June 4, 2004

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Cambodia is a poor developing country with a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarch. In July 2003, Cambodia held National Assembly elections. No single party won a two-thirds majority required to form a government, and the parliamentary parties are still negotiating the formation of a new government.

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport and visa are required. Tourists and business travelers may purchase a Cambodian visa valid for one month at the airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Both require a passport-sized photograph. A departure tax is charged on all domestic and international flights. This tax must be paid in U.S. Dollars. Current information about entry/visa and other requirements may be obtained from the Royal Embassy of Cambodia, 4500 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20022, telephone number 202-726-7742, fax 202-726-8381, or via the Internet at http://embassy.org/cambodia. Overseas inquiries may be made at the nearest embassy or consulate of Cambodia.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian if not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

DUAL NATIONALITY: Dual nationality is not prohibited under Cambodia's 1996 nationality law. In addition to being subject to all Cambodian laws affecting U.S. citizens, individuals who possess Cambodian nationality may also be subject to laws that impose special obligations on Cambodian citizens. For additional information, see the flyer on dual nationality on the Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov .

SAFETY AND SECURITY: In the aftermath of the October 2002 terrorist bombings in Bali, Indonesia, the possibility exists that similar attacks may occur in other Southeast Asian nations. The Department is concerned that individuals and groups may be planning terrorist actions against United States citizens and interests, as well as sites frequented by Westerners. Extremist groups present in Southeast Asia have transnational capabilities to carry out attacks against locations where Westerners congregate. Increased security at official U.S. facilities has led terrorist groups and their sympathizers to seek softer targets such as clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, outdoor recreation events, hotels, resorts and beaches.

While the political situation in Cambodia is relatively calm, American citizens should be aware that Cambodian political activities have turned violent in the past and the possibility for politically motivated violence remains. Grenade attacks and bombings have been used as a form of retribution to settle business and personal disputes. Therefore, the U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens to avoid large gatherings or demonstrations.

The U.S. Embassy advises its personnel who travel to the provinces to exercise extreme caution outside the provincial towns during the day and everywhere at night. Many rural parts of the country remain without effective policing. Individuals should avoid walking alone after dusk anywhere in Sihanoukville, and especially along the waterfront. Some of the beaches are secluded, and the U.S. Embassy has received reports in the past of women being attacked along the Sihanoukville waterfront during the evening hours. These security precautions should also be taken when visiting the Siem Reap (Angkor Wat) area.

Land mines and unexploded ordnance can be found in rural areas throughout Cambodia, but especially in Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, and Kampong Thom provinces. At no time should travelers walk in forested areas or even in dry rice paddies without a local guide. Areas around small bridges on secondary roads are particularly dangerous. Travelers who observe anything resembling a mine or unexploded ordnance should not touch it. They should notify the Cambodia Mine Action Center at 023-368-841/981-083 or 084.

The town of Siem Reap and the vicinity of the Angkor Wat temple complex remain officially open to tourists. The Embassy advises U.S. citizens to travel there by air and to limit their movements to the city of Siem Reap and the main Angkor Wat temple complexes. Those who do choose to travel by vehicle are advised that the road between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap is in very poor condition.

For the latest information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found.

Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, by calling a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

CRIME: Banditry and other crimes, including armed robbery and assault, are persistent and serious problems in many areas of the country. Many individuals are victimized while riding on motorcycle taxis or cyclos (passenger-carrying bicycles), generally after dark, but also in broad daylight. These incidents can result in serious injury, as the victim is often pulled from a moving vehicle. U.S. citizens should avoid traveling alone, especially after dark. To avoid the risk of theft or confiscation of original documents, the U.S. Embassy advises its personnel to carry photocopies of their U.S. passport, driver's license or other important documents. The U.S. Embassy advises its personnel to review their personal security practices regularly.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed. U.S. citizens may refer to Department of State's pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad for ways to promote a trouble free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402, via the internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov .

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical facilities and services in Cambodia are not up to international standards. Adequate care for basic emergencies is limited in Phnom Penh. Siem Reap, the major tourist attraction of Cambodia, currently has one facility that can provide basic medical care. Otherwise, medical care outside the capital is almost non-existent.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Serious injuries in Cambodia frequently require evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bit protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks on infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's website at http://www.who.int/en . Further health information for travelers is also available at http://www.who.int/ith .

