Genvisec advises against all travel to the Preah Vihear (Khaoi Pra Viharn in Thai) temple area and the Ta Krabey/Ta Moan temple area located on the Thai-Cambodian border. 

Movement to other areas and the capital city can continue ensuring that all visiting personnel are briefed prior.

 

Crime

Foreigners present an attractive target for criminals. Violent crime is rare, although there have been reports of weapons being used during robberies against foreigners. Hotspots for petty crime include the riverfront and BKK areas of Phnom Penh, and the beaches and tourist areas of Sihanoukville.

 

Although most visits are trouble-free, Genvisec continues to receive crime reports from foreign nationals. Most of these are bag snatchings, often by thieves riding past on motorbikes. Bag straps have been cut and bags snatched from passengers on moving tuk-tuks and motorbikes. Take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. Use a hotel safe for your valuables. Take extra care at night and in isolated areas. Be vigilant on public transport and in crowded areas. Watch out for pickpockets.

 

As of January 2014, police in Sihanoukville are reporting instances of drink spiking in some bars frequented by foreigners. Be vigilant and avoid leaving drinks unattended. There have been a small number of rapes and sexual assaults against foreigners in various locations.

 

Cambodians are friendly, but you should be wary if a Cambodian or other foreign national befriends you quickly and invites you to their home or hotel on the pretext of meeting their family. There have been reports of foreign nationals being tricked into becoming involved in a poker scam and then threatened at knife-point to withdraw money at an ATM.

 

If you need to report a crime in Phnom Penh, go to the tourist police on Street 158, near Wat Koh.

 

Terrorism

 

There is a low threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by expatriates and foreign travellers. There have been a small number of grenade/bomb attacks and shootings. Most have been linked to business, personal and traffic disputes.

 

 

Political situation

 

Incidents of politically-motivated violence have fallen significantly in recent years, but particular events or political disputes may trigger violent protests. Avoid large gatherings, demonstrations and political meetings. Don’t express strong opinions on Cambodian politics or culture.

 

Cambodia held its general election on 28 July in a mostly peaceful environment. On 29 July, the main opposition party announced it was disputing the results and called for an investigation into alleged irregularities in the electoral process. Protests are ongoing in Phnom Penh and are likely to continue. There have been frequent roadblocks and traffic has been congested.

 

In mid-September 2013 a mass opposition protest took place in Phnom Penh and there were some clashes between police and protestors resulting in 1 death and several injuries. A further mass protest took place in Phnom Penh from 23 to 25 October. The opposition marched to various embassies around the city, including the British Embassy.

 

On 3 January 2014 unrest broke out during labour protests in Phnom Penh’s Pur Senchey District which resulted in several protestors being killed. On 4 January, the government issued a statement banning any further protests, and demonstrators were forcibly cleared from Freedom Park in central Phnom Penh. You should avoid all public gatherings and follow media coverage closely.

 

Local travel

 

While there is good internet, wifi and mobile phone coverage in Cambodia, many of the islands and remote areas are not covered. Make sure your friends and family are aware that you may be out of contact.

 

Be especially alert to the local security situation in border regions and at land crossings between countries. Seek local advice before you set off. At the more remote crossing points, conditions can be basic. Some visitors have reported local officials at land borders asking for unofficial fees or inflating visa prices. Make sure you know the correct visa requirements and fees before you travel.

 

Thailand Border

 

The line of the international border near the Preah Vihear temple (Khaoi Pra Viharn in Thai) is disputed by Cambodia and Thailand. Since 2008 there have been occasional clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops in the area. Although relations between the two countries concerning the border are improving, Genvisec continues to advise against all travel to the temple and surrounding area due to the possibility of further violence.

 

Disputes also exist over control of the Ta Moan and Ta Krabey temples, which lie close to the Thailand-Cambodia border. There was fighting between Cambodian and Thai troops at Ta Krabey in 2011.  Advise against all travel to the Ta Moan and Ta Krabey temple area.

 

There were separate confrontations in Oddar Meanchey Province, 3km east of the Ou’Smach international border crossing with Thailand in 2010 and at Trapaing Prasat District in 2010.

 

Landmines

 

Cambodia remains heavily affected by landmines and unexploded ordnance. Mined areas are often unmarked. Don’t stray off main routes in rural areas, including around temple complexes.

 

Rail travel

 

There are no scheduled passenger trains operating in Cambodia. Don’t ride on the occasional goods trains. Trains and rail track are poorly maintained and there is a risk of accidents.

 

Road travel

 

Cambodia has one of the highest rates of road traffic accidents in the region. There are high numbers of fatalities and serious injuries. There were at least two bus accidents involving foreigners in 2012. Most roads are in very poor condition. Travel after dark significantly increases the risk of accidents.

 

You will need a Cambodian driving licence to drive a vehicle, including a motorcycle. If you have an International Driving Permit, you can apply for a Cambodian licence for US $32. Some local travel agencies can arrange this for a fee. Driving or riding a motorbike without a licence may invalidate your travel insurance in the event of an accident. Your vehicle may also be impounded.

 

Travelling as a passenger by motorcycle taxi (‘motodop’) is dangerous. Vehicles are poorly maintained and driving standards are low. There is also a risk of bag snatching.

 

The police can impose an on-the-spot fine if you ride a motorcycle without a helmet. Riding without a helmet may also invalidate your insurance.

 

Due to the high number of accidents involving tourists on motorcycles in Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, the local police occasionally ban rental shops from hiring to tourists. The police are known to stop tourists on motorcycles and advise them to return the bikes immediately. They sometimes also impose an unofficial fine.

