China Visa-Free Pilot Runs June to October 2026, Raising Hopes for an Angkor Rebound

One of the most-watched policy moves of the year is a pilot programme allowing visa-free entry for Chinese citizens, scheduled to run from June through October 2026. China has historically been one of the most important source markets for Cambodian tourism, and its recovery is central to any rebound at Angkor.

The pilot follows a fragile regional ceasefire reached at the end of December 2025 that reopened the door to steadier cross-border and long-haul travel planning. Together, these developments give operators a concrete window to prepare for returning demand rather than simply waiting for it.

Preparation is the operative word. Guides who can work comfortably in Mandarin, itineraries designed around the pace and interests of Chinese travellers, and booking and payment flows that feel familiar to that market will all be better positioned when arrivals pick up.

The Online Guide Association is encouraging members to treat the June-to-October window as a readiness sprint — refreshing language skills, updating listings, and building direct channels so that when travellers arrive, the booking goes to a local guide rather than an overseas intermediary.