*Border bounce success story*
Hi all, I recently had to make a border bounce / visa run to Cambodia and thought I would share a bit about my experience to help anyone who might be considering this. Note: I am fully vaccinated and American. The experience might be different for other situations. Also, I came back to Thailand visa-exempt, so sadly I can’t speak to the experience of actually trying to get a Thai visa while in Cambodia.
*Before Leaving*
Hotel Booking: There are no restrictions on which hotels you can or can’t stay in (there is no “SHA+” there.)
Visa: Cambodia requires a visa (no visa-on-arrival) but they have an “E-visa” with a very simple online application. Mostly just passport info, arrival airport, hotel address, and contact info. Cost is about 1000 baht and my application was accepted in two hours.
Covid Testing: PCR test required within 72 hours of departure. I tested at MedConsult in Bangkok for 2000 baht and got the result in less than 24 hours.
Flight: You can only fly into certain airports in Cambodia (the list can be seen in the E-Visa application), but I think all the main ones are covered. Round trip tickets are about 5000 baht. Note: While checking in for my flight to Cambodia, the airline asked to see a ticket departing Cambodia, even though this was never mentioned as a requirement anywhere.
Health Insurance covering Covid: I’ve seen conflicting information online about whether this is required or only encouraged, but I would get it to be safe. They asked to see mine.
*Upon Arrival in Cambodia*
Paperwork: Need to show passport, E-visa, PCR covid result, and health insurance documentation.
Covid Testing: At the airport they test you for free using an ATK covid test. You get the result in about 20 minutes. If you are negative, you are completely free to go anywhere in Cambodia with no quarantine and no restrictions.
*Going Back to Thailand*
Covid Testing: I got my test done at Intercare Medical Center in Phnom Penh. I walked in with no appointment required. Same-day result cost about 4000 baht. Apparently there are 2000-baht, next-day results at Pasteur Institute in Phnom Penh but it seemed to require an appointment and was not convenient for me.
Thailand Pass: I applied for my Thailand Pass on a Tuesday and was approved the following Sunday (it took 5 days).
*Summary*
Overall, Cambodia had a simple and easy process. And it was great to leave the airport after the ATK test with no quarantine or restrictions. Total cost for E-Visa, covid tests, and flights is about 12,000 baht. Hotel and food costs are similar to Thailand. So depending how long you want to stay there, you can easily estimate the total cost.
Feel free to let me know if you have any questions. Hope this helps someone!
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post details a successful border bounce/visa run to Cambodia for a fully vaccinated American expat. Key steps included obtaining a Cambodian E-visa through an online application, undergoing a PCR test for Covid-19 before departure, and flying into specified airports in Cambodia. Upon arrival, further Covid testing took place, but with no quarantine. The return process involved another Covid test and the application for the Thailand Pass, which was approved quickly. The total cost of the trip for visas and tests amounted to around 12,000 baht.
