Cambodia: Entry restrictions lifted for several countries May 20 /update 10

Event

On Wednesday, May 20, Cambodian authorities stated that they were lifting most entry restrictions introduced due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic for those visiting the country from Iran, Italy, Germany, France, Spain, and the US. Travelers from these countries are still required to provide a certificate no more than 72 hours old confirming that they do not have COVID-19, in addition to proof of healthcare insurance of up to USD 50,000. Individuals arriving from these locations will also be quarantined for 14 days after arrival at a government facility where they will be tested for the virus.

Congregating in mosques for prayers and breaking fast during the Ramadan month remains banned, in line with the government's advisory to avoid large gatherings due to COVID-19. Cambodian-Muslims are instructed to break their fast at home and not in public areas.

A state of emergency remains in effect as of May 21. Under the law, the government will have the ability to restrict people's rights, freedom of movement, gatherings, and jobs. The government can lockdown public and private spaces, as well as order quarantines and evacuations. The bill is in effect for three months from April 17 but can be extended if conditions in the country remain in the same.

All individuals entering the country, including migrant workers, will be quarantined for 14 days in designated facilities to prevent further spread of COVID-19 in the country. Land borders with Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam remain closed. Visa exemption policies and the issuance of tourist visas, including e-visas and visas on arrival, have been suspended for all foreign nationals until further notice. Foreigners will need to obtain a visa from Cambodian missions abroad before traveling to the country.

To-date, 122 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Cambodia. While the country has not reported any new cases of COVID-19 as of Wednesday, April 22, the Ministry of Health has urged the public to remain vigilant and to continue practicing social distancing and good hygiene at all times. Further international spread of the virus is expected over the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly, and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.