Asia and Oceania

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• General
 

Travel Summary

• 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.
  
  
• Outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Cambodia have led to a small number of human fatalities. The last fatality was in April 2007. See the Health (Avian Influenza) section of this advice and see Avian and Pandemic Influenza for more details.
  
  
• 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.  On 2 January 2009, three small explosive devices were found and safely detonated in Phnom Penh.  Visitors should avoid demonstrations and political gatherings.
  
  
• Cambodian registered and operated airlines do not meet international safety standards.  See the Air Travel section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• 98,000 British nationals visited Cambodia in 2008 (Source: Cambodia Ministry of Tourism).  Most visits to Cambodia are trouble-free.  72 British nationals required consular assistance in Cambodia in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (16 cases); hospitalisations (15 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (15 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (58 cases).
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.  See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance f or more details.