Travel Insurance for Cambodia

Travel insurance not only provides the necessary financial assistance to deal with any travel-related emergency, but it can also give you the much-needed peace of mind to enjoy your trip without any stress. Getting travel insurance in Cambodia can secure you against any derailment to your trip. From cancelled or delayed flights to baggage loss, from an unprecedented medical emergency to an early cancellation of the trip due to changing laws of the country. The laws of any country can change without due notice anytime, and as a tourist, you have even lesser control over the consequences it entails.

Without a travel insurance plan, you might have to incur double the costs and risk your protection. Making a travel insurance claim can save you from the unnecessary financial burden of your trip.

Is travel insurance mandatory for Cambodia? Well, the answer is no.

But our advice is that international travel insurance, especially for a place like Cambodia is essential. Although Cambodia is a mesmerising country with a lot to offer tourists, its economic situation is not in the best shape. The place is a former civil war survivor and genocide. Even though this was in the past, the consequences of the war reverberate even today in the form of poverty and social unrest. Many areas in Cambodia are unsafe, and incidences of robberies, theft and ATM/ credit card fraud are rampant. Cambodians are also licensed to own guns, and many money laundering and blackmailing scams also run wild here. Sexual assault happens at famous party spots and beaches like Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. That is why it is advisable for tourists to remain alert and not venture into any isolated places, especially at night. Going to a country where your belongings and physical safety will be at risk is not a good idea. Cambodia is not the only destination where this can happen, which is why international travel insurance, irrespective of the destination, is important. A travel insurance plan cannot control the unforeseen eventualities that may wreak havoc on your trip, but it can definitely provide immediate financial assistance in the following ways:

Journey cover:

With this cover, you can get prompt help in the following scenarios:

• If your passport gets lost/ stolen

• If your luggage gets lost/ stolen

• If you are involved in an accident that causes third-party harm/ injury

• If your flight gets hijacked along the way

• If your flight gets delayed for more than 12 hours and you need to find accommodation

• If your travel insurance plan needs an extension for 7 days due to an unforeseeable delay

• If your trip gets cancelled, we will give a refund of the booking/ hotel expenses, ticket costs, and more

Baggage cover

With this cover, you can get prompt help in the following scenarios:

If your luggage gets lost or delayed, you will receive the replacement of necessary personal belongings and items

Medical cover

With this cover, you can get prompt help in the following scenarios:

• COVID-19 medical expense coverage (in case of hospitalisation) for you and your travel companion

• Hospitalisation coverage if you meet with an accident or develop an illness

• Medical evacuation to India or the nearest hospital

• Full insurance to your nominee in case of unforeseen death

• Repatriation of the body to India

• Compassionate visit help where we provide ticket expenses for a family member to visit you in the hospital

Indians can get a Cambodian visa quite easily and within three days. The eligibility criteria for getting a Cambodian visa, only require Indians to have the right set of documents in place and apply for the correct visa. In Cambodia, two types of visas are available — Visa T and Visa E. There is no difference in the duration of both visa types. Both visas are valid for 3 months and allow a single-entry stay period of 30 days. Anyone wanting to extend their stay and visa validity has to contact the department of immigration in Phnom Penh. Visa T is for tourists, and visa E is for people wanting to go to Cambodia for business, employment, and the like. Even diplomats and officials on a diplomatic visit/ mission must abide by the same visa rules applicable to everyone else. Because Visa E is for business and employment, you need to submit additional requested important documents, more than those required in Visa T.

Here is the list of documents you have to submit:

• Health insurance

• Letter of invitation

• Letter of employment

• Letter of sponsorship

• Letter of labour contract

In both visa types, you have to submit documents like:

• Passport valid for a minimum of six months from the date of arrival in Cambodia

• Recent passport-sized photograph with a white background in the size 4 × 6 cm

• A copy of the hotel accommodation and return flight tickets

• Valid credit card (master card/ visa card)/ bank statement to show proof of bearing expenses in Cambodia and returning to India.

• The visa fees are USD 30$ + 6$ for processing for visa T, which approximately equates to INR 2,800. For visa E, the visa fee is USD$ + 7$, which equates to INR 3,400 approx. You must also have a registered email address and mobile number. Once you pay the visa fees and complete the application process, you will receive an approval letter within 3 days. The application process is 100% digital and is mentioned in detail below. Cambodia has no lengthy interview or verification procedure for giving Indians a visa. Once you get your Cambodian visa, you just have to carry your e-visa certificate to show immigration at the time of departure/ arrival.

