Having a plan to visit Cambodia after the pandemic ends? Then you should be ready to make your budget a little extra. When travel restrictions are easing around the world, everyone is dreaming to fly internationally once travel resumes. We have been receiving so many updates about travel post-COVID-19 from various destinations including Sicily for discounted travel and Cyprus for a free vacation (If tested COVID-19 positive in Cyprus). Unlike other places, Cambodia has a different COVID-19 travel plan for its visitors.

Kingdom of Cambodia flight in Phnom Penh Airport — Image Credits: Google Images

The foreign office of Cambodia has come up with a specific amount that people visiting Cambodia have to pay as a deposit. Every traveller should pay $3000 (COVID-19 service charge) on their arrival either by cash or a credit card. They also added that whatever amount that hasn’t been used, will be returned to the respective traveller.

How did the Cambodian government arrive at this cost?

Recently, the Civil Aviation Minister of Cambodia announced the detailed breakdown of what the deposit will cover. He also explained the process of screening while you are in the country. The cost includes a transfer from the airport to the testing centre ($5), COVID-19 test ($100), an overnight stay at the centre ($30) and meal, thrice a day ($30). Depending on the results of the COVID-19 test,

If the traveller tests COVID-19 positive, the traveller has to pay for the stay at the hospital ($330 per day) and for the four tests that COVID-19 patients have to take ($100 each) at the Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital in Phnom Penh.
If the traveller tests COVID-19 negative, there will be a quarantine of two weeks ($1086) and things like laundry, doctor’s visits and security ($24 per day) will be charged.
In addition to the above costs, the Cambodian government has also estimated the cost of one’s funeral which would approximately cost $1500.

SSCA issues notice on pricing policy for #COVID19 test, quarantine, and treatment services to foreign travelers entering to Cambodia at public hospital pic.twitter.com/HaE8OI34wH
— Office of Cambodian PM 🇰🇭 (@peacepalace_kh) June 16, 2020

Kindly note that the amount mentioned here is excluding the VISA fee. As they have currently stopped the tourist visa option, you have to pay $265 for a Cambodian Visa.

A picture of Cambodian visa for COVID-19 travel — Image Credits: Google Images

What should you submit on your arrival at Cambodia?

The foreign office of Cambodia also added that the traveller must have health insurance of $50000. This is because of the reason that there are chances of needing an extra amount than the amount that’s already paid as a deposit. Every foreign traveller has to submit proper proof of the insurance on their arrival at the Phnom Penh Airport. One more requirement in addition to insurance is that the foreigner travellers visiting Cambodia should possess a health certificate. Also, they have to make sure that the issuance of certificate was less than 72-hours prior to departure. The certificate should state that the traveller is free of the virus, SARS-CoV-2.

Looks like, this tiny Southeast Asian country has made it least affordable for every traveller who wants to visit Cambodia. With several other countries relaxing the restrictions and making it easy for the travellers, Cambodia has come up with its own model of COVID-19 travel requirements. There are chances that other Southeast Asian countries might also find this travel idea, something to think about.

A group of people testing the Cambodians for COVID-19 — Image Credits: Google Images

“Though on one end, the deposit amount seems to be on the higher side, the Cambodian government said that they have come up with this, focusing on the maximum health and financial security for its visitors. If you would like to visit Cambodia after COVID-19, check out a few packages on the Pickyourtrail website. Unlock safe travel with Pickyourtrail, where you can explore tailored Cambodia trip packages!