Passport/visa requirements: In order to visit Cambodia, a visa is required for most nationalities. A passport with at least six month validity is required. Philippine and Malaysian nationals do not require tourist visas for a stay up to 21 and 30 days respectively. Singaporean nationality is also exempt from the usual visa requirement.Visa on arrival is not permitted for holders of the following passports: Afghanistan; Algeria; Bangladesh; Iran; Iraq; Pakistan; Saudi Arabia; Sri Lanka; and Sudan. Holders of these passports must obtain a Cambodian visa before arriving in the country. Holders of these passports are also required to hold a sponsor letter or invitation from a company / organization / travel agent, and you are also advised to hold a valid return ticket.
Availability: It is very easy to travel to Cambodia. Cambodian visas are available to most nationalities on arrival at all international airports in Cambodia (Phnom Penh and Siem Reap), at overseas Cambodian embassies , at most international border crossing checkpoints in Cambodia, and through the online E-Visa procedure.
Issuance requirements and price: Issuance of a visa on arrival at the airports and international border crossings is relatively quick and easy, taking about 20-30 minutes. One 4x6 photo is required.
30-day tourist visa (Type ‘T’): US$20
Tourist visas can be extended for one month, but only one time.
30-day business visa (Type ‘E’): US$25
Business visas can be renewed indefinitely, one month, three months, six months or one year at a time.
Diplomatic, Official, Courtesy, and Special (Cambodian) visas are issued free of charge.
At overland international border checkpoints with Thailand, visa prices are often set in Thai baht making them significantly more expensive than the official visa price in US dollars. See below.
E-Visa: The Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs now offers 'e-visa' - visas available online through the Ministry's website. Scan of passport and passport size photo required. Payment by credit card. US$25 for a 30 day visa (three month validity.) Processing time: 3 days. Issued by email and print from from your computer. The Ministry recently announced that e-visa entry points now include Siem Reap International Airport, Phnom Penh International Airport, the Bavet/Moc Bai border crossing, the Poipet/Aranyaprathet border crossing and the Koh Kong/Had Lek border crossing. To order an E-visa see the following website: http://www.mfaic.gov.kh/e-visa/vindex.aspx
E-Visa NEWS/WARNING - In March13, 2009 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a warning about certain websites selling fraudulent e-Visas. Do not purchase e-Visas through any website other that the official Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Website.
E-Visa NEWS - Getting an e-visa is easy, requiring only 5 minutes or so, when the website is working. Unfortunately the website seems to go down with some regularity, often for days at a time. If you really need an e-visa and the site is down, just keep trying. It does seem to come back on line after a while.
Visa Renewal: Renew visas through a travel agent or the ‘Immigration Department’ on Confederation de Russie (‘Airport Road’), located opposite Phnom Penh International Airport. Tel: 012-581558. Fax: 023-890380. E-mail: visa_info@online.com.kh. Renew Diplomatic, Courtesy and Official visas at the Consular section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Visas at Overland Border Crossings
Border crossing with Laos: Border policies are not stable. Travelers report that Cambodian visas are available at the border but Laotian visas are not available at the border.
Border crossings with Vietnam: Cambodian visas are available at the Moc Bai/Bavet and 'Chau Doc' border crossings. There is conflicting information about the availability of Cambodian visas at Prek Chak. Vietnamese visas are not available at any overland border crossing.
Border crossings with Thailand: Cambodian visas and 30-day Thai transit visas are available at all Thai/Cambodian border crossings. Thai transit visas are free of charge. Other types of Thai visas are not available.
Border Crossing Scams/Annoyances
Be prepared for minor scams at the overland border crossings, especially at Koh Kong and Poipet, though similar reports are beg.
Scam #1: The most consistently reported inconvenience at the border is being overcharged for Cambodian visas. At the Poipet and Koh Kong crossings, Cambodian immigration usually charges 1200-1500 baht for a tourist visa and 1500-1700 baht for a business visa. Unlike the rest of the country, they usually refuse dollars. At current exchange rates, the price in baht is significantly more expensive than the official prices of $20 and $25. Some people have had some success paying the official price in dollars by being politely insistent. Another way to try to avoid the problem is to get an e-visa in advance so that you don't need to get a visa at the border.
Scam #2: Drivers and touts will insist that you need their help to obtain a visa. This is not true. They want to charge an extra fee. The visa process is easy, straightforward and do-it-yourself. Do not accept their ‘assistance’ as it is not necessary and will only lengthen the process and increase the cost.
Scam #3: Immigration police may try to charge 100 baht for the normally free exit/entry stamp. Try asking for a receipt.
Scam #4: Immigration police may try to charge 100-300 baht for a SARS Form and/or Swine Flu Form. These forms, when they are required, are supposed to be free. Try asking for a receipt.
