Published: March 11, 2026
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Cambodia Travel Advisory and Cambodia Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh
#1, St. 96 (entrance on St. 51 between St. 96 and 102), Phnom Penh
+ 855-23-728-402, 051, or 234
Emergencies: + 855-23-728-000. Hours. Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
OSAC Country Chapter(s)
The Phnom Penh OSAC Chapter is currently active.
Cambodia Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise increased caution in Cambodia due to crime and landmines. Do not travel to areas within 31 miles (50km) of the Cambodia – Thailand border due to ongoing fighting between Cambodian and Thai military forces.
Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Phnom Penh as being a HIGH-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Crime “C” indicator on the Travel Advisory for Cambodia, indicating that widespread violent or organized crime is present in areas of the country; local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.
The crime emergency line in Cambodia is 117. Review the U.S. Department of State’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.
Crime: General Threat
Most crimes are opportunistic property crimes committed for financial gain, such as cell phone or motorbike thefts. Although criminals specifically target Westerners for crimes motivated by financial gain, perpetrators rarely seek to intentionally use violence or cause physical harm. Nevertheless, criminals will not hesitate to use violence at the first sign of resistance; it is recommended to avoid any physical confrontation. Military weapons and explosives are readily available to criminals despite authorities’ efforts to collect and destroy such weapons. The Embassy is aware of multiple instances of Chinese organized crime entities conducting heavily armed, military-style abductions, kidnappings, and murders, usually of other organized crime figures. The most common type of theft is “snatch and grab” robbery, and anything that can be quickly grabbed is at risk: cameras, jewelry, purses, backpacks, mobile phones, etc. Exercise caution and keep belongings out of sight if you travel via “tuk-tuk,” as passengers in these open-air vehicles have been targeted by thieves. If walking along the street, carry bags or items in your hand or on the shoulder that is furthest from the street. If someone attempts a robbery, surrender your valuables immediately, since any perceived resistance may be met with physical violence, including lethal force. The U.S. Embassy has received reports of violent robberies escalating into fatalities. Pickpockets, some who are masquerading as beggars, are present in the markets and at the tourist sites. Sometimes they may act overly friendly, placing their hand on a shoulder or back to distract in order to pickpocket. Foreigners travelling to Cambodia should be aware of common scams targeting tourists. The Embassy has received reports of U.S. citizens, especially at budget massage parlors, having their U.S. currency replaced with counterfeit currency, even if it is stored in an ostensibly locked area. Another common scam involves tuktuk drivers asking to use a passenger’s phone for navigation, then pretending to drop it. When the passenger gets out to recover the phone, they find it is a fake or older phone and that the tuktuk driver has fled with the passenger’s phone and belongings. Though not common, the Embassy has received reports of U.S. citizens’ drinks being drugged at bars in order to incapacitate them for theft or sexual assault. Adulterated or counterfeit alcohol is also a concern and has caused the deaths of several tourists in the region. Do not accept drinks from strangers, do not leave drinks unattended, and do not drink from containers not opened in your presence or with suspect markings. The U.S. Embassy advises citizens to be wary of scams involving individuals claiming they are in Cambodia and need financial assistance from the United States. The Embassy has determined that many of these requests are fraudulent.
There have been numerous reports of visitors receiving fake or novelty $50 and $100 bills in Cambodia. When receiving money, count and examine the money while still in the presence of the provider. The fake money typically has a different feel than real U.S. currency, and usually has markings that indicate it is for novelty purposes. If you discover a suspicious bill, refuse it and ask for a different bill. $100 bills should be examined carefully before being accepted, and serial numbers should be recorded before using them to pay, even at restaurants.
If you are visiting Cambodia, you should practice sound personal security awareness by varying your routes and routines, maintaining a low profile, not carrying or displaying large amounts of cash, not wearing flashy or expensive jewelry, and not walking alone after dark. In addition, you should travel by automobile and not use local moto-taxis or cyclos (passenger-carrying bicycles). These vehicles are more vulnerable to armed robberies and offer no protection against injury when involved in traffic accidents.
