Cambodia: Authorities to suspend sponsorship travel program from Dec. 12; other COVID-19 rules are in effect /update 16

Event

Cambodia will suspend the sponsorship travel scheme from Dec. 12 due to increased local coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity. The program, which currently allows business travelers who obtain sponsorship from a local entity to enter the country with quarantine exemptions, will be halted for at least two weeks.

The government has also banned gatherings of 20 or more people in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap Province through Dec. 14. Events involving fewer than 20 people may take place as long as organizers adhere to health protocols. Authorities have closed public educational institutions through at least January, while private and vocational schools are suspended through mid-December. Clubs, cinemas, karaoke bars, and museums remain suspended. While most businesses can operate with health protocols, officials warned they would temporarily suspend companies that are found to have violated the controls. The government said it could declare a nationwide state of emergency if the local COVID-19 activity continues to worsen.

Hundreds of garment, footwear, and travel goods factories have suspended operations due to global economic disruptions. Business closures and suspensions have affected at least 150,000 workers, prompting protests in some areas. Additional demonstrations may occur at short notice.

Cambodian authorities have indefinitely suspended flights from Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Most land border checkpoints remain closed, though cross-border travel with Vietnam for nontourism purposes has resumed with health protocols in place. Authorities may reintroduce or expand restrictions in the coming weeks if local COVID-19 activity increases.

Travel Restrictions
Cambodia has suspended the issuance of tourist visas and e-visas, visa-on-arrival services, and visa-free travel. Foreign nationals intending to visit Cambodia must obtain a visa from a diplomatic mission; officials require proof of medical insurance coverage of at least USD 50,000 and a medical certificate from local health authorities stating the traveler is free from COVID-19 up to 72 hours before travel. Passengers must take a COVID-19 test upon arrival and wait at official hotels until cleared to enter the country. Arriving passengers must quarantine for 14 days; officials will isolate travelers who test positive and all passengers on the same flight at a designated hotel for 14 days. Arrivals who test negative for COVID-19 can self-isolate at their accommodation for two weeks. Inbound foreign nationals must pay a USD 2,000 deposit to cover costs, including USD 100 for COVID-19 testing and USD 30 for a certificate stating that they are free from the virus; only limited exceptions are allowed.

Diplomatic and official visa holders, including international organization officials, must obtain a document stating they are free from COVID-19 72 hours before traveling to Cambodia and undergo testing upon entry. Embassies or international organizations will have to cover expenses for diplomats and employees that test positive.

Context

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV). Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, difficulty breathing, sometimes worsening to pneumonia and kidney failure - especially in those with underlying medical conditions. On March 11, the WHO declared the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.

Advice

Follow all official immigration and health screening instructions, particularly if traveling from affected locations. Allow additional time for immigration and health screenings at all ports of entry. Consider delaying travel if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Avoid all demonstrations as a precaution.

Exercise basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)