Social Unrest
In Cambodia, there is a risk of violent incidents and we advise visitors to avoid crowds and in particular political demonstrations. We also advise against publicly expressing strong political views.
The sovereignty of land adjacent to the Preah Vihear temple on the Cambodian/Thai border is the subject of a dispute and tensions continue to run high there. Due to the ongoing conflict at the Thailand-Cambodia border, we strongly advise against all travel to the border region.
Always keep yourself informed of what is going on around you by monitoring local media and staying in contact with your hotel or tour organiser.
Terrorism
Although the threat from terrorism in Cambodia is low, there is still a global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by tourists and expatriates.
Landmines
Unexploded mines and ordnances are a continuing hazard in former battlefields, particularly in northern Cambodia. Do not stray off main routes in rural areas or pick up metal objects, and check with your tour operator before travelling to affected regions.
Crime
Petty Crime is common in Cambodia, particularly in urban areas visitors should take sensible precautions at all times and especially during the summer peak travel period;
- The Embassy is aware of a number of cases of tourists being lured into private homes under the pretext of discovering a new bar, and assaulted or robbed. We recommend that tourists exercise caution if invited by locals to visit a bar outside tourist areas, or to visit someone’s home for a game of cards or other form of gambling;
- The Embassy has received a number of reports of citizens suspecting that their drinks have been spiked in bars in Cambodia. Always be vigilant and never accept a drink off a stranger.
- Do not carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a copy of your passport and birth certificate (as well as travel insurance documents and other important documents) with family or friends at home;
- Do not carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together, leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place;
- Be aware that bag snatching occurs frequently and there is a significant increase in theft in the lead up to local festivals;
- Avoid placing bags in the front basket of bicycles;
- Bag snatchers on motorbikes are also a problem;
- When travelling by air, bus or train, stay vigilant against petty theft, particularly in busy rail and bus stations and in crowded airports;
- Avoid isolated areas after dark, including beaches in the Sihanoukville area, where there have been an increasing number of violent incidents;
- Travelling by car will reduce the risk as will limiting night time travel around Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville and Siem Reap to well-lit public areas;
- Visitors 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.
Lost or Stolen Passport
If your passport is lost or stolen, report this to the Police immediately and obtain a Police Report. Irish Citizens should be aware that if this occurs, it will delay your travel plans considerably, and cost you money. Along with the time taken to arrange a new travel document, you will subsequently need to get a replacement visa and an exit visa from immigration and this may delay your onward travel plans considerably. Please be aware that the nearest Irish Embassy is in Hanoi, Vietnam and dealing with a lost or stolen passport can be extremely inconvenient for you and can take time to resolve.
Reporting Crime
If a victim of a crime while in Cambodia, report it to the local police immediately. Emergency services are 117 for police, 118 for fire, and 119 for ambulance.
To report a crime in Phnom Penh, go to the Central Security Office at Number 13, Street 158, near Wat Koh.
To report a crime in Siem Reap, the Tourist Police office is next to the Angkor Wat ticket booth.
Employment / Scam Centres
Be aware of fake employment or business offers, especially those advertised on social media. Foreign nationals have been trafficked into Cambodia and forced to work in fraudulent activity, with poor pay and living conditions, restrictions on movement, and severe mistreatment. There are reports of 'scam centres' operated by organised crime organisations, where foreign victims are tricked into coming to Cambodia and other destinations in Southeast Asia and forced to work in online scamming
Driving
If planning to drive in Cambodia, visitors should be extremely careful as driving standards can be erratic and sometimes dangerous. If visitors want to drive, even a motorcycle, they will need a Cambodian driving licence. Make sure to have adequate and appropriate insurance. Be aware that driving without a licence may invalidate your travel insurance if you have an accident.
Motorbikes and Scooters
Roads in Cambodia are extremely dangerous, and accidents involving motorbikes or scooters, often causing serious injury or death, are a common occurrence in Cambodia. If deciding to rent or buy a motorbike or scooter please take the same precautions as you would at home. These include having an appropriate license, wearing a helmet, observing speed limits and obeying the rules of the road.
Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Please note that the use of crash helmets is compulsory for motorbike users and passengers in Cambodia. Failure to follow this advice is likely to invalidate your insurance coverage if you are involved in an accident.
Taxis
Taxis are a common way to get around but be careful, as the standard of driving may be poor. Always use licensed taxis or pre-arranged hotel pick-ups when transferring from airports. Visitors should not accept offers of free transfers to hotels as these are likely to be bogus.
Hiring a Vehicle
If hiring a vehicle, we advise not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.
Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).
Pedestrians
Pedestrians should take particular care when crossing roads in major cities as driving in Cambodia can be erratic and sometimes dangerous.
Alcohol
Homemade alcohol may be contaminated with methanol, bacteria or with toxic chemicals from pesticides and should be avoided.
Even small amounts of methanol can kill or cause serious harm. It is not possible to identify methanol in alcoholic drinks by taste or smell. Early symptoms of methanol poisoning include vomiting, poor judgement, loss of balance and drowsiness. 12-48 hours after drinking: abdominal pain, vertigo, hyperventilation, breathlessness, blurred vision and/or blindness, coma and convulsions .
Seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with show the signs of methanol poisoning after drinking.
Be aware of spiked drinks, food and cigarettes, particularly late at night in bars. Don’t leave food or drink unattended or accept food, drink or cigarettes from strangers.
Energy Drinks
A number of energy drinks, which are banned in European countries due to the high levels of stimulants they contain, are available in Cambodia. Many but not all carry health warnings.
Consumption of these drinks, on their own or with alcohol can pose a serious danger to health, particularly to people with pre-existing cardiac or other health conditions.
Outdoor Adventure Sports
Before taking part in any outdoor or water-based sports or activities, such as kayaking, rock climbing, hang-gliding, etc., check that your travel insurance will cover you in the event of death or injury to yourself or a third party.
Visitors should also be aware that the health and safety requirements in Cambodia are not as stringent as in Ireland and are often neither observed nor enforced. This means the risk of a serious or fatal accident while taking part in these activities is much higher.