Although gambling and casinos are legal in Cambodia, the U.S. Embassy strongly encourages all travelers to be cautious in choosing to visit casinos or related gambling centers in Cambodia. The U.S. Embassy is aware of numerous reported incidents at casinos throughout Cambodia. In the past year, these incidents such as fires at casinos resulting in multiple fatalities, violent assaults, murders, and suicides under suspicious circumstances have occurred.
Cambodia was listed as one of 13 State-Sponsored Trafficking in Persons countries included in the 2025 Trafficking in persons report released by the U.S. Department of State.
Labor trafficking is a large industry in Cambodia. Traffickers offer seemingly legitimate employment on social media sites, often asking potential recruits to meet at a hotel for an interview or job, and then take the victim’s ID or passport and bring them to a scam center designed to prevent their escape. Victims report severe beatings and other forms of abuse to maintain compliance. Thousands were reportedly released in January due to intense international pressure as countries attempt to locate their citizens. There are over 300 scam centers reliably mapped by NGOs in Cambodia.
While there was no explicit government policy of human trafficking, there was a government pattern of human trafficking in online scam operations. Senior government officials intimidated victims and witnesses of forced labor in online scam operations and impeded investigations into human trafficking in online scam centers.
There are documented cases of Americans being trafficked in the scam centers. It is highly unlikely that foreign tourists would be trafficked to work in a scam center, as the vast majority willingly travel to the site knowing the industry. Be aware when accepting offers of employment and protect high risk family members by verifying employment opportunities on their behalf.
Crime: Areas of Concern
Criminal activities of all types are more common in the cities, but crime can and does happen anywhere. The U.S. Embassy advises its personnel who travel to the provinces outside of Phnom Penh to exercise caution outside the provincial towns at all times. Many rural parts of the country remain without effective policing. Avoid walking alone after dusk anywhere in Sihanoukville, especially along the waterfront. Be particularly vigilant during annual festivals and at tourist sites in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville, where there have been marked increases in motorcycle “snatch and grab” thefts of bags and purses.
Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, Taking Credit, and Our Two Cents: Petty Crime Basics and How to Minimize the Risk.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Cambodia.
The kidnapping threat throughout Cambodia is low. However, threat of isolation in remote provinces is slightly higher. Travelers to these remote areas should share their planned itineraries with friends, relatives, or hotel staff, with specific instructions regarding steps to take if the traveler does not return by the expected date.
Some U.S. citizens have reported threats of personal injury, extortion, detention, or kidnapping related to personal business disputes, particularly those involving real estate. If you are planning to engage in real estate or other significant financial transactions, please proceed with caution and retain the appropriate legal counsel.
Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Phnom Penh as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Cambodia
No local, regional, or international terrorist groups pose a specific threat to Cambodia or to U.S. government interests in Cambodia.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Phnom Penh as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Cambodia, indicating that political, economic, religious and/or ethnic instability exists and may cause violence, major disruptions, and/or safety risks. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
The ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) has been in power for 45 years, and recently transition power from long time Prime Minister Hun Sen to his son, Hun Manet. The CPP routinely uses the levers of government, especially the judiciary and police, to intimidate journalists, government critics and opposition parties by charging and sentencing opposition leaders with crimes, including corruption, treason, and defamation. Provincial governments have stifled political debate by refusing to grant permits for civil society and opposition party members to demonstrate or gather. Following local elections in 2017, in which the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) came close to winning a majority of votes, the Cambodian government launched an anti-democratic crackdown, outlawing the CNRP and arresting its leader on charges of treason, banning several domestic and international NGOs while intimidating others, and shuttering or severely restricting many independent media outlets. Local elections in 2022 resulted in a landslide victory for the ruling CPP, amid widespread arrests of opposition leadership and supporters. Cambodia held national elections in 2023; the large opposition party, the Candlelight Party, was barred from running in the election. The CPP won 120 of 125 available seats. Prime Minister Hun Sen stepped down and his son, Hun Manet, was sworn in as prime minister in August 2024.