Indians are now allowed to enter Cambodia as long as they have the appropriate set of documents in place and their visa. Depending on their purpose of visit, travellers must get the correct visa category. Indian travellers can also get a visa on arrival; however, it is advisable to apply for a Cambodian visa beforehand as the online process is hassle-free and time-saving. Indian tourists are expected to show the vaccination certificate to immigration along with any other requested documents. Travellers can enter the country through designated commercial airlines. They can also enter through neighbouring countries. They must also adhere to the legal code, public laws, and unwritten rules to have a problem-free and enjoyable trip.

The visa application process for Cambodia is very simple. You can go about the process online through the official Cambodia e-visa website https://www.evisa.gov.kh/ or a trusted agency. Or you can do it offline at the Cambodian consulate in India.

Online process:

You can apply for a Cambodian visa online through the following steps.

• Go to the Application section. Choose the type of visa appropriate for your trip. Cambodia has only two visa types – Visa T and Visa E.

• There is not much difference in both visa types except that in Visa E, you need to submit the requested documents like:

• Health insurance

• Letter of invitation

• Letter of employment

• Letter of sponsorship

• Letter of labour contract

• In both visa types, you have to submit documents like:

• Passport valid for a minimum of six months from the date of arrival in Cambodia

• Recent passport-sized photograph with a white background

• Valid credit card (master card/ visa card)

• Once you fill out the form and submit the relevant documents, you have to make the application fee. The fee is hardly USD 30$ + 6$ for processing for visa T, which approximately equates to INR 2,800. For visa E, the visa fee is USD$ + 7$, which equates to INR 3,400 approx.

• After you complete the payment, you will receive an approval letter within 3 days.

• There is no lengthy interview or verification procedure. Once you receive your approval letter, you just have to carry your e-visa certificate to show immigration at the time of departure/ arrival.

Offline process:

• The online process of an application takes a few minutes, but if you want to apply for the Cambodia visa in person, you can visit the only Cambodian consulate in Delhi, India. The address is New Delhi, W-112, Greater Kailash Part II, 110048, India. However, in-person applications are not necessary and are usually reserved for diplomats on diplomatic missions.

Several essential travel documents are required for travelling to Cambodia from India. The aforementioned documents have been listed below.

• An Indian passport is valid for a minimum of six months from the date of arrival in Cambodia.

• A pre-approved Cambodian visa. Tourists visiting Cambodia on a visit visa for 30 days can get a Cambodian visa online (Cambodia e-visa).

• Confirmed travel tickets and other identity proof

• Passport-size photographs with white background

• Any requested financial documents.

Indians do not need to carry many documents to Cambodia as India and Cambodia are on good terms. It takes only about 2-4 days on average to receive the Cambodian visa. Indians can even get a visa on arrival in Cambodia. However, it is advisable to get an e-visa beforehand. It is also wise to carry health insurance and international travel insurance even though it is not considered mandatory for travelling to Cambodia. Travel insurance Cambodia can secure you financially against various unforeseen eventualities like loss/ theft of luggage or personal belongings, cancelled/ delayed flights, cancelled hotel bookings, accidents, injuries, and medical emergencies, including COVID-19, and other scenarios.

Cambodia is developing as a country. The tourism sector is a high point in Cambodia, and while tourists are always welcome, they must not forget to abide by the laws of the land. Every destination had a set of unwritten rules and regulations, a different culture, and diverse practices. It is best to know about them beforehand to stay prepared in the face of any unfortunate and unanticipated situation. Here are some general safety and travel precautionary measures you must undertake while travelling in Cambodia.

• Always keep your passport safe and at hand at all times to show to immigration authorities.

• Keep your belongings with yourself at all times because thieving and snatch-and-grab crimes are rampant in Cambodia.

• Avoid desolate places, nightclubs, and dark-lit areas, especially at night. Sexual assault, theft, and other crimes are rampant in Cambodia, so it is best to travel with people you trust.

• Don’t divulge the details of your debit/ credit cards because credit card/ ATM theft is common here.

• Avoid interfering in violent disputes, shady invitations from strangers and large public gatherings with the police involved because Cambodians are licensed to own guns and arrest foreigners in some situations.

• Use commercial means of transport and registered taxis on ride-sharing apps instead of local transport especially, at night.

• Get vaccinated against rabies – unvaccinated animals reign Cambodia, so it is best to protect yourself.

• Wear appropriate clothes, especially in places of worship like temples

• Respect the country's said and unsaid laws and regulations.

• Do not participate in any unlawful activities, violate public decorum, or engage in public indecency.

