Cambodia reopening to foreign visitors began with a targeted pilot in late 2021 that allowed fully vaccinated travellers to enter with limited restrictions. The approach combined pre-departure testing, on-arrival screening, and a short stay requirement in designated coastal areas before visitors could travel more widely.
What the reopening is and background
The Cambodian government introduced measures in November 2021 designed to restart international tourism while managing public-health risks. A formal announcement on 14 November set new rules that took effect from 15 November for vaccinated arrivals; the pilot “Sandbox” scheme for coastal destinations began at the end of November.
Officials framed the changes as a way to re-open for investors and tourists and to enable Cambodians abroad to return more easily. The pilot targeted Sihanoukville and Koh Rong (and specific resorts) so authorities could monitor arrivals in a limited area before expanding the model to other tourism hubs.
- Key dates: government announcement 14 November 2021; changes effective 15 November 2021; Sandbox launched 30 November 2021.
- Pilot locations: Sihanoukville and Koh Rong (including Koh Rong Dara Sakor Resort).
Key features and highlights of the Sandbox program
The Sandbox scheme required fully vaccinated visitors to spend a minimum period in the approved coastal zone before travelling elsewhere in Cambodia. Within the Sandbox, travellers were not confined to a single hotel but could move around the designated area during their required stay.
Different testing steps applied depending on the entry route and vaccination status. Fully vaccinated arrivals were expected to present a recent negative test before departure and undergo testing on arrival; visitors who were not fully vaccinated remained subject to a 14-day quarantine requirement.
- Minimum stay in Sandbox destinations: five days.
- Freedom to move within the Sandbox area during that stay (no hotel-only quarantine).
- Entry by direct flight to Sihanoukville International Airport was a condition for participants in the pilot.
Practical travel requirements and documentation
Travel arrangements for the Sandbox had a number of specific documentation and logistics requirements. Organisers and travellers needed to follow the rules closely to avoid denied boarding or entry delays.
Typical paperwork and tests required for the pilot included proof of full vaccination (completed at least 14 days before arrival), a negative RT-PCR test issued within 72 hours before departure, and an RT-PCR test on arrival at Sihanoukville airport. Entry under the pilot was also limited to visitors travelling as part of accredited full-package group tours or to small, private high-end groups in many cases.
- Proof of vaccination certificate dated at least 14 days prior to travel.
- Negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours before the scheduled flight.
- On-arrival RT-PCR testing at Sihanoukville airport as part of the Sandbox checks.
- Booking confirmation showing pre-paid accommodation in an approved Sandbox location for five nights.
- Flight tickets showing direct arrival to the specified airport (transits were not permitted under the pilot).
For travellers planning onward journeys, the pilot required a record of the previous 14 days’ travel history as part of entry checks. Visitors should also budget time for testing results and follow any local guidance while awaiting results.
Cultural and local context
The coastal pilot emphasised areas of Cambodia that rely heavily on beach and island tourism. Sihanoukville and Koh Rong are established coastal destinations with accommodation and services oriented towards seaside stays. Visitors report that the pilot’s focus on these locations reflected an attempt to restart tourism where infrastructure for international arrivals was already in place.
Local authorities and tourism operators framed the pilot as a cautious step to reopen the economy while protecting public health. The government cited vaccination progress as a justification for easing quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated travellers, though measures depended on ongoing assessment of public-health data.
- If you plan to visit beaches and islands, check current local rules for businesses and attractions.
- Respect local guidance on gatherings and venue operations—rules may change according to health conditions.
For practical advice about Cambodia’s coastline and visitor expectations, see suggested reading on the country’s shores: coastal beaches.
Who the reopening suits
The Sandbox and the quarantine exemptions were primarily aimed at fully vaccinated travellers prepared to follow the pilot’s logistics. Organised tour groups and higher-end small parties were easier to manage under the program’s rules, which is why many entrants were required to join packaged tours or to demonstrate pre-paid stays.
Travellers who are unvaccinated, transit passengers, or those unwilling to comply with testing and booking requirements face stricter restrictions — including the 14-day quarantine for unvaccinated arrivals. The arrangement therefore favoured visitors who could meet documentation demands and travel on direct flights to the designated airport.
- Best suited to: vaccinated international travellers able to join accredited group tours or private packages.
- Less suitable for: unvaccinated visitors, travellers relying on transit connections, or those unable to pre-book approved accommodation for the required period.
For travellers arriving overland from neighbouring countries, consider logistics and border rules carefully; practical cross-border options are summarised in resources like Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh.
Comparisons and alternatives
The Sandbox model differed from blanket border closures or long hotel quarantines in that it allowed movement within a defined area rather than confining arrivals to a single room. It also tied entry to vaccination status and to participation in regulated tour arrangements.
Alternatives to entering via the Sandbox included standard quarantine for unvaccinated travellers or waiting until other destinations were added to the pilot. Authorities indicated they would consider expanding the model to Siem Reap depending on the pilot’s results; Siem Reap’s opening as a Sandbox destination was projected for January 2022 pending evaluation.
| Aspect | Sandbox (Sihanoukville / Koh Rong) | Standard entry for unvaccinated arrivals |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum stay in designated area | 5 days | Not applicable (subject to 14-day quarantine) |
| Vaccination requirement | Fully vaccinated required | Not fully vaccinated — quarantine required |
| Testing before departure | Negative RT-PCR within 72 hours | Negative RT-PCR usually required; quarantine follows |
| On-arrival testing | RT-PCR at Sihanoukville airport | Testing on arrival as per health authority rules |
| Freedom of movement | Free to move within Sandbox area during required stay | Restricted by quarantine facility rules for 14 days |
Frequently Asked Questions
What proof of vaccination is required to enter under the Sandbox?
Travellers must present a certificate showing they are fully vaccinated at least 14 days before arrival. Entry under the pilot targeted fully vaccinated visitors; authorities also required supporting travel documents and testing as described for the program.
Can I travel to Siem Reap straight away under the pilot?
Initially, Siem Reap was not part of the first Sandbox cycle. The government indicated Siem Reap could be added as a Sandbox destination in January 2022 depending on results from the Sihanoukville and Koh Rong pilot. Visitors could travel to Siem Reap only after completing the required period in an approved Sandbox location.
Are transit passengers eligible for the Sandbox entry?
No. The pilot required direct flights to Sihanoukville International Airport and did not permit transit arrivals for participation in the Sandbox. Travellers booking through the program needed to ensure their tickets showed direct arrival to the specified airport.
What happens if I am not fully vaccinated?
Visitors who were not fully vaccinated were subject to a 14-day quarantine requirement on arrival at the time the pilot was announced. Rules for unvaccinated arrivals remained stricter than for vaccinated travellers participating in the Sandbox.
How long should I allow for testing and results?
Travellers were required to present a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure and to undergo testing on arrival. Allow time for on-arrival procedures and for any waiting period to receive test results, and follow local guidance while awaiting outcomes.