We’ve seen countries around the world outline plans to open borders to visitors. Per AEC News Today, Cambodia has revealed plans to welcome tourists, and I don’t think we’ve seen anything like this from any other country.
On the plus side, Cambodia’s measures seem to mitigate virtually any risk associated with travelers spreading coronavirus in the country. At the same time, I would have to imagine that these measures may prevent just about anyone from considering a visit.
For context, Cambodia has only had a total of 126 confirmed COVID-19 cases, and has had zero deaths. Since April 13 the country has only had a total of four confirmed cases.
Cambodia’s tourism plans in era of coronavirus
On June 8, 2020, Cambodia’s Minister for Economy and Finance, Aun Pornmoniroth, outlined plans to bring back tourism. The focus is on safeguarding the country from COVID-19, and getting visitors to bear the cost of this as much as possible.
Cambodia is requiring testing before departure and upon arrival, but that’s only the beginning…
Cambodia requires COVID-19 test prior to travel
Before even traveling to Cambodia, visitors need:
- A health certificate confirming that they’ve had a SARS-CoV-2 test less than 72 hours prior to departure
- $50,000 in health insurance coverage
That’s fair enough.
Cambodia’s requirements upon arrival
Not only is extensive testing being done for visitors to Cambodia, but there will be lots of nickel-and-diming:
- Visitors will have to make a $3,000 deposit upon arrival in the event that medical treatment is needed
- Visitors to Cambodia will have to pay $5 to be taken by bus to a testing facility upon arrival
- Visitors will then have to pay $100 for the RT-PCR test
- Visitors will have to pay $30 to stay in the waiting area overnight, and will have to pay an additional $30 for three meals
- If all the results come back negative, everyone is free to leave
However, if even one person on a flight tests positive:
- All passengers will be required to quarantine for 14 days in a government designated facility
- This will come at an all inclusive cost of $84 per day, so that will cost $1,176
- An additional swab test will be required for $100
- In the event of hospitalization, the cost will be $225 per day, plus up to an additional $400 for up to four swab tests
- If visitors need to be cremated, that will cost $1,500, though it’s not known if this includes the cost of an urn
I mean, I can appreciate a country having a comprehensive plan to the point that it involves cremation, but… I think Spirit Airlines charges fewer fees?
Bottom line
I can’t fault Cambodia for erring on the side of caution when it comes to allowing in visitors. I don’t think it’s unreasonable for countries to require testing before travel and upon arrival.
However, the measures are so extensive beyond that, and I have to imagine this will prevent a vast majority of people from visiting.
Like I said, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with Cambodia’s policy, and I respect it. But I wouldn’t be surprised to see this adjusted pretty quickly, given how important tourism has become to Cambodia’s economy.
What do you make of Cambodia’s new entry requirements?
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