Cambodia To Reopen To Tourism With Strict Requirements ($3,000 Deposit & More)

AEC News has reported that Cambodia plans to reopen but with strict requirements. Based on a letter sent by Cambodian Minister for Economy and Finance, Aun Pornmoniroth the following requirements will be in place:

  • Visitors must have a negative COVID-19 test issued less than 72 hours prior to travel
  • Visitors must have at least $50,000 in health insurance cover
  • Visitors will be required to pay a $3,000 deposit on arrival
  • Visitors will be taken by bus to a waiting area where a RT-PCR test ($5 fee charged for bus, $100 fee charged for test)
  • Visitors will be required to wait overnight for the results of the test ($30 fee charged for the hotel, $30 fee charged for three meals)
  • If all visitors results are negative then everybody is free to leave. If even one visitor has a positive result then all passengers are quarantined for 14-days in a government facility ($84 per day). An additional test will need to be done ($100 for test)
  • Visitors testing positive will be taken to hospital ($225 per day) and up to four additional tests will be done ($100 per test)
  • If you happen to die you’ll also be charged $1,500 for cremation

A lot of countries are starting to reopen or announce plans for reopening. People thought the original Maldives requirements were strict (since changed to no requirements) but Cambodia has taken it to the next level. It’s a bit strange that each expense is broken down so thoroughly, it seems as if everybody will be charged $165 at minimum ($5 bus, $100 test, $30 hotel & $30 in meals) so it would probably make sense to just charge a flat $165 fee. I’d also be interesting to know what happens after the first positive test. If during the 14 day lock down period another person tests positive does the 14 day clock restart? In any case I can’t really see anybody going through this for a regular vacation. I suspect this is less about allowing regular visitors back in and more about letting families and long term residents visit/return.

Hat tip to One Mile At A Time

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Knight
Knight (@guest_997899)
June 14, 2020 09:28
Munchy
Munchy (@guest_997858)
June 14, 2020 05:19

I know how this works already. AMEX RAT team will claw back points earned for $1,500 cremation. Claim it was MS.

On a serious note, how do they expect you to pay if you’re, eh, dead.

Nina
Nina (@guest_997602)
June 13, 2020 16:58

“If you happen to die you’ll also be charged $1,500 for cremation.” Thank you. I really needed that laugh.

Zack
Zack (@guest_997585)
June 13, 2020 16:19

So much for my trip to Cambodia in August…

Parts Unknown
Parts Unknown (@guest_997513)
June 13, 2020 12:44

People apparently get really mad and have their feelings hurt about different locations covid protocols. I really don’t recall seeing anything like it before. Bizarre.

Eric
Eric (@guest_997483)
June 13, 2020 11:54

People complainint or mocking cambodia don’t realize this is a great commercial.

I bet many people around the world can’t spot cambodia on the map. Now maybe some will consider visiting after the restrictions are lifted.

This is a great win for internal politics (we care about our people more than tourism money.) and hopefully great advertisement for foreign tourism. (What were the chances you’s hear about cambodia in doc? Let alone a one of its own kind post.)

Bob
Bob (@guest_997605)
June 13, 2020 17:02

“a great commercial” that has already back fired.

most people don’t know anything about the country previously. Many of them know 1 thing now, which is traveling to it should be avoided.

Avi
Avi (@guest_997704)
June 13, 2020 20:31

Nonsense – I doubt anyone has been permanently put off travelling to Cambodia because they are taking public health precautions during a pandemic any more than they will never return to Disney World because they are making you wear a mask now.

And any one who has been put off any place for taking said precautions those places are better off without.

yvrite
yvrite (@guest_997715)
June 13, 2020 20:52

For real. These are very sensible restrictions. They make tourism difficult, which is unfortunate, but who wants to go be a tourist in the middle of somewhere experiencing a COVID flare?

I have a terminally ill friend in Canada and I would give anything to be allowed just to go through these steps so that I could see them before they die, but reasonably confident I wasn’t carrying death with me for others.

Peter
Peter (@guest_998442)
June 15, 2020 10:44

Agreed. While these restrictions are prohibitively difficult for most people, the fact is they took a baby step to reopen, which is more welcoming than the surrounding countries that remain completely closed. I had a trip planned to Thailand, which doesn’t even allow international flights at this point.

For a would-be tourist, there’s no difference between complete lock down and these heavy restrictions. While I hate having to cancel my vacation, these restrictions are absolutely the right things to do if we want to contain the pandemic and work toward getting back to normal.

S
S (@guest_997480)
June 13, 2020 11:44

Just want to comment that while this is true, but Cambodia is still not issuing Tourist Visas at this time and only allowing people such as Diplomats, Pre-existing visas, and investors/businesses. Visas must be also pre-approved by a Cambodian Embassy abroad. But given the strict requirements, I don’t think it’s worthwhile coming here for now.

Greg
Greg (@guest_997432)
June 13, 2020 09:02

Would I go to Cambodia given these restrictions? Hell no, but it is their country and you have to admit they are being very transparent about everything. No one can say they did not know what they were getting themselves into.

rui
rui (@guest_997531)
June 13, 2020 13:21

Hope these are all the fees needed to pay.

Skooby
Skooby (@guest_997421)
June 13, 2020 08:22

😲Hard pass!

john m
john m (@guest_997413)
June 13, 2020 07:35

Cambodia? Who wants to go there? Ex Vietnam vets,maybe.

Avi
Avi (@guest_997448)
June 13, 2020 10:19

People who like beautiful beaches, amazing rivers, magnificent temples, interesting culture, sleepy jungles…

adam d
adam d (@guest_997836)
June 14, 2020 03:39

hippies who are enlightening themselves between thailand and vietnam that want to be important.