Cambodia, Vietnam Eases Travel to Boost Tourism

Cambodia and Vietnam each announced some relaxation of rules on foreigners' entry travel, apparently aimed at the two countries fully reopening their borders and reviving money-making tourism.

In both Southeast Asian countries, the casino industry is important. In Vietnam, only one resort can accommodate local athletes as part of a government pilot program.

Thursday - Effective from that date - Cambodia's health ministry says fully vaccinated arrivals against COVID-19 no longer need "negative" polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results before they can begin domestic travel to the kingdom. It also removed rules on fast COVID-19 antigen testing on arrival, citing new guidelines issued by Cambodia's health ministry, according to local media reports.

The visa regime on arrival has been restarted for all eligible travellers arriving through all approved entry points, according to the same document. All unvaccinated arrivals will still have to quarantine for 14 days at locations designated by local authorities.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen cited local media as saying the move was aimed at boosting domestic investment and tourism.

Neighboring Vietnam said it would "completely reopen" its borders for international tourism from March 15. It was not clear in media reports whether such foreigners should be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Vietnam's health ministry said foreigners entering the country must be tested for COVID-19 before entering the country. Those who do not must be tested for COVID-19 within 24 hours of entering Vietnam. They were able to travel freely in the country without quarantine after getting a result proving "negative" for the infection.

Vietnam has also begun restoring its visa waiver program for people in eligible countries. In addition, the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Thursday that it has restarted its eVisa initiative.

As of this week, arrivals from 24 countries, including the ASEAN bloc, could enter the country visa-free with a single entry permit for 14 to up to 90 days, according to local news outlet VN Express.

BY: 온라인 슬롯