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: 2026-08-24
AdvisoryAtlas.com Risk Level
Level 4 - Do Not Travel
Range: Level 2 to Level 4
AdvisoryAtlas.com Safety Index
55
Safety Index Score
Overview
Cambodia presents a mixed safety landscape, with a general advisory to "exercise increased caution" due to prevalent petty crime and the lingering threat of landmines. While major tourist areas are relatively safer, border regions with Thailand remain dangerous due to ongoing conflict and unexploded ordnance, with a "do not travel" advisory in place for areas within 50km of the border.
Detailed Advisory Summary
Cambodia offers a rich cultural experience, but travelers must remain vigilant due to significant safety concerns. Petty crime, such as bag-snatching and phone theft, is common, particularly in tourist hotspots like Phnom Penh's riverfront and Siem Reap. Violent crime, including sexual assault, also occurs, and resistance to robbery can lead to injury. A major concern remains the widespread presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance, especially in rural and border areas near Thailand, necessitating strict adherence to marked paths and avoidance of remote regions. The border area with Thailand is particularly hazardous due to ongoing, albeit currently ceased, armed conflict, with a "do not travel" advisory in effect for zones within 50km of the border. While major cities have some modern medical facilities, healthcare standards are generally poor, and medical evacuation is often required for serious issues. Travelers are strongly advised to secure comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation. Scams targeting tourists, including job scams and fraudulent offers, are prevalent, and caution is advised when accepting invitations from strangers or engaging with online contacts. Adhering to local laws, respecting customs, and dressing modestly, especially at religious sites, are crucial for a smooth visit. The overall security situation, particularly in border regions, remains unpredictable, underscoring the need for continuous monitoring of local media and adherence to official guidance.
Risk Level Summary by Government Source
| Source | Risk Level | Updated | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Affairs Canada | Level 4 - Do Not Travel | 2026-08-05 | 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 | 2026-07-21 | 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 | 2026-07-13 | 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 | 2026-08-24 | 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 certificate is required if arriving from or transiting through a country with yellow fever risk.
Recommended for Most Travelers
- Routine vaccinations (e.g., MMR, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella, influenza) should be up-to-date.
Recommended for Some Travelers
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Japanese encephalitis (for long-term travel or rural areas)
- Rabies (for those with high risk of animal exposure)
- Malaria prophylaxis (depending on itinerary and season)
Consult a travel health clinic or your doctor at least 8 weeks before travel to discuss necessary vaccinations and malaria prevention.
Dengue fever, Chikungunya, and Zika virus are present and transmitted by mosquitoes; protection against mosquito bites is crucial.
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) has been reported; avoid contact with birds and poultry farms, and ensure poultry products are thoroughly cooked.
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 |
|
| Business Visa | E-Visa / Visa on Arrival / Embassy | 30 days (extendable up to 1 year) | $35 USD | Passport valid for 6+ months |
|
| e-Arrival Card (Ce A) | Mandatory Online Submission | N/A | Free | Complete within 7 days prior to arrival by air |
|
| Visa Extension | Immigration Office | Varies (e.g., 30 days for tourist visa) | Check local authorities | Requires passport and potentially proof of funds |
|
| Exit Visa | Visa Office in Phnom Penh | N/A | $30 USD (cash) | Required if passport is replaced or overstay fines are unpaid |
|
Entry & Legal Compliance
- Passport Validity Needed: 6 months
- Blank Pages Required: 1
- Dual Citizenship Policy: Legally recognized, but consular services may be limited for citizens also holding Cambodian nationality.
- Proof Of Onward Travel: Required
- Currency Limit Declaration: $10,000 USD
- Drone Usage Law: Prohibited without a permit; strict regulations apply in sensitive areas.
Emergency Contacts
- Police: 117
- Ambulance: 119
- Firefighters: 118
- Foreigner Hotline: +855 31 201 2345 / +855 31 601 2345
- Australian Embassy (Consular Assistance): +855 (0) 23 266 500 / +855 (0) 99 266 500
- Irish Embassy (Vietnam, for assistance): +84 24 3974 3291
- Canadian Embassy (Phnom Penh): +855 (0) 99 430 811
Common Scams & Tourist Traps
- Job Scams: Offers of high-paying jobs leading to forced labor or online scamming operations, often involving passport confiscation.
- 'Too Good to Be True' Offers: Be wary of unsolicited job or business opportunities, especially those advertised online or through social media.
- Card Game Scams: Strangers inviting tourists to play card games, leading to extortion or forced ATM withdrawals.
- Romance Scams: Online relationships leading to requests for money or travel to Cambodia under false pretenses.
- Fake Currency: Be vigilant about receiving counterfeit or novelty US dollar bills as change.
- Drink Spiking: Foreigners being drugged in bars or taxis, followed by robbery or sexual assault.
Cultural Etiquette in Kingdom of Cambodia
Do
- Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites, covering shoulders and knees.
- Show respect to monks, religious figures, and the royal family.
- Use polite greetings and acknowledge local customs.
