Cambodia~

Found this article while surfing the net for more info on Cambodia to convince my mum that it's safe :X

For your reading pleasure :)

__________from http://www.smarttraveller.gov.au________________

This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information in the Summary and Civil Unrest/Political Tension (ongoing border tensions at Preah Vihear Temple) and Entry and Exit Requirements (departure tax). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Summary

• We advise you to exercise caution and monitor developments that might affect your safety in Cambodia because of the risk of civil unrest, violent criminal activity and terrorism.
• Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
• You should avoid protests, demonstrations and political gatherings as they may turn violent.
• In the past year there have been human cases of avian influenza in Cambodia. See the Health Issues section below for advice to Australians travelling to or resident in Cambodia.
• Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:
  • organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy
  • register your travel and contact details, so we can contact you in an emergency
  • subscribe to this travel advice to receive free email updates each time it's reissued.

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Safety and Security

Terrorism

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world, including South East Asia. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

In recent years Cambodian authorities have disrupted a number of attempted bomb plots. Terrorist attacks can be indiscriminate and may target Western interests or places frequented by tourists.

Civil Unrest/Political Tension

We advise you to exercise caution and monitor developments that might affect your safety in Cambodia because of the risk of civil unrest and violent criminal activity. Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

The security situation in Cambodia has the potential to deteriorate quickly. You should avoid public gatherings or demonstrations, particularly near political party offices, the National Assembly building and military buildings or compounds, as they may turn violent.

There is an ongoing dispute between Cambodia and Thailand relating to the land adjacent to the Preah Vihear Temple. Military from both sides have been deployed. Tensions remain high. Demonstrations could occur with little warning. The temple is currently closed to tourists and you should avoid the area.

Crime

Opportunistic crime is common in Cambodia and the frequency of incidents is increasing. Thieves frequently snatch foreigners’ bags and pick-pocketing is a problem in Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville and Siem Reap. Several foreigners have been injured in the course of these incidents, in particular when bags are pulled from passengers on moving motorbike taxis.

There have been reports of armed robberies and assaults against foreigners, especially in areas of Phnom Penh that are frequented by tourists and expatriate residents. Bag snatching, other robberies and assaults often occur during daylight hours.

You should limit night time travel around Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville and Siem Reap to well-lit public areas, and travel in groups. At night, travel by car is safer than motorcycle, moto-scooter or cyclo (cycle-rickshaw).

Foreigners have been the target of sexual assault in Cambodia. Due to the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS victims of violent crime, especially rape, are strongly encouraged to seek immediate medical assistance.

Levels of firearm ownership in Cambodia are high and guns are sometimes used to resolve disputes. There have been reports of traffic disputes resulting in violence involving weapons. Bystanders can get caught up in these disputes. Foreigners have been threatened with handguns for perceived slights to local patrons in popular Phnom Penh nightclubs and elsewhere.

Banditry and extortion, including by military and police personnel, continue in some rural areas, particularly at night in areas between Snoul, Kratie and Stung Treng in the northeastern provinces.

Piracy occurs in the coastal areas of Cambodia. Armed gangs have robbed boats in recent times. See our travel advice on shipping and ports for more information. The International Maritime Bureau issues weekly piracy reports on its website.

Local Travel

Landmines remain a danger in many parts of Cambodia, especially along the border with Thailand. Large areas of rural Cambodia are still contaminated with unexploded ordnance. Visitors to the north and northwest of Cambodia should not stray from clearly marked pathways.

Travel by roads, especially at night, is dangerous because of poor road conditions, vehicle maintenance, wandering livestock and the risk of crime. You should take precautions, including the use of a helmet and protective clothing when travelling on a motorcycle or moto-scooter (even as a passenger).

Given the common use of motorcycles for urban public transport, you should ensure that your insurance policy provides coverage for riding motorcycles either as a driver or passenger.

Public transport, particularly rail, is poorly maintained. You should avoid travelling by trains because of the high risk of accidents.

