Cambodian authorities are preparing for an influx of Chinese tourists ahead of a four-month visa exemption for Chinese citizens running from 15 June to 15 October.
The preparation comes even as authorities strongly deny false reports on Chinese social media claiming Cambodia had tightened its border restrictions and was denying entry to individuals under 40.
According to The Khmer Times, Cambodia’s General Department of Immigration (GDI) “completely rejects the false information” from a Chinese-language post shared on WeChat on Monday claiming Phnom Penh International Airport had suspended all arrivals, land border checkpoints were tightening restrictions and that individuals under the age of 40 were being denied entry into Cambodia.
The GDI indicated it had never received such directives, stressing that visitors remain welcome, that all major international border checkpoints are open and borders continue to operate normally.
The reassurance is key ahead of the 15 June visa-free trial period for Chinese citizens, which allows them to stay up to 14 days during a four-month period in the country without a visa. A top Cambodian Ministry of Tourism official on Monday even noted that this year has been designated “Cambodia-China Tourism Year 2026.”
The rapprochement follows the Royal Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia’s designation of the fight against scam operators a top priority, being “directly linked to social security, public safety and the nation’s reputation on the international stage.” Authorities also promised to crack down on any casino locations conducting such activities.
According to tourism data cited by NagaCorp, operator of Phnom Penh’s only integrated resort NagaWorld, China was Cambodia’s second-largest tourist arrival market last year, with 1.2 million visitors – making up 21.6% of total arrivals.
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