The idea of visa-free access to Cambodia for European travelers is resurfacing in Phnom Penh.
According to Cambodian news outlet Kiripost, Tourism Minister Huot Hak said authorities could consider the option if a four-month pilot program for Chinese visitors produces the expected results.
The statement follows the release of the European Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia’s 2027 White Book, in which EuroCham recommends modernizing the country’s visa policy. The document does not specifically target European citizens, but calls on the Cambodian government to consider visa-free entry for 15, 30 or 45 days for both business and leisure travelers.
EuroCham calls for a more flexible visa policy
In its 2027 White Book, EuroCham dedicates a specific recommendation to Cambodia’s visa policy. The organization says the current framework remains cautious and traditional, while several countries in the region have adopted more progressive and traveler-friendly entry regimes.
EuroCham notes that tourists holding passports from outside ASEAN are still required to pay for a visa to enter Cambodia, regardless of how long they stay. Whether a traveler remains in the country for three days or 60 days, the visa fee is the same. The organization also points to the recently launched pilot project introducing visa-free entry for Chinese tourists, saying it hopes to see the initiative extended to other markets.
EuroCham’s recommendation focuses on two measures. The first would be to introduce a visa-free entry policy for a fixed period — whether 15, 30 or 45 days — applying equally to travelers entering Cambodia for business or tourism. The second would be to create a dedicated visa category for digital nomads.
Tourism minister opens the door to an EU extension
According to Kiripost, which said it spoke with Cambodian Tourism Minister Huot Hak, the ministry values tourism-related recommendations and continues to explore more progressive policies to strengthen Cambodia’s competitiveness as a global destination.
The minister told the outlet that his ministry is committed to implementing strategic initiatives that facilitate seamless travel and increase international tourist arrivals, citing the approval of the pilot visa-free scheme for Chinese citizens.
Hak described the trial as a first step that will allow the government to assess the logistical, economic and security impacts of targeted visa exemptions during the “Green Season,” also known as Cambodia’s low tourist season.
“Should the pilot project with the Chinese market yield positive results, the government would definitely consider expanding this strategy to other major and high-value markets, including the European Union,” he told Kiripost.
European travelers are already an important market
According to government tourism data, Cambodia welcomed 684,386 visitors from the European Union in 2025. That represented a 12.3% increase compared with the same period a year earlier.
Those figures add weight to the possibility of a measure targeting European travelers. For Cambodia, the European Union represents a long-haul tourism market that may generate longer stays and aligns with the government’s stated goal of diversifying its visitor profile.
In 2025, Cambodia welcomed more than 5.5 million international tourists, down from 6.7 million in 2024, a 16.9% decline. The contraction came amid a context marked by the border conflict with Thailand, regional geopolitical uncertainty and persistent concerns over online scams.
A trial first reserved for Chinese citizens
Before any possible extension to other markets, Cambodia is set to implement its pilot program for Chinese citizens. Announced on Dec. 3, 2025, the measure will allow Chinese nationals to stay in Cambodia visa-free for 14 days at any time between June 15 and Oct. 15, 2026. Eligible travelers will only be required to complete Cambodia’s digital arrival card before entering the country.
Cambodia’s official AKP news agency said the exemption will apply to Chinese passport holders during an initial four-month period corresponding to the Green Season. During the pilot phase, Chinese travelers will not need to apply for a visa in advance or pay visa fees; they will only have to complete the e-Arrival Card.
Huot Hak previously described the decision as “a new historic achievement in tourism cooperation between Cambodia and China.” He also said it would help “pave the way for broader cooperation between the two countries,” particularly by encouraging more Chinese tourists to visit Cambodia.
Visa revenue remains a sensitive issue
A visa waiver for European travelers would nevertheless carry an immediate cost for public finances. According to Cambodia’s official e-Visa website, European travelers currently pay $30 for a tourist e-Visa.
EuroCham’s 2027 White Book acknowledges that issue, but argues that any potential loss in direct visa revenue could be offset by broader economic benefits.
“This would be effectively offset by the collection of value-added tax (VAT) through increased domestic consumption în local stores and businesses, as well as administrative fees generated by the digital nomad visa applications,” the document states.
EuroCham argues that easier entry could encourage more frequent travel to Cambodia, support spending in shops, hotels, restaurants and tourism services, and strengthen the country’s appeal for business delegations.
The e-Arrival Card as a control tool
Safety and security concerns are also addressed in the White Book. EuroCham says the successful implementation of the “Cambodia e-Arrival” card already provides a reliable tool for monitoring and managing international arrivals.
“This system ensures the government can maintain strict oversight of entries into the country, similar to the successful models used in Malaysia,” the document says. EuroCham adds that these strategic adjustments would not only modernize Cambodia’s borders, but also provide a significant boost to the national economy.
This approach would allow Cambodia to test targeted visa exemptions without giving up prior monitoring of entries. It also reflects a regional trend, with several Southeast Asian countries seeking to simplify travel formalities while maintaining digital systems to track visitors.
Digital nomads also part of the discussion
Beyond short-term visa exemptions, EuroCham recommends creating a visa for digital nomads. The organization notes that several countries in the region, including Malaysia and Indonesia, already offer schemes allowing remote workers to stay longer on their territory.
Hak also addressed the idea with Kiripost. Noting the shifting dynamics of global travel, including the rise of remote work, he said recommendations related to innovative frameworks such as a digital nomad visa remain an important part of the ministry’s broader policy discussions.
“We are looking to attract long-term visitors and diversify our tourism demography,” he said, adding that authorities look forward to continued collaboration with stakeholders such as EuroCham to build a more accessible and dynamic tourism sector.
