Cambodia: Authorities continue to enforce localized COVID-19 restrictions nationwide as of Oct. 6 /update 35

Event

Provincial authorities continue to enforce localized movement restrictions in high-risk areas as of Oct. 6. 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 Oct. 14. 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. Individuals must show vaccination cards to enter schools, malls, and businesses in Phnom Penh.

Authorities have extended ongoing measures in Siem Reap Province through Oct. 18 to curb the spread of COVID-19. A 21:00-03:00 nightly curfew remains in effect. Essential services, including goods transport, are exempt from the curfew. Several establishments must remain closed, including nightclubs, casinos, museums, cinemas, and gyms. Officials are banning gatherings with more than 10 people; individuals must receive official permission to hold gatherings that exceed permitted attendance numbers. Officials have lifted all red and yellow zones in Siem Reap as of Sept. 30.

Local officials in Siem Reap, Oddar Meanchey, and Preah Vihear have dropped emergency measures in red zones due to high COVID-19 activity. COVID-19 restrictions remain in place in other provinces like Banteay Meanchey through Oct. 6; Kandal through Oct. 7; Kampong Cham through Oct. 14; Oddar Meanchey through Oct. 17; and Preah Vihear through Oct. 14. Gatherings restrictions remain in place. Entertainment venues like clubs and cinemas are closed. Officials continue to close establishments with COVID-19 outbreaks, including markets.

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