Risk level

Safety and security

Preah Vihear temple area and surrounding border region

There have been frequent clashes between Thailand and Cambodia over a border dispute in the region surrounding Preah Vihear, including exchanges of gunfire and artillery that resulted in numerous fatalities and the evacuation of civilians.

In 2013, the International Court of Justice ruled that Cambodia has sovereignty over the entire territory of the Preah Vihear temple. While the situation has improved, tension remains.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place frequently. 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

More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Crime

Street crime targeting foreigners, including pick-pocketing, is common in urban areas, including:

• Phnom Penh
• Siem Reap
• Sihanoukville, particularly in the Boeung Keng Kang area south and west of the Independence Monument

Crimes occur any time of day or night.

Armed assaults, although increasingly rare, may occur in Phnom Penh and on isolated beaches in Sihanoukville. Canadians have been injured during assaults and armed robberies.

Thieves, sometimes on motorcycles, grab bags and other valuables (including passports) from pedestrians, motorcycle drivers and motorcycle passengers.

Firearm ownership is high, and guns are often used in cases of robbery and personal dispute or disagreement, including those involving foreigners. 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.

Banditry poses a risk, particularly at night, in rural areas and on routes between Snoul, Kratié and Stung Treng in the northeastern provinces. Foreigners have encountered difficulties with ill-disciplined police and military personnel.

• Exercise a high degree of caution at all times
• Avoid travelling alone, especially at night
• Ensure personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times

Women’s safety

Sexual assaults against women have occurred.

Safe-travel guide for women

Scams

Scams targeting tourists occur. Card games are often involved. Some travellers have been taken to an ATM and forced to withdraw money.

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

In other cases, travellers were taken by strangers to isolated areas for extended periods and were intimidated and pressed for payment. Carefully consider accepting assistance from individuals offering to help with documentation or transportation.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Road safety

Extremely poor road conditions, local disregard for traffic laws and drunk drivers result in frequent accidents.

Only undertake travel by road in daylight hours, by either scheduled bus or cars travelling in convoy.

Travel by motorcycle

Motorcycles are a common means of transportation in urban areas. Motorcycle accidents kill or maim several Canadians in Cambodia each year. Avoid riding motorcycles in Cambodia as it is dangerous— even for experienced motorcyclists.

Rental agencies often request passports as a guarantee when renting motorcycles. Unscrupulous owners have followed renters and taken the motorcycle by removing the lock and chain when the vehicle was parked, leaving the traveller without a motorcycle or passport. If you plan to rent a motorcycle, purchase your own locks and chains.

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

Public transportation

Boats are often overcrowded, lack adequate safety equipment and are susceptible to robbery by armed gangs. Boat owners accept no liability for accidents.

Avoid travelling by train. Accidents occur due to poor track maintenance and to drivers trying to beat the train at crossings.

Air travel

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

General information about foreign domestic airlines

Domestic travel

With the exception of flights between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, domestic air service can be unpredictable, and flights may be cancelled on short notice.

Travel from Laos should be undertaken by air only. The Laotian side of the border is often closed to international travellers. For travel to Laos from Cambodia, you must obtain the relevant visa prior to arriving at the border.

General safety information

Tourist facilities are well developed in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, but limited elsewhere.

Landmines

Cambodia is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world. There are landmines in rural areas, especially in the provinces of Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Kampong Thom, Pursat and Siem Reap (except in the town of Siem Reap and the Angkor temples, which are safe).

The border area with Thailand is especially dangerous. Do not walk in forested areas or in dry rice paddies without a local guide.

Areas around small bridges or secondary roads are dangerous.

Do not visit outlying temples, particularly in the heavily mined areas of Phnom Kulen and the River of a Thousand Lingas.

Unexploded ordnance is also found throughout the country and could explode if handled.

Strictly observe warning signs and do not handle any unknown object.

Drugs

Illicit drug use has led to the death of several Canadians in Cambodia.

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

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.

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.

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 in excess of 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
• at certain land borders

You can get a 30-day visa at any of these Cambodian-Thai border crossing points:

• Caom
• Cham Yeam, Koh Kong Province
• Doung, Battambang Province
• Osmach, Odor Meanchey Province
• Poi Pet, Banteay Meanchey Province
• Prum, Pailin Province

If entering Cambodia from Vietnam, you can get a visa at the international crossing points at:

• Bavet, Svay Rieng Province
• Kha Orm Sam Nor on the Mekong River, Kamdal Province

You can’t purchase Cambodian and Laotian visas at the Cambodia–Laos border.

Border with Laos

If entering Cambodia from Laos, note that the Laotian side of the Dong Kralor–Veun Kham border crossing is often closed to foreign travellers with little notice.

Other entry requirements

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

Children and travel

Learn about travel with children.

Yellow fever

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

Health

Routine Vaccines

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

Some of these vaccines 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 are right for you.

Food and Water-borne Diseases

Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.

In some areas in Southeast Asia, food and water can also carry diseases like cholera, hepatitis A, schistosomiasis and typhoid. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in Southeast Asia. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!

Insects and Illness

In some areas of Southeastern Asia, certain insects carry and spread diseases like chikungunya, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, lymphatic filariasis, malaria and Zika virus.

Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.

Animals and Illness

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Some infections found in some areas in Southeastern Asia, like avian influenza and rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.

Person-to-Person Infections

Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.

Medical services and facilities

With the exception of some Thai-run hospitals in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, medical facilities throughout Cambodia are extremely poor and very limited.

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

Medical evacuation to Thailand or Singapore is often required in order to obtain adequate treatment. 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.

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

Travel health and safety

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.

Expulsion, deportation and limitation of visit

Cambodian authorities can expel, deport or limit a traveller’s visit if the traveller is accused, or suspected of, having:

• violated local laws, which include possession of invalid entry documents and requirements
• possession of a criminal record
• involvement in criminal activities
• mental illness or serious transmitted diseases

Legal process

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

Illegal or restricted activities

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and steep fines.

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

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. Consult our publication entitled:

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. 

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.

General information for travellers with dual citizenship

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 the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at 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 Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

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.

Culture

The number of foreign tourists detained in Siem Reap has increased since early 2018. The detentions are typically tied to activities local authorities suspect are illegal, but also to culturally offensive activities surrounding the tourist “party culture” that has formed in recent years.

Local authorities seem to be 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 given the sacred Angkor temples nearby.

To avoid offending local sensitivities:

• Dress conservatively
• Behave discreetly
• Respect religious and social traditions 

Do not photograph airports or military installations, and 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.

Some banks in Phnom Penh accept Visa and MasterCard for cash advances. There are ATMs in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville.

Natural disasters and climate

Monsoon

The rainy (or monsoon) season extends from May to November. Severe rainstorms can cause flooding and landslides, resulting in significant 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 and follow the advice of local authorities.

• Hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones and monsoons
• Mekong River conditions - Mekong River Commission 
• Warnings - Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology