Travel Advisory for Kingdom of Cambodia
This page provides a comprehensive comparison of official government travel advisories for Kingdom of Cambodia from multiple trusted international sources including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, France, Spain, Ireland, and Japan. Each government assesses travel risks independently based on their own intelligence, diplomatic relationships, and risk assessment criteria. By comparing these different perspectives, travelers can make more informed decisions about their safety and security when visiting Kingdom of Cambodia.
The information below is aggregated from official government sources and analyzed to provide you with a unified view of the current travel situation. Last updated: 2026-09-06
AdvisoryAtlas.com Risk Level
Level 4 - Do Not Travel
Range: Level 2 to Level 4
AdvisoryAtlas.com Safety Index
40
Safety Index Score
Overview
Cambodia requires a high degree of caution due to prevalent petty crime, risks of landmines in certain areas, and unpredictable security situations near the Thai border. Travelers should be vigilant, especially at night, and adhere to local laws and customs.
Detailed Advisory Summary
Cambodia presents a blend of rich cultural experiences and significant safety considerations, necessitating a high degree of caution for all travelers. Petty crime, such as bag snatching and phone theft, is frequent, particularly in urban centers like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, with thieves often operating from motorcycles. Violent crimes, including sexual assault, are also reported, and travelers are advised to be particularly vigilant at night and in isolated areas. A serious concern remains the presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance in rural and border regions, especially near Thailand, where armed clashes have occurred. Travelers are strongly advised to stick to marked paths and avoid these areas entirely.
Significant risks are associated with transportation, where road safety standards are low, traffic laws are often disregarded, and accidents are common. Night travel is particularly hazardous. The country's infrastructure, while improving in major routes, can be poor in secondary areas, and during the rainy season, roads can become impassable. Health facilities outside major cities are limited, and travelers must ensure they have adequate medical insurance, including for evacuation. Scams targeting tourists, including employment scams and online romance scams, are prevalent, and a high degree of skepticism is advised when encountering unsolicited offers or requests for money.
Cultural sensitivity is important; visitors should dress modestly, especially at religious sites, and respect local customs. While same-sex activity is legal, public displays of affection are generally frowned upon. Travelers are urged to register with their respective embassies, monitor local media for updates, and follow the guidance of local authorities to ensure a safer journey.
Significant risks are associated with transportation, where road safety standards are low, traffic laws are often disregarded, and accidents are common. Night travel is particularly hazardous. The country's infrastructure, while improving in major routes, can be poor in secondary areas, and during the rainy season, roads can become impassable. Health facilities outside major cities are limited, and travelers must ensure they have adequate medical insurance, including for evacuation. Scams targeting tourists, including employment scams and online romance scams, are prevalent, and a high degree of skepticism is advised when encountering unsolicited offers or requests for money.
Cultural sensitivity is important; visitors should dress modestly, especially at religious sites, and respect local customs. While same-sex activity is legal, public displays of affection are generally frowned upon. Travelers are urged to register with their respective embassies, monitor local media for updates, and follow the guidance of local authorities to ensure a safer journey.
