Risk level

Safety and security

Crime

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as phone and bag snatching, occurs frequently. Thieves, sometimes on motorcycles, grab bags and other valuables, including passports. Theft targeting foreigners is frequent on sidewalks, on motorcycles and tuktuks (rickshaws) in:

• Phnom Penh, particularly the riverfronts and the Boeung Keng Kang areas
• Siem Reap
• Sihanoukville

Personal belongings have been stolen from locked rooms, particularly in low-cost accommodations. Items have been removed from luggage stored in the luggage compartments of buses, especially on the journey between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

These crimes occur any time of day or night.

During your stay in Cambodia:

• ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and your other travel documents are secure at all times
• do not leave your belongings unattended
• if you are robbed, hand over cash, electronic devices and valuables without resistance

Violent crime

Violent crimes, such as stabbings, sometimes occur. Foreigners have encountered difficulties when reporting crimes to police and military personnel lacking discipline.

Organized crime

There are reports of criminal operations in the seaside resort of Sihanoukville and the Special Economic Zone. The criminal activity includes employment scams, drug and human trafficking.

During your trip:

• exercise a high degree of caution at all times
• avoid walking alone after dark
• report any criminal incidents to the local police of the jurisdiction, before leaving Cambodia

Landmines

Cambodia is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world. Landmines pose a threat to the safety of travellers.

There are still reports of landmines in the following areas:

• the Preah Vihear Phnom Kulen temple areas
• the border areas, including with Thailand
• the River of a Thousand Lingas

There are also landmines in rural areas, especially in the following provinces:

• Banteay Meanchey
• Battambang
• Kampong Thom
• Pursat
• Siem Reap except in the town of Siem Reap and the Angkor temples, which are considered clear by the Cambodian government

If you are travelling through the affected areas:

• be especially vigilant in remote areas, near small bridges and secondary roads
• do not walk in forested areas, fields or in dry rice paddies without a local guide
• don't handle suspicious items and report them to local authorities
• pay attention to signs indicating the possible presence of landmines
• stay on paved and main roads and avoid roadside ditches, shoulders and unmarked trails
• cross only at official border crossings

Terrorism

Although there have been no recent reports of terrorist activity, the global risk of terrorism should not be ruled out.

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place and even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud

There is bank and ATM fraud. When using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention if other people are handling your cards
• use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
• count and examine your cash at the ATM or with your teller
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Travellers have been the victim of scams and extortion at border crossings. Some have reported that border officials demanded they pay extra charges before they can enter Cambodia.

• Be wary of fake job offers on social media, through agencies, or from unknown employers.
• Verify the business's legitimacy before making the decision.

Telephone scams

Foreigners have received calls from scammers claiming to be local authorities or financial institutions. The caller may try to collect personal information or request a fund transfer to resolve administrative or customs issues.

Do not send any money or personal information in this type of situation.

Romance scams

Romance scams through dating sites or social media have occurred. Be alert to attempts at fraud by persons who profess friendship or romantic interest over the internet. It may be an attempt to get you to send money to pay off fake debts.

• Beware of people who show a keen interest online
• Keep in mind that you may be the victim of a scam if you go to Cambodia to meet someone that you met online
• Always meet new acquaintances in a secure and familiar location
• Be mindful of the risk of inviting new acquaintances in your hotel room or apartment

Useful links

• Overseas fraud
• Cyber security while travelling

Women's safety

Sexual assault has been committed, including against foreign women, in Cambodia. Some of the reported incidents happened in hostels.

• Be cautious of strangers who are helpful and friendly
• Do not accept offers of transportation from strangers
• Avoid dark alleys and isolated areas
• Avoid unattended beaches
• Keep your hotel or hostel doors and windows locked

If you are victim of a sexual assault, you should seek medical attention and report the situation immediately to local authorities and the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate.

Advice for women travellers

Road safety

Driving habits

Road safety can vary considerably across the country. Drivers do not drive safely or respect traffic laws.

Drinking and driving is common, and frequently the cause of accidents, especially around major holidays. Some vehicles, especially motorcycles, may drive against the flow of traffic and on the sidewalks.

