Cambodia Lifts Entry Ban on Six Countries

• Cambodia has lifted its entry bans on six countries from May 20, 2020, although strict entry requirements will still apply.
• These include the traveler having a negative COVID-19 health certificate, medical insurance, and another COVID-19 test upon arrival.
• The country has among the lowest cases of the virus in the region due to its aggressive contact tracing measures and the early closure of its borders.

Starting May 20, 2020, Cambodia lifted its travel entry bans from six countries, which had gone into effect March 2020 – in order to prevent imported COVID-19 cases in the country.

The entry ban will be lifted on travelers from the following countries:

• The United States;
• Spain;
• Italy;
• Iran;
• Germany; and
• France

Cambodia has confirmed 126 cases and no deaths, an impressive achievement considering its much richer neighbors, such as Singapore and Indonesia, have among the highest number of cases in Asia.

The government has attributed this success to quick containment measures taken early during the pandemic. The country implemented an extensive contact tracing program, closed borders to foreign visitors, and closed schools, universities, and entertainment hotspots. In addition, the government quarantined more than 15,000 textile and garment workers.

Another factor contributing to Cambodia’s low number of infections is that 80 percent of its population live in rural areas with a low population density. This made the virus much harder to spread and allowed the government to allocate its resources in higher-risk locations, namely Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville – the main centers for business and tourism.

All land borders with Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos will continue to remain closed.

Entry requirements still apply

Despite the easing of travel, foreign visitors and Cambodian nationals will still have to undergo strict healthcare measures set up by the government.

Foreign travelers will still need to obtain a visa from a Cambodian embassy as e-visas and visa-on-arrival services are suspended. Moreover, prior to arrival, the traveler will need to possess a COVID-19 health certificate that states they are negative for the disease, and this must be issued at least 72 hours before the travel date.

The traveler must also have health insurance that covers their intended stay in Cambodia in an amount of no less than US$50,000. Diplomatic visa holders (VISA A) and official visa holders (VISA B) do not need to present this medical certificate.

Upon arrival in the country, the visitor will be subject to a health risk assessment and will undergo another COVID-19 test. If the results are negative, the traveler will be allowed to self-isolate for 14 days at their place of residence – under the supervision of local authorities – before taking another COVID-19 test on the 13^th day. If, however, the visitor tests positive for the virus, they will be placed in a government quarantine facility for 14 days.

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