Asia and Oceania

Cambodia
Still current at: 26 November 2009 Updated: 10 November 2009

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary and Local Travel sections (Thailand/Cambodia relations). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel advice for this country

Safety and security

Terrorism/Security

There is a low threat from terrorism in Cambodia. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

There have been serious attacks in other parts of South East Asia. In Indonesia, Westerners were killed and injured following the terrorist attacks in Bali (October 2002 and October 2005) and Jakarta (August 2003 and September 2004).

There have been serious attacks in other parts of South East Asia. In neighbouring Indonesia, Westerners were killed and injured following the terrorist attacks in Bali (October 2002 and October 2005) and Jakarta (August 2003, September 2004 and August 2009).

On 2 January 2009, three small explosive devices were found and safely detonated in Phnom Penh. One device was found in front of the Ministry of National Defence Head Quarters, the others in a building site near to the studios of the state television company, TV3. On 29 July 2007, two small explosive devices were found and a third exploded at the Cambodian/Vietnamese Friendship Monument in Phnom Penh. There were no injuries in any of these attacks, which were believed to be the work of domestic groups. There was no evidence that foreign nationals were targeted in any attacks.

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

Disparity in wealth may make tourists an attractive target for crime: sensible precautions should be taken to avoid opportunistic theft. You should be on your guard against pickpockets and bag snatchers. You are advised to remain particularly vigilant against theft when using public transportation, including inter-city buses, tuk-tuks and motos. Use security facilities in hotels and guest houses for your valuables.

Particular areas where crime levels have been relatively high in recent months have been the riverfront area of Phnom Penh, and the beaches and tourist areas of Sihanoukville. You should be particularly vigilant at night, and in deserted areas, although incidents have occurred at all times of day. Thieves do not generally use violence, but some incidents have involved criminals carrying weapons.

ATMs have recently been installed in Phnom Penh and other cities. You should take care when withdrawing cash and be aware of your surroundings.

There have been a small number of grenade/bomb attacks and shootings, although most have been linked to business, personal and traffic disputes. There is no evidence to suggest that British nationals or Western interests more generally, have been the targets of these attacks. However, there is a danger foreigners might be caught up in any further attacks.

There have also been a small number of rapes and sexual assaults in various locations. For more general information, see Rape and Sexual Assault Abroad.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

Cambodia Country Profile

The political situation in Cambodia is stable, and incidents of politically motivated violence have fallen significantly in recent years, but particular events or political disputes may occasionally trigger violent protests. You are advised to keep away from any large gatherings, demonstrations and political meetings, and to avoid expressing forcible opinions on Cambodian politics or culture.

Local Travel

We advise against all travel to the Preah Vihear (Khaoi Pra Viharn in Thai) temple area. Fighting broke out on 15 October 2008 between Thai and Cambodian troops along the disputed border area near the temple. On 2 April 2009, further hostilities were reported at Veal Antri, near to Preah Vihear. On 19 September clashes occurred between political demonstrators and local villagers during which several people were injured. The presence of ex-Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Cambodia, at the invitation of the Cambodian government, has raised tensions between the two countries further. You should remain alert to the local situation when travelling in other border regions, and at land crossings between the two countries.

Cambodia remains heavily affected by land mines and unexploded ordnance. Mined areas are frequently unmarked. You should therefore not stray off main routes in rural areas, including around temple complexes.

Seasonal flooding occurs both in Phnom Penh and in the rest of Cambodia, particularly between the end of July and November. Travel to some provinces can be seriously disrupted during this time.

Some visitors have reported local officials at land border entry points imposing unofficial fees or inflating visa prices. You should inform yourself about the correct visa requirements and fees before travel.

Road Travel

A Cambodian driver’s license is required to drive in Cambodia, including to drive motorcycles. Holders of International Driving Permits can apply for one at a cost of US $25. Some local travel agencies can arrange a licence for an additional administrative fee. Driving without a licence may invalidate your travel insurance in the event of an accident. Drivers not in possession of a valid Cambodian driver’s licence have had motorcycles impounded with the police imposing a hefty charge for release. You are advised not to use your passport as security for motorcycle rental.

The majority of roads in Cambodia are in a very poor condition. Travel after dark significantly increases the risk of an accident. Hazards include overloaded vehicles, erratic driving, vehicles without lights and stray cattle. Cambodia has one of the highest rates of road traffic accidents in the region, resulting in high numbers of fatalities and serious injuries.

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

You are advised against travelling as a passenger by motorcycle taxi because of poor road and vehicle maintenance, the low level of driver skills and the risk of bag snatching. However, if you travel by motorcycle you are advised to take precautions including the use of an international-standard helmet and protective clothing as either a driver or passenger. A helmet is required by law, and the police began enforcing on-the-spot fines. You should also ensure that your insurance policy provides coverage for riding motorcycles either as a driver or as passenger.

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

Rail Travel

There are no scheduled passenger trains operating. You should not ride on the occasional goods trains. Trains and rail track are poorly maintained which increases the risk of accidents.

Air Travel

A charge of $25 per person is levied on departure for passengers on international flights. A smaller charge may be levied for domestic flights.

Domestic air services in Cambodia are limited. Cambodia is currently unable to ensure that its airlines meet international safety standards.

A new airline – Cambodia Angkor Air – was launched in August 2009. It is a joint venture between the Government of Cambodia and Vietnam Airlines. Arrangements for the registration and inspection of its aircraft are not yet clear.

Siem Reap Airways International has been refused permission to operate services to the EU because it does not comply with Cambodian civil aviation regulations and does not meet the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organisation. All flights previously operated by Siem Reap Airways International were taken over by Bangkok Airways, which is not affected by the ban, but it has been reported that Siem Reap Airlines will resume flights in October 2009.

The Cambodian authorities suspended the operating licence of PMT Air until 12 April 2009 and revoked the licenses of four other carriers: Sarika Air Services, Royal Air Services, Royal Khmer Airlines and Imtrec Aviation. PMT Air has not yet applied for a renewed licence. You should be aware that there may also be safety risks associated with travel on Cambodian Government aircraft, including those operated by the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.

You can find a list of carriers banned from the EU on the European Commission website may be found at the following.

Further information on airlines is available from organisations such as the International Civil Aviation Organisation and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority For more general information see Airline Security.

Sea/River Travel

Accidents have occurred due to overloaded or poorly maintained boats on all routes. 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).

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.

For more general information see River and Sea Safety.