strategic scheduling Thai + Camb dual visit?

[World Traveller2]

Two persons visiting both Thailand and Cambodia in January. Goal is to visit with minimal hassles and delays. Cost is a factor but secondary. Mostly want to avoid uncertainty and complications. Both are double or triple vaccinated. 

 

Canadian citizen is in Thailand now, his extension of stay expires Jan. 8 (presumably extendable to Feb. 7). Swiss citizen is in Switzerland now, arriving presumably on Thailand Pass though could fly via BKK and after some hours in transit lounge to Cambodia.

 

But we don't want to deal with mysteries, gambles, ambiguities and probablies. Or spend time at Embassies doing paperwork. Also added costs.

 

So, do which country first? And how? I welcome your suggestions.

 

Bottom line is that for 30 days we will be in two countries. Due to nature of our project we seek maximum flexibility and value.

[DrJack54]

8 minutes ago, World Traveller2 said:

Bottom line is that for 30 days we will be in two countries. Due to nature of our project we seek maximum flexibility and value.

Madness.

All the requirements for flight to and from Phnom Penh to BKK are cover in various threads. 

"Due to nature of our project..."

Love it.

Edited December 13, 2021 by DrJack54

[Greenstripe]

Things very normal in Cambodia at the momet.  Entry is easy and without hassle - E visa online so no need for visiting Embassy.     Not sure what you are looking for but bars are all officially open and thre street around Steet 130 (118 136 etc) are lit up like a proper bar/ entertainment district.  Visiting Angkor Wat and other atrarctions is  great without crods.  Condos in Phnom Penh are cheap.

 

Transit in BKK  will require the final detination on a single ticket and the airline approved.. for transit  Lufthansa seems safest bet from that part of the world in my opinion but others may be possible.

 

Without knowing more about the objectives of your project - hard to say more but  I would head to Cambodia firlst and then watch for opening of whatever interests you in Thailand and make the move there.

 

 

 

[World Traveller2]

39 minutes ago, Greenstripe said:

Things very normal in Cambodia at the momet.  Entry is easy and without hassle - E visa online so no need for visiting Embassy.     Not sure what you are looking for but bars are all officially open and thre street around Steet 130 (118 136 etc) are lit up like a proper bar/ entertainment district.  Visiting Angkor Wat and other atrarctions is  great without crods.  Condos in Phnom Penh are cheap.

 

Transit in BKK  will require the final detination on a single ticket and the airline approved.. for transit  Lufthansa seems safest bet from that part of the world in my opinion but others may be possible.

 

Without knowing more about the objectives of your project - hard to say more but  I would head to Cambodia firlst and then watch for opening of whatever interests you in Thailand and make the move there.

 

 

So, the announcement mid-November 2021 is already out of date? Official infographics from Ministry of Immigration of Cambodia specifically wrote words to the effect of, 'evisa has been stopped at this time, you must apply at an Embassy'. Why would the Embassy of Cambodia in Thailand be publishing inaccurate information?

[Sheryl]

7 hours ago, World Traveller2 said:

 

 

So, the announcement mid-November 2021 is already out of date? Official infographics from Ministry of Immigration of Cambodia specifically wrote words to the effect of, 'evisa has been stopped at this time, you must apply at an Embassy'. Why would the Embassy of Cambodia in Thailand be publishing inaccurate information?

What is published here is old and out of date.

 

Evisa has resumed (vsa on arrival has not) and Cambodia no longer requires insurance to enter.

 

OP: There are no "hassle free"  options. Both countties  require  an RT-PCR test within 72 hours of departure and proof of vaccination. Both require further testing on arrival  though in Cambodia it is a rapid test done at the airport whereas in Thailand it is a full RT-PCR arranged by an approved hotel where you must  quatantine for 24 hours on arrival (or until a negative test result received).

 

Thailand has several additional requirements including proof of insurance and obtaining a QR code from something called "Thailand Pass" online...many threads running on this.

