Thailand recently announced the 6 Countries, 1 Destination initiative. This project offers one common visa for six destinations, with the objective to stimulate tourism in the region. Cambodia is the first country having made concrete agreements with Thailand about this project. Cambodia has annouced that a study will be launched to reach a common visa policy.
The 6 Countries, 1 Destination plan
Thailand has been a major advocate for greater tourism cooperation among Southeast Asia countries. Indeed, Thailand plans to become a hub for tourism in the region. The idea is that international travellers will arrive mainly to Thailand and from there they will easily visit neighbouring countries such as Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Malaysia. With this plan Thailand intends to evolve into a transit hub where travellers transfer to an onward flight to their final destination in the region.
An important idea in the 6 Countries, 1 Destination project is to facilitate that travellers can visit multiple countries during their trip. Currently, each country in the region has its own visa policy. As a result, travellers are confronted with a lot of bureaucracy if they want to visit multiple countries. States such as Cambodia have a visa requirement, but this is not always the case for other territories. This is the reason why Thailand is advocating for a common visa allowing travellers to visit the 6 above-mentioned countries. This would also be positive for Thailand's neighbours, as travellers visiting the country would be more likely to plan a trip or a longer stay in Cambodia, for example, if they did not have to apply for an additional visa.
Strengthening ties between Thailand and Cambodia
Although Thailand's project of a common tourism visa for the region is not yet warmly received in all Southeast Asian countries, Cambodia is quite interested in the idea. Both countries plan to launch a pilot project to estimulate tourism cooperation, for instance by creating new tourism routes that connect interesting sights in both countries. There is also the intention to offer more flights between both countries and invest in new transport routes. Last but not least, Thailand and Cambodia also want to accelerate the immigration procedure for citizens between the two countries, with the intention to introduce a joint visa.
Cambodia is considering to launch a joint visa
A Cambodian spokesperson has declared that the government will consider the project of a joint visa. Several stakeholders will inform the country about the opportunities they see in this area. Before the introduction of a joint visa, Cambodia and Thailand will explore ways to ease border controls between both countries, for instance by accelerating border controls and introducing the possibility of obtaining visa on arrival quicker. The aim in the longer term, though, is to introduce a joint visa.
Visa Cambodia in 2024
In 2024, the joint tourist visa for Southeast Asia is still a future project. Currently, travellers who visit the region have to verify the visa requirements for each country separately. Travellers visiting Cambodia need a visa which can be applied for online.
Apply here for a visa to Cambodia