Cambodia travel advice

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Health section (Avian Flu poultry outbreak in Cambodia in December 2008). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel advice for this country

See entire profile

Travel Summary

Fighting broke out on 15 October between Thai and Cambodian troops along the disputed border area near the Preah Vihear temple (Khao Pra Viharn in Thai). We advise against all travel to the temple area. Although talks continue between the two countries, tensions remain high. You should remain alert to the local situation when travelling in other border regions, and at land crossings between the two countries.
In Thailand: anti-government protestors withdrew from Bangkok airports on 3 December 2008. The airports are now returning to normal. However, given the political uncertainty, possibility of further mass demonstrations and further disruption, including to the transport network, we advise that you continue to check with your airline or tour operator if you intend to travel into or through Bangkok airports.
There is an underlying threat from terrorism in Cambodia. Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. 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 on Russian Boulevard. The other devices were found in a building site near to the studios of the state television company TV3, again on Russian Boulevard. Visitors should continue to avoid crowds and, in particular, political gatherings.
Cambodian registered and operated airlines do not meet international safety standards. 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. See the Air Travel section of this advice for more details.
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.
You should keep a photocopy of your passport with you at all time for identification purposes.
Around 85,000 British nationals visited Cambodia in 2007 (Source: Cambodia Ministry of Tourism). Most visits to Cambodia are trouble-free. The main type of incidents for which British nationals required consular assistance in Cambodia in 2007 were replacing lost and stolen passports (over 45 cases); and dealing with deaths and hospitalisations, mostly from road traffic accidents (25 cases), bag snatches and drug related issues. You should also be aware of landmines and unexploded ordnance in rural areas.
We strongly 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.

Safety and security

Terrorism/Security

There is an underlying threat from terrorism in Cambodia. Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. 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 on Russian Boulevard. The other devices were found in a building site near to the studios of the state television company TV3, again on Russian Boulevard. On 29 July 2007 two small explosive devices were found and a third exploded at the Cambodian/Vietnamese Friendship Monument (off Sothearos Boulevard) in Phnom Penh.

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 and September 2004).

There have been incidents of politically motivated violence. However, these do not appear to have been aimed specifically at foreigners. You should avoid crowds and political gatherings.

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

You should be aware of the risk of robbery and other crime (including sexual offences) especially in Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville and Siem Reap, particularly after dark. You should take sensible precautions and be on your guard against pickpockets and bag snatchers especially when travelling around the cities.

There is no public transport system. Travel is by privately owned Tuk-Tuks or motorcycle taxi (moto) for which you have to negotiate the fare. Travel between the larger cities is by coach, minibus or taxi. You are advised to remain vigilant against petty theft should when using transportation.

There has been an increase in reports of street robberies and muggings of foreign nationals taking place in the river front area of Phnom Penh. You should take sensible precautions and avoid unlit areas around the river front in the late evening and if the area is deserted. Foreign nationals have also been mugged when walking in down town Phnom Penh by thieves brandishing knives and guns. Foreigners have also been victims of random street crime in other cities in Cambodia and have had bags, cameras and mobile phones snatched or have been mugged both after dark and increasingly during daylight hours. You are urged to avoid isolated areas after dark, including beaches in the Sihanoukville area, where there have been an increasing number of violent incidents. Travel by car will reduce the risk as will limiting night time travel around Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville and Siem Reap to well-lit public areas.

ATMs have been installed in Phnom Penh and other cities, and you are urged to take care when withdrawing cash and to be aware of your surroundings. Travel by car will reduce the risk as will limiting night time travel around Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville and Siem Reap to well-lit public areas.

Sexual offences have taken place against foreigners in various locations. For more general information see Rape and Sexual Assault Abroad.

Banditry and extortion, including cases involving poorly disciplined military and police personnel, continue in some rural areas, particularly at night in areas between Snoul, Kratie and Stung Treng in the north eastern provinces.

There have been a small number of grenade / bomb attacks, although most have been linked to business or personal 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 get caught up in any further attacks.

Some foreigners have reported local officials at land border entry points imposing unofficial fees or inflating visa prices. You are advised to use caution.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad

Political Situation

Cambodia Country Profile

You are advised to keep away from any large gatherings, demonstrations and political meetings. You should also avoid expressing forcible opinions on Cambodian politics or culture as politically motivated violence is common.

