The United States has updated its travel advisory for Cambodia, advising Americans to exercise increased caution because of crime, unrest and unexploded ordnance, while imposing a stronger “Do Not Travel” warning for areas within 50 kilometres of the Cambodia Thailand border.
The U.S. Department of State issued the updated advisory on September 15, 2026, maintaining Cambodia at Level 2 overall. The advisory identifies different risks depending on the location, ranging from street crime in Phnom Penh to unexploded ordnance in several provinces and heightened security risks along the Thai border.
Key Facts
| Key info | Details |
|---|---|
| Issuing authority | U.S. Department of State |
| Date issued | September 15, 2026 |
| Overall advisory level | Level 2: Exercise increased caution |
| Main risks cited | Crime, unrest and unexploded ordnance |
| Highest-risk area | Areas within 50 km of the Cambodia Thailand border |
| Border advisory | Level 4: Do Not Travel |
| Phnom Penh | Level 2 due to crime |
| Provinces flagged for unexploded ordnance | Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, Pailin, Kampong Thom and Preah Vihear |
| Previous advisory | Level 2 issued July 25, 2025 |
| Current overall level | Remains Level 2 |
Cambodia Remains at Level 2
The U.S. Department of State continues to classify Cambodia overall at Level 2, Exercise increased caution.
The department cites crime, unrest and unexploded ordnance as the principal risks and notes that some areas have increased risk.
The latest update does not change Cambodia’s overall advisory level. Instead, the September 15 update provides revised information on risks in specific areas. The State Department's advisory history shows that Cambodia was already at Level 2 following the July 25, 2025 update.
Level 4 Warning Along Cambodia Thailand Border
The strongest warning applies to areas within 50 kilometres of the Cambodia Thailand border.
The State Department classifies these areas at Level 4, Do Not Travel, citing ongoing tensions between Cambodian and Thai military forces.
The advisory says armed conflict has resulted in reports of civilian casualties and warns of a collateral risk of violence. It also says the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to Americans in the affected areas because of the continuing risk of armed conflict.
The department advises against all nonessential travel within the 50 kilometre zone until further notice.
Phnom Penh Crime Warning
Phnom Penh remains at Level 2, Exercise increased caution, specifically because of crime.
The State Department says street crime, particularly phone and bag snatchings, occurs frequently in areas where foreigners gather.
The advisory also notes that violent crimes, including sexual assault and homicide, occur and can sometimes involve foreign nationals. It advises travellers not to physically resist robbery attempts because doing so could result in injury.
Seven Provinces Flagged for Unexploded Ordnance
The advisory also highlights unexploded ordnance in several provinces.
The areas listed are:
- Battambang
- Banteay Meanchey
- Pursat
- Siem Reap
- Pailin
- Kampong Thom
- Preah Vihear
The State Department says landmines and unexploded ordnance remain in remote areas and advises travellers not to touch unknown metal objects.
It also recommends using local guides when travelling through forests or dry rice paddies in the affected areas.
What the Advisory Means for Cambodia Tourism
The updated guidance is relevant to Cambodia's tourism industry because the risks are geographically differentiated.
The overall Level 2 classification applies to Cambodia as a whole, while the Level 4 warning is specifically focused on the Cambodia Thailand border. Phnom Penh has a separate crime-related caution, while seven provinces are identified because of unexploded ordnance.
This distinction is important when interpreting the advisory. The State Department has not classified the entire country at Level 4.
Cambodia's major tourism destinations and transport gateways therefore fall under different parts of the advisory depending on their location and the specific risk identified.
Travel Guidance for US Citizens
The State Department recommends that Americans travelling to Cambodia review local safety conditions and remain aware of area-specific risks.
It also recommends enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive updates and alerts from the U.S. Embassy.
For areas affected by unexploded ordnance, the department advises travellers not to touch unknown objects and to use local guides in forests and dry rice paddies.
Angkor Times Analysis
The latest advisory presents a location-specific risk picture rather than a countrywide Level 4 warning. Cambodia remains at Level 2 overall, while the Cambodia Thailand border carries a Level 4 warning, Phnom Penh has a crime-related Level 2 caution, and seven provinces are specifically flagged for unexploded ordnance.
For Cambodia's tourism and travel sector, the distinction matters. The advisory provides US travellers with different guidance depending on where they plan to travel, making accurate communication about individual destinations particularly important for tourism businesses, travellers and local authorities.