If travelling beyond the Angkor Wat temple complex to outlying temples in Siem Reap you should exercise caution because of landmines and unexploded ordinance.

Travel by boat in Cambodia can involve safety risks. Even modern vessels may be overcrowded and lack basic safety equipment.

Airline Safety

You should be aware of concerns about the safety and maintenance standards of aircraft owned by local airlines operating internal flights. This caution includes Royal Cambodian Government aircraft, including those managed by the Royal Cambodia Air Force. In June 2007, a PMT Air plane crashed between Siem Reap and Sihanoukville.Local airlines often cancel or reschedule internal flights at short notice.

Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.

If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns, this will be included in the travel advisory.

The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.

Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate

There is seasonal flooding in Cambodia from late July to November. These floods may disrupt travel to some provinces.

Further information on natural disasters, including flooding in Cambodia, is available from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Wildlife Watching

Australians are advised to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

Australian travellers should be aware that there are severe penalties under Cambodian law for wildlife trafficking and illegal hunting.

Money and Valuables

Before you go, organise a variety of ways of accessing your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques and US dollars cash. Check with your bank whether your ATM card will work overseas. Visitors should take a reasonable quantity of US dollars to cover basic travelling expenses. US dollars are widely accepted throughout Cambodia although notes that are excessively dirty or torn, or of high denominations, may not be accepted.

Credit card cash advances and travellers' cheque cashing services are available at banks in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville and Battambang for a fee. ATM facilities are widely available in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang and Sihanoukville. Travellers should exercise caution when using ATM facilities as there have been recent reports of people being robbed after withdrawing cash.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering and theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

For Parents

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.

Local Laws

When you are in Cambodia, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.

Penalties for drug offences, including those involving "soft drugs", are severe and include lengthy jail sentences.

Cambodian authorities are committed to protecting their cultural heritage. A permit is required to purchase or possess cultural and archaeological artefacts. The penalty under Cambodian law for a unintentional act concerning cultural heritage property is a minimum of six months and a maximum five years imprisonment and a fine equal to the value of the cultural object. An intentional act attracts a minimum of two to eight years' imprisonment and a fine equal to double the value of the cultural object.

Cambodian authorities have temporarily suspended issuing marriage certificates for unions between Cambodian and foreign citizens.

Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.

Australian and Cambodian authorities are committed to combating child sex tourism. There are severe penalties under both Australian and Cambodian law for those participating in such activity. Australians may be prosecuted either in Cambodia or at home under Australian law, which prohibits sex with children under 16 overseas. The penalty in Australia can be 17 years in jail. In Cambodia, penalties are also severe.

Local Customs

Photographing members of the public without prior permission, especially monks and other religious figures, is regarded with suspicion. You should avoid taking photographs near sensitive sites such as military zones, assets or personnel, transportation facilities and government buildings.

Information for Dual Nationals

Under Cambodian law, Cambodian citizenship cannot be relinquished, even if a Cambodian citizen acquires the nationality of another country.

Any Cambodian dual national aged 18 to 30 who resides permanently in Cambodia may be liable for military service. According to Cambodian law, military obligations for female citizens are applied on a voluntary basis.

For further information on issues relating to dual nationality contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Cambodia before you travel.

Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure also provides further information for dual nationals.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Cambodia for the most up to date information.

The Cambodian government has introduced an electronic tourist visa ("e-visa") facility. Travellers are able to apply for a tourist visa on-line through the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' website. This applies to travellers entering Cambodia at Cham Yeam (Koh Kong), Poi Pet (Banteay Meanchey) and Bavet (Svay Rieng), as well as Phnom Penh or Siem Reap international airports.

Your passport must have at least four months' validity remaining when you arrive in Cambodia; however, all neighbouring countries (Thailand, Vietnam and Laos) require passports to have at least six months' validity. Local immigration authorities may deny entry and deport people who do not meet this requirement, even if they intend staying only for a short period.

