Phnom Penh – Cambodia is considering expanding visa exemptions beyond its current pilot scheme, as the government looks for ways to revive a tourism sector hit hard by falling visitor numbers.

The Ministry of Tourism confirmed yesterday that its working group has recommended extending the existing visa‑free programme for Chinese nationals until the end of the year. At the same time, officials are exploring similar waivers for other high‑potential source markets, aiming to attract more international travellers.

Tourism Minister Huot Hak told a consultative meeting with airlines, airports and industry associations that he would submit the proposals to Prime Minister Hun Manet for approval. He described visa exemptions as “catalysts” for boosting arrivals and strengthening air connectivity.

Tourism is one of Cambodia’s four economic pillars, alongside agriculture, construction and manufacturing exports. Yet the country welcomed just 1.75 million foreign visitors in the first half of 2026, down nearly 48 per cent from the same period last year.

Hak blamed the downturn on a mix of factors: negative publicity, online scam networks, border frictions with Thailand and global conflicts that have driven up fuel prices. He argued that easing entry requirements could help offset these pressures by making Cambodia more competitive in the region.

Industry representatives say the move would be particularly attractive to retirees, families and regional travellers seeking affordable destinations. Airlines and airports have also backed the plan, noting that visa‑free entry could stimulate demand and support new routes.

If approved, the extended exemptions would mark a significant shift in Cambodia’s tourism strategy, signalling a willingness to broaden access for visitors from multiple countries rather than relying on a single market.

For a sector struggling to regain momentum, the government is betting that easier entry will translate into more arrivals, more spending and a stronger recovery.

-2026-08-21

They should. Even Vietnam and China have visa waiver programs nowadays.

No harm in trying, I'm just a little sceptical that a charge of $30 makes the difference in a holiday decision. Maybe if you are a family of 4 from a neighbouring country $120 is significant, I guess we'll see if the numbers improve.

10 minutes ago, kinyara said:

No harm in trying, I'm just a little sceptical that a charge of $30 makes the difference in a holiday decision. Maybe if you are a family of 4 from a neighbouring country $120 is significant, I guess we'll see if the numbers improve.

It's not just the money, but often the hassle of having to fill out forms, even if digitally, that makes some lazy/busy people to choose one country over another. Somehow you fill less welcome when you have to pay to get into a country.

1 hour ago, thecyclist said:

Somehow you fill less welcome when you have to pay to get into a country.

How many countries can you walk to?

You've paid to get to all the countries you've been to. Next you'll be telling us you've never paid for sex?

Edited August 23Aug 23 by VocalNeal

26 minutes ago, VocalNeal said:

How many countries can you walk to?

You've paid to get to all the countries you've been to. Next you'll be telling us you've never paid for sex?

Just walkin', or does bikin' count?

In that case, every country 'tween China and Singapore.

I don't walk, but I have cycled to countries hundreds of times (back and forth between Thailand, Laos, Malaysia, Cambodia and Vietnam. While cycling is free, sex isn't anymore. I am too old to get free sex with attractive women, and since I find older women unattractive, I am forced to pay for sex, or practice celibacy.

By the way, what happened to the editing function of posts :can't change fill to feel.

3 minutes ago, NoDisplayName said:

Just walkin', or does bikin' count?

You still paid unless you stole the bicycle.

1 hour ago, VocalNeal said:

You still paid unless you stole the bicycle.

I always steal bicycles, why pay when you can steal them.

In addition, unless you walk around naked, walking isn't free either.

1 hour ago, VocalNeal said:

You still paid unless you stole the bicycle.

Walkin' is free then, but only if you stole yer shoes, and liberated all meals along the way from unattended fields or roadkill.

Too many scam networks and ganglands in Cambo.

Until they clean that stuff up (they likely never will) they will struggle to get the tourist numbers of TH and VN.

Speaking of clean ups, Phnon Penh could use a good pressure washing, the whole city.

14 hours ago, thecyclist said:

It's not just the money, but often the hassle of having to fill out forms, even if digitally, that makes some lazy/busy people to choose one country over another. Somehow you fill less welcome when you have to pay to get into a country.

You may be right but certainly the younger generation are so used to the digital life I doubt it would bother them, and it may be group tours do the visa application for their clients. The online visa application for Cambodia is a 2 minute job, it couldn't be easier.

Much as I enjoy living here I'm more of the view that there just isn't enough on offer tourist wise to increase numbers significantly. It's a hard sell compared to the variety and ease of options in Vietnam and Thailand. As has been the case in the past it's probably more attractive to tag on a 3 day trip to see Angkor Wat onto a holiday spent in those other 2 countries.

I think countries need to accept that rather than continually seeking higher numbers of tourists each year there is a maximum level to be reached. The effort then should be concentrated on improving the experience so those that do visit stay longer and spend more.

Cambodia was and will always be a one shot country
After u have visited Angkor park, been to Phnom Pehn and maybe kampot/kep, zero reason to return as everything else is available cheaper and nicer in Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore
Until they make it easier to get around, eliminate the bad elements, the petty theft, scam centers, improve the heath system,

nothing will change

14 hours ago, thecyclist said:

I am too old to get free sex with attractive women, and since I find older women unattractive, I am forced to pay for sex, or practice celibacy.

You never mentioned the "fourth way". Only messy if you forget the tissues, cheap, and unless you're Catholic, no guilt.

15 hours ago, NoDisplayName said:

Walkin' is free then, but only if you stole yer shoes, and liberated all meals along the way from unattended fields or roadkill.

Just reacting to the silly person who doesn't want to pay airport/entry tax to visit a foreign country. However he gets there he has paid.

I'm not a huge fan of cycling but do carry on.