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Visa requirements, security, medical & other essential information
The following information will give you the basic facts you need to know before starting out on your trip. Visa requirements, security concerns, local medical facilities and laws vary tremendously across the Asia Pacific region, so it is important that you know the facts for your destination and don't arrive without a visa or inadvertently break a local law! The information on this page is intended to give you an overview - please be sure to confirm entry requirements with your travel agent when purchasing your ticket.
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:
Cambodia is a poor developing country with a constitutional monarchy and elected government. King Norodom Sihamoni is the constitutional monarch and head of state. Elections for Members of the National Assembly were last held in July 2003.
Two parties, the CPP and FUNCINPEC, have formed a coalition government, which the CPP dominates. The country has a market economy, with approximately 80 percent of the population of 13 million engaged in subsistence farming.
The government has good relations with its neighbors, despite strains over residual border disputes and historic antagonisms. The quality of tourist facilities varies widely in Cambodia with the highest standard found in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap (Angkor Wat), and Sihanoukville.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS:
A passport and visa are required. Tourists and business travelers may purchase a Cambodian visa valid for one month at the airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Both require a passport-sized photograph. A departure tax is charged on all domestic and international flights. This tax must be paid in U.S. Dollars.
SAFETY AND SECURITY:
In the aftermath of bombings in Indonesia in the last two years, Southeast Asia remains a possible target of terrorism. There is concern that individuals and groups may be planning terrorist actions against Western citizens and interests, as well as sites frequented by Westerners.
Extremist groups present in Southeast Asia have transnational capabilities to carry out attacks against locations where Westerners congregate. Increased security at official facilities has led terrorist groups and their sympathizers to seek softer targets such as clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, outdoor recreation events, hotels, resorts and beaches.
From time to time, local embassies place local establishments off limits to Embassy personnel due to safety and security incidents. You can contact your Embassy for notification of the current restrictions in place for Embassy personnel.
While the current political situation is relatively stable, the possibility for politically motivated violence remains. Visitors should be aware that Cambodian political activities have turned violent in the past. In November 2000, an anti-government group based in the U.S led an attack against government buildings in Phnom Penh.
In January 2003, there were anti-Thai riots, during which the Royal Embassy of Thailand and Thai commercial establishments were attacked. Grenade attacks and bombings have been used as a form of retribution to settle business and personal disputes.
Land mines and unexploded ordnance can be found in rural areas throughout Cambodia, but especially in Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, and Kampong Thom provinces. At no time should travelers walk in forested areas or even in dry rice paddies without a local guide.
Areas around small bridges on secondary roads are particularly dangerous. Travelers who observe anything that resembles a mine or unexploded ordnance should not touch it. They should notify the Cambodia Mine Action Center at 023-368-841/981-083 or 084.
The town of Siem Reap and the vicinity of the Angkor Wat temple complex remain officially open to tourists. You are advised to travel there by air and to limit your movements to the city of Siem Reap and the main Angkor Wat temple complexes.
CRIME:
Street crime remains a serious concern in Cambodia. Military weapons and explosives remain readily available to criminals despite efforts by authorities to collect and destroy such weapons.
Armed robberies occur frequently in Phnom Penh, and while not specifically targeted, foreign residents and visitors are among the victims. Victims of armed robberies are reminded that they should not resist and should surrender their valuables as any perceived resistance may be met with physical violence, including lethal force.
Local police rarely investigate reports of crime against tourists and travelers should not expect to recover stolen items.
Visitors who travel to the provinces are advised to exercise extreme caution outside the provincial towns during the day and everywhere at night. Many rural parts of the country remain without effective policing.
Individuals should avoid walking alone after dusk anywhere in Sihanoukville, and especially along the waterfront. Some of the beaches are secluded, and there have been reports in the past of women being attacked along the Sihanoukville waterfront during the evening hours. These security precautions should also be taken when visiting the Siem Reap (Angkor Wat) area.
