TRAVEL WARNING
Overview Cambodia
Country-specific safety information
Due to political and social tensions, there are repeated demonstrations and rallies in the Phnom Penh area and other parts of the country. In the past there have been isolated outbreaks of violence. Due to the increased potential for violence, travelers are strongly advised to avoid large crowds. Reports from the English-language press should be followed.
Caution is advised when traveling to Preah Vihear. The territorial conflict between Cambodia and Thailand regarding the border around the area surrounding the Preah Vihear temple has been settled; relations between the two countries have improved. A further tightening of the security situation in Preah Vihear is possible at any time. Visitors are therefore urgently advised to find out about the specific situation on site before traveling to Preah Vihear. Because of the possible landmine risk, travelers should also under no circumstances leave the marked paths of the temple complex.
The Suay Chrom border crossing in Preah Vihar Province is closed. For the situation on the Thai side, see also the external link, opens in a new window Travel and safety information for Thailand.
Crime
In the tourist centers, especially in Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville and Kampot, there has been an increase in physical attacks and robberies against foreigners, in some cases with the use of knives and / or firearms. In Phnom Penh, this mainly affects the tourist and residential areas for foreigners, including the area around the riverside of the Tonlé Sap and Boeung Keng Kang 1 (BKK1). It is strongly advised not to resist any raids. Particular caution is advised for those traveling alone. In Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville there has also been a significant increase in theft, in guest houses and hotels.
Lately, foreign women have been the victims of more sexual assault, especially on lonely night walks on the beach in the seaside resort of Sihanoukville. If possible, travelers should not be traveling alone at night and should organize the return journey to their accommodation in advance. Due to the widespread prevalence of HIV / AIDS, potential victims of sexual assault are strongly advised to consult a doctor immediately.
When traveling with motorcycle taxis and tuk-tuks, but also on foot, it is to be expected that bags will be torn away or cut off by passing motorcyclists (so-called bag snatching). Injuries to the stolen are accepted with approval. Handbags and shoulder bags should therefore, if possible, not be carried with you, or at least carried or safely stowed away on the side facing away from the street. The loss of passports, cash, travelers checks or other valuables must be reported to the police at the crime scene.
In Phnom Penh, foreign tourists are increasingly being approached and invited to private homes under various pretexts – for example with information about an encounter at the airport or about close relatives who will soon be studying or working in Europe. After a hospitable and sociable atmosphere has been created, the victim is then involved in fictitious card or gambling games, at the end of which the victim loses and is threatened to pay alleged gambling debts. It cannot be ruled out that drugs are added to food or drinks. It is therefore advisable to exercise great caution with private invitations. Incidentally – especially in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap – various forms of trickery are widespread.
Lately, travelers have fallen victim to frauds in which renters of motorcycles and scooters have claimed damages for alleged damage to the rental property. In order to exert pressure, these landlords try to withhold the passport. At the same time, the immigration authorities are informed in order to prevent departure. It is therefore strongly advised not to leave your passport as a deposit when renting motorcycles and scooters.
Mine hazard
In some parts of the country, especially near the border with Thailand, there is still a risk of mines. The main tourist areas have been cleared of mines. However, it is strongly recommended not to leave the marked paths under any circumstances due to the possible landmine risk.
Transport infrastructure
The infrastructure is insufficiently developed. With a few exceptions, buses, trains and boats do not in the least meet the safety standards customary in Germany. For reasons of road safety, it is not advisable to ride a bicycle or a motorcycle. At least a suitable helmet should always be worn. Drivers of motorcycle taxis (so-called motordups) usually do not have helmets for their passengers.
As a country located in Asia according to thefreegeography, Cambodian airlines do not have the high safety standards that are common in Germany, for example. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has identified significant violations of ICAO regulations.
If possible, all land trips should be planned so that the destination can be reached safely before dark.