When dealing with officials, there is usually room for polite explanations and bargaining. One sometimes-successful approach is to smile, say "no, thank you", smile some more, perhaps act like you don't understand and walk away. This technique may or may not work but it has a greater likelihood of success than simply refusing to do what they are asking or, even worse, becoming argumentative or showing anger.
Vaccinations
None are required but some may be advisable.
Travel physicians often recommend some or all of the following vaccinations and prophylactics. This list was compiled from magazine articles about travel in Cambodia. IT IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE. Consult your travel physician and the CDC website to determine which if any of the vaccinations you should receive.
Hepatitis A - A food borne disease, not uncommon in Cambodia.
Vaccination: Injection series.
Hepatitis B - Transmitted primarily by sexual contact, shared needles and contaminated blood. Prevalent in Cambodia.
Vaccination: Injection series.
Typhoid - A food borne disease, not uncommon in Cambodia.
Vaccination: Injection or pill series.
Japanese Encephalitis - A mosquito borne disease. Limited to parts of Cambodia.
Vaccination: Injection series.
Cholera - A food/water borne disease. Occasional outbreaks in some parts of Cambodia.
Vaccination: Injection.
Rabies - A bodily fluid borne disease. Present in Cambodia. Generally limited to certain professions.
Vaccination: Injection series.
Malaria - A mosquito borne disease. Prevalent in some parts of Cambodia.
Vaccination: None. Prophylactic pills and/or good mosquito prevention habits.Mefloquine (Lariam) resistance has been reported in Cambodia.
Tetanus - Make sure your tetanus vaccination is up-to-date..
Vaccination: Single Injection.
Childhood diseases - polio, measles, mumps, rubella, etc - If you are going to be working with children such as doing volunteer work at and orphanage or teaching, it may be advisable to update your childhood disease vaccinations.
Other diseases of concern:
AIDS/HIV - A bodily fluid borne disease. Prevalent in Cambodia, particularly amongst commercial sex workers. Avoid blood products except in emergencies. Practice safe sex.
Dengue Fever - A mosquito borne disease. Prevalent in some parts of Cambodia, particularly at certain times of year. No vaccination or prophylactic available. Practice good mosquito bite prevention habits.
Worms - A food borne parasite. Eat at reputable restaurants. Practice good hygiene. Beware of street food. Beware of undercooked meat.
Giardia, Salmonella - Food/water borne diseases. Eat at reputable restaurants. Practice good hygiene. Beware of street food.
Thursday, February 25, 2016
HEALTH & ADVICE
Health insurance, including emergency evacuation, is absolutely essential. Doctors and hospitals expect cash payments for any medical treatment. The cost of medical evacuation is high. The hospital in Phnom Penh is reliable. It is suggested that any visitors bring adequate supplies of any essential personal medication, since that medication may not be available in Cambodia.
Food and drink:
All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should first be boiled or otherwise sterilised. Bottled water is widely available. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other risks:
Cholera may be a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination.
Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present; avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Giardiasis, dysentery, typhoid fever and dengue fever are common throughout Cambodia. Dengue fever is particularly prevalent in Phnom Penh, Kampong Cham, Kompong Thom and Siem Reap. Hepatitis B is hyperendemic. Japanese encephalitis occurs in rural areas from May to November, and is relatively common in the highlands where there are rice fields and pigs, as both are needed for the disease to occur. The vaccine is only usually given for people travelling in rural areas for four weeks or more.
Epidemics of avian influenza (bird flu) were reported in Asia in 2004 and again in 2005, and some human cases were confirmed. The last confirmed case was in December 2008. Visitors should avoid bird farms or markets, where contact with poultry might occur.
HIV/AIDS is endemic and safe sex practices are essential.
Food and drink:
All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should first be boiled or otherwise sterilised. Bottled water is widely available. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other risks:
Cholera may be a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination.
Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present; avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Giardiasis, dysentery, typhoid fever and dengue fever are common throughout Cambodia. Dengue fever is particularly prevalent in Phnom Penh, Kampong Cham, Kompong Thom and Siem Reap. Hepatitis B is hyperendemic. Japanese encephalitis occurs in rural areas from May to November, and is relatively common in the highlands where there are rice fields and pigs, as both are needed for the disease to occur. The vaccine is only usually given for people travelling in rural areas for four weeks or more.
Epidemics of avian influenza (bird flu) were reported in Asia in 2004 and again in 2005, and some human cases were confirmed. The last confirmed case was in December 2008. Visitors should avoid bird farms or markets, where contact with poultry might occur.
HIV/AIDS is endemic and safe sex practices are essential.