Protests & Demonstrations
Freedom of speech, assembly and association are guaranteed in the Cambodian constitution, but the government seeks to prevent and harshly reacts to any criticism of the government or officials. Planned protests and demonstrations have led to quick and wide-ranging arrests of anyone involved, including journalists, and a large police/military presence.
Claims of offshore funding for political purposes have been a constant source of irritation for the government, which has also claimed that opposition politicians in exile, backed by foreign money, are attempting to topple the government. Note that foreigners who join anti-government protests are subject to arrest and deportation.
Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
While the Cambodian government frequently uses the U.S. government as its favored target in the press, the public generally views the United States favorably. There is no specific anti-U.S. or anti-Western sentiment among the general population in Cambodia. There have been no incidents of anti-U.S. protests in Phnom Penh in the last several years.
Law Enforcement
The Cambodian National Police maintains internal security. The Royal Cambodian Armed Forces are responsible for external security and have some domestic security responsibilities. The National Police reports to the Ministry of Interior, while the armed forces report to the Ministry of National Defense. Civilian authorities maintain effective control over the security forces, which at times threatened or used force against opponents of former Prime Minister Hun Manet and were generally perceived as an armed wing of the ruling party.
Police Response
The emergency line in Phnom Penh is 117. The CNP also has a national police hotline (031-20-12345 by phone or WhatsApp, ad-info@police.gov.kh) for foreign nationals in Cambodia, staffed 24/7 with both Khmer and English speakers. Police must notify the U.S. Embassy when arresting or detaining a U.S. citizen, but delayed notifications are common. If arrested, assert this right and request to speak with a representative from the U.S. Embassy by calling +855-23-728-402.
Police capabilities, responsiveness, and professionalism are substandard compared to police in the United States. Local police units are often underfunded, under-staffed, poorly equipped, and poorly trained. Police corruption remains an issue. Many crimes go unreported. Police investigations, when they do occur, are often inadequate. Few police officers speak English. If a foreigner is the victim of a robbery, it is unlikely that the police will recover the stolen property. It has also been reported that some police stations charge foreigners between $20 and $100 to file a police report, and there have been attempts by police to extort money from foreigners accused of crimes.
Enforcement of traffic regulations is often haphazard or a means to solicit bribes. Police will often signal motorists to pull over and pay a fine. Low pay and low morale create an environment in which even bribes of a few dollars can make allegations disappear. Do not pay bribes, and do not comply with requests to pay on-the-spot fines. If an officer persists, comply with instructions, identify yourself as a U.S. citizen, and obtain the officer’s name and badge number. Politely ask to speak with a supervisor and/or request they take you to police headquarters for further processing.
Armed Conflict
Tensions between Cambodia and Thailand were raised after a Thai soldier shot and killed a Cambodian soldier on May 28, 2025. Blame was cast from both Cambodia and Thailand in the weeks following, until a Thai soldier stepped on a Cambodian landmine in early July 2025. The Thai and Cambodia military engaged in heavy fighting utilizing artillery, rockets, and aircraft which killed 35 people over four days. The engagement cooled with sporadic flare ups until a ceasefire was established on October 26.
Following intermittent engagements from July to August, Cambodia sought mediation from the ICJ after previous attempts at a ceasefire collapsed. Under trade pressures imposed by President Trump, Thailand and Cambodia ceased combat operations on July 28 after five days of fighting. Despite this cessation of hostilities, varying levels of conflict, prisoner capture, and disputes over accountability of initiating the combat operations persisted until October when President Trump, along with the Prime Minister of Malaysia, headed negotiations in Kuala Lumpur resulting in the formal signing of a ceasefire. Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow referred to the agreement as a step toward peace, but not a peace deal.
