US State Department urges heightened caution for Americans traveling in Cambodia

The U.S. State Department issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Cambodia on Sept. 15, highlighting risks from crime, civil unrest and unexploded ordnance in provinces such as Battambang, Siem Reap and Preah Vihear. Areas along the Cambodian-Thai border carry a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning, while the capital Phnom Penh is flagged for heightened criminal activity. Americans are instructed not to physically resist any robbery attempt and to secure travel insurance that includes evacuation, medical care and trip cancellation.

The advisory stresses Cambodia’s zero-tolerance drug policy, which can lead to lengthy prison sentences, and warns travelers to refuse drinks from unknown persons to avoid drug-spiking crimes. This warning follows recent U.S. advisories for other destinations and underscores the need for heightened vigilance when traveling in the region.