 

Factors that might influence sequencing are (1)  the predeparture PCR test is less expensive and easier to arrange in Bangkok than in Phnom Penh and (2) you may be required to show an onward ticket if entering Thailand visa exempt (you both qualify for that and the alternative of getting a tourist visa entails further hassles). So advantages to going to Thailand first. Make sure your return itinerary checks you all the way through to home from Phnom Penh as passing immigration in Thailand a second time -- even briefly --   would entail jumping through all the hoops again.

 

In both countries you face mandatory hospitalization if you test positive (even if completely asymptomatic) and extended quatantine, at your own expemse, if you sit next to or are otherwise in close contact with someone who then tests positive.

 

You can enter Thailand visa exempt as noted while Cambodia requires a visa but easily obtained online.

 

As your priorities are minimizing hassle and risk I frankly recommend against coming to either place at this time and especially not Thailand

(Risks are the same for both but Thailand much more hassle).

 

I entered Thailand in September and am about to go to Cambodia then return to Thailand but ths is because Thailand is my home and I have work and family in Cambodia. I would not consider coming to either place purely for holiday at this time

[World Traveller2]

Sheryl has brought up several useful points of co.parison and fact, including (most importantly) that e-visa is available for Cambodia, i.e. online and in advance.

 

I have been calling Embassy in Bangkok in order to verify this and other points. They do not pick up or line is busy.

 

I will endeavour to find out how difficult is 'difficult'  getting the departing PCR test and what is fee for upon arrival rapid test (paid in what currency and how). And I don't like the sound of this word on gov't website, that we are 'encouraged' to buy travel medical insurance from a particular (Cambodian) company. My business associate has high-standard insurance already from Switzerland that exceeds requirements.

 

Thanks to all.

 

[ubonjoe]

18 minutes ago, World Traveller2 said:

Sheryl has brought up several useful points of co.parison and fact, including (most importantly) that e-visa is available for Cambodia, i.e. online and in advance.

The e visa site appears to be working but it still shows some boarder crossings but none of them are open at this time.

Link: https://www.evisa.gov.kh/home

[World Traveller2]

Just now, ubonjoe said:

The e visa site appears to be working but it still shows some boarder crossings but none of them are open at this time.

Link: https://www.evisa.gov.kh/home

Thanks UbonJoe! Do not misunderstand my choice of words as sarcasm - and you know this how?

[ubonjoe]

8 minutes ago, World Traveller2 said:

Thanks UbonJoe! Do not misunderstand my choice of words as sarcasm - and you know this how?

From news articles I have read that stated that a e visa will be accepted for entry.

I opened the site and went as far as the page to apply for one on the website before I posted the link I have had bookmarked for a long time.

[Canada Moose]

33 minutes ago, World Traveller2 said:

And I don't like the sound of this word on gov't website, that we are 'encouraged' to buy travel medical insurance from a particular (Cambodian) company. My business associate has high-standard insurance already from Switzerland that exceeds requirements.

 

Forte Insurance for $90 US is not mandatory for Visa T.  It is only recommended.

[World Traveller2]

1 minute ago, Canada Moose said:

Forte Insurance for $90 US is not mandatory for Visa T.  It is only recommended.

Thanks large lumbering bovine creature from the northern swamp.

 

Are you saying that one can enter with *zero* travel medical insurance or that one needs to have some, but that it needn't be from Forte?

[Canada Moose]

26 minutes ago, World Traveller2 said:

Are you saying that one can enter with *zero* travel medical insurance or that one needs to have some, but that it needn't be from Forte?

This I didn't look into since I always travel with some sort of travel insurance.  I think Cambodia tried to keep things as simple and similar to before as possible.  There is no mention that I have seen where it says you need medical insurance (personal or Forte) to enter Cambodia.  No different to pre-COVID.  The only differences now are PCR test 72 hours before arrival, you apply for the Visa online instead of Visa on Arrival and an antigen test on arrival.  Note for Cambodia it's a PCR test 72 hours before arrival vs Thailand where it's a RT-PCR test 72 hours before departure.