On November 10, Thai soldiers patrolling near the Cambodian border in the Kantharalak district (Thailand) hit a landmine resulting in four injured soldiers. Thailand accused Cambodia of recently placing landmines along the border; Cambodia denied these claims stating that those patrols were done in known minefields on Cambodian territory but recovered landmines during Thai mine-clearing operations displayed indicators of recent placement. Cambodian Senior Minister Thuch denied claims of Cambodia placing new landmines, encouraging expert led investigations into future incidents. Following the explosion, Thailand announced it was suspending the ceasefire and demanded Cambodia apologize and conduct a thorough investigation of the incident. Two days later, on November 12, a Cambodian civilian was killed in a shooting in Banteay Manchey province (Cambodia). Following the November 12 shooting, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that Cambodia will still honor the cease-fire. Tension remained high between the two countries until a breaking point on December 7, 2025, when gunfire was exchanged along the border which resulted in the death of two Thai soldiers. The events are currently disputed as both sides claim it was the other that fired first, but following the gunfight – Thailand began to conduct airstrikes into Cambodia with sustained combat operations supported by tanks, artillery, and air power.
On December 26, 2025, a ceasefire was established between Thailand and Cambodia to halt the combat operations. Despite the ceasefire, Thai troops still occupy parts of Cambodian territory. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid all but essential travel to within 31 miles of these border areas until further notice. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these provinces due to the ongoing risk of armed conflict.
Transportation Security
Road Safety
Driving in Cambodia can be hazardous. Drivers widely ignore traffic laws, and police only haphazardly enforce them. Drivers routinely run red lights and stop signs, drive the wrong way down one-way streets, and frequently fail to use headlights after dark. The city streets are crowded with cars, tuk tuks, and large numbers of moto scooters weaving unpredictably through traffic, creating hazards. Many streets have poor lighting. While Phnom Penh has sidewalks, parked vehicles or food stands usually occupy them, increasing the danger by forcing pedestrians to walk in the streets.
Driving at night in Cambodia outside of city limits is not recommended. Roads between major areas are adequate; however, roads leading to rural areas are poor. During the rainy season, road conditions deteriorate considerably, and roadside assistance is non-existent. Vehicles are poorly maintained. There are also frequent bus accidents.
Minor traffic accidents are quite common in Phnom Penh. In general, traffic moves very slowly in Phnom Penh during daylight hours, but speeds increase as traffic thins at night. Drunk drivers are also a hazard, especially at night. If involved in an accident, drivers generally attempt to flee the scene in their vehicle or on foot. Drivers also routinely use cell phones while driving, leading to distraction. Motos often carry three or more people, including children. Helmet use, while increasing, is not widespread.
Driving in the countryside can also be hazardous; compounding this, emergency medical care is limited. Moto scooters, pedestrians, slow moving trucks, and sometimes livestock share the roads in the countryside, creating additional hazards. The risk of accidents increases at night. For this reason, personnel assigned to the U.S. Embassy may not drive after dark outside of major population centers.
If involved in a traffic accident, common practice is for a cash settlement to be made on the spot, and foreigners are often identified as the responsible party regardless of the actual facts. Driver’s insurance representatives will respond to the scene of an accident and are necessary to reach a fair resolution to the situation.
Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.
Public Transportation Safety
The use of motorcycle taxis is not recommended because there are no government licenses for these drivers. Tuk tuks are the most common form of public transportation within Phnom Penh. While some taxis have meters, passengers taking tuk tuks should negotiate the fare with the driver in advance, since the traditional tuk tuks do not have meters.
Two ride-sharing apps, Grab and Nham 24, are in common use. The apps provide an additional security measure of identifying the fare (in advance), the vehicle information, the driver’s name, and the passenger’s progress along their intended route. Passap, another common app, is not recommended due to a pattern of issues with driver’s navigation and reliability. The Embassy encourages staff to use these apps for these reasons. However, continually monitoring your route using a phone risk making the phone vulnerable to theft. Maintain situational awareness if using a phone to monitor your route. If the vehicle license plate does not match the App information, cancel the driver and order another vehicle.
