21 May 2020 — The Cambodian Ministry of Health released an official statement on Wednesday, 20 May, announcing the lifting of entry restrictions to Cambodia for travelers from France, as well as the five other countries affected by the measure implemented on 14 April: Iran, Spain, Italy, Germany, and the United States.

As the COVID-19 health crisis reached unprecedented proportions in certain parts of the world, particularly in Europe, the Cambodian government had decided on 14 April to close its borders to nationals coming from France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Iran, and the United States. Today, the country's doors are reopening, and travelers are permitted to enter the territory by air, land, or sea, as was the case until 13 April, though under certain conditions.

Strict Entry Requirements

To enter Cambodia by any means—land, sea, or air—all travelers, whether of Cambodian or foreign nationality, must provide two certificates upon arrival:

1. A health certificate, issued in the country of origin no more than 72 hours before arrival in Cambodia, certifying that the traveler is not infected with COVID-19.
2. A health insurance certificate capable of covering expenses throughout the duration of stay for at least 50,000 US dollars.

These two entry requirements do not apply to holders of a visa A or B, which are frequently issued to embassy officials.

Mandatory Quarantine

Once these two certificates are presented and validated upon your arrival, you will be directed to a waiting area where COVID-19 screening tests are conducted through the Cambodian Pasteur Institute. You will then need to await the results. Two scenarios may follow:

1. If you and all persons traveling with you test negative for COVID-19, you may proceed to your accommodation (hotel, guesthouse, homestay, etc.). You must remain there for 14 days and undergo another test on day 13. Note that authorities may monitor your quarantine compliance.
2. If one or more persons test positive for COVID-19, they will be transferred to a hospital for treatment, and those accompanying them, despite testing negative, will be placed in quarantine for 14 days at a location determined by the Interministerial COVID-19 Response Committee.

These quarantine measures will remain in effect until further notice. We will of course keep you updated on this blog as the situation evolves.

Thibault BourruA passionate devotee of literature and Asia, Thibault shares his insights through his writing.