• Exercise caution when driving or walking
• Be particularly vigilant when driving during the holiday periods

In the event of a car accident:

• remain at the scene
• report the accident to the police and your insurance company as soon as possible
• if you are found to be at fault, you may be detained until all fines are paid

Road conditions

The road system outside of major cities is in poor condition. Main roads are paved but secondary roads may not be. Narrow and unpaved roads affect rural driving. Conditions may be more hazardous during the rainy season.

Travel by road during daylight hours.

Travel by motorcycle

Motorcycles are a common in urban areas. Motorcycle accidents kill or maim several Canadians in Cambodia each year.

Riding motorcycles in Cambodia as it is dangerous, even for experienced motorcyclists.

Rental agencies often request passports as a guarantee when renting motorcycles.

You should not use your Canadian passport as collateral or assurance for debts or rental of motorcycles. If your passport is inaccessible or stolen because of such misuse, you may be subject to investigation by Passport Canada and may receive limited passport services.

Checkpoints

Expect checkpoints and have your up-to-date documents ready for traffic police to inspect.

Public transportation

Buses

Exercise caution when taking buses in Cambodia.

• Only use reputable transportation companies
• Contact your travel agency for a list of recommended intercity bus companies

Taxis and ridesharing services

Taxis are available in major cities and are easy to obtain at hotels or taxi stands. Self-drive (rental), chauffeur-driven cars and ridesharing services are also available in major cities.

Confirm fares before entering a taxi, and/or request that the taxi driver use the meter.

Trains

Travel can be affected by the poor track maintenance and drivers trying to beat the train at crossings.

Boats

Boats are often overcrowded and lack adequate safety equipment. Boat owners do not accept liability for accidents.

Drugs

Each year, illicit drug use leads to the death of several Canadians in Cambodia. Seek medical assistance if you begin to feel sick after using drugs.

More information on how to avoid difficult and dangerous situations related to illegal drugs

Piracy

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report – International Maritime Bureau's Piracy Reporting Centre

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Cambodian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry into Cambodia. If you wish to extend your stay in Cambodia, make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the extension period.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: required
Business visa: required
Student visa: required

Tourist and business visas allow entry to Cambodia for 30 days only, counting from the date of entry.

Travellers must pay a fee in cash of US$30 for tourist visas or US$35 for business visas and provide two passport-sized photos. The photos can be purchased at the airport for US$3 each.

Make sure Cambodian officials stamp your passport when you arrive. Keep your immigration card intact in your passport or put it in a safe place. You will have to contact Cambodian immigration officials if you lose your immigration card before you can leave the country.

E-visa

You can request a single-entry tourist visa online through Cambodia's e-Visa service.

Apply for an e-visa – Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

Visa expiry date

When issued outside Cambodia, visas have an expiry date, which refers to the date by which the visa must be used, not the length of time allowed in the country. Visas must be renewed for stays over 30 days and may only be extended once.

Where to get a visa

Tourist and business visas can be obtained at:

• a Cambodian embassy abroad
• upon arrival at the airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap
• certain land borders as e-visas

For more information, contact the nearest Cambodian embassy or consulate.

Other entry requirements

The trial period for the Cambodia e-Arrival application (CeA) will end on August 31, 2024. As of September 1, 2024, the electronic form in the app will replace the standard immigration, customs and health forms.

You will have to complete your e-Arrival forms (immigration, customs and health) within 7 days of your scheduled arrival.

Cambodia e-Arrival (CeA) application – Government of Cambodia

An onward or return ticket and proof of sufficient funds are required to visit Cambodia.

Foreigners Presence in Cambodia System (FPCS)

Cambodian immigration has required that foreign nationals in Cambodia be registered on the FPCS – an online registration system aiming to protect foreigners' safety and security in case of an emergency while living or staying in Cambodia. If you don't register, you may be denied a visa extension. Verify with your accommodation staff or owners if they have registered your information on the system. If you own your accommodation, you can self-register by downloading the mobile app.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•  washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Medical facilities are poor and very limited throughout Cambodia, except some foreign hospitals in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Doctors and hospitals may require cash payment or written guarantees from insurance providers in advance for health services.

