Any foreigner planning on entering Cambodia from today, June 11th, will be required to pay a 3,000USD “deposit” in addition to a host of fees relating to coronavirus testing.
The move was announced by the Cambodian Finance Minister, Aun Pornmoinroth, following a request by the Ministry of Health to charge foreigners for covid-19 related expenses.
Under the current regulations, all arrivals to Cambodia, whether locals or foreigners, must transfer to waiting centers and undergo a covid-19 test.
Arrivals must remain at the centers until the results are concluded, which usually takes around 24 hours.
However, foreigners must now pay their way for all expenses, including 5USD for the transport between the border and a waiting center, 100USD for the coronavirus test, 30USD for a day at a waiting center, and 30USD for three meals.
To ensure all foreign arrivals pay the fees, 3,000USD will be collected from visitors with the charges deducted from the deposit before it is returned.
If anyone tests positive for covid-19, all people on their flight will need to undergo 14 days of quarantine, with foreigners required to pay 84USD per day for the duration.
Any foreigner who tests positive for covid-19 will need to pay 225USD per day for hospital treatment. The Health Ministry also mentioned that a 1,500USD charge is charged for cremation services in the event of death.
Deputy Director of the Health Department at Preah Sihanouk province emphasized the need to be prepared and have enough cash if planning to travel to Cambodia. He said:
“During the first stage, we provided the services free of charge because our country was not really prepared. But now we have to put in place measures to prevent a second wave of the virus.”
Prior to the covid-19 pandemic, Cambodia was an extremely popular crossing for foreigners living in Thailand who wanted to renew their visas or re-enter Thailand on a new tourist visa.
Source: Khmer Times