Risk Level Summary by Government Source
| Source | Risk Level | Updated | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Affairs Canada | Level 4 - Do Not Travel | 2026-09-01 | View Source → |
| U.S. Department of State | Level 4 - Do Not Travel | 2026-07-09 | View Source → |
| Ministère des Affaires Étrangères | Level 4 - Do Not Travel | 2026-09-03 | View Source → |
| Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office | Level 4 - Do Not Travel | 2026-04-22 | View Source → |
| Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade | Level 4 - Do Not Travel | 2026-04-29 | View Source → |
| Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores | Level 3 - Reconsider Travel | 2026-07-22 | View Source → |
| Department of Foreign Affairs (Ireland) | Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions | 2026-07-14 | View Source → |
| Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan | Level 4 - Do Not Travel | 2026-07-21 | View Source → |
| Auswärtiges Amt | Level 3 - Reconsider Travel | 2026-07-09 | View Source → |
| New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade | Level 4 - Do Not Travel | 2026-09-03 | View Source → |
| Département fédéral des affaires étrangères (DFAE) | Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution | 2026-06-08 | View Source → |
| Regjeringen (Norway) | Level 4 - Do Not Travel | 2026-06-03 | View Source → |
| Nederland Wereldwijd (Netherlands) | Level 4 - Do Not Travel | 2026-09-06 | View Source → |
| Viaggiare Sicuri (Italy) | Level 3 - Reconsider Travel | 2026-04-14 | View Source → |
| BMEIA (Austria) | Level 4 - Do Not Travel | 2026-06-16 | View Source → |
| 0404 (Korea) | Level 4 - Do Not Travel | 2026-07-30 | View Source → |
| Ministry for Foreign Affairs (Finland) | Level 3 - Reconsider Travel | 2026-07-07 | View Source → |
Safety and Security Analysis
Vaccination Information
Required Vaccines
- Yellow Fever (if arriving from a country with risk of transmission)
Recommended for Most Travelers
- Routine vaccines (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio)
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
Recommended for Some Travelers
- Hepatitis B (for those at risk of exposure)
- Japanese Encephalitis (for travelers to rural areas or long stays)
- Rabies (for those at higher risk of animal contact)
- Influenza
- Malaria prophylaxis (depending on itinerary and season)
Consult a travel health professional or international vaccination center well in advance of travel to assess individual needs and ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Be aware of diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and practice protective measures.
Visa Information
Visa Types
| Type | Requirement | Stay Limit | Cost | Conditions | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | E-Visa / Visa on Arrival / Embassy | 30 days | $30-40 USD | Passport valid for 6 months, blank page required. |
|
| Business Visa | E-Visa / Visa on Arrival / Embassy | 30 days initially, extendable up to 1 year | $35 USD | Requires proof of mission/internship; allows work with permit. |
|
| Visa on Arrival | Available at airports/land crossings | 30 days | $30-40 USD | Passport valid for 6 months, blank page required. |
|
| E-Visa | Online application | 30 days | $30-40 USD | Apply at least 4 days in advance; requires passport scan. |
|
| Visa K (for those with Cambodian parentage) | Free / Embassy / Airport | Permanent | Free | Proof of Cambodian parentage required. |
|
Entry & Legal Compliance
- Passport Validity Needed: 6 months
- Blank Pages Required: 1
- Dual Citizenship Policy: Legally recognized, but services may be limited for dual citizens.
- Proof Of Onward Travel: Required for entry.
- Currency Limit Declaration: $10,000 USD
- Drone Usage Law: Prohibited in certain areas without a permit; requires permission for sensitive sites.
Emergency Contacts
- Police: 117
- Ambulance: 119
- Fire: 118
- Foreigner Hotline: +855 31 201 2345
- Foreigner Hotline: +855 31 601 2345
- Cambodian National Police: +855 (0)12 999 999
- Tourist Police (Phnom Penh): +855 (0)12 945 148
- Tourist Police (Siem Reap): +855 (0)12 402 424
- Tourist Police (Sihanoukville): +855 97 778 0008
- Immigration Hotline: +855 68 38 66 99
- Immigration Hotline: +855 78 38 66 99
- Immigration Hotline: +855 87 38 66 99
Common Scams & Tourist Traps
- Job scams: Offers of high-paying jobs, especially in IT or English teaching, that lead to forced labor or online scam centers.
- Romance scams: Building online relationships to extort money or lure victims into dangerous situations.
- 'Bag snatching': Thieves on motorcycles targeting pedestrians or those in tuk-tuks for bags and phones.
- Drugged drinks: Being drugged in bars or taxis, leading to robbery or assault.
- Fake currency: Receiving counterfeit US dollar bills as change.
- 'Easy work' offers: Invitations to private homes for gambling or other activities that turn into scams or extortion.
Cultural Etiquette in Kingdom of Cambodia
Do
- Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and religious sites, covering shoulders and knees.
- Show respect to monks, the monarchy, and local customs.
- Greet locals with a smile and a polite nod.
- Use your right hand for giving and receiving items.
- Ask permission before taking photos of people, especially monks.
Don't
- Do not criticize the King, monarchy, or government publicly or on social media.
- Avoid public displays of affection, as they are generally frowned upon.
- Do not touch people on the head, as it is considered sacred.
- Do not point with your feet towards people or religious objects.
- Do not engage in illegal drug activities or consumption.