Pickpockets and beggars are also present in the markets and at the tourist sites. Persons visiting Cambodia should practice sound personal security awareness by varying their routes and routines, maintaining a low profile, not carrying or displaying large amounts of cash, not wearing flashy or expensive jewelry, and not walking the streets alone after dark.
Travelers should be particularly vigilant at tourist sites in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville, where there have been a marked increase in motorcycle “snatch and grab” thefts of bags and purses.
In addition, we recommend that visitors travel by automobile and not use local moto-taxies or cyclos for transportation. These vehicles are more vulnerable to armed robberies and offer no protection against injury when involved in traffic accidents.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME:
The loss or theft abroad of a passport should be reported immediately to the local police. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact your. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.
The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred.
Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION:
Medical facilities and services in Cambodia do not meet international standards. Adequate care for basic emergencies is limited in Phnom Penh. Siem Reap, the major tourist attraction of Cambodia, currently has one facility that can provide basic medical care.
Otherwise, medical care outside the capital is almost non-existent. Local pharmacies provide a limited supply of prescription and over the counter medications, but because the quality of locally obtained medications can vary greatly travelers should bring adequate supplies for the duration of their stay in Cambodia.
MEDICAL INSURANCE:
You are advised to consult with your medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether your policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS:
While in a foreign country, visitors may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those at home. The information below concerning Cambodia is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Driving at night in Cambodia is strongly discouraged. In both urban and rural areas, road maintenance is sporadic. Roads between major areas are adequate; however, those leading to more rural areas are poor.
During the rainy season, both urban and rural road conditions deteriorate considerably. Roadside assistance is non-existent. The safety of road travel outside urban areas varies greatly. Cambodian drivers routinely ignore traffic laws and vehicles are frequently poorly maintained.
Intoxicated drivers are commonplace, particularly during the evening hours and penalties for DWI offenses vary greatly. Even on heavily traveled roads, banditry occurs, so all travel should be done in daylight between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Serious flooding occurs both in Phnom Penh and the rest of Cambodia starting at the end of July, early August. Heavy flooding continues into November.
The unimproved highways to Prey Veng, Battambang, Pailin, Stung Treng and Poipet become more difficult and dangerous during this time of the year, and travel to the provinces is virtually impossible. The highway to Sihanoukville is the only road that can be traveled, with caution, during this time of the year.
You are advised not to travel by train because of low safety standards and the high risk of banditry. Travel by boat should be avoided because boats are often overcrowded and lack adequate safety equipment.
In February 2004, two tourists had to be rescued when the boat on which they were traveling capsized on the Mekong River. Owners of the boats accept no liability for accidents. Organized emergency services for victims of traffic accidents are non-existent outside of major urban areas, and those that are available are inadequate.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:
As there is no direct commercial air service between the United States and Cambodia, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Cambodia's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with ICAO international aviation safety standards.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:
Cambodian customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Cambodia of items such as drugs, firearms, antiquities, or ivory. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Cambodia in Washington for specific information regarding customs requirements.
Dual nationality is not prohibited under Cambodia's 1996 nationality law. In addition to being subject to all Cambodian laws affecting visitors, individuals who possess Cambodian nationality may also be subject to laws that impose special obligations on Cambodian citizens.
The U.S. dollar and Cambodian Riel are both widely used, although U.S. dollars are preferred, especially for larger transactions.
Except in major hotels, credit cards are not widely accepted within Cambodia, although a number of banks in Phnom Penh accept Visa cards for cash advances. Bank and major hotels accept travelers' checks, but usually charge a service fee.
The only ATM machines in Cambodia require a local account with the bank. Personal checks are not generally accepted. There are Western Union offices in Phnom Penh and one in Siem Reap to which funds can be wired.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES:
While in a foreign country, a visitor is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those at home and may not afford the protections available to the individual at home.
Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than at home for similar offences. Persons violating Cambodian laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Cambodia are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. |
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