Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories From: 76702.1202@compuserve.COM (Wally Doerge) Subject: ALL: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Cambodia Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Thu, 21 Apr 1994 13:42:43 GMT STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Cambodia ============================================================ Cambodia - Consular Information Sheet April 20, 1994 Country Description: In September 1993, a democratically elected government took office in Cambodia, following a two-year United Nations peacekeeping program. The country has enormous economic needs and faces a weakened but still active Khmer Rouge insurgency in several provinces. High levels of crime and banditry remain a persistent problem in Cambodia. Entry Requirements: A passport is required. An airport visa valid for a one month stay is available upon arrival in Cambodia from the Ministry of National Security for a nominal fee. Areas of Instability: Southeast Cambodia has seen an upsurge in banditry and military activity. On March 31, an American employee of an international relief organization was abducted in Kampot Province, and on April 11 three non-American expatriates were abducted at a daylight roadblock on National Route 4, the main route to the coast. Lawlessness has also increased along National Route 3 in Kampot Province and on the road that links Kep to the provincial capital of Kampot. The American Embassy in Phnom Penh has advised Americans in Cambodia to avoid travel to Sihanoukville and Kampot Province at this time. Several other areas in Cambodia, such as parts of Battambang Province, are also insecure. Americans traveling outside urban areas are urged by the U.S. Embassy to exercise caution and restrict travel to daylight hours. Travel in vehicle convoys will enhance security. Crime, including armed vehicle theft, is a serious problem in areas including the capital city, Phnom Penh. Travelers can register and obtain updated security information from the U.S. Embassy upon their arrival in Phnom Penh. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are not widely available and do not meet U.S. standards of hygiene and caregiving. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved helpful in some instances. Questions on health matters can be directed to the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, at (404) 332-4559. Information on Crime: Because of frequent armed thefts of vehicles, armed extortion and numerous incidents of petty crimes, such as hotel theft and purse snatching, the United States Embassy in Phnom Penh has advised its personnel to minimize their nighttime movements, especially travel by vehicle. Many organizations in Phnom Penh instruct their staffs to observe a self-imposed curfew. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "a Safe Trip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Criminal penalties for possession, use and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Lifting of the Trade Embargo: The U.S. trade embargo against Cambodia was lifted on January 3, 1992, in conjunction with the implementation of the Comprehensive Political Settlement of the Cambodia conflict. This removes all mandatory restrictions on exports, imports, financial transactions (not involving accounts blocked as of January 3, 1992, which remain frozen), telecommunications, and travel. The lifting of the embargo permits U.S. travel agents to book travel to Cambodia. Exporters are still required to apply to the Department of Commerce for authorization to export certain high technology products which can be diverted for military use. Adoptions: The former government of Cambodia banned adoption of Cambodian orphans by foreign citizens. The new Royal Cambodian government is in the process of reviewing this policy. Dual Nationality: The Royal Cambodian government has not yet adopted laws on dual nationality. In practical terms, the U.S. Embassy is aware of no naturalized Americans of Cambodian birth who have encountered problems relating to taxes, military service, etc. Specific questions on dual nationality can be directed to a Cambodian Embassy or consulate, to the Office of Citizens Consular Services, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520, or to the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh. Registration: Americans can register at the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh and obtain updated information on travel and security within Cambodia. Embassy Location: On September 24, 1993, the U.S. Mission was upgraded to an Embassy. The U.S. Embassy is located at 27 Street 240, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The telephone number is (855) 23-26436 or 23-26438. The consular entrance to the U.S. Embassy is located at 16 Street 228 (between Street 51 and Street 63). The Embassy is able to offer essential consular services. No. 94-049 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet issued November 26, 1993 to revise the areas of instability.