Cambodia: Authorities continue to enforce localized COVID-19 restrictions nationwide as of Sept. 15 /update 34

Event

Provincial authorities are enforcing localized movement restrictions in high-risk areas as of Sept. 15. The central government allows local officials to impose curfews and designate red (high-risk), orange (intermediate-risk), and yellow zones (lower-risk). Officials may ban nonessential commercial travel and activity as well as impose curfews in red zones; orange and yellow zones have gradually more relaxed business and movement controls. Facemasks are mandatory in public areas.

Business and gathering restrictions remain in place in Phnom Penh through Sept. 23. Gatherings of more than 15 people are banned; exemptions are in place for medical workers and families living in the same residence, among others. Schools and some nonessential businesses, like bars, cinemas, museums, and theaters, remain closed.

Officials have classified Siem Reap City as an orange zone through Sept. 18. Other localities in Siem Reap Province, including Dan Run, Kampong Khleang, and Kien Sangke communes, remain under orange zone measures. Residents must stay home except for essential reasons. A 21:00-03:00 nightly curfew is in place through Sept. 22; essential services, including goods transport, are exempt from the curfew. Up to two individuals may leave the residence to purchase essential goods at most three times a week and must carry valid identification while outside. Groups of at most four people may travel to seek medical care with permission from local authorities. Gatherings of more than 10 people are banned. Some essential businesses may remain open but must operate with reduced staff.

Authorities in Banteay Meanchey and Kandal provinces, and Battambang and Soung cities, continue to close specific locations, such as banks and markets, with reported COVID-19 activity as of Sept. 14. COVID-19 restrictions remain in effect in Kampong Cham Province through Sept. 16; all recreational businesses are banned while markets and food stalls must close from 21:00-03:00. Officials may restrict travel to and from areas where outbreaks occur for up to 14 days. Local authorities could introduce additional curfews and other localized restrictions at short notice. The government may continue to impose tight border security measures in provinces like Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Oddar Meanchey, and Pailin to curb imported COVID-19 cases. Security personnel typically require entrants to undergo screening, take a COVID-19 test, and complete quarantine.

Travel Restrictions
Tourist visas, visa-on-arrival services, and visa-free travel remain suspended. Authorities allow online applications for short-term visas permitting stays of up to 30 days; however, only individuals traveling for demonstrated essential reasons may receive permission. Applicants for short-term travel visas must provide proof of medical insurance of at least USD 50,000, obtain a medical certificate clearing the individual of COVID-19 issued within 72 hours of travel, purchase a USD 90 health insurance package, and produce documentation demonstrating that the trip is for essential reasons. Inbound foreign nationals must pay a USD 2,000 deposit to cover potential COVID-19 related costs. Arrivals must take COVID-19 tests upon arrival and quarantine for 14 days at a government-designated facility; individuals who test positive for the Delta variant must quarantine for 21 days.

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.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Electronic Visa Application
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Forte Insurance