Last updated: 12/11/20
ATTENTION AMERICAN CITIZENS IN CAMBODIA
On December 10, 2020, the Cambodian Ministry of Education announced the following continued restrictions at city and provincial educational institutions due to the evolving COVID-19 situation. The measures are in place indefinitely.
- Meetings and conferences with more than 20 people are prohibited.
- Public universities and all private schools are suspended, but online classes are permitted.
- No group exercise or sports may take place.
Please be advised that the broader restrictions announced by the Royal Cambodian Government on November 30 remain in place until at least December 16, 2020:
- The public is directed to follow the instructions of the Cambodian Ministry of Health and to stay home unless engaged in necessary business.
- Individuals who are in direct or indirect contact with positive COVID-19 cases must self-quarantine according to the Cambodian Ministry of Health guidelines.
- Public and private markets must require the use of hand sanitizer, temperature checks, and social distancing.
- Certain businesses including KTVs, cinemas, clubs, bars, spas, massage facilities, and gyms/fitness centers are ordered temporarily closed.
- Until December 16, 2020, gatherings of all sizes should be avoided and gatherings larger than 20 people are prohibited — including weddings, religious gatherings, parties, sports and group exercise.
- Commune level administrative offices and related agencies must suspend all unnecessary gatherings/meetings through December 16, 2020. Public services are limited to no more than 20 people and authorities will require the use of hand sanitizer, temperature checks, and social distancing.
Additional announcements may be forthcoming from the relevant Cambodian government officials. The U.S. Embassy encourages Americans to adhere to all requirements and to check regularly our COVID-19 website which is frequently updated. U.S. citizens are subject to Cambodian law and there may be fines or other penalties associated with non-compliance.
Questions related to these requirements should be directed to the Cambodian Ministry of Health at the COVID-19 115 hotline or any of the following office numbers: 012 825 424, 012 488 981, or 012 836 868.
U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh’s American Citizen Services (ACS) section can be reached at ACSPhnomPenh@state.gov or by phone at 023 728 402, 023 728 051, or 023 728 234. Many questions are answered on our COVID-19 and ACS websites.
Country-Specific Information:
- Cambodia has had a total of 329 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reduced the Risk Assessment Level for COVID-19 in Cambodia to Level 1: Practice Usual Precautions as described in the Travel Health Notice. This includes being up to date on all recommended vaccinations and practicing appropriate mosquito avoidance. The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 2 Travel Advisory for Cambodia: Exercise Increased Caution.
- Grocery stores, restaurants, and other services remain generally available. The Cambodian government has restricted the operation of certain businesses, such as cinemas, karaoke, and entertainment clubs (bars, discos, beer gardens).
- Large meetings or gatherings, such as parties or religious gatherings, are banned until further notice.
Entry and Exit Requirements:
- Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes
- All travelers must present a valid visa issued by a Cambodian Embassy or Consulate. The Government of Cambodia has suspended the e-visa and visa-on-arrival programs until further notice. In addition, we understand Cambodian Embassies will only accept applications for diplomatic, official, and “sponsored” business-linked visas, and will not issue tourist or other visas to enter Cambodia at this time.
- Cambodian authorities have also introduced the following requirements for prevention, containment, and response to the spread of COVID-19 for all travelers entering Cambodia by air, land, and water. All arriving foreigners must:
- Fully abide by locally enforced quarantine measures for 14 days at a hotel designated by the Government of Cambodia.
- Pay a deposit of $2,000 upon arrival at airports for mandatory COVID-19 testing and potential treatment services. The money will be used to pay for an accommodation during the quarantine, testing and transportation from an airport to a hotel.
- Possess a COVID-19 negative medical certificate issued no more than 72 hours prior to the date of arrival (see below).
- Purchase a local health insurance package for COVID-19 treatment from Forte Insurance Company. The cost is $90 for a $50,000 policy valid for 20 days.
- Undergo a COVID-19 test upon arrival and wait in official facilities/designated hotels to receive laboratory results. Health authorities will then oversee another COVID-19 test on the 13th day of quarantine.
- Cambodian authorities have released a fee schedule for these testing and treatment services. Travelers should be prepared to see the aforementioned deposit applied to a minimum of $165 for mandatory COVID-19 testing, approximately $1,281 more to support quarantine in the event one or more passengers on their flight test positive, and a minimum of approximately $3,255 more for treatment and quarantine if the traveler tests positive.
