Cambodia Considers Visa Exemption for Japanese Tourists as Envoy Pledges Promotion

Outgoing Japanese ambassador Ueno Atsushi has pledged to help promote Cambodia’s tourism potential to the Japanese public based on his firsthand experience travelling to each of the Kingdom’s provinces and cities, while also proposing that Cambodia consider introducing visa-free entry for Japanese tourists. The ambassador paid a farewell courtesy call on Minister of Tourism Huot Hak on July 9, ahead of the conclusion of his diplomatic mission in Cambodia. Ueno reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to strengthening and expanding close cooperation with Cambodia, particularly in the tourism sector, and said he would continue promoting Cambodia as an attractive destination to Japanese travellers. His proposal that Cambodia consider granting visa exemptions to Japanese tourists comes as the Kingdom offers a temporary visa waiver for Chinese nationals from June 15 to October 15, as part of its “Visit Cambodia in the Green Season” tourism campaign. The tourism minister praised Ueno’s contributions to strengthening the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Cambodia and Japan during his tenure, particularly in promoting bilateral tourism ties. Hak stressed that Cambodia remains “a safe and welcoming tourist destination” and is fully prepared to welcome visitors from Japan and around the world. He also encouraged Japan to continue promoting Cambodia as a tourism destination and to facilitate the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on tourism cooperation between the two countries. Hak also called for expanded direct air connectivity between Cambodia and Japan, continued support for tourism human resource development and the organisation of familiarisation (FAM) trips for Japanese tour operators, media representatives, content creators and investors, so they can experience Cambodia’s tourism offerings firsthand. He reaffirmed that both the Japanese government and people remain important partners of Cambodia and expressed the Royal Government’s commitment to further deepening the two countries’ productive cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations. Cambodia and Japan established diplomatic relations in 1953, and their ties have since been elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Tourism cooperation has continued to expand through initiatives supported by the ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), with a focus on human resource development, tourism promotion and sustainable tourism. According to the tourism ministry, Cambodia welcomed 37,589 Japanese visitors between January and May 2026, a decline of 23.2% compared with the same period in 2025. Japan ranked as Cambodia’s eighth-largest source market during the five-month period, behind China, Vietnam, the US, the UK, France, Indonesia and Australia. In 2025, Cambodia received 105,989 Japanese visitors, down 6% from 2024.