Cambodia is considering expanding visa-free entry to more international travelers as it looks for ways to revive its struggling tourism industry after official data showed foreign visitor arrivals fell sharply during the first half of 2026.
According to a Facebook post, the proposal was discussed on August 4 during a meeting between government officials and private-sector representatives, where industry leaders urged authorities to ease visa requirements for priority tourism markets as part of a broader recovery plan.
The measure has not yet been approved, but its inclusion in official discussions signals that visa liberalization is becoming a key part of Cambodia's tourism strategy. Also, this renewed focus on visa policy comes as Cambodia faces one of its steepest tourism slowdowns in recent years.
According to official figures reported by the Khmer Times, international tourist arrivals dropped 47.9% in the first half of 2026, falling to 1.75 million visitors from 3.36 million during the same period last year.
The decline is particularly significant because tourism remains one of Cambodia's four main drivers of economic growth, meaning fewer visitors could have wider implications for businesses, employment and the country's broader economy.
David Adubiina
What is driving Cambodia’s tourism decline?
Tourism Minister Huot Hak said Cambodia’s slowdown has been linked to several challenges, including negative publicity connecting the country with technology-enabled scam operations, difficulties along the Cambodia-Thailand border and higher travel costs caused by tensions in the Middle East.
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