- Please see the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation’s guidance on travel restrictions here.
- Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes
As noted above, a COVID-19 negative medical certificate issued no more than 72 hours prior to the date of arrival is required for entry.
- Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes.
The U.S. government has supported points-of-entry public health screening to help Cambodia implement emergency plans to screen people arriving at various points of entry, such as airports and land-border crossings.
- The Embassy has requested the Cambodian government to assist U.S. citizens in extending their visas amidst difficulty traveling due to COVID-19 concerns. Effective April 3, 2020, the Cambodian government will grant an automatic extension of tourist visas until they are able to depart for those foreign citizens who arrived in Cambodia after January 1, 2020. These foreign citizens are also exempt from visa overstay fines until they are able to depart Cambodia. We recommend Americans contact the General Department of Immigration at +855 97 314 0999 to resolve additional visa issues or overstay fees.
Movement Restrictions:
- Is a curfew in place? No
- Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? No
Quarantine Information:
- Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Yes
- As noted above, travelers must undergo a COVID-19 test upon arrival and wait in official facilities/designated hotels to receive laboratory results. Health authorities will then oversee another COVID-19 test on the 13th day of quarantine.
COVID-19 Testing
- U.S. citizens can obtain a COVID-19 test in Cambodia at the National Institute for Public Health (NIPH), the Khmer-Soviet Hospital, and the Chak Angre Krom Referral Hospital. Testing will be at the U.S. citizen’s cost. For more information on testing, please call the 115 hotline or MOH officials at: 012 825 424, 012 488 981 or 012 836 868.
Transportation Options:
- Are commercial flights operating? Yes
- The following airlines currently maintain reduced flights that depart Cambodia for onward connecting flights to the United States. Many travelers worldwide have reported unexpected flight cancellations and limited flight availability. Please check airline websites for times and availability and do not book flights through an online search service. We recommend booking flights through a travel agency or directly with the below airlines.
- Korean Airlines Note: Currently three flights every week.
- Asiana Airlines Note: Currently three flights every week.
- EVA Air Note: Currently one flight every week.
- Travel agencies in Phnom Penh (English speakers):
- EXO Travel – office 023 218 948. mobile: 017 600 085 and 017 910 007
- Palm Travel and Tours – office 016 821 168. Mobile 077 800 021
- Khmer Views Travel Agent – office 081 983 567
- World Pop Travel – office 012-913 789
- Is public transportation operating? Yes
Fines for Non-Compliance:
- Travelers found not in compliance with government requirements may be denied entry and subject to discretionary fines for failing to adhere to quarantine and testing guidelines.
Consular Operations:
- American Citizen Services: U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh has resumed most regular services for U.S. citizens. In addition to emergency consular services, a limited number of routine American Citizen Services (ACS) appointments are available. Interested U.S. citizens may use our online system to request passport appointments here, although wait times may be longer than usual due to limited capacity. Persons seeking CRBA appointments should follow the instructions on our website and send documents in advance to ACSPhnomPenh@state.gov.
- Immigrant Visas:Routine immigrant visa appointments have resumed for cases that are not subject to the Presidential Proclamation Suspending Entry of Immigrants Who Present Risk to the U.S. Labor Market During the Economic Recovery Following the COVID-19 Outbreak. Emergency and mission-critical visa services are available. For emergency requests, please email IVPhnomPenh@state.gov.
- Non-immigrant Visas:S. Embassy Phnom Penh has resumed scheduling appointments for certain nonimmigrant visas, including F, M J, and B1/B2 visas. While the Consular Section aims to process cases as soon as possible, you should expect increased wait times for interview scheduling. MRV application fees paid may be used to schedule an interview appointment in the country where it was purchased within one year of the date of payment. If you have an urgent matter and need to travel immediately, please email NIVPhnomPenh@state.gov to request an emergency appointment.
- Applicants for H1B, H2B, H4, L and certain J categories covered by Presidential Proclamation 10052 should request an appointment only if you have reason to believe you may qualify for one of the exceptions listed in the Proclamation here.
Local Resources:
- For additional information in Cambodia, travelers can call the 115 hotline or MOH officials at: 012 825 424, 012 488 981 or 012 836 868. Information is available in English and Khmer.
- Other links:
- COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov
- CDC page on COVID-19
- state.gov Country Information and Travel Advisory page
