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Is Cambodia Safe to Visit in 2026?

Higher Risk – Plan Carefully

Higher Risk – Plan Carefully. Petty crime higher than neighboring countries. Landmine risk off marked paths in rural areas. Warnely's safety assessment for Cambodia is High Risk (47/100). Last updated 10 May 2026

47 / 100

High Risk
Reviewed Apr 2026 · how we score

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What Warnely Is Tracking

Real-time incidents pulled from the Warnely pipeline. The dashboard renders a richer feed.

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Official Travel Advisories

UK FCDO

See travel advice

No advisory against travel to main tourist areas. Notes landmine risk in rural areas.

View full advisory →

US State Department

Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions

Exercise normal precautions. Notes crime and land mine risk.

View full advisory →

Risk Breakdown

This is the static baseline rating across six dimensions. The Warnely dashboard adds a live 30-day signal alongside.

Crime3/5

Bag snatching, phone theft, and petty crime common. Siem Reap and Phnom Penh higher risk.

Natural Disasters2/5

Monsoon flooding Jul-Oct. No earthquake or volcano risk.

Health3/5

Malaria risk in rural areas. Limited medical facilities outside Phnom Penh. Dengue widespread.

Terrorism1/5

No significant terrorist threat. Very low risk.

Civil Unrest2/5

Political tensions exist but rarely affect tourists. Avoid political gatherings.

Infrastructure4/5

Road conditions poor outside main highways. Bus safety varies greatly. Limited rail.

Quick Facts

Plug type	A/C/G
Voltage	230V/50Hz
Time zone	UTC+7
Driving side	Right
Tap water	Unsafe

Visa & Entry

Type	eVisa (apply online)
Length	30 days
Cost	$36 (eVisa) or $30 VOA
Apply	Official portal →

eVisa 30 days $36 (recommended); also visa-on-arrival $30 cash at airport. Extendable.

Verify on IATA Travel Centre →

Summary: Visa on arrival (30 days) or e-visa for most nationalities. $30 USD fee.

Passport: Valid 6+ months.

Customs: 200 cigarettes, 1 bottle alcohol.

Prohibited: Drug laws severe. Antiquities export prohibited.

Practical Tips

Never stray from marked paths in rural areas due to landmines
Negotiate tuk-tuk prices before starting the journey
Use USD for most transactions – local riel for small change
Drink only bottled or filtered water
Keep valuables secure – bag snatching from motos is common

Common Scams & Practical Risks

Tuk-tuk commission scam: Drivers offer cheap rides then divert to shops/guesthouses where they earn commission.
Child beggar organizations: Organized groups use children to beg from tourists. Don't give money – donate to registered charities.
Fake orphanage tours: 'Orphanage tourism' exploits children. Don't visit orphanages as a tourist.

Solo & Women’s Safety

Solo Travellers

Cambodia is popular with solo backpackers. Siem Reap and Phnom Penh have excellent hostels. Angkor Wat is manageable solo. Be aware of bag snatching. Very affordable.

Women’s Safety Generally Safe

Generally safe for women. Exercise caution at night in Phnom Penh. Dress modestly at temples.

LGBTQ+ Travellers

Legal status	Legal, no recognition
Social climate	Mixed

Legal; no recognition. Phnom Penh and Siem Reap relaxed for tourists. Family/Buddhist pressure means most local LGBTQ stay closeted.

Verify current law on Equaldex →

Drug Laws

Severity	Severe (long sentences)
Cannabis	Severe penalties

Possession 1–20yrs depending on amount; trafficking life. Tourist enforcement varies by city; foreigners often deported for small possession but always face initial detention.

Verify on UK FCDO →

Emergency Numbers

police

117

ambulance

119

fire

118

tourist

012 999 999

Data version v2 · Reviewed Apr 2026 · methodology · Found something out of date? Tell us.

Common questions about Cambodia

Is Cambodia safe for tourists in 2026?

Petty crime higher than neighboring countries. Landmine risk off marked paths in rural areas. Warnely's overall safety assessment for Cambodia is High Risk (47/100), higher risk – plan carefully. Always check the latest UK FCDO and US State Department advisories before booking.

What's the crime risk in Cambodia?

Bag snatching, phone theft, and petty crime common. Siem Reap and Phnom Penh higher risk. Crime category score: 3/5 (moderate).

Are there health risks travelling to Cambodia?

Malaria risk in rural areas. Limited medical facilities outside Phnom Penh. Dengue widespread. Health category score: 3/5. Consult a travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure for recommended vaccinations.

Is Cambodia safe for solo female travellers?

Generally Safe. Generally safe for women. Exercise caution at night in Phnom Penh. Dress modestly at temples.

When is the best time to visit Cambodia?

Cool Dry (Nov-Feb). 20-30°C, low humidity, perfect for Angkor. Peak season – book early.

What are the drug laws in Cambodia?

Drug penalties: Severe (long sentences). Cannabis: Severe penalties. Possession 1–20yrs depending on amount; trafficking life. Tourist enforcement varies by city; foreigners often deported for small possession but always face initial detention.

Do I need a visa to visit Cambodia?

eVisa (apply online). Stay length: 30 days. eVisa 30 days $36 (recommended); also visa-on-arrival $30 cash at airport. Extendable.

Which regions of Cambodia are safest to visit?

Generally safer regions include Phnom Penh, Siem Reap (Angkor Wat), Sihanoukville, Koh Rong / Islands. See the regional breakdown for current safety guidance on each area.

Is the tap water safe to drink in Cambodia?

Tap water in Cambodia is not safe to drink – use bottled or filtered water. Most travellers should stick to bottled or filtered water for cooking, drinking and ice.

What do governments say about travel to Cambodia?

UK FCDO: See travel advice. US State Dept: Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions. Read the full advisories on the relevant government sites – links are inside the Official Travel Advisories section above.