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Cambodia is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance:

Driving at night in Cambodia is strongly discouraged. In both urban and rural areas, road maintenance is sporadic. Roads between major areas are adequate; however, those leading to more rural areas are poor. During the rainy season both urban and rural road conditions deteriorate considerably. Roadside assistance is non-existent. The safety of road travel outside urban areas varies greatly. Even on heavily traveled roads, banditry occurs, so all travel should be done in daylight between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

For additional information about road safety, click here. For information concerning Cambodian drivers' permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Washington, D.C. or go the Cambodian Embassy's web site at http://embassy.org/cambodia.

OTHER MODES OF TRANSPORTATION: The U.S. Embassy advises Embassy personnel not to travel by train because of low safety standards and the high risk of banditry. Travel by boat should be avoided because boats are often overcrowded and lack adequate safety equipment. Several years ago an armed robbery of a number of tourists occurred on a "fast boat" between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Boat owners accept no liability for accidents. Moto-taxis and cyclos (passenger-carrying bicycles) are widely available; however, the Embassy does not recommend using them due to safety concerns and because personal belongings can be easily stolen.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service by local carriers at present, or economic authority to operate such service, between the U.S. and Cambodia, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Cambodia's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international aviation safety standards.

For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm .

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact DOD at (618) 229-4801

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Cambodian customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Cambodia of certain items, including drugs, firearms, antiquities, or ivory. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Cambodia in Washington for specific information regarding customs requirements. The U.S. Customs Service may impose corresponding import restrictions in accordance with the Convention on Cultural Property Implementation Act. Contact the Customs Service at (202) 927-2336 or Internet http://exchanges.state.gov/education/culprop for further information. In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products are illegal and bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines. A current list of countries with serious problems in this regard can be found at www.ustr.gov/reports/2003/special301.htm

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Cambodian law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession of, use of, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines. Under the PROTECT Act of April 2003, it is a crime, prosecutable in the U.S., for U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens to exploit children sexually via pornography, the Internet or other means or to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a person under the age of 18 in a foreign country, regardless of whether there was intent.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:

Flooding: Serious flooding occurs both in Phnom Penh and the rest of Cambodia starting at the end of July or early August. Heavy flooding continues into November. The unimproved highways to Prey Veng, Battambang, Pailin, Stung Treng and Poipet become more difficult and dangerous during this time of the year, and travel to the provinces is virtually impossible. The highway to Sihanoukville is the only road that can be traveled, with caution, during this time of the year.

Financial transactions: Except in major hotels, credit cards are not widely accepted within Cambodia, although a number of banks in Phnom Penh accept Visa cards for cash advances. Banks and major hotels accept travelers' checks, but usually charge a service fee. The only ATM machines in Cambodia require a local account with the bank. Personal checks are not generally accepted. The U.S. dollar and Cambodian Riel are both widely used, although U.S. dollars are preferred, especially for larger transactions. There are Western Union offices in Phnom Penh and one in Siem Reap to which funds can be wired.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international child abduction please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use the toll-free number, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328.

Note on Cambodian adoptions: On December 21, 2001, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in the Department of Homeland Security (USCIS) announced an immediate suspension of the processing of adoption petitions for children from Cambodia. In addition to monitoring the above website, persons interested in adopting in Cambodia may wish to monitor the USCIS website.

REGISTRATION/EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living in or visiting Cambodia are encouraged to register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh where they may obtain updated information on travel and security within Cambodia. The U.S. Embassy is located at No. 16, Street 228 (between Streets 51 and 63), Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The telephone number is (855-23) 216-436 or 216-438;fax (855-23) 216-437 or 218-931.

APPLYING FOR U.S. PASSPORTS OVERSEAS: Effective April 8, 2002, U.S. citizens residing or traveling abroad who require the issuance of a U.S. passport will be issued the latest, state-of-the-art passport incorporating a photo-digitized image and other enhanced security features. U.S. embassies and consulates will achieve this goal by transferring the passport issuance function to a domestic U.S. passport facility. This will increase processing times at some U.S. embassies and consulates. The U.S Department of State is committed to ensuring that U.S. citizens receive secure documents in a timely manner. U.S. citizens are encouraged to apply early for renewal of expiring U.S. passports.

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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated November 26, 2003, to update sections on Dual Nationality, Safety and Security, Other Health Information, Customs Regulations, Criminal Penalties, and Children's Issues.

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