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Here’s one country I won’t be visiting soon
As countries try to reopen their borders we have seen all sorts of measure introduced to try to stop imported cases of Coronvirus. Many seem sensible such as tests on arrival or requiring a negative test within 72 hours of travelling. However, one country is introducing probably the craziest set of restrictions on tourists I could possibly imagine. If they are trying to put people off going there, they have definitely succeeded! Fancy making sure you have enough money to be cremated before you travel? Sound fun? Then read on….
Cambodia has been on my list of countries to visit for a long time. It seems like I will not be doing this any time soon. This is not down to the risk of COVID as Cambodia has only had a total of 126 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
It is down to the latest entry restrictions. Cambodia has announced that:
- The government has decided to charge all foreign visitors for lab testing, medical treatment and accommodation under health measures to prevent a second wave of COVID-19 (C-19) transmission in the country.
- All travelers, both Cambodians and foreigners, who travel to Cambodia will be transferred from airports to waiting centres where COVID-19 swab tests are done. They are required to remain at the centres until the test results are released.
- Upon arrival, all foreign passengers are required to deposit $3,000 at the airport to pay for the virus prevention services. Those who test negative for the virus will only be charged the fees for the test and will be given back the remainder of their deposit.
- Will have to pay $5 for a single trip between the airport and the waiting centre, $100 for a COVID-19 test, $30 for a day’s stay at a hotel or at a waiting centre while waiting for the test results and $30 for three meals during their wait.
- If any passenger tests positive for COVID-19, those on the same flight will be quarantined for 14 days and each will be required to pay $100 for one test and $84 dollars a day to pay for the stay in a hotel or quarantine facility, meals, laundry, sanitary services, doctors and security services.
- Each COVID-19 positive patient will be required to pay $100 per test [maximum four tests] and $225 a day for the hospital room, medical treatment, meals, laundry and sanitary services.
- In case of death, the cremation service charge is $1,500.
I do understand that Cambodia should not have to pay for people’s treatment and they are wary of importing cases of COVID-19. But all these charges and a deposit, put me right off! If you fancy planning for a time when things are more normal, have a read of this article.
Would you visit under these conditions? Let us know in the comments below or on social media
Spain to reopen to EU including U.K. from 21 June
According to El Pais newspaper, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has said that Spain will reopen its borders to most EU states on 21 June, including the UK. Originally this was not planned to happen until 1 July. Portugal will not open its border with Spain until 1 July at their request. There will no longer be a requirement to quarantine on arrival either for EU nationals. Hopefully, this means that Spain may be one of the countries that the UK forms an airbridge with.
Infection levels of COVID-19 in Spain have fallen to around 130 cases per day with the majority around Madrid and Catalonia.
Non-EU countries will be permitted to enter from 1 July 1, if there is a reciprocal agreement on travel and the country is deemed safe enough with regard to rates of COVID infection.
7 comments
With regard to Cambodia, the answer obviously has to be No. The Cambodian government clearly doesn’t want visitors just yet.
I think what Cambodia is doing now is what the UK has been doing to 3/4 of the countries in the world for many years.
Forms, applications, proofs, stamps, certified translations, visits to consulates, administration fees, interviews, waiting times, appeals, insurance, special delivery costs, printing forms, payments for processing, immigration landing cards, money in cash, further border interviews, waiting rooms, return tickets, fingerprints, images, proof of accommodation etc etc etc.
What a painful irony Cambodia managed to deal with covid so efficiently and UK is where it is.
No, as Richard M said they clearly don’t want visitors. In general I’ll resume travel as soon as travellers are no longer treated as toxic waste.
I may need to visit Cambodia from our “hub” in Bangkok. Hopefully as a diplomat we may be able to circumnavigate these rules. I was allowed entry to Singapore on 19 March this way (a day return trip).
Just promise me you won’t go anywhere near Sihanoukville when you do eventually go. A fascinating country, famous for Angkor Wat which is incredible, I did a three month Asia jaunt last year with my two sisters and other half- what was I thinking? We’d been the year before and loved Phnom Penh and lots of other places and stayed on Outres Beach, a few miles from Sihanoukville. A year later and my sisters now in tow, it was a building site full of Chinese mega Casinos. I’m sure when all of the building work is done it will be fine but I’ve never in my life seen such a huge change in any resort over such a short time. This was Easter and we stayed One night before I was able to find a LCA to ANY destination we could just to get out of there. You have been warned! And three months with family… that’s another warning!
I will definitely avoid that. Sounds hellish. A bit like parts if Vietnam sadly. I would like to go next year hopefully depending on the situation.
It’s ridiculous. If they are afraid of second wave they should close borders. I cant imagine any tourist will be so desperate to visit Cambodia in next months.
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