Cambodia Considers Expanding Visa-Free Entry and Direct Flight Network to Revive Tourism

Cambodia is weighing a broader expansion of visa-free travel and an increase in direct international flight connections as part of efforts to revive its tourism sector following a noticeable decline in foreign visitor arrivals.

The proposals were discussed during a meeting of the government-private sector tourism working group on Tuesday, chaired by Tourism Minister Huot Hak.

Speaking during the meeting, Hak said international tourist arrivals had dropped sharply during the first half of 2026. He attributed the downturn to several factors, including negative publicity surrounding online scam operations, ongoing tensions along the Cambodia-Thailand border, and rising global oil prices caused by instability in the Middle East.

Industry representatives presented a total of 11 recommendations aimed at strengthening the country's tourism industry. Among the key proposals were expanding visa-free entry to cover additional priority source markets, creating a dedicated tourism development fund, and stepping up Cambodia's promotional activities in overseas markets.

The private sector also urged authorities to improve domestic aviation connectivity, foster a more attractive investment environment for tourism projects, and increase the number of direct international flights linking Cambodia with key overseas destinations.

In addition, participants called on the Ministry of Tourism, civil aviation authorities, airlines, and tourism industry stakeholders to enhance coordination in developing new international air routes.

The discussions come as Cambodia's aviation sector continues to face challenges.

According to figures cited from the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, passenger traffic through the country's three main international airports declined by 9 percent year-on-year to 3.71 million passengers during the first seven months of 2026.

During the same period, aircraft movements remained largely unchanged at 37,248 flights, while air cargo volumes increased by 21 percent year-on-year to reach 57,102 tonnes.

As part of efforts to stimulate tourism, Cambodia introduced a temporary four-month visa exemption for Chinese citizens beginning on 15 June. Under the policy, Chinese visitors are permitted to stay in the country for up to 14 days without a visa. The visa-free programme will remain in effect until 15 October.

By fLEXI tEAM