Advisory Comparison by Government Source
Global Affairs Canada
Updated: 2026-09-01
Canada advises a high degree of caution in Cambodia due to petty crime and landmines. It specifically warns against travel within 50km of the Thai border due to ongoing armed conflict and unpredictable security. Canadians are urged to secure belongings, avoid resistance during robberies, and be aware of risks like sexual assault and drug-facilitated crimes. The advisory highlights the severe penalties for drug offenses and the poor conditions in prisons. It also notes the importance of registering with STEP and having evacuation plans.
U.S. Department of State
Updated: 2026-07-09
The U.S. Department of State advises increased caution in Cambodia due to crime and landmines, with a 'Do Not Travel' advisory for areas within 50km of the Thai border due to armed conflict. It notes frequent street crime, particularly in tourist areas, and warns against physically resisting robberies. The advisory highlights the severe penalties for drug offenses, including life imprisonment, and the risk of drugged drinks. It strongly recommends enrolling in STEP and preparing contingency plans, noting that the U.S. government's ability to provide emergency services in border provinces is limited.
Ministère des Affaires Étrangères
Updated: 2026-09-03
France recommends exercising prudence, especially at night in urban areas, and formally advises against travel within 30km of the Thailand border due to fragile security and past clashes. It warns of frequent pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and scams targeting tourists, including employment fraud leading to forced labor. France emphasizes the dangers of two-wheeled vehicle traffic and the need for proper insurance. It also highlights risks associated with nightlife, including drink spiking and potential assaults, advising caution with strangers and online acquaintances.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Updated: 2026-04-22
The UK's FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 20km of the land border with Thailand due to ongoing armed conflict, military strikes, and the presence of landmines. It warns of frequent bag-snatching, often by motorbike-riding thieves, and incidents of sexual assault, particularly in Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. The FCDO cautions against drink spiking and methanol poisoning, and highlights the prevalence of organized crime, job scams, and counterfeit currency. Travelers are advised to use hotel safes, avoid isolated areas at night, and be wary of seemingly attractive job offers.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Updated: 2026-04-29
Smartraveller advises exercising a high degree of caution in Cambodia due to recent armed conflict and security risks, with a 'Do Not Travel' advisory for areas within 50km of the Cambodia-Thailand border due to conflict and landmines. It highlights prevalent 'snatch-and-grab' crimes, sexual assault risks, and the presence of guns and explosions linked to disputes. The advisory warns about scams, credit card fraud, and the potential for protests to turn violent. Australians are advised to protect their safety during conflict and be aware of limited medical facilities and potential for fake medication.
Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores
Updated: 2026-07-22
Spain's travel advice strongly recommends avoiding all travel to the border areas with Thailand due to recent armed conflict and the presence of landmines, noting that land border crossings remain closed. It highlights an increase in robberies and assaults against foreigners, especially in tourist areas, and warns against nightlife and isolated areas due to risks of sexual assault and violence. The advisory cautions against accepting drinks from strangers due to potential narcosis and advises prudence with locally produced alcohol due to contamination risks. It also flags a risk of traffic accidents due to poor road conditions and erratic driving, and advises against road travel at night. The advice emphasizes the severe penalties for drug offenses.
Department of Foreign Affairs (Ireland)
Updated: 2026-07-14
Ireland advises normal precautions for Cambodia overall but strongly advises against all travel within 20km of the Thailand-Cambodia border due to armed clashes and landmines. It notes that the Irish Embassy in Cambodia is limited in its assistance, directing citizens to the Embassy in Vietnam for emergencies. Ireland highlights common petty crime, particularly bag snatching, and warns about drink spiking in bars. It also cautions against fake employment offers leading to trafficking and forced labor, and advises respecting local laws and customs, especially regarding dress codes at religious sites.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
Updated: 2026-07-21
Japan has issued a Level 3 'Stop Travel' advisory for areas within 30km of the Thailand border and a Level 2 'Avoid Non-Essential Travel' advisory for the 30-50km zone, citing ongoing military clashes and landmine risks, despite a ceasefire. It warns of foreign nationals being lured by job offers and forced into illegal activities under confinement, emphasizing the need to verify employment details. Japan also highlights frequent pickpocketing, scams like 'confidence games,' and the risk of injury from forceful bag-snatching. It advises against entering mined areas and using poorly maintained transport.