EMBASSY ABROAD
Embassy of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea:
N 39, P. Suramarith St. Tel: 426 848/015 839 680
Embassy of Australia:
Villa 11, St. 254 Tel:213 470, Fax: 426 003
Embassy of Brazil Darussalam:
N 237, St. 51 Tel: 211 457 - 458, Fax: 211 455 - 456
Embassy of Bulgaria:
N 227, P. Norodom Blvd.Tel: 723 182/015 915 825, Fax: 426 491
Embassy of Canada:
Villa 11, St. 254 Tel: 426 001-1, Fax: 426 271
Embassy of Cuba:
N 98, St. 214. Skt. Veal Vong Tel: 217 428
Embassy of France:
N 1, P. Monivong Blvd. Tel: 430 020, Fax: 430 037
Embassy of Germany:
N 76-78, St. 214 Tel: 216 381/216 193, Fax: 427 746
Embassy of India:
N 777, P. Monivong Blvd. Tel: 363 502 / 361 270, Fax: 364 489
Embassy of Indonesia:
Villa 179,Pasteur St. Tel: 217 947/217 934/216 623, Fax: 216 129
Embassy of Japan:
N 75, P. Norodom Blvd. Tel: 217 161/217 164, Fax: 216 162
Embassy of Laos:
N 15-17, Mao Tse Toung Blvd. Tel: 426 441, Fax: 427 454
Embassy of Malaysia:
Villa N 11. St. 254 Tel: 216 411/017 810 777, Fax: 216 004
Embassy of Philippines:
N 33, St. 294 Tel: 428 591, Tel/Fax: 428 048
Embassy of Poland:
N 767, P. Monivong Blvd. Tel: 720 917/720 916, Fax: 720 918
Embassy of Royal Thai:
N 4, P. Monivong Blvd. Tel: 363 869/363 870/363 871, Fax: 018 810 860
Embassy of Russia:
N 213, P. Sothearos Blvd. Tel: 210 931/215 082
Embassy of Singapore:
N 92, P. Norodom Blvd. Tel: 360 855/360 856, Fax: 018 810 840
Embassy of South Korea:
#50-52, St. No. 214, Phnom Penh, P.O box 2433, Kingdom of Cambodia
Tel : (855-23)-211-900/3
Fax : (855-23)-219-200
E-Mail: polecocam@mofat.go.kr
cambodia@mofat.go.kr
Embassy of Sovereign Military Order of Malta:
N 15, Sokun Meanbon St. Tel: 725 055 - 908, Fax: 724 855
Embassy of the People's Republic of China:
N 256, Mao Tse Toung Blvd. Tel: 720 920/720 921, Fax: 210 861
Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam:
N 436, P. Monivong Blvd. Tel: 362 531, Fax: 427 385
Embassy of the United Kingdom:
N 29, St. 75 Tel: 012 802 992/012 802 993, Fax: 427 125
Embassy of the United State of America:
N 18, St. 228 Tel: 216 436/216 438/216 804, Fax: 216437
N 39, P. Suramarith St. Tel: 426 848/015 839 680
Embassy of Australia:
Villa 11, St. 254 Tel:213 470, Fax: 426 003
Embassy of Brazil Darussalam:
N 237, St. 51 Tel: 211 457 - 458, Fax: 211 455 - 456
Embassy of Bulgaria:
N 227, P. Norodom Blvd.Tel: 723 182/015 915 825, Fax: 426 491
Embassy of Canada:
Villa 11, St. 254 Tel: 426 001-1, Fax: 426 271
Embassy of Cuba:
N 98, St. 214. Skt. Veal Vong Tel: 217 428
Embassy of France:
N 1, P. Monivong Blvd. Tel: 430 020, Fax: 430 037
Embassy of Germany:
N 76-78, St. 214 Tel: 216 381/216 193, Fax: 427 746
Embassy of India:
N 777, P. Monivong Blvd. Tel: 363 502 / 361 270, Fax: 364 489
Embassy of Indonesia:
Villa 179,Pasteur St. Tel: 217 947/217 934/216 623, Fax: 216 129
Embassy of Japan:
N 75, P. Norodom Blvd. Tel: 217 161/217 164, Fax: 216 162
Embassy of Laos:
N 15-17, Mao Tse Toung Blvd. Tel: 426 441, Fax: 427 454
Embassy of Malaysia:
Villa N 11. St. 254 Tel: 216 411/017 810 777, Fax: 216 004
Embassy of Philippines:
N 33, St. 294 Tel: 428 591, Tel/Fax: 428 048
Embassy of Poland:
N 767, P. Monivong Blvd. Tel: 720 917/720 916, Fax: 720 918
Embassy of Royal Thai:
N 4, P. Monivong Blvd. Tel: 363 869/363 870/363 871, Fax: 018 810 860
Embassy of Russia:
N 213, P. Sothearos Blvd. Tel: 210 931/215 082
Embassy of Singapore:
N 92, P. Norodom Blvd. Tel: 360 855/360 856, Fax: 018 810 840
Embassy of South Korea:
#50-52, St. No. 214, Phnom Penh, P.O box 2433, Kingdom of Cambodia
Tel : (855-23)-211-900/3
Fax : (855-23)-219-200
E-Mail: polecocam@mofat.go.kr
cambodia@mofat.go.kr
Embassy of Sovereign Military Order of Malta:
N 15, Sokun Meanbon St. Tel: 725 055 - 908, Fax: 724 855
Embassy of the People's Republic of China:
N 256, Mao Tse Toung Blvd. Tel: 720 920/720 921, Fax: 210 861
Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam:
N 436, P. Monivong Blvd. Tel: 362 531, Fax: 427 385
Embassy of the United Kingdom:
N 29, St. 75 Tel: 012 802 992/012 802 993, Fax: 427 125
Embassy of the United State of America:
N 18, St. 228 Tel: 216 436/216 438/216 804, Fax: 216437
RESTAURANTS, BARS AND NIGHTLIFE
