10 Mar 2021 | 07:45 AM UTC
Cambodia: Officials ban nonessential gatherings, tighten other restrictions as of March 10 /update 21
Cambodia suspends nonessential gatherings, tightens other measures as of March 10. COVID-19 quarantine rules for arrivals in effect.
Event
Cambodia has banned nonessential gatherings nationwide and tightened other restrictions as of March 10, following an increase in COVID-19 cases. Exemptions from the gathering suspension are likely in place for government events, among others. Several state agencies, such as the Ministry of Economy and Finance, have ordered most of their employees to telecommute. Authorities also encourage people to remain at home as much as possible.
Stricter protocols are in place in some localities with high local COVID-19 activity. Authorities have closed educational institutions in several provinces, including Kampong Cham, Koh Kong, and Prey Veng provinces. Vocational institutes are also suspended in some localities, including Phnom Penh and Kandal and Preak Sihanouk provinces. Strict 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. Authorities may expand the controls to other localities at short notice, depending on changes in COVID-19 activity.
Travel Restrictions
Authorities allow online applications for short-term travel visas as of March 10. Only people with essential reasons, like 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. 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.
