Cambodia to reopen borders to China and South Korea – But there’s a catch

Is Cambodia to reopen borders for international travel? Accruing to asgam.com and various other outlets Cambodia is set to reopen to tourism for residents of both China and South Korea, with local media suggesting the plans could be announced “imminently”.

The rumors and reports come after Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism, Thong Khon, this week reportedly told local carrier Sky Angkor Airline Co Ltd to be” ready to resume flights”.

Cambodia to reopen borders with China and South Korea – What’s the catch?

Information has been sketchy at best, which in the short at least means waiting for firmer announcements, but the report further added that visitors would still have to undergo a 7 day quarantine. This is in contrast to the current 14 day quarantine which visitors to from all countries to the Kingdom must go through, regardless of vaccination status.

To read about how to leave Cambodia during Covid-19 click here. 

Whether the controversial $2000 deposit will still be required has also so far gone unanswered.

Cambodia to reopen borders – what does it mean for tourism?

According to the Phnom Penh Post, Sky Angkor’s CEO is preparing discussions with tour agencies in both China and South Korea. Prior to the pandemic the airline specialized in charters between the Kingdom and mainland China, South Korea, India, Vietnam and Taiwan. They also ran domestic routes between Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and Sihanoukville.

So, while this is very exciting news for the industry, if as has been suggested there will still be a 7 day quarantine, it is unlikely to be the silver bullet for tourism that the industry had been hoping for.

Will Chinese tourists save the day?

In the short term at least, no they will not. China is currently going through its own Covid-19 and travel based paranoia. As things currently stand Chinese citizens are all but banned from leaving the country for touristic purposes, and all people arriving to mainland China (including from Cambodia) must complete a mandatory quarantine of varying lengths.

Tourist visas to China are also still suspended with local agencies reportedly not expecting any change this year. This is despite ongoing talks between the country and the USA among others about mutually recognized “vaccine passports” in lieu of arrivals needing to quarantine.

And the situation in Cambodia?

While things are undoubtedly getting better, the capital city still remains under an alcohol ban, while Siem Reap, the main tourist draw to the country is currently essentially under lockdown, with a number of areas being designated “red zones”.

In short, do not expect hordes of tourists this side of 2022. 

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