The minister carried on by saying that if visas were free for Russians, it might entice more of them into coming. According to the Tourism Ministry, 108,000 Russians visited Cambodia in 2014, but last year the figure dropped to 55,500
At present, Russians along with nationals of other western nations can get visas-on-arrival for US$30 at the majority of the international gateways to Cambodia. The only countries whose citizens are currently provided with fee-free visas to Cambodia are fellow ASEAN members Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines.
Minister Khon noted that another incentive for Russians to visit would be direct Russia-Cambodia flights. Although the two nations have an air transport agreement in place there are still no direct flights and have not been since Russian carrier Aeroflot pulled the plug on its Moscow-Phnom Penh service two decades ago.
Cambodia may tempt falling numbers of Russian tourists with visa perks
News in Asia
The Cambodia Tourism Ministry has submitted a request to the government that could see the visa fee for Russian nationals waived. Minister Thong Khon told reporters that Cambodia welcomed numerous Russians every year and it made sense to allow them visa-free entry.