Dining out in Siem Reap for a comparatively small town, Siem Reap offers an amazing range of cuisines and dining venues. The emphasis is, of course, on Khmer food, which can be found at restaurants across town, but European and other Asian cuisines are also well represented, including Italian, Thai, German, Vietnamese, Indian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and, of course, French. Given Cambodia's long relationship with France and France's gastronomic traditions, it is no surprise some of the town’s finest venues offer French cuisine. Also of interest to the gastronome, some finer venues are offering Khmer fusion and contemporary cuisines quite unique to Cambodia. Restaurants are scattered across the town but none is more than a 10-minute walking away. Many restaurants, including several specializing in Khmer food, are concentrated in the Old market area, especially around ‘Pub Street.’ Listings in dark blue offer a bar/nightlife venue in addition to being a restaurant. Listings in maroon also offer a traditional performances. Listings in maroon offer traditional performance. See Traditional Performance in Sightseeing and Activities for more details.
Bars and Nightlife
Siem Reap’s nightlife stretches to near dawn these days with Pub Street coming to life around dusk and the last bars and clubs in town closing as late as 4:00AM. Nightlife venues are scattered across the town but many of the most popular bars and pubs are clustered in the Old Market area, especially along and around “Pub Street”. The bars in the area offer some great early evening happy hour deals and the street also has some of the latest running bars in town. But the action is not limited to Pub Street. Less crowded, less touristy, more individual places can be found in the Wat Bo and Old Market areas, along the river road and on Sivutha Blvd. And for something completely different, check out one of the Cambodian discos or clubs such as Zone One and Sok San - DJs, dancing and a unique and varied selection of international and local music. The clubs get going around 10:00PM and close by 2:00 or 3:00AM.
Shopping Siem Reap
Siem Reap is an excellent place to buy Cambodian souvenirs, silks, handicrafts, textiles and contemporary art. Only Phnom Penh offers a comparable selection. In addition to the tradition shopping venues, over the last few of years there has been an explosion of new shops, galleries and boutiques, offering a varied selection of quality handicrafts and silks as well as original artistic creations in a variety of media.
Phsar Chas (the ‘Old Market’) is one of Siem Reap’s largest traditional covered markets and offers the largest selection of souvenirs under one roof in town. In fact, this market is really a ‘must visit’ in itself for the unique, colorful, local shopping experience. Of all the local markets, the Old Market offers the widest variety of souvenirs as well as the best selection of handicrafts and curios, including such items as traditional silverwork, silks, baskets, statuary, carvings and traditional musical instruments. See the Old Market area map. Also check out the just opened Angkor Night Market off Sivatha. The new night market promises an interesting after hours shopping venue.
Individual little boutiques, art and photo galleries are scattered across the town, though there is a concentration of places in the Old Market area. The boutiques tend to offer higher quality, more unique and sophisticated selections of items than the Old Market - some focusing on Cambodian silks and tailoring, others on high quality handicrafts, NGO-based crafts, Asian-inspired photographic and artistic creations or specialty items such as local candles, spices and teas. Perhaps most interestingly, a new generation of Cambodian artists is making its mark and contemporary Cambodian art is coming to the fore after decades of silence. In addition to the listed galleries, check out The Arthouse Gallery at The Warehouse and the The Arts Lounge at Hotel de la Paix, both featuring regularly changing exhibits featuring the works of contemporary Cambodian artists.
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