• Choose a travel insurance plan to financially secure yourself against any unanticipated events in Cambodia

COVID-19 rules keep changing even though most parts of the world are vaccinated, and restrictions have been lifted. However, even though the vaccine boosts immunity, there is always a threat of contracting the disease, especially in foreign places like Cambodia where COVID-19 is still a risk factor. Here are some COVID-19-specific guidelines you should follow during your stay in Cambodia.

• Wear a mask over your nose and mouth, particularly while using public transport and entering public places.

• Practise social distancing and carry sanitiser with you. Wash your hands wherever possible.

• Carry your vaccination certificate, emergency medications, and travel safety kit.

The Indian Embassy in Cambodia is located at the following address in the city of Phnom Penh.

No.50, Street No. 214, Samdech Pan Ave.,

Sangkat Boeung Raing,

Khan Daun Penh,

Phnom Penh.

Present Ambassador: Dr. Devyani Uttam Khobragade

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00 AM - 05:30 PM UTC

Consular Services Timings: Monday to Friday, 09:00 AM - 05:30 PM UTC

Contact details of the embassy:

Website: https://embindpp.gov.in/

Telephone number: (+855-23) 210912 / 210913

Fax number: (+855-23) 213640 / 210914

For Visa-related queries:

Contact: Mr. A. S. Bhatti

Telephone: (+855-23) 210912 / 210913 Ext: 104

Email: cons.phnompenh@mea.gov.in/ visa.phnompenh@mea.gov.in

There are around 17 airports in Cambodia, but the country has only three international airports that operate commercial flights/ airlines. They are:

Phnom Penh International Airport in Phnom Penh Siem Reap International Airport in Siem Reap

Sihanouk International Airport in Sihanoukville

However, Cambodia’s biggest and most active international airport is the Phnom Penh International Airport in Phnom Penh. Because it is located only at a distance of 10 km (15 minutes) from the capital of Phnom Penh in Cambodia and has the best airport facilities/ services, it is the first choice for many passengers. In fact, the airport sees an influx of over 3 million passengers and tourists every year. The major airlines that have direct and connecting flights to Cambodia are

• Emirates

• Cathay Pacific

• Qatar

• British Airways

• Thai Airways

• Korean Air

• Vietnam Airlines

• Bangkok Airways

• Cambodia Angkor Air

• Air Asia

The official currency of Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel. However, the US Dollar (USD) is also accepted in Cambodia as well. It is advisable to carry a sufficient amount of USD or Cambodian Riel before embarking on your trip to Cambodia.

The exchange rate of the United States Dollar ($) and Cambodian Riel with respect to the Indian National Rupee (₹) fluctuates daily. Right now, the USD to INR rate is – 1 USD = 79.69 INR and the Cambodian Riel is 0.019 INR. To be precise 1 INR = 56 Cambodian Riel. You should monitor the applicable exchange rates of the USD and Cambodian Riel before travelling to Cambodia.

Cambodia has many beautiful places and sights to see. These include:

• Angkor Wat is a temple city with ruins of the powerful Khmer empire. It is a UNESCO-declared world heritage site, so the architecture will blow your mind.

• The Phnom Kulen National Park with majestic historical monuments and is home to the country’s largest Buddha statue

• Bokor National Park to witness the remains of the French colonial past in the park architecture and immense flora and fauna

• Dangrek Mountain range with the prestigious Prasat Preah Vihear temple

• Kampong Cham with a nice quiet calmness and is replete with history and artifacts

• Temples Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Angkor Thom

• Toul Sleng Genocide Museum to learn from history and never repeat the same mistakes of blind hatred

• Island Koh Rong for its nightlife and beach life

• Koh Rong Samloem island for a more laid back and lowkey beach vibe

• Koh Thmei for nature (bird and animal) watching

• Ream National park for exuberant ecosystems like rivers, beaches, and coral reefs

• Apsara dance performance at Siem Reap and Phnom Penh to see the iconic Khmer dance performance style and the beauty and grace of the dancers

• Phnom Penh silver palace and royal Pagoda

• Battambang for French history and architecture

• There are many other places to visit in Cambodia. Preparing an itinerary or a rough outline of the sights you want to see in Cambodia before embarking on your trip saves time and confusion.

The best time to visit Cambodia is between November and April because the country experiences significantly less rainfall during this period. If you dislike the rain, you can go during this peak season. You can enjoy the blue skies and clear weather. However, the tickets and cost of the stay in Cambodia during this season can be more expensive than in the other months. Even if you decide to visit Cambodia before or after this window, you can. It has pleasant weather all year round. Cambodia is more humid, as the country has a tropical climate. Either way, with the appropriate clothing, you can go to Cambodia anytime during the year.