CONTENT|CONTENU

TRAVEL REPORT
Cambodia

1. RECENT UPDATES

A Travel Warning has been added to this report.

Section 10 has been updated (floods).

See our Global Issues page for information on the H1N1 Flu Virus.

See our Global Issues page for information on Avian Influenza.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Cambodia

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

On January 2, 2009, three small explosive devices were found near the Cambodian Ministry of National Defence on Russian Boulevard in Phnom Penh. The devices were destroyed without damage. Canadians travelling in Cambodia should exercise caution, avoid political rallies, protests and large gatherings, and monitor local developments.

There is a heightened security threat to Westerners and Western interests throughout Southeast Asia. Canadians should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times as the security situation could deteriorate rapidly without notice. Exercise extreme caution, particularly at night and in commercial and public establishments (hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars, schools, places of worship), outdoor recreational events, and tourist areas frequented by foreigners.

Regional warning:  Preah Vihear temple area

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the Preah Vihear temple area between Preah Vihear province in Cambodia and Sisaket province in Thailand due to a border dispute. Armed forces from both countries have been involved in this ongoing dispute, which has included the exchange of gunfire between troops. Tensions are high and military hostilities could escalate without warning.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Tourist facilities are well developed in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville, but limited elsewhere.

Violence in Phnom Penh and other cities occurs occasionally. Canadians should avoid military buildings or compounds in Phnom Penh and in the provincial capitals.

Street crime, targeting foreigners, has been occurring with increasing frequency in urban areas, including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, even during daylight hours. There are reports of armed assaults along the riverfront in Phnom Penh and on isolated beaches in Sihanoukville. Canadians have been injured in the course of assaults and armed robberies. Thieves, sometimes on motorcycles, grab bags and other valuables from pedestrians, motorcycle drivers and their passengers. Banditry continues, largely at night, in rural areas and on routes between Snoul, Kratie and Stung Treng in the northeastern provinces. Sexual assaults have been reported. There have been reports that foreigners have encountered difficulties with ill-disciplined police or military personnel. Canadians are advised to exercise a high degree of caution at all times, avoid travelling alone, especially at night, and ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure at all times.

The border area adjacent to the Preah Vihear temple (Khao Phra Viharn in Thai), between Preah Vihear province in Cambodia and Sisaket province in Thailand is disputed.  In October 2008, conflict between armed forces from Thailand and Cambodia resulted in injuries and fatalities.  Although tensions have settled, armed forces remain in the area.

Cambodia remains one of the most heavily mined countries in the world. Landmines can be found in rural areas, especially in Banteay Meanchey, Siem Reap (except in the town of Siem Reap and the Angkor temples which are safe), Battambang, Kampong Thom, and Pursat provinces. The border area with Thailand is especially dangerous. Do not walk in forested areas or in dry rice paddies without a local guide. Areas around small bridges or secondary roads are dangerous. Do not visit outlying temples, particularly in the areas of Phnom Kulen and the River of a Thousand Lingas, as they are heavily mined.  Strictly observe warning signs and do not handle any unknown object. Anything resembling a landmine or unexploded ordnance should be reported to the Cambodia Mine Action Centre at (855) 23 981 083 or (855) 23 981 084.

Illicit drug use has led to the death of several Canadians in Cambodia. For more information on how to avoid difficult and dangerous situations related to illegal drugs, see our publication entitled Drugs and Travel: Why They Don't Mix.

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, see the Weekly Piracy Report published by the International Maritime Bureau.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Cambodian authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Cambodia and its consulates, for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Cambodia. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Cambodian authorities may refuse entry to people for a breach of this regulation and return them to the country from which they last travelled. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa, sufficient funds for their stay, and a return ticket.

Tourist and business visas can be obtained at a Cambodian embassy abroad, upon arrival at the airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, or at certain land borders. Travellers should note that tourist and business visas allow entry to Cambodia for thirty days only, counting from the date of entry. When issued outside Cambodia, visas have an expiry date, which refers to the date by which the visa must be used, not the length of time allowed in the country. Visas must be renewed for stays in excess of thirty days and may only be extended once. Travellers must pay a fee of US$20 for tourist visas or US$25 for business visas (cash only) and provide two passport-sized photos. Single-entry tourist visas may also be requested online through an "e-Visa" service provided by Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. For additional information, please see the Ministry of Tourism's Web site.

Thirty day visas can be obtained at six legal international border crossing points at the Cambodian-Thailand border. These include Cham Yeam (Koh Kong), O'Smach, Poipet, Prum, Dong and Caom. The fee is 1,000 Thai baht for tourist visas and 1,500 Thai baht for business visas.

If entering Cambodia from Vietnam, a visa can be obtained at the international crossing points at Bavet in Svay Rieng Province and Khmorm Samnor on the Mekong River.

If entering Cambodia from Laos, the Lao side of the border crossing at Dong Krolor/Veun Kham is often closed to foreign travellers with little notice. Cambodian and Lao visas cannot be purchased at the border.

Border officials may insist that travellers entering Cambodia overland produce an international vaccination certificate or purchase malaria or other tablets from them before granting entry. There is no Cambodian requirement that tourists hold vaccination certificates or purchase any form of medication upon arrival.

