Travel Advisory and Safety Notes from the US State Department for 2025 Cambodia
Overall Travel Advisory Level for Cambodia
Issuing a Level 1 Travel Advisory for Cambodia, the US Department of State advises visitors to use ordinary care. This indicates that even if Cambodia is usually safe, visitors should be mindful of their surroundings and follow simple safety precautions. Last revised July 24, 2023, this advisory Since conditions fluctuate, always go to the State Department's website for the most current information before your trip. Travel.state.gov:
Specific Regional Risks within Cambodia
Although there is a general low danger, some regions call for further care:
Phnom Penh: Given criminality, use more care here. Street crime, especially in tourist regions, is widespread, including phone and bag stealing. Additionally present are violent crimes like homicide and sexual assault.
Exercise more caution in remote parts of Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, Pailin, and Kampong Thom provinces since land mines and explosive ordnance abound here.
Crime in Phnom Penh
Street criminality causes great worry in Phnom Penh. Phone theft and bag snatching are common occurrences, with occasionally violent involvement. Steer clear of showing costly devices or jewellery, and use great caution while using your phone in public. Try not to oppose efforts at robbery.
Landmines and UXO Risks
Remarkably close to the Thai border, landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) create a significant concern in rural places. Follow well-marked roads and paths. Never handle dubious objects; report any sightings to the Cambodia Mine Action Center (CMAC) or local authorities.
Health Risks and Vaccinations
See the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at wwnc.cdc.gov/travel for thorough health information. Depending on your trip, recommended vaccinations include typhoid, hepatitis A and B, basic immunizations, maybe rabies, and Japanese encephalitis. In some regions, malaria is a risk, so talk to your doctor about preventative treatment. Additionally present are dengue fever and the Zika virus; take care to prevent mosquito bites.
Safety Precautions for All Travelers
Register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get US Embassy travel warnings and updates.
Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lighted or less inhabited areas.
Choose respectable travel companies and bargain for fares ahead of time. Traffic safety issues should be considered since driving behaviour and road conditions could be dangerous.
Guard your belongings and be alert of frequent frauds aimed at visitors.
Honour regional customs and rules. Dress modestly, especially for temple visits.
Additional Resources
#1, Street 96, Sangkat Wat Phnom, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia; US Embassy in Phnom Penh phone: (855-23) 728-000. Online address: kh.usembassy.gov. Your main point of contact for emergency help is
Source | Overall Risk Level | Specific Areas of Concern | COVID-19 Requirements | Visa Requirements | Crime Concerns | Health Concerns | Landmine Risk | Other Safety Concerns |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. Embassy (5/9/2023) | Not specified | None specified | No COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens. Health screening at airports and points of entry. | Not specified | U.S. citizens advised to carry identification. Potential fines or penalties for non-compliance with local laws. | Vaccines available for U.S. citizens. Contact employer or local authorities for registration. Non-residents/invalid visa holders ineligible. | None specified | None specified |
U.S. State Dept. (3/19/2020) | Reconsider travel abroad due to COVID-19 | None specified | 30-day suspension of entry for foreigners from US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Iran (effective March 17). Quarantine policies unclear and potentially austere. | Not specified. | Reports of harassment/discrimination against expatriates related to COVID-19. | COVID-19 concerns prominent. | None specified | Potential for travel restrictions with little notice. |
U.S. State Dept (7/24/2023) | Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions | Phnom Penh (crime), Remote areas of Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, Pailin, and Kampong Thom provinces (landmines) | None specified | Visa required | Street crime (phone/bag snatching), violent crime (sexual assault, homicide) common in Phnom Penh. | Medical facilities/services do not meet international standards. Malaria, Dengue, and Tuberculosis are serious health concerns. | Landmines and unexploded ordnance present. | Unevenly regulated tourism industry, safety inspections uncommon. |
CDC (2024) | Not specified | None specified | All travelers should be up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. | Not specified | Not specified | Numerous infectious disease risks (e.g., travelers' diarrhea, typhoid, tuberculosis, dengue, malaria, Japanese encephalitis, rabies), counterfeit drugs. | Landmines/unexploded ordnance present in rural areas. | Air quality concerns, animal bites (rabies, snakes), heat-related illness, traffic accidents. |
UK FCDO (11/28/2024) | Level 2: Exercise increased caution | Thai border, remote land crossings | Not specified | Visa required, valid for at least 6 months. E-visa recommended. | Bag snatching (motorcycles/tuk-tuks), scams, drink spiking. | Methanol poisoning from counterfeit alcohol. | Landmines present in rural areas. | Protests/demonstrations, unpredictable legal system, penalties for drug offences, strict dress codes at religious sites. |
Government of Canada (1/17/2025) | Exercise a high degree of caution | None specified | Not specified | Visa Required | Petty theft and violent crime. Be cautious of scams. | Consult TravelHealthPro website for latest recommendations. | Risk in rural areas, particularly near Thai border. Stay on marked paths. | Register with FPCS app; road safety standards lower than in Canada; demonstrations may occur; penalties for drug offences severe. |
New Zealand SafeTravel (11/28/2024) | Level 2: Exercise increased caution | Thai border | Not specified | Not specified | Violent crime (sexual assault and robbery), bag snatching. | Medical evacuation insurance recommended. | Landmines present in rural areas. | Civil unrest, scams and low road safety standards. |
World Nomads (9/3/2020) | Relatively safe with precautions | Pub Street (Siem Reap), Riverside bars (Phnom Penh), Sihanoukville | Not specified | Not specified | Bag snatching, pickpocketing, motorbike snatch and grab, police corruption, drug scams. | Risks associated with drugs, both pharmaceutical and illicit. | Not specified | Robberies/break-ins more common during rainy season. |