- Ask permission before photographing individuals, particularly monks.
- Be mindful of noise levels and avoid loud behavior in public places.
Don't
- Do not criticize or insult the King, monarchy, or government, even online.
- Avoid public displays of affection; they are generally frowned upon.
- Do not touch people on the head, as it is considered sacred.
- Do not point with your feet or step over people.
- Do not engage in or condone any form of child exploitation.
Advisory Comparison by Government Source
Global Affairs Canada
Updated: 2026-08-05
Canada advises exercising a high degree of caution in Cambodia due to petty crime and landmines, with a "do not travel" advisory for areas within 50km of the Cambodia-Thailand border due to ongoing tensions and armed clashes. They highlight the presence of landmines in specific provinces and rural areas, and frequent petty theft targeting foreigners in cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Violent crime and scams are also noted concerns.
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 Cambodia-Thailand border due to armed conflict. They emphasize street crime, violent crime like sexual assault, and the pervasive risk of landmines. The advisory also warns against drug offenses, noting severe penalties, and highlights common scams targeting tourists.
Ministère des Affaires Étrangères
Updated: 2026-07-21
France advises caution in Phnom Penh and major urban centers, especially at night, and formally advises against travel within 30km of the Cambodia-Thailand border due to fragile security and landmines. They warn of frequent theft and assaults, particularly targeting women, and advise caution with invitations from strangers due to potential drugging and robbery. Employment scams leading to forced labor are also a significant concern.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Updated: 2026-04-22
The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 20km of the Cambodia-Thailand land border due to armed conflict, military strikes, and unexploded ordnance. They warn of frequent bag-snatching, often by motorbike thieves, and sexual assaults in tourist areas, sometimes linked to drink spiking. Organized crime incidents and the risk of scams, including job scams, are also highlighted.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Updated: 2026-04-29
Australia advises exercising a high degree of caution in Cambodia overall and "do not travel" to areas within 50km of the Cambodia-Thailand border due to armed conflict and landmines. They highlight regular street crime, particularly 'snatch-and-grab' thefts, and sexual assaults in tourist areas, sometimes linked to drink spiking. The risk of gun crime and explosions is also mentioned, alongside common scams and credit card fraud.
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. They note the risk of violent incidents, advise avoiding crowds and political demonstrations, and highlight common petty crime like bag snatching, with an increase in theft during peak seasons. Drink spiking and subsequent assaults are also a concern.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
Updated: 2026-07-21
Japan has issued a Level 3 "Do Not Travel" advisory for areas within 30km of the Cambodia-Thailand border due to ongoing military clashes, and a Level 2 "Avoid Non-Essential Travel" for the 30-50km zone. They warn of frequent "snatch-and-grab" crimes, scams like rigged gambling, and the danger of being coerced into illegal activities through fake job offers, with passport confiscation being a common tactic.
Auswärtiges Amt
Updated: 2026-07-09
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Updated: 2026-07-13
New Zealand advises increased caution in Cambodia (Level 2), with a "do not travel" advisory for areas within 50km of the Thailand-Cambodia border due to armed conflict and landmines. They highlight common violent crime, including sexual assault and robbery, particularly targeting foreigners in tourist areas. Drink spiking and employment scams leading to trafficking are also noted risks.
Département fédéral des affaires étrangères (DFAE)
Updated: 2026-06-08
Switzerland advises caution for the entire country (Level 2) and warns against travel to the Cambodia-Thailand border region (Level 3) due to sporadic military clashes and landmines. They note frequent theft, especially in tourist areas, and warn against accepting invitations from strangers due to potential scams involving rigged gambling or forced criminal activity. Driving at night is strongly discouraged due to high accident rates.
Regjeringen (Norway)
Updated: 2026-06-03
Nederland Wereldwijd (Netherlands)
Updated: 2026-08-24
The Netherlands assigns a red color code ("do not travel") to the 5km strip along the Cambodia-Thailand border, and orange ("only necessary travel") to the 5-20km zone, citing unpredictable security and landmines. For the rest of Cambodia, a yellow code indicates special safety risks, with particular warnings about scams and forced labor linked to job offers, and the need for caution regarding drink spiking and petty crime.
Viaggiare Sicuri (Italy)
Updated: 2026-04-14
Italy advises caution, particularly in border regions with Thailand, and notes the presence of landmines. They highlight the need for a passport valid for at least six months and a visa, which can be obtained via e-Visa or on arrival, along with a mandatory e-Arrival Card. Medical facilities are not comparable to Italian standards, and travel insurance with medical evacuation is strongly recommended. They also warn about widespread HIV/AIDS and the risk of avian influenza.
BMEIA (Austria)
Updated: 2026-06-16
Austria advises a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" warning for the border region with Thailand (50km from the border) due to fragile ceasefire and unexploded ordnance, and a Level 2 "Safety Risk" for the rest of the country. They highlight the danger of robbery and theft, particularly in Phnom Penh's riverfront and Sihanoukville's tourist areas, and strongly advise against trekking without local guides due to high mine risk.
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: 2026-08-24