As many countries start to reopen their borders after months of lockdown, many are implementing strict COVID-19 regulations regarding international visitors.
Cambodia is taking no risks and instated several fees payable before visitors may enter the country, including a $3,000 (about R52,089) deposit upon arrival for ‘COVID-19 service charges,’ reports Lonely Planet. The tropical island destination also now requires travellers to have at least $50,000 (about R868,165) in travel insurance.
Cambodia might be one of the countries with the strictest COVID-19 measures for travellers.
Before commencing their holiday, visitors must undergo compulsory COVID-19 tests and stay at designated accommodation while waiting for the results, all of which will be covered by the traveller’s deposit. If negative, the travellers may continue to their destination in the country but will be subject to a 14-day quarantine.
The remainder of the deposit will then be returned to the traveller.
If the visitor should test positive, another $3,150 (about R54,694) is payable for treatment at the Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital in Phnom Penh.
The popular backpacker’s destination clearly intends to only cater to high-budget travellers in the foreseeable future, and no leeway will be given. ‘If you are not able to submit to these requirements, you should think carefully about whether to travel to Cambodia at this time,’ Cambodia’s Foreign Office said according to The Independent.
These tough measures went into effect 11 June and have raised some eyebrows among tour operators. ‘The scheme appears to be designed to filter out their budget tourist end of the market whilst still allowing business people/residents to enter,’ Dylan Harris, managing director of Lupine Travel told The Independent.
‘I can understand the position of the state as it’s a way to avoid having to cover under insured travellers. However, from our side, we would not be willing to run any trips to countries with this system in place.’
The Maldives has instated similar regulations, including the requirement of a 14-day minimum stay.
Image credit: Twitter/MandalaySamui
