Travel To Cambodia Is Back!

Testing and quarantine have been scrapped for vaccinated travelers in recent months, land borders are reopening, and local businesses are preparing for new customers. Travel to Cambodia is back as the Southeast Asian nation gets ready for more visitors after a two-year closure.

But, what’s it like on the ground? Here’s a glimpse into Cambodia’s reopening for tourism in 2022.

Land Border With Thailand Recently Reopened, Border With Vietnam Scheduled To Reopen

In an effort to boost Cambodia’s reopening process, the Kingdom reopened its land border crossing with the northeastern province of Surin in neighboring Thailand early last week, according to a local report in the Khmer Times.

This is the first time the land border has been open to travelers since it closed in 2020 during the pandemic. The borders are open to local as well as international visitors and vaccinated persons do not need to show a negative Covid test or quarantine upon arrival when crossing the border into Cambodia.

The Surin land border is a popular overland crossing with backpackers and other travelers, as it’s a 7-hour direct bus ride from Bangkok to Siem Reap with a stop at the border.

Can I Get A Visa On Arrival For Cambodia?

To streamline the travel process, international visitors are now eligible to get the visa on arrival for Cambodia at both the air and land border check points. Tourist visas will be valid for a stay of 30 days upon arrival.

Applying for an Evisa or opting for the visa on arrival option were the top choices by travelers entering Cambodia pre-2020. The visa on arrival service was halted throughout the pandemic, and reinstating it is one of the many entry requirements that have been eased this year as Cambodia slowly reopens for travel.

It was announced on Friday that the land border crossings for travelers will also reopen between Cambodia and Vietnam. Although no date has been officially set at this time, the decision was made by officials in both countries.

On top of the land border reopening, reports also reveal that officials have agreed to ramp up direct flights between the neighboring Southeast Asian nations. With ongoing travel restrictions and air carriers suspending services, air travel throughout the region has been limited for tourists over the past two years.

Entry Requirements For Kingdom Of Cambodia: Information For Travelers

Here’s a review of the latest entry requirements for travelers to Cambodia. This is the most relaxed it has been in over two years, and the Kingdom of Cambodia is ready to welcome international visitors again.

For fully vaccinated travelers entering Cambodia via land or air:

• No quarantine
• No pre-departure or on arrival Covid tests required
• Proof of vaccination is still required (full course of doses from any WHO-approved Covid vaccine)
• Travel medical insurance to cover the cost of treatment in the case of hospitalization: minimum of $50,000 USD coverage.
• Visa on arrival is allowed: the cost of the tourist visa is $35 USD for a maximum stay of 30 days.

Unvaccinated travelers to Cambodia by land or air:

• Must show a negative PCR test result from no later than 72 hours of travel to Cambodia.
• Quarantine for 7 days upon arrival at a government-approved hotel. Must show at least $2000 in funds (per traveler) to cover the cost of the quarantine.
• Take a Covid test upon arrival before quarantine, and take a second Covid test on Day 7.

What’s It Like In Cambodia? Thoughts From Travelers On The Ground

Rich Chan is an American traveling in Cambodia. Currently based in Siem Reap as the country reopens to international tourism, he shared some thoughts with us at Travel Off Path.

“With the recent reopening of Cambodia and the tourism-based town of Siem Reap, home of Angkor Wat, there’s a breath of fresh air this town has been able to take after being on life support the last couple of years.”

Siem Reap is arguably the most popular destination for travelers in Cambodia. On top of ruins of Angkor Wat (which is a city in itself), Siem Reap is home to notable museums, other temples and architectural sights, and a bustling downtown area that keeps travelers from all parts of the world coming back for more.

Are Tourist Businesses Open In Cambodia?

Many small businesses around the world were forced to shut down as a result of the pandemic and businesses in Cambodia were no different. Even though some beloved restaurants, boutique hotels, and other businesses in destinations throughout the country have closed its doors, there are plenty of places ready and eager to welcome guests.

“All the businesses that haven’t shut down because of the lack of tourism are slowly going back to business as usual,” Richard noted.

The best way to support locals and tourism on your next trip to Cambodia is to book a day tour with a local tour agency once you arrive in a new city. From the capital city of Phnom Penh to a quaint riverside town of Battambang, there’s so many ways to make the most of your 30-day tourist visa in Cambodia.

Pay tuk tuk drivers to take you around, and shop at local markets or any other small businesses you come across during your trip. Go and see the impressive Phare Circus when visiting Siem Reap or Battambang.

And upon arriving in a new city, pay a visit to a cafe that supports local NGOs to splurge on a meal. Your donation will go directly to those most vulnerable in the community. Footprints Cafe in Siem Reap is a great example of a tourist-friendly restaurant that gives back to the community.