PHNOM PENH, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Lim Sreymom, a Cambodian souvenir and gift vendor, expects a sales spike following Monday's launch of a four-month visa-free pilot program for Chinese nationals.
From June 15 to Oct. 15, 2026, Chinese nationals can enter Cambodia visa-free for up to 14 days. No application or fees are required, as travelers only need to complete an e-Arrival card.
For the duration of this pilot program, Chinese nationals are permitted multiple entries into Cambodia.
Selling a wide selection of highly rated, homemade souvenirs and gifts at Kabas Concept Store near the National Museum of Cambodia, Sreymom believes that this long-awaited initiative will draw more Chinese travelers to the Southeast Asian country.
"The visa-free pilot will revitalize tourism-related businesses," she said. "If more Chinese tourists visit Cambodia, it will benefit my sales."
Heang Senghan, a taxi driver at the Techo International Airport, said the pilot visa exemption for Chinese nationals marked a new milestone in Cambodia-China relations, particularly in the tourism sector.
"We airport taxi drivers are thrilled because the visa-free program will definitely bring more Chinese visitors to Cambodia, creating plenty of driving jobs for us," he told Xinhua.
The 46-year-old driver said the Chinese visitors were already visiting in large numbers before the pilot program. With this policy now in effect, he expects a major surge in arrivals to the kingdom.
"We are eager to welcome more Chinese tourists to Cambodia," he said. "The influx of more Chinese tourists will create additional employment opportunities for Cambodians in the transportation, hospitality, and dining sectors."
Cambodia recorded a total of 331,199 Chinese visitors during the January-April period this year, positioning China as the country's top source of foreign holidaymakers.
Cambodian Minister of Tourism Huot Hak anticipated significant growth in Chinese arrivals following the visa-free pilot program, highlighting the kingdom as a safe, premium, and hospitable destination.
"Cambodia is fully prepared to deliver warm hospitality, superior service, and memorable experiences across accommodation, dining, and retail sectors," he said.
Thourn Sinan, chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association Cambodia chapter, said the launch of the visa program for Chinese nationals marks a milestone in Cambodia-China relations.
He added that the initiative will not only reduce travel expenses for Chinese visitors, but also promote broader economic cooperation, trade, and investment between the two countries.
Thong Mengdavid, deputy director at the China-ASEAN Studies Center of the Cambodia University of Technology and Science, said the launch of the four-month program is widely viewed as a major catalyst for reviving Cambodia's tourism sector.
"The initiative demonstrates a commitment to deepening tourism cooperation with China and shows full readiness to receive tourists with enhanced services," he told Xinhua.
Tourism constitutes one of the four pillars of Cambodia's economy, alongside agriculture, construction and real estate, and the export of garments, footwear, and travel goods.
The kingdom is home to five UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the iconic Angkor Archaeological Park, the cliff-top Temple of Preah Vihear, the ancient Sambor Prei Kuk, the pyramid temple of Koh Ker, and the historic Cambodian Memorial Sites.
Beyond its cultural riches, Cambodia boasts a pristine, about 450-km coastline slicing through four southwestern provinces of Preah Sihanouk, Kampot, Kep, and Koh Kong.
Joseph Matthews, a senior professor at BELTEI International University in Phnom Penh, said the pilot program will strengthen visitor flows and contribute to the industry's continued recovery and long-term growth.
"China represents one of Cambodia's largest source markets. By eliminating visa fees and wait times, Cambodia aligns itself competitively with neighboring Southeast Asian nations that have successfully leveraged visa-free entry to boost their post-pandemic tourism numbers," Matthews said. ■
