The number of Chinese tourists traveling to Cambodia in 2025 surged to more than 1.2 million, an increase of over 40% compared to 2024. The figure is expected to rise even further in 2026 as the government introduces a trial visa exemption for Chinese citizens between mid-June and October.

A February 2 report from the Ministry of Tourism noted that Cambodia received a total of 5.57 million international tourists, a decline of 16.9% from 2024. Major source markets included Vietnam with 1.22 million visitors (down 8.8%), China with 1.2 million visitors (up 41.5%), Thailand with 1.02 million visitors (down 52.4%), the US with 206,791 visitors (down 3.6%) and South Korea with 152,598 visitors (down 20.6%).

The ministry added that 2.86 million of the international guests arrived by air (up 19.2%), 2.62 million by land (down 37.8%) and 89,731 by waterway (up 6.3%).

The visa exemption for Chinese tourists was announced on January 16. It applied to all Chinese citizens holding passports of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), including mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, but excluding Taiwan. 

Regardless of where they travel from, they will be granted a 14-day, multiple entry tourist visa on arrival. They will only need to complete an E-arrival card.

Anheng Sokpheak, president of the Cambodia Chinese Tour Guide Association, told The Post that the upcoming trial visa exemption will attract more Chinese tourists to Cambodia.

“Personally, I think this is very encouraging, as it provides greater appeal and convenience for Chinese tourists traveling to Cambodia. I am optimistic that the number of Chinese tourists will increase after the implementation of this visa exemption,” he said.

The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) reported that international tourism revenue in 2025 was estimated at around $3.7 billion, an increase of 3% compared to 2024.

Although revenue increased, the total number of international guests declined, possibly due to armed conflicts along the Thai border, which caused a sharp drop in Thai arrivals. Visitors from neighbouring countries tend to spend less than those traveling from distant countries.

In 2025, about 1.36 million Cambodian nationals also travelled abroad, a decrease of approximately 26.4% compared to 2024, according to the tourism ministry.

The State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) noted that in 2025, the Kingdom’s three international airports handled a total of 64,821 inbound and outbound flights, an increase of 11% over 2024.

In 2019, Cambodia recorded its highest number of international guests, with 6.61 million visitors, an increase of 6.6% compared to 2018. International tourism revenue at that time reached $4.92 billion, with the tourism sector contributing 12.1% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).