UPDATED: Cambodia Travel Guide #COVID19

UPDATED March 17, 2022: No quarantine, no pre-arrival (negative) RT-PCR test and rapid test upon arrival required for fully vaccinated travelers, the Ministry of Health announced on 17th March 2022 upon receiving a note from PM Hun Sen.

Going Back to Normal: Latest Travel Guideline

According to the new guidelines, starting March 17, 2022, fully vaccinated travelers, regardless of travel history, can travel across Cambodia without having to present a negative RT-PCR test, and without having to undergo 14-day quarantine and rapid test upon arrival. In spite the ease from the removal of restrictions, fully vaccinated travelers must still present a Covid-19 vaccination card and are still advised to take rapid test themselves.

The vaccine card is to be presented in Cambodian airports and borders, alongside other necessary requirements whichever applies, such as valid Cambodian visa, work permit, and guarantee or invitation permit.

Meanwhile, all types of travelers who are not fully vaccinated or non-vaccinated, regardless of travel history, must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine at a designated facility assigned by the Ministry of Health or authorities, with RT-PCR (swab) test to be done at the entry gate of the airport.

Additionally, Cambodia airports, seaports and borders can now issue visa-on-arrival to international travelers. Meanwhile, issuance of tourist (T) Visa has recently been reintroduced via eVisa website. [Here’s how to apply]

Note: Travelers under quarantine will not be allowed to leave their rooms or quarantine facilities, and must strictly adhere to the health measures and quarantine period issued by the Ministry of Health.

Notification on No Quarantine, No RT PCR Test and Rapid Test Requirement for Covid-19 Fully Vaccinated Travelers Coming to Cambodia

Is Cambodia a safe country to visit/stay during Covid-19 Pandemic? 

The struggle in grappling to curb the sheer number of infected cases and death rate is not as critical as it is in other Southeast Asian countries compared to Cambodia.  

Among Southeast Asian countries with Covid-19, Cambodia has one of the lowest number of virus infections, alongside a high percentage of recovery rate. Cambodia is also the second most vaccinated country in Southeast Asia, next to Singapore, with Phnom Penh hailed as the most vaccinated capital in the world. Additionally, Cambodia ranked ninth out of the eleven ASEAN countries on the assessment of health security and capacity and has been labeled “more prepared” for epidemics or pandemics.  

The Cambodian lifestyle played a vital role in preventing the spread of Covid-19. The modes of transportation are mostly open-air, religious activities are not held in enclosed churches, and the climate is extremely warm—it’s an open-air society. The government administration has also implemented strict health protocols for businesses within the country particularly retail, food & beverage, and hotel and tourism industry, as well as equipped the major international airports and borders with thermal scanners and quarantine teams.

Is my country restricted/not restricted from entering Cambodia? 

The Cambodian government has already reopened Cambodia making it possible for all travelers to enter the country again, following the new healthcare and quarantine scheme. In line with this, the government progressively eased some the following restrictions/suspensions:

• Cambodia has lifted its suspension on visa exemption policy for all ASEAN nationals
• Cambodian Embassies abroad can now accept and process visa applications
• Cambodia reintroduced online tourist (T) visa application
• Cambodia reopened the issuance of Visa on Arrival

Moreover, Cambodia’s tourist attractions and all types of businesses, including hotels, casinos, KTV bars, movie theaters, food & beverage outlets, and other entertainment venues, are now open for tourists and visitors on the condition that they abide by the health and safety standards.

Acquiring Covid-19 in Cambodia 

Foreigners who may have been experiencing Covid-19 symptoms or have been infected by the virus during their stay in Cambodia should take the immediate precautionary measures: 

• Isolate yourself and call 115 

• Proceed to the government-designated hospitals or provincial referral hospitals (below) to get tested and treated. 
• If tested positive, following the government protocol, you will be admitted to a Cambodian hospital for isolation and treatment. If you’re staying in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, you’ll most likely be admitted to Soviet Friendship Hospital or Siem Reap Referral Hospital, respectively. 
• In the event that a patient does not survive the Covid-19 disease, the cremation service charge is approximately $1,500 USD. 

Disclaimer:

This article is for information purposes only. Process and requirements may change at anytime. Please visit https://www.evisa.gov.kh/news for the latest visa-related news.