(Phnom Penh, 15th) The Cambodian government has implemented a visa-free policy for Chinese citizens starting this week, hoping to attract the return of Chinese tourists through more convenient entry procedures and enhanced safety measures.
This visa-free policy for Chinese tourists took effect on Monday (June 15) and will be piloted for four months until October 15. During this period, Chinese tourists may stay in Cambodia for up to 14 days.
According to a report by the Khmer-China Times, Cambodian Minister of Tourism, Sok Soken, said in an interview in conjunction with the new policy that the authorities are fully prepared to address all concerns of Chinese tourists, including entry convenience, travel experience, travelling during the rainy season, and safety assurance.
In the interview, Sok Soken repeatedly emphasized "welcome," "respect," "convenience," and "safety." He said that this visa waiver is not merely a visa policy, but also an important and friendly signal being sent to Chinese tourists, with the core objective of reducing cumbersome procedures so that Chinese tourists can "come whenever they wish."
He noted that the Cambodian government hopes to strengthen the willingness of Chinese tourists to visit Cambodia by offering visa exemption, optimizing customs procedures, and enhancing hospitality services.
Addressing concerns among some Chinese tourists about safety in Cambodia, Sok Soken stressed that the Cambodian government continues to crack down harshly on online fraud and transnational crime to improve public security and the national image.
He said: “These problems mainly exist among criminal gangs and do not affect regular tourists.”
He added that since last year, Chinese tourists remain one of Cambodia's major sources of international visitors, indicating that many people have confidence in the Cambodian tourism environment.
Regarding the effectiveness of the visa-free policy, Sok Soken said the Ministry of Tourism maintains an optimistic outlook. “If the international situation remains stable, we hope to attract at least 600,000 Chinese tourist arrivals during the trial period.”
However, he acknowledged that the situation in the Middle East and the international economic environment may have some impact on the global tourism market.
According to a report by the Khmer-China Times, Cambodian Minister of Tourism, Sok Soken, said in an interview in conjunction with the new policy that the authorities are fully prepared to address all concerns of Chinese tourists, including entry convenience, travel experience, travelling during the rainy season, and safety assurance.
In the interview, Sok Soken repeatedly emphasized "welcome," "respect," "convenience," and "safety." He said that this visa waiver is not merely a visa policy, but also an important and friendly signal being sent to Chinese tourists, with the core objective of reducing cumbersome procedures so that Chinese tourists can "come whenever they wish."
He noted that the Cambodian government hopes to strengthen the willingness of Chinese tourists to visit Cambodia by offering visa exemption, optimizing customs procedures, and enhancing hospitality services.
Addressing concerns among some Chinese tourists about safety in Cambodia, Sok Soken stressed that the Cambodian government continues to crack down harshly on online fraud and transnational crime to improve public security and the national image.
He said: “These problems mainly exist among criminal gangs and do not affect regular tourists.”
He added that since last year, Chinese tourists remain one of Cambodia's major sources of international visitors, indicating that many people have confidence in the Cambodian tourism environment.
Regarding the effectiveness of the visa-free policy, Sok Soken said the Ministry of Tourism maintains an optimistic outlook. “If the international situation remains stable, we hope to attract at least 600,000 Chinese tourist arrivals during the trial period.”
However, he acknowledged that the situation in the Middle East and the international economic environment may have some impact on the global tourism market.