Local Travel

The line of the international border in the vicinity of the Preah Vihear temple (Khao Pra Viharn in Thai) is the subject of dispute between Cambodia and Thailand

Fighting broke out on 15 October between Thai and Cambodian troops along the disputed border area near the Preah Vihear temple (Khao Pra Viharn in Thai). We advise against all travel to the temple area. Although talks continue between the two countries, tensions remain high. You should remain alert to the local situation when travelling in other border regions, and at land crossings between the two countries.

Disputes also exist over control of the Ta Moan and Ta Krabey temples, which lie close to the Thai-Cambodia border. There has been no fighting in these areas, but we recommend that you should avoid them.

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 the rest of Cambodia starting at the end of July or early August and continuing until November. Travel to some provinces can be seriously disrupted during this time.

Road Travel

A Cambodian driver’s license is required to drive in Cambodia. Holders of International Driving Permits can apply for one at a cost of US $25. Some local travel agencies can arrange for an additional administrative fee. Drivers not in possession of a valid Cambodian driver’s licence have had motorcycles impounded with the police imposing a hefty charge for release. As many rental outlets often require the deposit of passports as security this can be very expensive and you are advised not to use your passport as security.

The majority of roads in Cambodia are in a very poor condition. Travel after dark significantly increases the risk of an accident. Vehicles often do not have lights and cattle stray onto roads. Overloaded vehicles coupled with erratic driving skills make road traffic accidents (RTAs) potentially the greatest risk to visitors.

Due to the high number of RTAs 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 crime. However, if you travel by motor cycle you are advised to take precautions including the use of a helmet, required by law since September 2007, and protective clothing as either a driver or passenger. You should also ensure that your insurance policy provides coverage for riding motorcycles either as a driver or passenger.

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

Rail Travel

We advise against travelling by train. Trains and rail track are poorly maintained which increases the risk of accidents.

Air Travel

In Thailand: anti-government protesters withdrew from Bangkok airports on 3 December 2008. The airports are now returning to normal. However, given the political uncertainty, possibility of further mass demonstrations and further disruption, including to the transport network, we advise that you continue to check with your airline or tour operator if you intend to travel into or through Bangkok airports.

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

The Cambodian authorities have suspended the operating licence of PMT Air until 12 April 2009 and revoked the licences of four other carries: Sarika Air Services, Royal Air Services, Royal Khmer Airlines and Imtrec Aviation. 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.

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. Flights advertised by Siem Reap Airways International using aircraft crewed and operated by Bangkok Airways are not affected by the ban. It is understood that all flights currently advertised by Siem Reap Airways are operated by Bangkok Airways, but travellers should satisfy themselves about the identity of the operating carrier for the flight in question before making any bookings. It is recommended that you avoid flying with Siem Reap Airways International on any flight sperated by its own aircraft and crew. If you already have a flight booked with this airline and it is part of a journey which commenced in the EU you should consult your travel agent. The FCO has explained the EU decision on Siem Reap Airways International to its staff and advised them to satisfy themselves as to the identity of the operator of any flights.

In addition to this action by the EU, the Cambodian authorities have themselves 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. 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.

A list of carriers banned from the EU can be found at the following link: http://europa.eu.int/comm/transport/air/safety/flywell_en.htm.

Further information on airlines can be obtained from organisations such as the International Civil Aviation Organisation http://www.icao.int and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority http://www.casa.gov.au/airsafe/index.htm.

For more general information see Airline Security.

Sea/River Travel

Accidents have occurred due to overloaded or poorly maintained boats on all routes. Even modern vessels may be overcrowded and life-vests and other safety equipment are not routinely provided. Boats operating on Cambodia’s inland waterways are also susceptible to robbery by armed gangs. 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.

Local laws and customs

You are advised to keep away from large gatherings, demonstrations and political meetings. You should also avoid expressing forcible opinions on Cambodian politics or culture.

The Royal Government of Cambodia has recently announced new procedures for marriages between in Cambodia. An application form together with details of the supporting documentation required can be obtained in person from the British Embassy in Phnom Penh, via the BE Phnom Penh website (http://www.britishembassy.gov.uk/cambodia) or directly from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Kingdom of Cambodia. However, although the Embassy has been advised of the new procedures, the Cambodian government is not yet in a position to process marriage applications. Until the procedures are in place, the British Embassy is not yet able to issue marriage affidavits.

