Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - No quarantine for the unvaccinated; rapid tests required

No quarantine for the unvaccinated; rapid tests required

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Visitors arrive at Phnom Penh International Airport in March . Heng Chivoan

No quarantine for the unvaccinated; rapid tests required

Inbound travellers to Cambodia who have not received a primary course of Covid-19 vaccines will no longer be required to quarantine if a rapid test administered upon arrival comes back negative, according to Minister of Health Mam Bun Heng. The rule change is effective from the onset of July 11.

In a press statement issued late on July 8, Bun Heng affirmed that health officials would administer the Covid-19 antigen rapid tests at all entry points into the country, and that with a negative result, any individual would be free to continue on to their domestic destination.

In the event of a positive result, individuals with mild condition may receive treatment at home or any facility as determined by the health ministry or authority in charge. Those in severe condition must receive care at designated Covid-19 treatment centres. All costs associated with treatment and accommodation are borne by the individual.

Arrivals to Cambodia who have not been fully vaccinated must pay $5 for each rapid test kit and “follow the procedures as established by the health ministry and Ministry of Economy and Finance”, the minister said, confirming that Prime Minister Hun Sen had greenlit the rule changes.

Fully vaccinated inbound passengers have been exempted from Covid-19 rapid antigen test upon arrival since March.

Separately, Bun Heng urged that anyone “who may not have been able to get vaccinated – with both base and booster shots – due to factors unrelated to health, it is recommended that they go get the jab immediately at a vaccination site free-of-charge”.

The minister called on the public to practise the standard Covid-19 preventive measures, such as the “three do’s and three don’ts” guidelines.

The “three do’s” – also called the “three protections” – are to wear a face mask, wash hands frequently, and keep a safe distance of at least 1.5m from other people. The “three don’ts” are to avoid confined and enclosed spaces, stay away from crowded places and refrain from touching others.

On July 8, the Ministry of Tourism also notified private tour associations, relevant institutions, journalists, domestic and international tourists and the public about the quarantine exception.

It urged them to continue to follow all safety measures while also sharing the information in order to attract more tourists.

MOST VIEWED

  • Joy as Koh Ker Temple registered by UNESCO

    Cambodia's Koh Ker Temple archaeological site has been officially added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on September 17. The ancient temple, also known as Lingapura or Chok Gargyar, is located in

  • Ream base allegations must end, urges official

    A senior government official urges an end to the allegations and suspicions surrounding the development of Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, now that Prime Minister Hun Manet has addressed the issue on the floor of the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78). Jean-Francois Tain, a geopolitical

  • Cambodia set to celebrate Koh Ker UNESCO listing

    To celebrate the inscription of the Koh Ker archaeological site on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, the Ministry of Cults and Religion has appealed to pagodas and places of worship to celebrate the achievement by ringing bells, shaking rattles and banging gongs on September 20. Venerable

  • CP denied registration documents by ministry

    The Ministry of Interior will not reissue registration documents to the Candlelight Party (CP). Following a September 21 meeting between ministry secretary of state Bun Honn and CP representatives, the ministry cited the fact that there is no relevant law which would authorise it to do

  • Cambodian diaspora laud Manet’s UN Assembly visit

    Members of the Cambodian diaspora are rallying in support of Prime Minister Hun Manet’s forthcoming visit to the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) in the US’ New York City this week. Their move is an apparent response to a recent call by self-exiled former

  • After three deferrals, Capital Gains Tax to take effect Jan 1, 2024

    The General Department of Taxation (GDT) will implement the Capital Gains Tax starting January 1, 2024 to after being deferred three times as industrial players warn that the implementation might have some negative impact on the property market growth, which is down due to the economic downturn.