Chinese travelers have a narrowing window to visit Cambodia without a visa. The visa-free pilot program that Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism launched for Chinese nationals runs only through October 15, 2026, after which the policy’s future is unclear.
What the Pilot Covers
Since June 15, 2026, Chinese passport holders have been able to enter Cambodia without applying for a traditional visa or paying a visa fee, staying up to 14 days per visit. The program applies nationwide rather than to a single airport or border crossing, and travelers may enter multiple times during the pilot window. Instead of a visa application, Chinese visitors complete Cambodia’s e-Arrival card, a simpler online declaration.
What Happens After October 15
Cambodian authorities have not announced whether the visa-free pilot program will be extended, made permanent, or allowed to lapse. Officials have described it strictly as a four-month trial, so Chinese travelers planning a trip after mid-October should not assume the exemption will still be in place. The fallback is Cambodia’s standard e-Visa Type E, now open to applicants from all countries, which remains the fastest paid alternative if the free pilot isn’t renewed.
Why It Matters for Travelers
Cambodia logged more than 331,000 Chinese visitors in just the first four months of 2026, and tourism officials have been courting that market hard. If the pilot quietly ends without an extension, Chinese travelers arriving October 16 or later will need to budget time and a small fee for a standard e-Visa rather than counting on a visa-free entry stamp. Travelers from other countries are unaffected — this pilot applies only to Chinese passport holders — but it’s a useful reminder to double-check entry requirements before any Cambodia trip, something we also cover in our guide to common Cambodia travel pitfalls.
Bottom Line
Cambodia’s visa-free pilot program for Chinese tourists is confirmed to run only through October 15, 2026. With no extension announced, Chinese travelers should check official sources close to their departure date and have a backup plan — the e-Visa Type E — ready just in case.
Source: Open Development Cambodia
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