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Cambodia’s Border Reopening: Opportunities for Tourism Sector
Cambodia’s border reopening is a boost to its tourism industry, which is an important contributor to the economy, behind the textile and garment manufacturing sector.
The tourism industry will be of greater importance after the country lost its ‘Everything but Arms’ (EBA) status by the EU – an EBA status had previously enabled Cambodia to enjoy duty-free access to EU markets.
Cambodia is now fully open to foreign travelers although there are still quarantine requirements for travelers who are not fully vaccinated.
The country is among a slew of ASEAN countries that have opened their borders to international travelers. Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia have eased border restrictions to varying degrees. For instance, Vietnam and Malaysia have allowed entry of foreign travelers regardless of their vaccination status whereas Indonesia and Singapore primarily only allow fully vaccinated travelers; unvaccinated travelers can enter if they have a medical reason and will have to undergo quarantine.
The border relaxation will be a boost to Cambodia’s tourism sector, which plays a vital role in the country’s economic growth, contributing to some 12 percent of GDP annually.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic saw international traveler numbers decrease by 80 percent from 6.6 million visitors to 1.3 million in 2020.
Fully vaccinated travelers are not required to take a pre-departure COVID-19 test and will only need to show their proof of vaccination (a WHO-recognized vaccine regiment).
Unvaccinated travelers, however, must take a PCR test for COVID-19 at least 72 hours before arriving in Cambodia. Upon arrival, they must undergo seven days of quarantine at a government hotel. The traveler will do another COVID-19 test on the first day before entering quarantine, before doing a final test on day seven.
If the unvaccinated traveler has not pre-booked a hotel, they must demonstrate to have at least US$2,000 in cash (per traveler).
Foreign travelers will need medical insurance that covers treatment for COVID-19 at a minimum of US$50,000. The insurance must cover a range of treatments, such as quarantine if found positive and hospitalization.
Cambodia has reopened its visa on arrival service, which cost US$35 for a maximum stay of 30 days. Some nationalities will need to make advance arrangements and apply online.
Cambodia has adopted multiple strategies to revive its tourism industry. The government issued some 10 rounds of stimulus packages to support the country’s two main industries: i) textiles, footwear, and garment manufacturing, and ii) tourism.
This article was first published by AseanBriefing which is produced by Dezan Shira & Associates. The firm assists foreign investors throughout Asia from offices across the world, including in in China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore, India, and Russia. Readers may write to [email protected].
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