01 Apr 2021 | 06:01 AM UTC
Cambodia: Central government to allow localities to enforce 20:00-05:00 curfew as of April 1 over COVID-19 /update 23
Cambodia to allow localities to enact 20:00-05:00 curfew as of April 1. Phnom Penh enforcing curfew through April 14.
Event
Cambodia's central authorities have released a decree that allows localities to enact a nightly 20:00-05:00 curfew as of April 1 due to COVID-19. Exemptions are in place for essential services like medical institutions and people in emergency or working in essential industries, among others. Authorities in the affected localities will probably set up checkpoints to inspect whether passers-by have valid reasons to be in public during the curfew hours. Local officials in Phnom Penh are enforcing the curfew through April 14. While authorities have not specified the other affected high-risk areas, the locations that may implement the curfew likely include Kandal, Preah Sihanouk, Prey Veng, and Siem Reap provinces.
Stricter protocols are in place in localities with high COVID-19 cases as of April 1. Stringent entry and exit restrictions are in effect in Preah Sihanouk Province until further notice; exceptions are in place for ambulances and transport of goods, among others. Officials have called on residents to avoid nonessential travel to and from Phnom Penh. Residents in Phnom Penh and Kandal, Preah Sihanouk, Prey Veng, and Siem Reap provinces must wear facemasks when in public. Authorities may expand domestic controls to additional locations at short notice, depending on changes in COVID-19 activity.
Authorities continue to enforce several nationwide restrictions as of April 1. Officials continue to suspend schools and some nonessential business operations as of April 1 and until further notice in response to COVID-19 activity. Affected facilities include vocational training centers, cinemas, museums, and theaters. Nonessential gatherings remain banned nationwide. Several state agencies, such as the Ministry of Economy and Finance, continue to require most of their employees to telecommute. Authorities also encourage people to remain at home unless engaging in essential activities.
Travel Restrictions
Authorities allow online applications for short-term travel visas. Only people with essential reasons, such as working with a Cambodian entity, can apply for the visas, which are valid for three months and allow 30 days of stay. People who apply for short-term travel visas must provide proof of medical insurance coverage of at least USD 50,000, a medical certificate from local health authorities issued within 72 hours before travel stating the individual is free from COVID-19, and supporting documents as evidence of the essential travel reasons. Travelers must take COVID-19 tests upon arrival and quarantine for 14 days at a government-designated facility. 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, with limited exceptions.
The issuance of tourist visas, visa-on-arrival services, and visa-free travel remain suspended. Flights from Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines remain banned.
Advice
Follow all official immigration and health screening instructions, particularly if traveling from affected locations. Abide by national health and safety measures. 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.
