When can we travel to Cambodia in 2021?

LAST UPDATE: OCTOBER 22, 2021

Disclaimer: This information is collated from official sources but general in nature. Entry requirements are subject to change at any time. Keep checking for the latest advice from your local government, embassy, or consulate to confirm any visa or entry requirements before travel.

Things around the world are gradually returning to normal as the global vaccine rollout gains momentum. We are monitoring the situation closely and will keep this article updated with any new info. So, can we travel to Cambodia in 2021? 

AM I ALLOWED TO TRAVEL TO CAMBODIA?

ENTERING CAMBODIA

Travel to Cambodia for tourism is currently restricted. Flights to Cambodia generally require a transfer through international hubs in South East Asia, so flights are limited.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

Cambodia has re-introduced e-visas for entry, but the tourist on arrival visa is still suspended. For additional details, as well as any exemptions to these restrictions, view the government source (Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

NEGATIVE COVID RESULT

All travellers to Cambodia must get a medical certificate no longer than 72 hours before the date of travel from a health authority stating they are covid negative. This certificate should bear the stamp of the facility issuing it and be signed by a qualified medical practitioner to certify the result.

DO I NEED A VACCINE?

A Covid vaccine is not yet mandatory to enter Cambodia. Nevertheless, as more of the global population is vaccinated and international travel returns to normal levels this will likely be implemented for quarantine-free entry. The Cambodian Tourism Ministry recently announced that fully vaccinated tourists could be allowed into Cambodia as soon as November 2021.

PROOF OF INSURANCE

All foreign passengers need to deposit USD $2000 as a medical service charge upon their arrival. This deposit will be deducted in the case of medical needs. Any unused funds will be returned.

Travellers must also have proof of insurance that includes a minimum of USD $50,000 for medical cover. Insurance covering 20 days can be purchased on-arrival at Phnom Penh Airport for USD$90.

QUARANTINE

All travellers to Cambodia will be medically screened and tested on arrival, then required to quarantine for 14 days at a facility designated by the Cambodian government. All travellers are required to take a PCR test on the 13th day of quarantine at either the Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital in Phnom Penh or the Chak Angre Clinic in Phnom Penh. Costs must be covered by the traveller.

COVID TRACKING

No applications are compulsory for tracking Covid in Cambodia.

RESTRICTIONS & OPEN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Since the start of the pandemic many tourist attractions and restaurants have remained shut due to the lack of travellers, but other local businesses have resumed operations. Temples like Angkor Wat are open, but the reduced number of tourists means many sites have been undergoing reconstruction. All people in Cambodia are encouraged to wear masks and avoid large gatherings.

RETURNING HOME

Each country has different restrictions for travellers arriving from abroad. For information relevant to your situation, keep up to date with local government announcements.

In the UK, international travel restrictions apply under a simplified two-tier system from October 4 2021. Countries are listed as 'red' (must quarantine on arrival in the UK) or 'green' (good to travel). Good news is Cambodia is currently green, so once the country opens to tourism we will be ready to restart our group tours! Find out more about UK travel restrictions here.

NOTE: This information is general and restrictions are subject to change, so keep in touch with the latest official advice from your local government and Cambodian authorities.

WHEN WILL CAMBODIA FULLY REOPEN TO TOURISM?

The Cambodian Tourism Ministry recently announced that fully vaccinated international tourists could be allowed into Cambodia as soon as November 2021. Details about the quarantine policy for fully vaccinated tourists and the opportunity to travel freely throughout Cambodia have not yet been revealed.

Cambodia is currently the second most vaccinated country in Southeast Asia after Singapore: the country has already inoculated over 60% of its 16.5 million people, while over 95% of its residents in the capital city of Phnom Penh are already fully vaccinated.

We will update this article and our COVID page as official news breaks about borders opening and when we can recommence our trips in Cambodia.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO TRAVEL CAMBODIA?

Cambodia is warm year-round, so you can enjoy a tropical getaway any month you travel! The wet season brings a higher chance of rain from May to October, but this usually involves an afternoon downpour followed by sunshine. The rest of the year is hot and dry, perfect for laying on beaches and exploring temples at sunrise à la Angelina Jolie in Tomb Raider. There isn't really a bad time to travel to Cambodia, which is good news for those of us keen to get away as soon as the world reopens.

WHY VISIT CAMBODIA?

Think ancient temples hidden for centuries by mysterious, dense jungle, the friendliest people on the planet, stunning stretches of natural beauty, and a dark, sobering history that puts it all in perspective. We love Cambodia, and honestly think it's the most underrated country in South East Asia.

LEARN ABOUT CAMBODIA'S DARK, IMPORTANT HISTORY

The genocide wrought by the Khmer Rouge less than 50 years ago devastated Cambodia. The communist political group massacred over 2 million citizens in an attempt to establish a classless state, and the effects of this mass violence still ripple through the country. Cambodia's modern history is hard to fathom, but offers important lessons and perspectives for modern life. In Phnom Penh, you can visit S21 prison and the Killing Fields, two sites used by the Khmer Rouge throughout their cruel regime. Visiting is tough but touching, and gives crucial context for the Cambodia of today.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN NATURAL BEAUTY

Need a break from the four walls you've been locked down in? Away from the cities, natural beauty reigns supreme in Cambodia. You've got serene, crystal clear seas and soft white shores on Cambodia's islands, soaring palm trees and snaking rivers in Kampot, and thick, mysterious jungle cloaking sites of worship all over the country. A real feast for the eyes that's guaranteed to make you stop and stare... and fill your camera roll. Cambodia is the dose of nature we all deserve after this past year.

HAVE GENUINE TRAVEL EXPERIENCES

You certainly could laze away your days on islands like Koh Rong, but if you're after something a little more authentic, backpacking Cambodia is for you. Become an expert in a national cuisine that few know about at a cooking class, visit the floating villages for insight into local traditions, kayak through unspoilt waterways, check out Cambodia's unique wildlife, or visit the centre where APOPO trains giant rats to safely detect landmines.

MEET FRIENDLY FACES

When travelling in Cambodia you will be overwhelmed by the kindness, warmth, and generous hospitality of the Cambodian people. Despite the horrors of the Khmer Rouge, the gentle nature of the locals prevails. From shop owners to tuk-tuk drivers, you'll almost always be greeted with a wide smile and 'suosdei brother/sister!'

EXPLORE THE LARGEST TEMPLE COMPLEX IN THE WORLD

Angkor Wat, aka the biggest religious complex in the world, is the biggest draw for people to travel in Cambodia. It was originally built over 900 years ago as a Hindu temple, but eventually converted to a Buddhist monument of epic proportions. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, Angkor Wat is of extreme importance to the Cambodian people and a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists and tourists alike. There's no better way to soak up the majesty of Angkor Wat than at sunrise - so get up, grab a coffee, and unlock your inner Indiana Jones whilst exploring this breathtaking wonder.

Although we can’t easily travel to Cambodia just yet, it is looking likely in the not-too-distant future. Travel restrictions are beginning to ease and tourism will return with a surge in demand, so now is the time to get planning.

If travelling Cambodia sounds like your kind of adventure, click through to check out our Cambodia small group tours here! With expertly crafted itineraries, the guidance of a knowledgable group leader, full end-to-end support, and a new group of friends to make memories with, our trips are the ultimate way to discover a new country! Oh, and did we mention that all of the activities on our itineraries are included? You heard right - everything we mention is included in the tour - no extra payments required. Travel with a group and enjoy the best of Cambodia, stress free.