Cambodia Looks to November for Tourism re-Opening

As the vaccine rollout strengthens, Cambodia is, at last, looking towards re-opening its borders for tourism.

The Cambodian ministry of tourism announced plans to relax travel restrictions for foreigners from November. To further entice tourists, the country is also looking at reducing its current quarantine time of 14-days, or, even removing it entirely. At this stage, it appears that the re-opening plan will only permit fully vaccinated travellers to visit the country. As yet, no further details have been announced.

Cambodia is rapidly outpacing its neighbours in the vaccination race – according to figures from Our World in Data, the country has vaccinated 54,6% of its population. Thailand, and Vietnam are lagging behind with 11,2% and 3,6% respectively. It’s no surprise then, that these positive numbers have brought the possibility of re-opening to leisure travel to the fore. In fact, Cambodia’s vaccine rollout has been so fast-paced, it’s the second highest in Southeast Asia, beaten only by Singapore, which is currently at 79,1% of the population vaccinated. Currently, Cambodia’s capital city, Phnom Penh is the most vaccinated city in Southeast Asia. The country’s goal is to reach herd immunity by the end of September when roughly 75% of the population will have received both jabs.

>> Ethical Travelling in a Covid World

Phnom Penh has amongst the highest vaccination rates in the world

When to visit?

For foreigners eager to explore the temples of Angkor Wat, or kick back on a beautiful beach, then Cambodia‘s re-opening couldn’t be better timed. The wet season tends to run between May and October, so by then, the seasonal monsoon cycle should be over. The dry season runs from November to April, and December and January are the coolest months. With daily average temperatures sitting in the mid-20oC’s the end of the year is ideal for a beach escape. So, whether you want to snooze on the beaches of Saracen Bay, or hack through the rainforests in the Cardamom Mountains, Cambodia will soon be a bucket-list possibility once more.

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US Travellers Face Restrictions From These EU Countries

The United States of America has been added to many high-risk lists across the European continent. We take a look at the new restrictions US travellers face when visiting Europe.

Belgium

In accordance with EU recommendations, Belgium has has tightened restrictions for US visitors. Travellers from the US who want to visit Belgium for non-essential reasons need to provide proof of a vaccination certificate.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria moved the US on to its red list on the 1st of September. Consequently, travellers from the US, regardless of their vaccination status, can only enter Bulgaria if they fall into specific exemption categories. These include, Belgian citizens and residents, those with student visas, and those travelling for humanitarian reasons.

Germany

Germany put the US on its ‘high-risk’ list in August. This means that only fully vaccinated travellers, or those who fall into specific exemption categories can travel to Germany.

>> Travel Changes Across the EU

Italy

US travellers to Italy are now required to undergo 5 days of self-isolation if they do not have either and full vaccination certificate, or, a proof of recovery certificate. The certificate must be recognized by the governing authorities, and if for vaccinations, must be one of the EU’s accepted vaccines, which are:

  • Comirnaty from Pfizer-BioNtech
  • Moderna
  • Vaxzevria
  • Jansen (Johnson & Johnson)
Buildings reflect in the waters of a canal in Amsterdam
US travellers face tighter restrictions from some EU countries such as the Netherlands

The Netherlands

As of the 4th of September, The Netherlands has designated the USA and a very high-risk area. Travellers from America will not be allowed to enter the Netherlands if they are not vaccinated or do not fall into one of the exemption categories. All arrivals from the US need to quarantine for 10 days on arrival, and submit a negative test result, regardless of vaccination or recovery status.

Norway

Norway is not permitting travellers from the United States to enter its borders, unless they fall into an exemption category. From the 12th of September, residents in the United States, with a relation to one of the can visit Norway:

  • Adult children and stepchildren, including parents and stepparents to adult children/stepchildren
  • Grandparents, step-grandparents, grandchildren, and step-grandchildren
  • Girlfriends/boyfriends over the age of 18 and their minor children

Spain

Spain has removed the US from its restriction-free travel list. Travellers to Spain from America now have to provide proof of full vaccination no less than 14 days old. Or check to see if they fall into one of the other exemption categories.

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