Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Penh and Siem Reap, and top-end hotels include ramps for wheelchair access. Transport in the provinces is
usually very overcrowded, but taxi hire from point to point is an affordable option.
On the positive side, the Cambodian people are usually very helpful towards all foreigners, and local la-
bour is cheap if you need someone to accompany you at all times. Most guesthouses and small hotels have
ground-floor rooms that are reasonably easy to access.
The biggest headache also happens to be the main attraction - the temples of Angkor. Causeways are un-
even, obstacles common and staircases daunting, even for able-bodied people. It is likely to be some years
before things improve, although some ramping is now being introduced at major temples.
Wheelchair travellers will need to undertake a lot of research before visiting Cambodia. A growing net-
work of information sources can put you in touch with others who have wheeled through Cambodia before.
Try contacting the following:
Disability Rights UK
(
020-7250 3222;
http://disabilityrightsuk.org
)
Mobility International USA
(
54-1343 1284;
www.miusa.org
)
Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality
(SATH;
212-447 7284;
www.sath.org
)
Visas
Most visitors to Cambodia require a one-month tourist visa (US$20). Most nationalities receive this on ar-
rival at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports, and at land borders, but do check if you are carrying an Afric-
an, Asian or Middle Eastern passport, as there are some exceptions. Citizens of Asean (Association of
Southeast Asian Nations) member countries do not require a visa to visit Cambodia. One passport-sized
photo is required and you'll be 'fined' US$1 if you don't have one. It is also possible to arrange a visa
through Cambodian embassies overseas or an online e-visa (US$20, plus a US$5 processing fee) through
the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
(
www.mfaic.gov.kh
).
Those seeking work in Cambodia should opt for the business visa (US$25) as it is easily extended for
long periods, including multiple entries and exits. A tourist visa can be extended only once and only for one
month, and does not allow for re-entry.
Travellers are sometimes overcharged when crossing at land borders with Thailand, as immigration offi-
cials demand payment in baht and round up the figure considerably. Overcharging is also an issue at the
Laos border, but not usually at Vietnam borders. Arranging a visa in advance can help avoid overcharging.
Overstaying a visa currently costs US$5 a day.
For visitors continuing to Vietnam, one-month single-entry visas cost US$55 taking two days in Phnom
Penh, or just one day via the Vietnamese consulate in Sihanoukville. Most visitors to Laos can obtain a visa
on arrival and many visitors heading to Thailand do not need a visa.
Visa Extensions
Visa extensions are issued by the large immigration office located directly across the road from Phnom Penh
International Airport.
