*This Cambodia coronavirus update will post the latest report every week.
Cambodia Covid-19 in Numbers (as of January 23, 2023)
Total Number of Cases: 138,676
Total Number of Recovered Patients: 135,611
Total Number of Reported Deaths: 3,056
*Data lifted from the latest Worldometers.info report and the CDC.
What is the Current Cambodia Coronavirus Update?
Surprisingly, Cambodia is among the Asian countries that have managed to control the spread of COVID-19 despite its economic status. To date, the country has reported only 290 cases, so far and many critics attribute this to the country’s inability to test for the virus and underreporting cases. Nonetheless, it seems that Cambodia was able to contain the virus compared to its other Asian neighbors.
Cambodia is among those that have a weak healthcare system, but despite the limitations in their resources, the country has triumphed against the virus. Perhaps the success was due to the government’s response strategy. Since January, the country was able to conduct 16,000 and effectively followed it up with extensive contact tracing.
They were also pretty aggressive when it comes to shutting down their borders to foreigners, particularly those from the West. They also immediately closed down schools, colleges, universities, and many entertainment shops across the country. Domestic travel was also cancelled. Similarly, New Year celebrations were also discouraged. Businesses also complied with quarantining workers that were potentially exposed.
What separates the country from its rich neighbors was that these preventive measures were quickly adopted and done early into the pandemic.
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Is It Safe To Travel To Cambodia Now?
With only a few active cases in the country, it is relatively safe to travel to Cambodia. However, it must be done with the proper precautions. There are some preparations to consider at the moment. Note that the government has suspended the issuance of e-visa and visa-on-arrival programs. You need to arrange visa requirements before you arrive in the country.
Right now, the country is only processing applications from diplomatic, official, and sponsored business-related visas. For tourists and other types of visas, the processing is cancelled.
What are the Requirements if I Need to Travel to Cambodia During the Pandemic?
Those eligible to travel to the country and those who were able to secure a visa in advance must present the following documents:
- Negative COVID-19 test results not older than 72 hours.
- Medical insurance with a minimum coverage of US$50,000
- Purchase of Cambodian health insurance package, including COVID-19 treatments. The package costs US$90 and is effective for 20 days.
Even if you present a negative COVID-19 test, officials will still test travelers for the coronavirus upon arrival. While waiting for the test results, travelers are advised to wait in their accommodation. If the traveler tests positive for the coronavirus, they will undergo quarantine at designated facilities for 14 days at their cost. For those with negative results, a 14-day self-isolation is still necessary but they can do so in their accommodation of choice.
Foreign travelers must also pay a deposit of US$2,000 for all the COVID-19 service charges that they will incur at the airport upon entry. Note that the rest of the unused deposit will be returned. The breakdown of fees are as follows:
- US$165 for mandatory COVID-19 testing
- US$1,280 for possible state-run quarantine costs
- US$3,255 for possible COVID-19 treatment costs
These requirements do not apply to the following travellers:
- Cambodian nationals
- Travellers with diplomatic and official visas issued by the government
- Cambodian nationals with foreign passport and Visa K entry permit from the national government
What If I Get Sick While in Cambodia?
Should you get sick while in Cambodia, you can check out of healthcare centers that have English-speaking doctors. If you think that you may be positive for COVID-19 while you are in Cambodia, please call +855 (0)12825424 to connect you to local authorities who will discuss what actions you should take to ensure your safety and of those around you.
Are there Cambodian Flights Available Now?
Yes, some flights are now accepting inbound and outbound travel to Cambodia. For high-risk countries like the U.S., U.K., and Canada, flights are still limited. However, travellers from low-risk countries, such as Albania, Brazil, and France do not have restrictions. There are some countries that are also not allowed to enter Cambodia. This includes those coming from Argentina, Australia, Botswana, and New Zealand, to name a few.
Cambodia Coronavirus Update: What Safety Health Practices Must I Observe While in Cambodia?
If you are travelling to Cambodia, it is mandatory to observe the necessary measures to protect yourself and others from getting infected with COVID-19. There are no curfews in place and no intercity restrictions in the country at the moment, but be sure to check here should there be any changes in the government rulings. Note that restrictions have relaxed and those who want to travel around Cambodia can do so with the appropriate precautions:
- Maintain at least six feet distance and avoid any contact from anyone who is not a member of your travel party.
- Keep your hands always clean by washing with soap and water, or use a hand sanitizer.
- Always wear a medical mask and face shield and keep your face protected when in public places. There are currently no fines for not wearing face coverings, but it is highly recommended for your own safety.
- Try to avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes.
- Avoid any contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, do not travel.
- Keep yourself informed about the local news, as they can impose notices once they note that cases are rising.
After you travel, you must still take extra caution to protect yourself and others from the disease further. Your travel exposed you to the risk of COVID-19, and you may have the virus already without knowing it. You will put your friends, family, and community at risk for 14 days after exposure to the virus. You should take these actions to avoid further spread of the virus:
- As much as possible, stay at home.
- Avoid interacting with other people.
- Get tested for COVID-19 infection.
Note: This Cambodia coronavirus update was first published in October 2020 and has been updated to include the latest developments.