The sexual abuse of children is a serious crime. The UK and Cambodian authorities are committed to combating travelling child sex offenders and the Cambodian government continues to crack down on those who commit such offences. Those arrested and convicted can expect to receive long sentences in a Cambodian prison where facilities are very poor. The UK has no prisoner transfer agreement with Cambodia and those found guilty can expect to serve their full prison term in Cambodia. Legislation in the UK, The Sex Offenders Act 1997, can be used to prosecute in the UK those who commit sex offences against children abroad and has already been used successfully in cases of British nationals who have committed such offences in Cambodia.

You should never get involved with drugs; penalties for drug offences including those involving Class C drugs are severe. Prison sentences can be long and served in grim conditions.

You should not take photographs in or near airports or military bases. You should ask permission before taking pictures of members of the public especially monks and other religious figures. When entering religious sites it is a courtesy to dress in appropriate clothing, avoiding shorts and torn clothing. You are expected to remove your shoes when entering temples and private accommodation.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You

Entry requirements

Visas

You need a visa for Cambodia. Visas for Cambodia can be obtained on arrival at Phnom Peng and Siem Reap International airports and some other border points. The current price is US $20 for a one-month tourist visa. A tourist visa can be extended for one extra month. A business visa costs US $25 for one month and can be renewed indefinitely. Two passport photographs are required. The Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched an electronic visa ("e-Visa") facility for tourist visas only. The e-Visa costs US $20 with a US $5 processing charge. Applications should be made through the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' website: http://evisa.mfaic.gov.kh, where full terms and conditions of the e-Visa are also listed.

You should ensure that your passport is stamped on arrival, especially if you cross over a land border. Those that overstay their authorised visa can expect a fine calculated on an incremental daily rate, currently $5 per day for the first 30 days. Stays in excess of 30 days attract fines of $6 per day starting from the initial day. Additionally, you will be expected to pay for the visa extension that you should have sought. We are aware of some instances of travellers being deported for overstaying their visa. The London Embassy of the Kingdom of Cambodia can be contacted at the Royal Embassy of Cambodia, 64 Brondesbury Park, Willesden Green, London NW6 7AT (tel: 020-8451 7850); (fax: 020-8451 7594); (email address: cambodianembassy@btconnect.com; (website:The Royal Cambodian Embassy).

Passport validity

Passports should have minimum three-month validity beyond your intended length of stay.

Departure tax

You should be aware that the US$25 airport departure tax is not included in your ticket, and is payable on departure from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap international airports. Domestic flights attract a tax of US $6.

Travelling with children

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contract the Royal Cambodian Embassy in London.

Overland Border Crossings

You are advised to check local conditions with reputable travel agencies before you set out to cross some of the more remote border crossings as matters are subject to change with little notice. Conditions can be basic with few facilities at the more remote crossings. Both Vietnam and Laos require visas for onward travel from Cambodia and visas for these countries cannot be obtained at the border point.

Entry from Thailand

Visas can be obtained on arrival in Cambodia from Thailand at most border crossings. There are currently six overland entry points from Thailand: Poipet, Koh Kong, O’Smach, Anlong Veng, Phsar Prom Pailin and Daung Lem. The most popular entry point for tourists heading for Siem Reap and Angkor Wat is Poipet. With the recent addition of new entry points from Cambodia to Vietnam the southernmost entry point from Thailand, at Koh Kong, is becoming increasingly popular with travellers. Route 48 from Koh Kong to Sre Amble has recently been upgraded and, with the addition of new bridges, this has reduced journey times.

Visas to enter Thailand from Cambodia can be obtained at the border. See travel advice for Thailand.

Entry from Vietnam

Visas can now be obtained on arrival in Cambodia from Vietnam at most border crossings. There are currently eight overland entry points from Vietnam: Bavet, Kaam Samnor, Phnom Den, Trapeang Phlong, Prek Chak, O’Yadaw, Trapeang Srer and Banteay Chakrey. Please note that a visa to enter Vietnam from Cambodia must be obtained prior to arrival at the border. See travel advice for Vietnam.

Entry from Laos

Visas can now be obtained on arrival in Cambodia from Laos at the Dom Krolor checkpoint. There is also a river checkpoint at Vern Kham (9 km from the road checkpoint) but visas cannot be obtained directly from this border crossing. Please note that a visa to enter Laos from Cambodia must be obtained prior to arrival at the border.