 

I have been researching a similar itinerary as you and decided for me it's best to fly in to Cambodia, go to Thailand visa exempt or apply for eVisa and Thailand Pass when I'm in Cambodia, then fly back to Cambodia

Edited December 14, 2021 by Canada Moose

[Sheryl]

2 hours ago, World Traveller2 said:

Sheryl has brought up several useful points of co.parison and fact, including (most importantly) that e-visa is available for Cambodia, i.e. online and in advance.

 

I have been calling Embassy in Bangkok in order to verify this and other points. They do not pick up or line is busy.

 

I will endeavour to find out how difficult is 'difficult'  getting the departing PCR test and what is fee for upon arrival rapid test (paid in what currency and how). And I don't like the sound of this word on gov't website, that we are 'encouraged' to buy travel medical insurance from a particular (Cambodian) company. My business associate has high-standard insurance already from Switzerland that exceeds requirements.

 

Thanks to all.

 

The Cambodian Embassy in Bangkok is utterly hopeless. I speak from many years experience.

 

As explained what they have on their website is completely outdated

 The insurance requirement was dropped last month when they eliminated quarantine for vaccinated arrivals.

 

If you want a definitive source google Ministry of Foreign Affairs Cambodia. 

 

The test on arrival is free of charge and done in the airport. 15-20 minute wait only.

 

But if planning to return to Thailand you'll have to pay US $130 for PCT and reserve the test in advance...as well as show proof of health insurance, buy a Test & Go package and above all obtain a Thailand Pass QR code which depending on your luck may be easy or nail-bitingly difficult.

 

The only wrinkle for entering Cambodia I have heard of is they are strict in examination of vaccination records  and things like a missing middle name or variation in name spelling can be a potential issue especially if the certificate does not have your psssport mumber on it.

 

Otherwise Cambodia is easy enough it is returning to Thailand (if planned) that entails some hassles.

 

This is of course assuming all tests are negative.  Test positive and you face mandatory hospitalization.

[Sheryl]

2 hours ago, Canada Moose said:

Forte Insurance for $90 US is not mandatory for Visa T.  It is only recommended.

Actually it was a firm requirement until last month. Regardless of what other insurance one might alteady have. But no longet. Stopped in the 3rd week of November on order of the PM.

[World Traveller2]

12 hours ago, Greenstripe said:

Things very normal in Cambodia at the momet.  Entry is easy and without hassle - E visa online so no need for visiting Embassy.     Not sure what you are looking for but bars are all officially open and thre street around Steet 130 (118 136 etc) are lit up like a proper bar/ entertainment district.  Visiting Angkor Wat and other atrarctions is  great without crods.  Condos in Phnom Penh are cheap.

 

Transit in BKK  will require the final detination on a single ticket and the airline approved.. for transit  Lufthansa seems safest bet from that part of the world in my opinion but others may be possible.

 

Without knowing more about the objectives of your project - hard to say more but  I would head to Cambodia firlst and then watch for opening of whatever interests you in Thailand and make the move there.

 

 

 

Nature of project: people photography (without facemasks, doing normal activities)

Edited December 14, 2021 by World Traveller2
add

[World Traveller2]

15 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Madness.

All the requirements for flight to and from Phnom Penh to BKK are cover in various threads. 

"Due to nature of our project..."

Love it.

You may have mistaken our purpose. See reply above.

Edited December 14, 2021 by World Traveller2

[Sheryl]

3 hours ago, World Traveller2 said:

Thanks large lumbering bovine creature from the northern swamp.

 

Are you saying that one can enter with *zero* travel medical insurance or that one needs to have some, but that it needn't be from Forte?

Cambodia does not any longer require proof of insurance to enter, period.

 

That said it would be extremely unwise to go there without good insurance. The quality of care in government hospitals is beyond abyssmal (and costly). Only a few hospitals offer anything approaching acceptable care and they are very costly and limited in areas of specialization;  if seriously injured or ill odds are you'd need med-evac to another country in the region. Vehiicular accidents (including slamming into pedestrians) are commonplace  so being in a seriois accident is no small risk.

 

And then there is the risk of mandatory hospitalization if you test COVID positive at any point including as you are preparing to leave.