Cambodia

It may be useful to carry a copy of the photo page of your passport, but this is not a legal requirement in Cambodia.

The legal process in Cambodia is unpredictable, lacks transparency and is open to interference from political and business interests. The investigation and trial process falls far below the standard of the UK. Pre-trial detention can also last many months. The British Embassy will not interfere in the legal processes of a host country.

The conditions in Cambodian prisons are extremely poor and overcrowded. Medical facilities in prisons are also very poor. The UK has no prisoner transfer agreement with Cambodia so if you’re found guilty you can expect to serve your full prison term in Cambodia.

Possession, trafficking and manufacture of any illegal drugs are serious offences in Cambodia. This includes cannabis. British nationals have been caught carrying cannabis while transiting through Cambodia.

Airports in Cambodia have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

The Cambodia authorities have a zero-tolerance policy to drug offences. Possessing drugs, even in very small quantities, can carry severe penalties, including:  

• arrest and detention
• a long jail sentence if charged and convicted. This can include a life sentence with no reduction for good behaviour

Legal processes before court hearings can be long and expensive. It can take many months for a case to come to trial.

Criminal gangs in the UK and elsewhere have been known to coerce people into carrying drugs across borders. Do not allow yourself to be persuaded.

It is important to be aware of your rights if you are detained by the police. See our guidance for those detained or imprisoned in Cambodia.

Police often raid venues known to be frequented by foreigners. You may have to take a urine or blood test if there is a suspicion you have used drugs. You will be arrested if the test is positive.

The Cambodian authorities have issued an official code of conduct for visitors at Angkor Wat and other religious sites.

You may be refused admission to religious sites, including Angkor Wat, if you wear skirts or shorts above the knee. Cover bare shoulders.

Never take photographs on or near military bases. Ask permission before taking pictures of people, especially monks and other religious figures.

Request permission in advance from the district head, provincial governor or national tourism board for any travel that authorities might see as out of the ordinary, including:

• scientific research of any kind 

• carrying out surveys 

• extensive photography or filming

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Cambodia. The LGBT+ community is becoming more visible, through gay clubs, club nights and the work of some human rights organisations.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

The UK government has suspended all adoptions of Cambodian children by UK residents.

Commercial surrogacy is banned in Cambodia. If you pay a surrogate, you could get a fine or a prison sentence. See guidance on surrogacy abroad.

While there is good wi-fi and mobile phone networks in the main cities and towns of Cambodia, many of the islands and remote areas are not well covered. Make sure your friends and family are aware that you may be out of contact.

Cambodia does not have the same health and safety standards as in the UK. Be aware that safety advice will be minimal and there may be no warning signs about dangers at tourist sites.

Heavy storms during the monsoon season from June to October disrupt and damage the road network. Travel to some provinces can be seriously restricted by landslides at this time. Poor drainage results in flooded roads, causing major traffic congestion and delays in Phnom Penh - including along the route to the airport.

Monitor local news and weather reports, and weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation.

Lakes, caves and waterfalls are particularly prone to dangerous flash flooding during the rainy season from June to October.