 

Before you hire a vehicle, check your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered (as either a driver or passenger for motorcycles) and check the small print of the rental agreement. Don’t use your passport as security for motorcycle or car rental. Owners have been known to hold on to passports against claimed damage to the motorcycle or scooter.

 

Sea/River Travel

 

Accidents have occurred due to overloaded or poorly maintained boats. A boat with tourists sank off the coast of Sihanoukville in April 2011 due to overloading. Life-vests and other safety equipment are not routinely provided, even on modern vessels. Boat travel on rivers becomes difficult in the dry season (March - May). Water levels in rivers and lakes are high during the rainy season.

 

There have been attacks against ships in the South China Sea and surrounding seas. Mariners should be vigilant, reduce opportunities for theft, establish secure areas on-board and report all incidents to the coastal and Flag State authorities.

 

Health

Contact your doctor around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. 

 

Public health facilities in Cambodia are very poor. Private clinics and hospitals in Phnom Penh are often better equipped, but are of variable quality and can be expensive. The standards maintained by Cambodian emergency services are poor in comparison to Western Europe and evacuation may be necessary for medical emergencies and anything other than minor medical concerns. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

There are no proper mental health care facilities in Cambodia. Professional treatment including medication is difficult and expensive to obtain. Emergency mental health treatment is likely to require an air ambulance transfer to a country offering appropriate facilities.

 

Drugs have also caused of a number of deaths in Cambodia. These are suspected to be a result of the high purity, or adulteration by unknown substances.

 

Local pharmacies provide a limited supply of medications. Some may sell counterfeit products. Make sure you bring adequate supplies for the duration of your stay.

 

There have been some cases of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in poultry in Cambodia. This has led to a small number of human infections, including fatalities during 2011. The risk to humans is believed to be very low, but as a precaution you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

 

There have been cases of hand, foot and mouth disease resulting in a number of deaths among children.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 119 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Money

ATMs are available in Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville and Siem Reap. Take care when withdrawing cash and be aware of your surroundings.

 

Not all banks accept international cards. Check with your bank before you travel. Credit cards are not widely used, but a few hotels and businesses in larger cities accept them. Travellers cheques can be exchanged at many banks and bureaux de change.

 

US dollars are widely accepted and are used for most transactions over US$1. In some border areas with Thailand it is possible to use Thai Baht.

 

Local laws and customs

There are new procedures for foreign and Cambodian citizens who wish to marry in Cambodia. For more information contact Genvisec.

 The sexual abuse of children is a serious crime. European and Cambodian authorities are committed to combating travelling child sex offenders. Those arrested and convicted can expect to receive long sentences in a Cambodian prison where facilities are very poor. The UK and other parts of Europe have no prisoner transfer agreement with Cambodia and those found guilty can expect to serve their full prison term in Cambodia, have their visas revoked and be deported when released. Those who commit sex offences against children abroad can also be prosecuted in their home country.

 

Penalties for possession, distribution or manufacture of drugs, including Class C, are severe. Prison sentences can be long and served in poor conditions. Drugs have also caused of a number of deaths in Cambodia. These are suspected to be a result of the high purity, or adulteration by unknown substances.

 

Never take photographs in or near airports or military bases. Ask permission before taking pictures of people, especially monks and other religious figures.

 

When entering religious and cultural sites it is a courtesy to dress in appropriate clothing. You are expected to remove your shoes when entering temples and private accommodation.

 

Adopting Cambodian children

 

Due to corruption and suspected human trafficking issues the Department for Education (DfE) has suspended all adoptions of Cambodian children by foreigners. A new Inter-Country Adoption Law was due to come into effect in Cambodia on 1 January 2013 but has been delayed. The Department for Education will continue to monitor the adoption processes in Cambodia and review the suspension accordingly.

 

Visas

 

You can get a visa on arrival at most ports of entry. Payment is in $US only. You will need to bring 2 passport photos.

 

A business visa costs US $25 for 1 month and can be renewed indefinitely. A tourist visa costs US $20 for 1 month and can be extended for only 1 extra month.

 

The Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs operates an electronic visa (e-Visa) facility for tourist visas only. The e-Visa costs US $20. It can only be used at the main entry points. For further information on all visas, visit the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website or the Immigration Department

 

Tourist visas issued by a Royal Cambodian Embassy abroad may appear to have a longer validity than 1 month. The validity of the visa refers to time you have to enter Cambodia. The visa is valid for 30 days from the actual date of entry into Cambodia. Make sure your passport is stamped on arrival. You can be fined, detained and deported if you overstay your visa.

 

In order to leave Cambodia you will require an exit visa, this will be given to you on entry to the country. If you lose your exit visa or passport with the visa inside you will need to obtain a new exit visa at a cost of $40 from the Cambodian Immigration Department. The offices are found on No 332, Russian Boulevard, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The exit visa will take up to three working days to be processed.

 

If you have any queries about visas or entry requirements, check with the The Royal Cambodian Embassy.

 

Entering Cambodia from Laos

 

You can get a visa on arrival in Cambodia at the Dom Krolor checkpoint. There is also a river checkpoint at Vern Kham (9 km from the road checkpoint) but you can’t get a visa at this border crossing.

 

Entering Cambodia from Vietnam

 

You can get a visa on arrival in Cambodia from Vietnam at most border crossings. Bavet, Kaam Samnor and Phnom Den crossings are open to foreign travellers and issue Cambodian visas. The other border crossings at Trapeang Phlong, Prek Chak, O Yadaw and Trapeang Srer are reported to be open to foreign travellers and in some cases issue Cambodian visas. There are a number of other local crossing points which are only open to Cambodian and Vietnamese nationals. Seek local advice before travelling to these border crossing points.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Cambodia. Entry is normally refused if you have a damaged passport or pages missing.

 

Yellow fever

 

Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

 

 

 

 

 

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