PHNOM PENH, 15 June 2020: Cambodia has thrown up more obstacles to ensure foreigners don’t visit the country starting with a requirement that forces travellers to deposit USD3,000 with a bank at the point of entry to cover any medical and quarantine costs.
The deposit rule is written into a pricing list released by the country Minister of Health, who chairs the Ministerial Committee to Combat Covid-19. The latest ruling was dated 11 June.
All travellers excepting those on diplomatic or official government business must hand over the USD3,000 deposit either in cash or as a deduction from their credit cards. In addition, they must show to immigration officials proof of medical insurance for the value of USD50,000 and a health certificate that states they are free of Covbid-19 infection valid for up to 72 hours.
Earlier last week, local news channels provided details of the pricing list covering expenses linked to the mandatory testing carried out at centres before the traveller is allowed to enter the country officially.
They are obliged to pay USD100 for the Covid-19 PCR swab test and stay overnight at the testing centre’s accommodation. The bus transfer is USD5 each way, USD30 for the overnight stay while waiting for the result and USD30 for meals.
If a single passenger on the flight tests positive all passengers on the flight will enter compulsory 14-days of quarantine with a second test due on the 13th day of isolation. In addition, the USD30 daily accommodation and food costs apply along with a USD15 laundry fee, medical surveillance fee USD5 a day and USD 3 for security services.
If no passengers test positive on a specific flight, all the passengers can enter the country, but they must self isolate at their hotel address and report daily to medical officers for the 14 days and undergo a second Covid-19 swab test on the 13th day. The re-issue of a valid health certificate to leave the country will cost another USD30.
Travellers who tested positive and show symptoms requiring hospital treatment pay USD5 for the transfer to the designated state hospital. They will undergo up to four Covid tests at USD100 each during the hospital stay. The hospital room will cost USD30 a day, treatment USD150 per day, meals USD30, laundry service USD15. In the case, the traveller dies, the cremation and funeral fee is USD1,500.
All these costs will be automatically deducted from the USD3,000 deposit paid to the designated bank.
This report is based entirely on the official government documents released on 9 and 11 June.
(Source: Civil Aviation Department, and the Ministerial Committee to Combat-19)
They must be crazy, they will lose lots of money if foreigners dont go to Cambodia, stop the corruption and leave it the way it was before, just everyone bring a doctors note saying they dont have the virus.
Another knife in the economy heart. Travelers citizens many lack faith in this type of Judgment. A portion of this decision might be aimed at non Chinese foreigners aligned with America. Sad for every one. This will create additional poverty.
I am Lucky wisit Combodia earlier.
I’m glad i got to see Cambodia twice in 2017 and 2018 with my family of 5. Spent more than 5000 USD each time. As much as we would like to go again, we have chosen not to risk it causing us a major financial burden. This policy may change but for us it will be too late. We plan ahead.
Bali!!! Here we come.
Cold day in hell before i return to cambodia i liked it there when i was there in january.planned on coming back as well but now… nope it will.not happen. Guess they decided to pull a north korea and become a hermit kingdom.
Two things stand out, a) three COVID tests, one pre-flight, one on arrival and another one 13 days later (all assuming you test negative each time), b) the “foreigner” prices. I wonder if they’ll apply these rules to the Chinese tour groups that make up 70% of their tourism?
I don’t think it apply to the Chinese cause Chinese is a Cambodian’s angry cousin.
Cambodia obviously does not want tourists Or even extended family’s to return .My wife and child are Cambodian and we will not enter the country under these conditions instead will fly to Thailand from Australia and bring her Family across the border to see us ,l wonder if this rule will also apply to the Chinese shareholders of Cambodia .
Once the westerners can no longer or don’t wish to visit anymore it will be interesting to see what else happens there .
Cambodians will not be subject to this ruling
Is this including Chynese ? The ones there that are actively destroyng Cambodia.
This certainly doesn’t help to get people coming back to cambodia. With the corrupt officials wanting to skim of some tea money. Its asking for trouble. The land bordere are shut down as well, even for khmer locals. So i wonder how long they can keep this up. I am hoping i can see my khmer wife soon in thailand, vietnam or bali. Or better in cambodia, but these measures don’t say welcome.
Very disappointed, I usually come to Cambodia every three months from Thailand. I love the country and its culture. I wonder if Cambodia will enforce this policy to the Chinese.
When can I vist Europe
Please reply to me
I guess a decision has been made to exit the tourism industry. Seriously do these government folk ever think b/f making these annoucements?
If they really enforce these conditions, then tourism in Cambodia will plunge down 99%. Cambodia ecomomy will be back in the 90s.