Auswärtiges Amt
Updated: 2026-07-09
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Updated: 2026-09-03
New Zealand advises increased caution in Cambodia, with a 'Do Not Travel' advisory for areas within 50km of the Thailand-Cambodia border due to armed conflict and landmines. It notes that violent crime, including sexual assault and robbery, is common, with foreigners being targets. New Zealanders are advised to maintain high personal security awareness, avoid night travel alone, and be cautious of drink spiking. It warns of large-scale scam compounds and fraudulent job offerings leading to forced labor. The advisory also points out the limitations of local law enforcement and the risk of unexploded ordnance.
Département fédéral des affaires étrangères (DFAE)
Updated: 2026-06-08
Switzerland warns of rapidly evolving security situations and advises against travel to the Thailand border region, citing sporadic military clashes and unstable conditions, with border crossings closed. It notes that Cambodia was heavily mined and landmines remain, particularly near the Thai border and in Siem Reap province. Switzerland highlights that violent crime against foreigners is rare but thefts are frequent, recommending precautions like carrying only photocopies of passports and avoiding nighttime travel on motorcycles or cyclo-pousse. It also cautions against accepting invitations from strangers due to confidence tricksters and potential drug administration.
Regjeringen (Norway)
Updated: 2026-06-03
Nederland Wereldwijd (Netherlands)
Updated: 2026-09-06
The Netherlands issues a red travel advisory for the 5km border strip with Thailand and orange for the 5-20km zone, deeming it too dangerous for travel or holidays due to unpredictable security and potential landmines. For the rest of Cambodia, a yellow advisory applies, noting specific security risks. The Netherlands warns of scams involving fraudulent job offers leading to forced labor and passport confiscation. It also highlights the risks of drink spiking, robbery by 'bag snatching,' and the severe penalties for drug offenses, including life imprisonment for even small amounts of certain drugs.
Viaggiare Sicuri (Italy)
Updated: 2026-04-14
Italy recommends particular caution in Cambodia, especially in areas with unexploded ordnance near borders and in rural/forest regions. It advises against drinking local wine due to methanol poisoning risks and emphasizes the need for comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation. Italy notes that medical facilities are not comparable to Italian standards, requiring upfront payment and potentially leading to transfer abroad for serious conditions. It also highlights the strict penalties for drug offenses and the importance of registering travel details on the 'DOVE SIAMO NEL MONDO' platform.
BMEIA (Austria)
Updated: 2026-06-16
Austria assigns Security Level 4 (regional) to the Thailand border area, advising against travel, and Level 2 for the rest of the country, noting the security situation can change. It warns of risks of robbery and theft, particularly in Phnom Penh's riverfront area and Sihanoukville's tourist spots, recommending standard safety measures and avoiding nighttime travel in remote areas. Austria highlights the high risk of landmines in provinces along the Thai border and Siem Reap, advising against individual trekking without local guides. It also mentions the need for financial guarantees for hospital treatment and the potential necessity of transfer to Thai hospitals.
0404 (Korea)
Updated: 2026-07-30
Ministry for Foreign Affairs (Finland)
Updated: 2026-07-07
Notes that a local Cambodian driver's license is mandatory for insurance validity during accidents. It also highlights the presence of a Finnish Honorary Consulate in Phnom Penh for emergency assistance.
Important: This is an aggregated summary from multiple government sources. Always consult official government travel advisory websites before making travel decisions.
About Travel Advisories for Kingdom of Cambodia
This comprehensive travel advisory page for Kingdom of Cambodia aggregates official government warnings and recommendations from eight major international sources. Each country's foreign affairs department maintains its own travel advisory system based on unique assessment criteria, intelligence gathering, and diplomatic considerations.
The United States Department of State, Global Affairs Canada, UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Australia's Smartraveller, France's Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs, and Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs each provide independent assessments of travel risks to Kingdom of Cambodia.
By comparing these multiple perspectives, travelers can gain a more complete understanding of the current situation in Kingdom of Cambodia and make better-informed decisions about their travel plans. Remember to always check the official government websites directly before finalizing any travel arrangements.
Last updated: 2026-09-06