Medical evacuation to Thailand or Singapore is often required to obtain adequate treatment. You should seek immediate assistance in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap and consider leaving the country if you experience medical problems.

Psychiatric or psychological facilities and services in Cambodia are almost non-existent.

Medication

Some prescription medication may not be available in Cambodia. Pharmacies only carry a limited selection compared to Canada. There have been reports of expired and fake medicines being sold in some pharmacies.

If you take prescription medications, you're responsible for determining their legality in Cambodia.

• Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you
• Always keep your medication in the original container
• Pack them in your carry-on luggage
• Carry a copy of your prescriptions

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Drugs

There are severe penalties for the possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs. If you are convicted, you can expect lengthy jail sentences and steep fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Expulsion, deportation and limitation of visit

Cambodian authorities can expel, deport or limit a traveller's visit if you are accused, or suspected of:

• violating local laws, which include possession of invalid entry documents and requirements
• having a criminal record
• being involved in criminal activities
• suffering from mental illness or serious transmitted diseases

Legal process

Detention during the investigative period is commo and can exceed 6 months before charges are laid.

Illegal or restricted activities

Overstaying a visa

Immigration regulations are strict. You could face fines, detention and deportation if you overstay your visa. There is a daily fine for overstaying the validity of your visa. There is no limit to this fine. If you overstay more than 30 days, you will need to leave Cambodia in addition to paying the fine.

Exploitation of minors

There are harsh penalties for sexual exploitation of minors. It is a serious offence in Cambodia.

Canadians may also be subject to criminal proceedings in Canada for acts of this nature committed while abroad.

Child Sex Tourism: It’s a Crime

Surrogacy

All forms of commercial surrogacy are illegal in Cambodia. Penalties for surrogates, as well as operators of clinics and hospitals providing surrogacy services, may include imprisonment and/or fines. If you have already entered into a surrogacy agreement, you should seek advice from a local lawyer on how these guidelines, including its exit requirements, apply to your situation.

Cultural heritage and antiquities

A permit is required to purchase, export or possess cultural or archaeological artefacts.

To avoid any difficulties, make sure you obtain and carry the required legal paperwork to purchase or export antiquities.

2SLGBTQI+ persons

Cambodian law doesn't prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Cambodia.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Cambodia, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Cambodia.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Cambodia by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Cambodia to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Driving

You must have and carry a Cambodian driver's licence.

Helmets are mandatory for motorcycle riders, but many helmets do not meet international safety standards. Ensure your medical insurance will cover you when riding as a driver or passenger.

Dress and behaviour

There are reports of local authorities cracking down on events such as pub crawls, raves, booze cruises and pool parties, as well as other events where recreational drugs may be present. Avoid these types of events.

Behaviour that is deemed scandalous, drunken or disorderly is considered highly disrespectful to the local culture and population, especially near the Angkor temples.

To avoid offending local sensitivities:

• dress conservatively
• behave discreetly
• respect religious and social traditions
• do not photograph airports or military installations
• ask permission before photographing individuals, including Buddhist monks

Money

The currency is the riel (KHR).

U.S. dollars are also widely used. Only newer, undamaged notes are accepted. Notes with the slightest tear will not be accepted.

Credit cards are not widely accepted outside major cities. Some banks in Phnom Penh accept certain credit cards for cash advances. There are many ATMs in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville but fewer in smaller cities.

Natural disasters and climate

Monsoon

The rainy (or monsoon) season extends from May to November. Severe rainstorms can cause flooding and landslides, resulting in loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure. They can also hamper the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged. Flooding can affect wide areas in numerous provinces, including certain parts of Phnom Penh.

• Keep informed of regional weather forecasts
• Avoid disaster areas
• Follow the advice of local authorities

Useful links

• Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
• Mekong River conditions – Mekong River Commission

Forest fires

The dry season lasts from November to April. Forest fires can start and spread very quickly during this period.

• Stay clear of active fires
• Always verify local conditions with relevant authorities before travelling near forested areas, particularly during the dry seasons

National Committee for Disaster Management – Government of Cambodia