Cambodia

Crimes targeting tourists in Cambodia often involve drugged drinks; do not accept drinks from strangers or leave drinks unattended, and methanol poisoning from bootleg alcohol has caused deaths.

Verified Jul 19, 2026

Cannabis is illegal in Cambodia and there is no small-amount exception. The Law on Drug Control treats possession as "keeping" and puts it on the same scale as trafficking, so any quantity of cannabis starts at two to five years in prison plus a fine of 4 to 10 million riel. Cannabis products are scheduled in the law's Table I and Table II, which carry the same penalty scale under Article 40; the law defines Table I as plants and substances that cause severe danger and have no medical use.

Any quantity of cannabis: 2 to 5 years' imprisonment and a fine of 4 to 10 million riel; a repeat offence is 5 to 10 years whatever the amount. Weight raises it: 800 to 1,600 g of resin, 400 to 800 g of oil, or 20 to 60 kg of dry cannabis is 10 to 20 years plus 20 to 40 million riel; from 1,600 g of resin, from 800 g of oil, or 20 kg of dry cannabis it is 20 to 30 years or life plus 40 to 100 million riel. The official text prints the identical 20-to-60 kg dry-cannabis range in both of those bands, so 20 kg — not 60 kg — is the weight from which the life band can apply. For felonies under this law the Criminal Code's mitigating-circumstances provisions (arts. 93 to 95) do not apply; the only statutory reduction is for naming other participants before being prosecuted or helping arrest them afterwards, which halves the maximum and converts life imprisonment to 20 years.

Verified Oct 5, 2026

Import and export of Cambodian riel is prohibited; declare foreign currency over US$10,000 on entry — on exit you may take out foreign currency only up to the amount you declared on arrival.

Verified Jul 19, 2026

Deaths and serious illness have been caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in Cambodia; methanol cannot be identified by taste or smell — buy drinks only from licensed stores, bars, restaurants, and hotels, and avoid homemade or streetside alcohol.

Verified Jul 19, 2026

Drivers must obtain an International Driving Permit; accidents are common due to poor roads and intoxicated driving, and driving outside cities is best limited to 6:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Verified Jul 19, 2026

Drone use is strictly prohibited in Cambodia.

Verified Jul 19, 2026

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Cambodia with no restrictions on relations or LGBTQ events, though same-sex marriage is not legal and societal discrimination occurs, especially outside cities.

Verified Jul 19, 2026

Cambodia criminalizes defamation and lèse-majesté: criticism or insults of the King by any means — including online and on social media — can bring 1 to 5 years in prison.

1 to 5 years in prison for insulting or criticizing the King, including posts made online or via social media.

Verified Jul 19, 2026