More and more flights are canceled due to coronavirus. Several neighboring countries are now closing border crossings and the possibility of transit flights is being reduced continuously. Norway does not have its own embassy in Cambodia and connections are handled from the embassy in Bangkok, Thailand. If you need consular assistance in Cambodia, the Swedish Embassy in Phnom Penh can be contacted. For more information about coronavirus, see the section Health.
Safety
Most trips to Cambodia are carried out safely and without special problems. The greatest risk is related to transport security and petty crime at the traditional tourist destinations. Norway does not have its own embassy in Cambodia and connections are handled from the embassy in Bangkok, Thailand. If you need consular assistance in Cambodia, the Swedish Embassy in Phnom Penh can be contacted.
The political situation is relatively stable, but demonstrations and clashes with security forces have occurred, especially in the capital Phnom Penh. One should generally avoid large crowds and areas where demonstrations are underway or have been notified, and keep up to date through local media such as. Phnom Penh Post and Cambodia Daily, show general care and follow directions from local authorities.
There is a danger of being hit by terrorist attacks in most places in the world. Travelers should be alert and take reasonable precautions. Cambodia has not been subjected to terrorism targeting foreigners or foreign interests, but there have been individual cases of hostage-taking and foreign property damage.
The roads in Cambodia are generally poor, and traveling after darkness increases the risk of accidents. Many vehicles run without light, and cattle can be on the road. A high number of foreigners have been involved in motorcycle accidents. Travel by boat also carries a certain risk of accident, as boats are often poorly maintained and overloaded and rarely equipped with life jackets. Maintenance of national aircraft may be inadequate. Cambodian trains and railways are poorly maintained and can cause accidents.
There is a risk of armed robbery and rape by foreigners, especially in Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville and Siem Reap, and especially after dark. Pay attention to pickpockets and purse bags. Road robbery is not uncommon in the north-eastern provinces, which may involve disciplined police and military personnel. In addition, there is a danger of armed robberies on Cambodia’s riverboats. Pirates appear on the coast of Cambodia.
Floods are common in Cambodia, especially during the period July – November. During this time it may be difficult to travel in some provinces.
The level of punishment in Cambodia is relatively high – even for minor wrongdoing. One can be sentenced to several months in prison for conditions that in Norway can be regarded as trivial (for example, shoplifting, disruption of public order). You can also risk being jailed for extended periods pending final judgment. The prison conditions are considerably below the Norwegian standard.
Occasionally, occasional encounters between Thai and Cambodian military forces occur in both Sisaket Province around Preah Vihear Temple and around Ta Krabey Temple at the border of Surin Province in Thailand. Norwegian citizens staying in these areas should follow local government directions and stay updated through the media.
Cambodia still has a large number of land mines, especially along the borders with Thailand and Vietnam, and the mining areas are not always marked. Areas outside normal traffic can still be mined. It is therefore urged not to move outside the main roads in the countryside, nor to go outside the temple areas.
Contact information: In case of emergency, please contact the Swedish Embassy in Phnom Penh:
Embassy of Sweden, Phnom Penh
10th Floor, Phnom Penh Tower
# 445, Monivong Blvd, 93/232
Sangkat Boeung Pralit, Khan 7 Makara
Phnom Penh, The Kingdom of Cambodia
Tel: +855 (23) 861 700
Fax: +855 (23) 861 701
Email: ambassaden.phnom-penh@gov.se
You may also contact the Norwegian Embassy in Bangkok at:
The Norwegian Embassy in Bangkok
UBC II Building, 18th floor
591 Sukhumvit Road, Soi 33
Bangkok 10110
Thailand
Phone from Norway: 23 95 74 00
Tel: +66 (0) 2204 6500
Fax: +66 (0) 2262 0218
E-mail: emb.bangkok@mfa.no
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 09.00-12.00 and 13.00-16.00
Outside the embassy’s opening hours, telephone inquiries to the Norwegian embassy’s central table are automatically transferred to the UD’s 24-hour operating center. You can also contact us directly by phone +47 23 95 00 00 or e-mail: UDops@mfa.no
Norwegian travelers to Cambodia are encouraged to have valid travel insurance and to register at http://www.reiseregistrering.no/.
Entry
Please note that entry regulations may change. The Foreign Service is not responsible if the following information on entry regulations or visa requirements is changed at short notice. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents are valid for entry and to familiarize themselves with the current entry rules for each country.
There is a visa requirement for Cambodia for all types of Norwegian passports. It is possible to apply for an e-visa for up to 30 days. It is also possible to obtain a 30-day tourist visa upon arrival at airports and border crossings.
E-visa (for tourists only) can be applied from https://www.evisa.gov.kh/. Visas are also issued by Cambodia’s embassies and may also be obtained upon arrival at the airport and at certain border stations under certain conditions. Application for business visa and diplomatic visa must be submitted through the Cambodian Embassy.
It is Cambodia’s embassy in London who is accredited to Norway. Their contact information is as follows:
Royal Embassy of Cambodia
64 Brondesbury Park
Willesden Green
London NW6
7AT Visa Information: Phone +44 (0) 20-8451 7850
Normally one to two passport photos are required and the passport must be valid for at least four months after the visa expires (e-visa requires at least six months validity from entry date). It is recommended to contact the nearest Cambodian embassy to get updated information on visa conditions and what it costs. Please note that daily fines must be paid if you do not travel out of the country at the end of the visa period. In addition, a new visa application must be paid. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents and visas are valid.
