What New In Cambodia? 2025 so far!
Photo: angkorphotographytours
Cambodia continues to evolve, and for anyone living here, planning to move, or just passing through, staying updated on key travel and lifestyle changes is more important than ever. From airport upgrades and immigration rules to tourism growth and new flight routes, here’s what’s new and what you need to know in 2025.
1. New Phnom Penh Airport Opens September 9
Phnom Penh’s new Techo International Airport (KTI) is scheduled to begin operations on September 9, 2025, replacing the current Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH). If you have flights scheduled from September onward, check with your airline, as many are updating systems and switching over to the new airport code.
The airport, a $1.5 billion public-private partnership between OCIC and the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, will significantly boost Cambodia’s connectivity. Operated by Cambodia Airports (VINCI), it promises to raise the bar for air travel in the country.
The new terminal will feature global and local brands, smart immigration gates, and smoother processing for arriving and departing travellers.
Why it matters:
- Make sure you know where your flight is departing from after September.
- Techo Airport is farther from the city, so plan your transport accordingly.
- This will change how expats, businesses, and tourists move in and out of the capital.
2. Cambodia Goes Digital for Arrivals
The entry process into Cambodia has been updated. All international arrivals now use a digital e-Arrival card and receive a v-Pass instead of a passport stamp. This electronic pass is emailed to you after immigration and should be kept on your phone during your stay.
Here’s what to do:
- Fill out the Cambodia e-Arrival app before travel (includes visa, customs, and arrival forms).
- Present your passport at immigration.
- Your v-Pass will be sent to your email.
- Show your v-Pass if asked during your stay or when departing.
This digital transition is already live at all international airports and seaports. The system is smoother than the previous sticker or visa page stamps and is expected to expand to land borders in the future.
3. Tourist Numbers on the Rise (With Some Challenges)
The first half of 2025 saw a 6.2% rise in international tourist arrivals, with 3.65 million travellers passing through Cambodian airports. However, most entries still come overland, especially from Thailand and Vietnam.
While Angkor Wat remains the top draw (560,000 ticketed visitors in the first half of the year), Cambodia’s tourism brand still faces challenges in attracting tourists from Japan, Korea, and further afield due to lingering perception issues and regional tensions.
Key Stats:
- 1.42 million international visitors arrived via air between Jan–June 2025.
- More than 1.9 million entered by land or water.
- Angkor Wat visits are up nearly 9% compared to 2024.
- Civil aviation was forecasted to grow 16–20% in 2025 before the Thailand conflict.
4. New Flights Connecting Cambodia to the World
Several new flight routes are now operating or launching soon, making it easier to fly into Cambodia from key markets.
Already launched in 2025:
- Air Cambodia now flies Siem Reap–Shenzhen and Phnom Penh–Shenzhen.
- Emirates offers Siem Reap–Dubai via Bangkok.
Coming soon:
- IndiGo Air (India), Firefly (Malaysia), Qatar Airways, and Eastar Jet (Korea) will launch flights to Siem Reap from October 2025.
- Air Cambodia to launch Phnom Penh–Fuzhou–Tokyo (Oct 2025) and Phnom Penh–Fuzhou–Osaka (March 2026).
- Talks are ongoing with airlines from Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar, Brunei, and Australia.
- Ethiopian Airlines and Air Cambodia signed an MoU to improve Africa–Cambodia links.
What to know:
If you’re planning regional travel or flying in new friends, more options will soon be available. Expect more direct links from India, Korea, and the Middle East, and watch for re-entry of long-haul services from Japan and the US.
5. Visa and Border Control Changes
Cambodia’s immigration department has stepped up enforcement for travellers who don’t meet entry conditions. This includes unclear travel purposes, lack of funds, or improper documentation.
Tip: Ensure you have a valid visa, return flight, and funds to support your stay. These are especially important if you’re entering as a tourist but plan to explore long-stay or retirement options later.
In Summary: What Expats, Travellers, and Digital Nomads Should Know
Whether you’re living in Phnom Penh, relaxing in Kampot, or heading to Siem Reap for a temple weekend, these are the essentials for navigating Cambodia in 2025:
- Techo International Airport opens Sept 9. Check your airline and update your travel plans.
- Use the Cambodia e-Arrival app and expect a digital v-Pass, not a passport stamp.
- New flights are coming from India, Korea, and beyond.
- Angkor tourism is growing, but Cambodia still needs a stronger tourism push post-COVID.
- The government is working on long-term branding and smoother border control — great news for those considering relocation or investment.
Stay Updated
For real-time updates on travel, visa rules, and digital services in Cambodia, follow our Telegram channel and check Cambodia Lifestyle’s Travel Essentials section.
Let us know what else you’d like to see covered — from new visa types to relocating with pets, we’ve got your Cambodia journey covered.
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Author: Tom Starkey
Tom Starkey is an International Development graduate from Sussex University with 12-years of experience across 4 continents, Tom's goal is that he wants to showcase his love for Cambodia, where he lives, works and now happily calls home.