Travelers should exercise caution when using inter-city buses, including those to popular tourist destinations such as Siem Reap and Sihanoukville and usage of overnight buses is discouraged due to the increased risk. Despite the wide availability of moto-taxis, you should not use them due to safety concerns. Be vigilant if traveling by “tuk-tuk” or “cyclo” as personal belongings can be easily stolen. Organized emergency services for victims of traffic accidents are non-existent outside of major urban areas, and those available in major urban areas are inadequate.
Aviation Concerns
Flights have reduced between Cambodia and Thailand. Cambodia has been very selective with admitting military aged males with connections to Thailand due to the ongoing dispute between Cambodia and Thailand.
As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Cambodia, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Cambodia’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards.
Review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.
Maritime Security
Thailand has enforced a blockade on Thai flagged vessels going to Cambodia. This blockade has also disrupted Cambodian fisherman working in the area. The area is considered to have a high risk for maritime travel as of the date of this report’s publication.
The U.S. Embassy advises caution to those using ferries in Cambodia. Whether plying the rivers or traveling to islands off the coast, ensure any ferry has enough life jackets for each passenger. The safety record of ferries seems to have improved in recent years but overcrowding and lack of life jackets for all passengers remains a concern. Regardless of the mode of transportation, watch your belongings closely.
The Commandant of the Coast Guard has determined that effective anti-terrorism measures are not in place in Cambodia ports and has imposed conditions of entry on vessels that arrive in U.S. ports having visited ports in Cambodia. Mariners and passengers on commercial vessels traveling through the ports of Cambodia should exercise increased caution.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Cambodia, review the local laws and circumstances on the U.S. Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Cambodia. Corruption is endemic in society and government. There are reports that police, prosecutors, investigating judges, and presiding judges take bribes from owners of both legal and illegal businesses.
The law prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention and limits pretrial detention to a maximum of 18 months. However, the government does not observe these requirements.
Although the law provides for the privacy of residences and correspondence and prohibits illegal searches, NGOs report that police routinely conduct searches and seizures without warrants. The government allegedly continued to leak personal correspondence and recordings of telephone calls by opposition and civil society group leaders to government-aligned media.
The law provides criminal penalties for corruption by officials, but the government does not implement the law effectively.
Health Concerns
In a medical emergency, call 119 for ambulance service.
Medical facilities and services in Cambodia do not meet international standards. Both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have a limited number of internationally run clinics and hospitals that can provide basic medical care and stabilization. Medical care outside of these two cities is almost non-existent. In general, the Cambodian health care system has very low capacity for dealing with emergency medical situations outside of major population centers.
The medical infrastructure in Phnom Penh continues to make incremental improvements, but many gaps remain. Emergency transportation to a hospital, trauma care, and the national blood bank are underdeveloped and inconsistent. There are multiple reports of poorly trained emergency medical personnel conducting emergency procedures (e.g., opening an airway, controlling severe bleeding) incorrectly or not at all, resulting in death. Local ambulances and many local hospitals also demand payment for service before they respond, further compounding the potential for poor outcomes.
There are many other significant weaknesses in the medical infrastructure in Cambodia. In general, local physicians have substandard training. Sub-specialty care (e.g., neonatal care, trauma surgery) is sporadic and can be difficult to access, even at international medical facilities.
Recent epidemiological data reinforces the trend of continued progress addressing infectious diseases in Cambodia. Adult HIV prevalence has steadily dropped to 0.5% in 2023, with an estimated 76,000 people living with HIV.
Rabies is a large concern in Cambodia, from wild animals and stray dogs. Anyone bitten by a dog or wild animal should seek immediate medical attention. Only one facility in the entire country, the Pasteur Institute of Cambodia in Phnom Penh, can test an animal for rabies.
