Traveling to Cambodia Post-COVID Pandemic

It was challenging to take a vacation in Cambodia since the COVID-19 crisis began in 2020. The Cambodian government reopened the borders on November 15, 2021, as a result of the dramatic drop-in infection rates. Additionally, all governments worldwide no longer discourage citizens from traveling to Cambodia today. Thus, the visa-on-arrival program is back in effect in Cambodia.

Travelers are encouraged to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers COVID-19 to account for the continued risk of testing positive for the disease while they are away from home. Although the pandemic is not yet over, the number of illnesses has significantly decreased recently. As a result, tourists are once again welcome in Cambodia.

Tourists who have received all the necessary vaccinations can now enter the country without being placed in quarantine. In some nations traveling to Cambodia, if an applicant has received two shots of the COVID vaccine or just one, they are regarded as completely vaccinated. Even a booster shot is not considered necessary.

Moreover, there are a few crucial COVID-19 guidelines that travelers should keep in mind when traveling to Cambodia.

The Visa Application Process

Thinking about visiting Cambodia for a vacation? Travelers are advised to begin applying for tourist visas as soon as possible. The eVisa is also a good alternative to travel to Cambodia, and it will save the applicant from having to go to an embassy or a consulate.

As the COVID-19 restrictions have eased, it is now possible to reapply for the Cambodia eVisa. It is requested online before departure, in contrast to the visa-on-arrival. This also means that getting an eVisa is certain before departure.

On the other hand, a visa-on-arrival could result in the application being turned down at the airport in Cambodia if an applicant does not meet any of the eligibility conditions.

Entrance and Exit Conditions

Traveling to Cambodia in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative to pay attention to entry, departure, and transit regulations and requirements. Due to COVID-19, the majority of nations have imposed unique entry and exit rules for their territories. These measures may be abruptly implemented and include:

• bans on entry or exit depending on the situation
• quarantine
• required vaccination records or COVID-19 testing
• alternatives for overseas travel may be suspended or reduced (in case of an outbreak)

It’s possible that foreign authorities won’t recognize vaccination documents from certain provinces and territories. Travelers may need to have the document translated, notarized, authenticated, or legalized. Check with the local authorities and with the Cambodian authorities or the embassy or consulate in advance of the trip to see whether they have put any limitations or regulations in place because of COVID-19.

Consider the transit points because many places still have transit regulations in place.

• Keep an eye on the media for new information.
• Verify the COVID guidelines with the airline or vacation provider.
• It is possible that an individual’s trip could be affected by the circumstances. Therefore, it is advised to not rely on the government for support if there is a need to alter travel arrangements.
• Additionally, travelers must obtain visas for tourists, business people, and students before traveling to Cambodia.

Counting from the date of admission, only 30 days are permitted for entry into Cambodia with a tourist or business visa.

Cambodian COVID-19 Measures

Cambodia’s vaccination campaign has been remarkably effective. Many people in Cambodia are fully vaccinated. A third dose, sometimes known as "booster shots," has also been administered. The prevalence of the omicron variation caused a brief increase in infection rates in February, but since then, there has been a steady decline.

As far as COVID-19 regulations are concerned, visitors must produce a vaccination certificate to access businesses, lodging facilities, and public spaces. Wearing a face mask is required in many locations.

For travelers arriving at Siem Reap, Preah Sihanouk, and Phnom Penh International Airports in Cambodia, additional relaxation measures are being taken concerning COVID-19 containment, prevention, and response.

It has been reported that a test for Covid-19 is no longer required. The Cambodian government has decided to relax the rules. This also holds for visa requests. In doing so, the government intends to increase the number of tourists and business travelers and boost the economy.

Travelers who have received all recommended vaccinations no longer need to undergo an RTPCR test before departure, according to the Cambodian government. A quick test upon arrival is no longer required, however, it is still advised. 

Only a few months back to contain the COVID-19 outbreak, upon arrival in Cambodia, air travelers had to pay a service fee of USD 5 per person for the COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test. Similarly, in the initial days of the COVID-19 scare, tourists had to pay a USD 3,000 deposit charge and provide proof of insurance upon arrival in Cambodia. Thankfully, it is no longer the case.

As of today, the visa-on-arrival program has been resumed in Cambodia. Travelers entering Cambodia no longer need to arrive with proof of vaccination with effect from October 2022. At all points of entry into Cambodia, travelers will continue to be subjected to temperature screening. To enter Cambodia, tourists are no longer required to provide evidence of COVID-19 vaccination or testing.

Nonetheless, it is advised to closely monitor and abide by regional COVID-19 regulations. Visitors to Cambodia are strongly recommended to keep up with the news and to check with airlines about travel availability and specifics related to COVID-19.

Additional Information

The Cambodian Government has issued “Tourism Safety Measures” and compliance with 3 Dos and 3 Don’ts is expected:

3 Dos 

• Wear a mask
• Routine washing of hands
• Keep a physical distance of 1.5 meters

3 Don’ts

• Avoid closed or cramped settings
• Avoid crowded areas
• Refrain from touching one another

If COVID-19 regulations are not observed, then the Cambodian government has the authority to impose fines.

Before the Cambodia Trip

Anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should not travel. If the applicant has a fever or is symptomatic of COVID-19, it is best to stay at home and contact emergency services right away. It is best to check Cambodia’s entry procedures for information on COVID-19 testing and vaccine requirements in advance.

Travel Tips and Warnings

In the days leading up to the trip, keep an eye on the COVID-19 status of Cambodia. It is advised to find the nearest embassy or consulate’s phone number and keep it on hand in case there is an unexpected situation or the region’s medical facilities are overburdened.

If a tourist is sick while traveling, it is best to think about the accessibility and possibly high expense of adequate medical services.