Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:653 Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Path: world!daemon From: Wally Doerge <76702.1202@compuserve.com> Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Cambodia Message-ID: <950119154541_76702.1202_CHN66-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: daemon@world.std.com (daemons) Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Thu, 19 Jan 1995 15:45:42 GMT Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 119 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Cambodia ============================================================ Cambodia - Consular Information Sheet January 18, 1995 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 for a twenty dollar fee. Areas of Instability: Limited military conflict, which frequently intensifies during the dry season (November through May) is possible in a number of areas, including some along the border with Thailand. The U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh may be able to provide Americans traveling outside the capital with more detailed information on areas of conflict. (Khmer Rouge Radio commentaries have threatened physical harm to American and other foreign nationals. Some Westerners, including American citizens, have been taken hostage and several have been killed.) The safety of road travel outside urban areas varies greatly from region to region. Potential risks can be reduced if such travel is undertaken in vehicle convoy during daylight hours. Train travel is not considered safe. Inter-city travel by water can be unsafe. Risks can be reduced by traveling on fast boats only. Crime and banditry, including armed vehicle theft, is a persistent problem in some areas, including the capital city, Phnom Penh. The town of Siem Reap and the ruins of Angkor Wat remain open to tourists, but, one American was killed and another wounded on January 15, 1995 in the vicinity of Banteay Srei Temple, approximately 30 kilometers northeast of Siem Reap and Angkor Wat. The area surrounding Banteay Srei Temple continues to be unsettled and dangerous. Effective January 16, 1995, the Cambodian government has prohibited travel to that temple. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are not widely available and do not meet U.S. standards of hygiene and caregiving. Doctors and hospitals 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, including provision for medical evacuation, has proven 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 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, 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 has confirmed this policy. Dual Nationality: The Royal Cambodian Government has not yet adopted laws on dual nationality. In practical terms, the United States 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 Overseas Citizens 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 Embassy is located at 27, Street Angphanouvong (Formerly 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). No. 95-005 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet issued January 6, 1995, to reflect that the government of Cambodia forbids under any circumstances visits to the Temple of Banteay Srei in Siem Reap Province. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet and BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. 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