Strongly consider comprehensive travelers’ insurance with medical evacuation (medevac) capability and carry proof of insurance while traveling. Let others in your traveling party know about the insurance coverage and where they can find proof should you be unconscious or otherwise unable to serve as your own healthcare advocate.
Malaria, dengue, and tuberculosis are serious health concerns in Cambodia.
Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on health insurance overseas.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Cambodia.
Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.
See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.
Vaccinations
Strongly consider all routine vaccines prior to all travel. Chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, typhoid, and yellow fever vaccinations are also recommended. The CDC recommends that travelers going to certain parts of Cambodia take prescription medication to prevent malaria.
Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.
Issues Traveling with Medications
Local pharmacies provide a limited supply of prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. Due to the varying quality of locally obtained medication, travelers are advised to travel with a sufficient supply of prescribed medications to include additional doses if your return to the United States is delayed. Carry your prescriptions in the original packaging and bring the prescription or a doctor’s note when possible. Be wary of purchasing local medication; counterfeit medication is readily available, often indiscernible from authentic medication, and potentially lethal.
Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.
Water Quality
The water in Cambodia is not potable. Avoid tap water and ice cubes outside of urban areas; drink only bottled, filtered, or distilled water.
Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?
Natural Disasters
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Natural Disaster “N” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Cambodia.
Flooding remains the most significant environmental hazard in Phnom Penh. Serious flooding occurs throughout Cambodia from June through November. Travel on unpaved or dirt roads is difficult after heavy rainfall. The National Route highways are the only roads that can be traveled, with caution, during this time of the year. During the rainy season, streets can become impassable, causing major traffic delays. The standing water on the streets often contains sewage.
Cybersecurity
Cambodia is in the process of adopting several laws to increase the government’s ability to monitor and control internet traffic as well as penalize individuals – ranging from fines to potential jail time - who may post content subjectively deemed to violate the country’s laws. Those using Cambodia’s internet should be aware that they do not have the same rights to privacy or freedom of expression as they do in their home country and should use caution when making comments about the Cambodian government, the country’s national security, national elections, local culture, or other areas that can be perceived as critical of the government or the country. The government has arrested Cambodian nationals for online posts under the loosely defined term “incitement.”
The Cambodian government and private sector each has strong working relationships with the Chinese government and Chinese technology providers such as Huawei, ZTE, and others, and has taken steps to implement 5G in the country using these providers. Cambodia’s implementation of 5G may result in security vulnerabilities that allow for increased monitoring of local citizens and foreign nationals alike. Given this risk, network security managers, and those responsible for digital and cyber security, should familiarize themselves with the digital environment in the country to ensure they have a good understanding of their physical and cybersecurity posture.
Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage.
Counterintelligence Issues
The Cambodian government has demonstrated that it is fully capable of performing surveillance and surveils political opposition groups. U.S. private-sector organizations should have no expectation of privacy, which makes the discussion of proprietary or sensitive information difficult. Protect all financial and personal information. Do not discuss travel plans or other sensitive business in an open venue. Be alert to any unusual surveillance or activity near the places you visit frequently. Vary your routes and times.
Import/Export Restrictions
Cambodian customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Cambodia of items such as medications, firearms, antiquities, or ivory.
Cambodia charges a flat 10% value added tax on all imported goods. Cambodia also charges a special additional tax on certain imported goods. Cambodia levies an export tax of up to 50% on goods leaving the country. Importers and exporters alike must first register with Cambodia’s Department of Business Registration, under the Commerce Ministry. Cambodia uses the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) created under the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). To register with ASYCUDA, importers and exports need a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). To acquire a TIN, importers and exporters must register with the General Department of Taxation, under the Economy and Finance Ministry. Finally, importers and exporters must register with the General Department of Customs and Excise.
There are no restrictions on the import of smart phones.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