Always keep a copy of your passport and Cambodian visa in a place other than the original.
Health
Coronavirus (covid-19): Coronavirus (covid-19) has been detected in Cambodia as it is in other countries in the region. Travelers are encouraged to follow the health advice prepared by the Institute of Public Health, as well as follow advice and directions from the Cambodian authorities.
Cambodia tightened entry rules on March 30. Travelers to Cambodia must apply for a pre-entry visa, and a health certificate is required that confirms a negative test for covid-19 (no older than 72 hours prior to departure) and travel insurance that covers health care for at least $ 50,000.
Exceptions are made for insurance and covid-19 tests for diplomatic visas and official visas. Foreign citizens will no longer be able to obtain a visa upon arrival.
Upon entry, everyone will have to undergo screening and may be subject to quarantine.
Norwegian travelers should keep abreast of the development of the corona virus, and be aware that Cambodian authorities can quickly introduce additional measures and/or restrictions on entry that are of significance to Norwegian citizens. It is becoming increasingly difficult for Norwegian citizens to return home from abroad. Borders and airspace are closed, and state of emergency and other restrictions have been introduced in many countries. The borders between Cambodia and Vietnam, Laos and Thailand are closed for the time being. It is still possible to travel out of Cambodia by air via South Korea, but the tickets are few and expensive.
The level of health services in Cambodia is generally of a low standard and if the number of people infected in Cambodia is to increase, it will put a great deal of pressure on the health care system. It is therefore highly uncertain what medical treatment Norwegian citizens would expect to receive. In general, medical evacuation abroad is recommended for serious illnesses and accidents, but this will probably be very difficult in the future as neighboring countries of Cambodia have closed the borders and introduced very strict rules for both entry and transit. There is also great pressure on evacuation services as the covid-19 pandemic covers the entire world.
We encourage Norwegian citizens traveling in Cambodia to return home as soon as possible, in a safe and quiet manner, in consultation with their travel or airline. If you would like information on any repatriation flights set up, please send an email to the embassy at consular.bangkok@mfa.no with your contact information and information on where in the country you are located.
Norwegian citizens residing in Cambodia are also recommended to register at reiseregistrering.no,
You can find more information and guidance from the Norwegian health authorities on the website of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. See also UD’s answers to frequently asked questions about travel and coronavirus.
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The level of health services in Cambodia does not meet European standards, access to fast and good health care can be a challenge. Therefore, in case of serious accidents and illness, evacuation abroad is recommended. Private clinics in Phnom Penh are usually better equipped than the public ones, but the more expensive. Travel insurance covering health and home transport expenses is strongly recommended to avoid unnecessary hassles for the traveler and relatives.
Malaria is common in Cambodia, but the risk is relatively low in areas where tourists normally travel. For information on which vaccines are needed when traveling in Cambodia, contact the Institute of Public Health.
There are a lot of wild dogs in Cambodia, and they are the main source of rabies infection. If you are bitten or scraped by a dog in Cambodia, you must clean the wound as soon as possible and get help from health professionals with knowledge of rabies. Read more about rabies.
Cases of avian influenza (H5N1) in Cambodia have also been reported. Read more about bird flu.
There has been a significant increase in the number of cases of dengue fever in Cambodia in recent years. These also occur in the cities. It is therefore recommended to be careful about mosquito repellent and other preventive measures – even during the day. Read more about the disease.
Cambodia is an area with ongoing outbreaks or increasing prevalence of zika fever. Norwegian health authorities, among others, ask pregnant women to postpone unnecessary travel to such areas. Women who stay in such areas and who are at risk of becoming pregnant should use safe contraception to avoid becoming pregnant during their stay and for eight weeks after leaving. For long-term stays, follow the advice of local health authorities. Other and important information about precautions etc. can be found on the Public Health Institute’s websites.
Practical information
The time difference to Cambodia is + 6 hours (+ 5 hours when there is summer time in Norway). According to allcitycodes, the area code for calling from Norway to Cambodia is +855. The telephone network is stable and there is mobile coverage in most places in the country. Internet speed is consistently lower than in Norway.
Cambodia has 220 volts and 50Hz power.
Local currency unit is real, but US dollars are used extensively as a means of payment in Cambodia. Cash payments are the most common, but credit cards can be used at many hotels and restaurants in the tourist areas. ATMs can be found in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville.
Banks are normally open from 7.30 to 11.30 and from 14.00 to 17.00 (Monday-Friday). Stores are normally open from 7am to 10pm (Monday-Friday). Offices are open from 7.30 to 11.30 and from 14.00 to 17.00 (Monday-Friday).
The official language of Cambodia is Khmer, but in the major cities and tourist areas many speak English.
Photography of public figures – such as monks – without prior consent, is viewed with suspicion. Photography near military facilities, airports and public buildings etc. should also be avoided.
Cambodia is mainly Buddhist. When visiting temples, knees and shoulders should be covered and the shoes must be removed.
The level of punishment in Cambodia is relatively high – even for minor wrongdoing. One can be sentenced to several months in prison for conditions that in Norway can be regarded as trivial (for example, shoplifting, disruption of public order, defamation of public officials). Drug legislation is stringent and offenses result in long stays in local prisons. The same goes for sexual intercourse with minors. The prison conditions are considerably below the Norwegian standard.
Emergency number: Ambulance 119, police 117, fire 118