suggesting Phnom Penh International Airport had suspended entry and that land checkpoints were turning away younger travellers regardless of visa status.

Officials described the reports as “false information” and stressed that no such directive exists.

“Foreign tourists, investors, businesspeople and workers continue to receive support and encouragement to enter the Kingdom,” the department said, adding that current measures focus only on security and preventing illegal entry.

The clarification comes at a crucial moment for Cambodia, which is working to rebuild tourism and attract foreign investment. Earlier this year, the Interior Ministry ordered tighter residency controls to safeguard security, but officials emphasised that these measures target unlawful stays rather than restricting lawful travel.

In fact, Cambodia has recently eased entry for some groups. From 15 June to 15 October, Chinese citizens will benefit from a 14‑day visa exemption as part of a pilot scheme designed to boost arrivals. China is already one of Cambodia’s largest sources of visitors, with 1.2 million arrivals in 2025, a 41.5% increase on the previous year.

The European Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia has urged the government to go further, recommending more flexible visa‑free stays and a dedicated digital nomad visa to attract remote professionals. Analysts note that neighbouring countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia have already introduced long‑term residency schemes to capture this growing market.

For now, Cambodian officials are keen to reassure travellers that the borders remain open and procedures at airports and land checkpoints are operating normally. The message is clear: Cambodia welcomes visitors of all ages, and rumours of an under‑40 ban are unfounded.

-2026-05-27