Health

Public health facilities in Cambodia are very poor. Private clinics 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 the UK and evacuation is recommended for medical emergencies. Hospitals are not recommended for anything but immediate stabilisation prior to an air medical evacuation or for minor medical concerns. Local pharmacies provide a limited supply of medications, but because the quality of locally obtained medications can vary greatly you should bring adequate supplies for the duration of your stay.

There are no proper mental health care facilities in Cambodia and professional treatment including medication, if available at all, is difficult and expensive to obtain. Such treatment is likely to require an air ambulance transfer to the nearest place which offers appropriate mental health facilities.

You should also be aware that the administrative processes for dealing with deaths in Cambodia are very different to the UK. For more information you should visit the Consular pages of British Embassy, Phnom Penh.

Dengue and malaria occur in Cambodia. These diseases are transmitted by mosquitoes. There are no vaccinations against these diseases, but there are preventative measures that you can take, as advised on the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website. You should visit your GP to discuss malaria prevention tablets.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 70,000 adults aged 15 or over in Cambodia were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.8% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Cambodia and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see Travel Health and for food/drink hygiene see Eat and Drink Safely.

Avian Influenza

There have been outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in poultry in Cambodia (most recently in December 2008). This has led to a small number of human fatalities (most recently in April 2007) believed to have arisen through close contact with infected poultry.

The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low. However, 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.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned of the possibility that the Avian Influenza outbreaks could lead at some point to a human flu pandemic, if the virus mutates to a form, which is easily transmissible between people.

British nationals living longer term in an Avian-Influenza affected region should take personal responsibility for their own safety in the event of a future pandemic, including considering their access to adequate healthcare and ensuring travel documents are up to date.

You should read this advice in conjunction with Avian and Pandemic Influenza, which gives more detailed advice and information.

General

Insurance

We strongly recommend that comprehensive travel and medical insurance is obtained before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake, including cover for medical evacuation by air ambulance particularly. Ideally your policy should be linked to assistance organisations such as International SOS.

For more general information see Travel Insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is How We Can Help.

Honorary Consuls

We have Honorary Consuls in both Sihanoukville and Siem Reap. They will only deal with emergency consular cases and cannot provide either passports or visas. To obtain their contact details please contact the British Embassy in Phnom Penh.

Issuing replacement passports

The British Embassy in Phnom Penh is only able to issue passports with a limited validity. Applications for full validity passports are forwarded by commercial courier to the British Embassy in Bangkok for processing. You should allow at least 10 working days for this service however, this excludes the courier time, so applicants should allow up to 15 working days for this service. The courier cost of approximately US $43 will be added to the passport fee. If you are replacing a lost or stolen passport rather than replacing one that has become full you must also apply for a new exit visa from the Cambodian authorities. This can take up to three working days.

You should keep a photocopy of your passport separate from the original and carry this with you at all times. Your passport, when not in your possession, should be stored in a secure location.

Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.

Money

ATMs are available at certain banks in Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville and Siem Reap. Not all banks accept international cards and you should check with your own bank prior to travel as to whether your card can be used abroad.

Major hotels and businesses in larger cities should accept credit cards. Travellers cheques can be exchanged at many banks and bureaux de change.

The local currency is Cambodian Riel although US dollars are widely accepted all over the country. In practice, US dollars are used for most transactions over US$1. In certain border areas with Thailand it is possible to use Thai Baht.

You may have difficulty in changing Northern Irish and Scottish bank notes although it should be possible to change Sterling.

Consular responsibilities

The British Embassy in Phnom Penh also has consular responsibility for Commonwealth citizens whose countries are not represented in Cambodia and citizens of the Netherlands, Sweden, Ireland, Greece, Malta, Cyprus and the Czech Republic. We strongly advise nationals of all these countries to register at the British Embassy in Phnom Penh.

Review of the Temporary suspension of adoptions of Cambodian children by UK residents

The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) conducted a review of the temporary suspension of adoptions of Cambodian children by UK residentsin 2007/08, the findings of which were published on 2 April 2008. The review has resulted in the continuing of suspension of adoptions of Cambodian children by UK residents. Further information can be obtained from the DCSF's website.