If your passport is stolen during your stay in Cambodia, you will require a police report to obtain an exit visa.

Cambodia/Thailand Border: Six legal international border crossing points are open for foreign travellers on the Cambodia/Thailand border at Cham Yeam (Koh Kong), O'Smach, Poipet, Prum, Dong and Caom. Cambodian visas can be obtained at these border crossings.

Cambodia/Vietnam Border: The international border crossing points at Bavet, Phnom Den and Khmorm Samnor on the Mekong River on the Cambodia/Vietnam border are open to foreigners. Cambodian visas can be obtained at the international crossing points at Bavet in Svay Rieng Province and Khmorm Samnor on the Mekong River. However, Vietnamese visas must be purchased prior to travelling to the border.

Cambodia/Laos Border: The Lao side of the border crossing at Dong Krolor/Veun Kham is often closed to foreign travellers with little notice. The border crossing is in an isolated location 50km to the north of the Cambodian provincial centre of Stung Treng. It is not serviced by public transport, although rudimentary and unreliable private motor bike and truck services run to Stung Treng. Cambodian and Lao visas can not be purchased at the border.

If travelling by air between Cambodia and Laos, Cambodian visas can be purchased at Siem Reap or Phnom Penh International Airport, and Lao visas can be purchased at Vientiane International Airport.

Departure tax of US$25 is required at the Phnom Penh and Siem Reap international airports. There is a domestic departure tax of US$6 for any internal air travel.

Health Issues

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.

Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.

Health and medical services in Cambodia are poor and very limited. Outside the capital there are almost no medical facilities equipped to deal with medical emergencies. Hospitals and doctors generally require up-front payment in cash. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation to a destination with the appropriate facilities would be necessary. Costs could be considerable.

The rate of HIV/AIDS infection in Cambodia is high. You should exercise appropriate precautions if engaging in activities that expose you to risk of infection. You can find out more information at the Department of Health and Ageing website.

Mosquito-borne diseases (including malaria, dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis) are prevalent in Cambodia. We encourage you to take prophylaxis against malaria and avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, including using an insect repellent at all times.

Japanese encephalitis vaccine is currently unavailable in Australia. The Department of Health and Ageing is working with vaccine suppliers to make vaccine available as soon as possible. For further details see the Department of Health and Ageing's website or consult your doctor.

Water-borne, food-borne, parasitic and other infectious diseases (including hepatitis, tuberculosis, typhoid and rabies) are common with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling. We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Do not swim in fresh water to avoid exposure to parasitic diseases such as schistosomiasis (bilharzia). Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.

Avian influenza. Since July 2005, there have been human cases of avian influenza in Cambodia. The Department of Health and Ageing advises Australians who reside in Cambodia for an extended period to consider, as a precautionary measure, having access to influenza antiviral medicine for treatment. Long term residents are at a greater risk of exposure to avian influenza over time. You should seek medical advice before taking antiviral medicines.

Australians intending to travel to Cambodia for shorter periods are at much lower risk of infection but should discuss the risk of avian influenza with their doctor as part of their routine pre-travel health checks.

If the avian influenza virus mutates to a form where efficient human-to-human transmission occurs, it may spread quickly and local authorities could move quickly to impose restrictions on travel. Australian travellers and long-term residents in Cambodia should be prepared to take personal responsibility for their own safety and well-being, including deciding when to leave an affected area and ensuring they have appropriate contingency plans in place. Australians in Cambodia should monitor the travel advice and bulletin for updated information and advice, and ensure that their travel documents, including passports and visas for any non-Australian family members, are up to date in case they need to depart at short notice.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.

Where to Get Help

In Cambodia, you can obtain consular assistance from the:

Australian Embassy
Villa 11, Street 254
Daun Penh District
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Telephone (+855 23) 213 470
Facsimile (+855 23) 213 413

Email: australian.embassy.cambodia@dfat.gov.au

If you are travelling to Cambodia, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.

In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the Embassy you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.