U.S. State Department raises Cambodia travel advisory, warns Americans against resisting robbery
Cambodia carries a Level 2 "Exercise Increased Caution" designation on the U.S. State Department's travel advisory scale, with the agency updating the rating on September 15 and citing crime, civil unrest and unexploded…
Key takeaways
- The U.S. State Department updated Cambodia to a Level 2 "Exercise Increased Caution" advisory on September 15, citing crime, civil unrest and unexploded ordnance.
- Certain areas along the Cambodian-Thai border are designated Level 4, "Do Not Travel," due to ongoing unrest.
- The department advises Americans not to physically resist any robbery attempt while in Cambodia.
- Cambodia enforces a zero-tolerance drug policy where even small quantities can lead to arrest, lengthy sentences or life in prison.
- Seven provinces—Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, Pailin, Preah Vihear and Kampong Thom—carry elevated warnings for unexploded ordnance.
Cambodia carries a Level 2 "Exercise Increased Caution" designation on the U.S. State Department's travel advisory scale, with the agency updating the rating on September 15 and citing crime, civil unrest and unexploded ordnance across parts of the country. Certain areas along the Cambodian-Thai border sit at Level 4, "Do Not Travel." For Americans who proceed, the department's guidance is direct: do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
Where the heightened warnings fall
The Level 4 designation at the Cambodian-Thai border reflects ongoing unrest, per the advisory. Phnom Penh carries increased caution for crime. Seven provinces carry elevated warnings because of unexploded ordnance: Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, Pailin, Preah Vihear and Kampong Thom. Cambodia borders Thailand, Vietnam and Laos in Southeast Asia.
Drug laws and tourist-targeting crime
Cambodia operates under a zero-tolerance policy for drug offenses, according to the State Department's guidance, and possessing even small quantities of illegal drugs can result in arrest and detention. Convictions can carry lengthy prison sentences, with life in prison among the outcomes officials cite. The advisory also warns that crimes targeting tourists frequently involve drugged drinks, with officials advising travelers not to accept beverages from strangers and not to leave drinks unattended.
The department strongly recommends purchasing travel insurance that includes evacuation assistance, medical insurance and trip cancellation coverage. Fox News Digital reached out to the State Department for further details.
The Cambodia update is one of several State Department travel warnings issued in recent weeks. Earlier this month, the department updated its Level 2 advisory for Italy, warning Americans about the risk of terrorist violence and petty crime. Purse snatching and pickpocketing are common at popular tourist sites and on public transportation, officials noted, and travelers were urged to monitor local media and stay prepared to adjust their plans.
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