A departure tax of US$25 cash is required at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap International airports.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

The Embassy of Canada in Phnom Penh has permanently closed.  Canadians in Cambodia can obtain consular assistance and further information from the Embassy of Australia (under the Canada-Australia Consular Services Sharing Agreement) in Phnom Penh at the following address:

Cambodia - PHNOM PENH, Embassy of Australia
Address: No. 16B National Assembly Street, Sangkat Tonle Bassac, Khan Chamkamon Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel.: 855 (23) 213-470
Fax: 855 (23) 213-413
E-Mail: australian.embassy.cambodia@dfat.gov.au

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Australia in Phnom Penh and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to closely monitor and report on occurrences of avian influenza A (H5N1), or "bird flu", in humans and in birds. Further information on avian influenza A (H5N1) and recommendations for travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site as well as on the World Health Organization's Web site. For more information, see our Global Issues page on Avian Influenza.

Since 2003, there have been 7 confirmed human deaths due to Avian Influenza in Cambodia, according to the World Health Organization. There have been no deaths reported since September 2007. Travellers should avoid poultry farms, contact with animals in live-food markets, and any surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces from poultry or other animals.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

With the exception of some Thai-run hospitals in Phnom Pehn and Siem Riep, medical facilities throughout Cambodia are extremely poor and very limited. Doctors and hospitals may demand cash payment in advance for health services. Medical evacuation to Thailand or Singapore is often required, in order to obtain acceptable standards of treatment. Such evacuations are very expensive and difficult to organize, and may cost tens of thousands of dollars. Travel insurance that includes evacuation services is recommended. Canadians with unstable medical conditions should take these circumstances into account prior to travel. Travellers experiencing medical problems while in Cambodia should seek immediate assistance in Phnom Penh and consider leaving.

Several Canadians each year suffer episodes of psychiatric distress which can be brought on by pre-existing mental illness or as a result of illicit drug use. Cambodia’s heat, noise and large crowds may also prove a challenge for some travellers. Psychiatric/psychological facilities and services in Cambodia are almost non-existant. Families and travellers should consult a medical professional before travelling. Many travel/medical insurance policies explicitly do not cover psychiatric care.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

A permit is required to purchase or possess cultural or archaeological artefacts.

Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour, particularly when visiting religious sites. Visitors should dress conservatively and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.

In November 2008, the Government of Cambodia announced new procedures, including a formal application process, to address marriage requests between Cambodian citizens and foreigners. An application and details regarding information required can be obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Kingdom of Cambodia.

You should not photograph airports or military installations. It is recommended to ask permission before photographing individuals, including Buddhist monks.

Penalties for the possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.

The sexual exploitation of minors is a serious offence in Cambodia and is subject to harsh penalties. Canadians may also be subject to criminal proceedings in Canada for acts of this nature committed while abroad. Please see our publication entitled Child Sex Tourism: It's a Crime for further information on the risks of committing this form of sexual abuse abroad.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Road conditions are extremely poor. Travel by road should be undertaken in daylight hours, either by scheduled bus or cars travelling in convoy. Boats are often overcrowded, lack adequate safety equipment, and are susceptible to robbery by armed gangs. Boat owners accept no liability for accidents. Avoid travelling by train due to poor track maintenance.

Motorcycles are a common means of transportation in urban areas. Motorcycle accidents kill or maim several Canadians each year. Driving or riding motorcycles in Cambodia is dangerous and should be avoided, even by experienced motorcyclists. Substandard road conditions, local disregard for traffic laws, and drunk driving result in frequent accidents. Although motorcycles can be easily rented in Cambodia, Canadians are reminded that it is illegal to operate a motorcycle without a valid Cambodian motorcycle licence or an International Driving Permit with a motorcycle endorsement. Helmets are mandatory for motorcycle drivers and passengers, but many helmets do not meet international safety standards.  Visitors should ensure their medical insurance will cover them when riding as a driver or passenger. Tourists in Siem Reap are not permitted to rent motorcycles. Foreigners who do not adhere to this law may be stopped by local police and requested to return the vehicle immediately.

Passports are often requested as a guarantee when renting motorcycles. Unscrupulous owners have followed renters and taken the motorcycle by removing the lock and chain when the vehicle was parked, leaving the traveller without a motorcycle or passport. Renters should purchase their own locks and chains.

Canadian passports may not be used as collateral (as assurance for debts, rental of motorcycles, etc). Travellers whose passports are inaccessible or stolen as a result of such misuse may be subject to investigation by Passport Canada and may receive limited passport services.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

The IDP must be exchanged for a Cambodian driving license. A fee of US$25 is charged for the exchange.

Travellers should be aware that PMT Air has had two recent incidents, including the crash of a charter flight between Siem Reap and Sihanoukville in June 2007 and a runway mishap in Rattankiri in 2005. With the exception of flights between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, internal air service can be unpredictable and flights may be cancelled on short notice. Maintenance standards, particularly for small regional carriers, may not meet Canadian and international standards.

Travel from Laos should be undertaken by air only. Although it is an approved international border crossing, the Lao side of the border is often closed to international travellers for periods of time with little notice. Tourists travelling to Laos from Cambodia must obtain the relevant visa prior to arrival at the border.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency is the riel. U.S. dollars are also widely used. Only (new) undamaged notes are accepted. Notes with the slightest tear will not be accepted. Personal cheques and credit cards are not widely accepted. Some banks in Phnom Penh accept Visa and MasterCard for cash advances. Traveller's cheques are accepted by major hotels and banks. There are a few bank machines in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The rainy season extends from May to November.  Heavy rains and sudden floods may affect a variety of transportation infrastructure, including the condition of roads, bridges, and small provincial airports without paved runways.  Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly. Information concerning conditions of the Mekong River can be found on the Mekong River Commission web site.

See our Global Issues page for information on typhoons and monsoons.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

There are concerns regarding trafficking of Cambodian children for the purpose of international adoption.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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