You must have the correct vaccinations for Cambodia before arriving in the country. This helps make sure you can enjoy a safe stay and prevents the spread of disease.
Before traveling with a Cambodia visa, you should check which vaccines are required or recommended for your trip.
This article details the necessary and recommended shots for Cambodia for foreign visitors, including yellow fever rules, routine travel vaccines, malaria prevention, and Cambodia’s digital health declaration through the e-Arrival Card.
Apply for Cambodia e-Arrival Card
Essential Cambodia Travel Vaccinations
This table shows the key details on essential and recommended vaccines for Cambodia.
The yellow fever vaccine is a mandatory vaccine for Cambodia, but for certain traveler profiles only.
You must have a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate to present to Cambodian authorities if you’re:
- Arriving from a country with a high risk of yellow fever transmission, including layovers of more than 12 hours
- Aged over 1 year
Main yellow fever risk countries include parts of South America and several sub-Saharan African countries. If you are traveling directly from the UK, Australia, the U.S., Canada, or most European countries, you don’t need a yellow fever certificate for Cambodia.
All other shots for Cambodia are advised, but not mandatory. You’re recommended to consult with a healthcare professional on recommended vaccines based on your itinerary.
Vaccinations recommended for all travelers to Cambodia
All visitors to Cambodia are strongly advised to be up-to-date with routine vaccinations before arriving in the country.
Vaccines help protect you from common travel-related illnesses in Cambodia. They can also reduce your risk of catching diseases that may be rare in your home country.
Whatever your itinerary, you’re recommended to be up to date with the following routine vaccinations before you travel:
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
- Polio
- Tetanus
Other recommended vaccines for Cambodia
Depending on the area you’ll be visiting and the amount of time you intend to stay in the country, you may also be recommended to get some additional shots.
You should consider getting the following vaccines if you will be in Cambodia for a long time, or if you plan to visit any rural areas:
- Cholera
- Japanese Encephalitis
- Rabies
- Typhoid
Dengue vaccines
Qdenga (TAK-003) is a type of dengue vaccine available in many countries, including parts of Europe, the UK, and Australia.
It may be recommended for certain travelers who have previously had dengue or who are visiting areas with high dengue transmission. Vaccination advice varies by country and traveler profile, so consult a medical professional for personalized advice.
Making sure you’re prepared for any health risk associated with these conditions will help you enjoy a safe trip and avoid needing to seek out medical treatment while traveling.
Malaria Risk for Visitors to Cambodia
Malaria is present in some of Cambodia’s regions, so it’s important to be aware and be prepared. The highest-risk areas are forested and rural zones, especially in the north-east near the borders with Vietnam and Laos.
Rural areas outside major cities can have a medium malaria risk, depending on your itinerary, the season you visit, and the amount of time spent outdoors.
Phnom Penh, Siem Reap city, Angkor Wat and the Tonle Sap Lake area are generally considered low-risk areas for malaria. If you’re only visiting these areas, you may not need antimalarial medication but should still take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Malaria medication
You should carry antimalarial medicine if you’re planning to visit the regions commonly affected by malaria.
You can also prevent malaria by taking antimalarial medication. Consult a medical professional for personalized advice on which treatment you should use. Some common medicines used to prevent malaria include:
- Doxycycline: usually affordable and can help prevent some other infections. Taken daily and usually started 1 to 2 days before entering a malaria-risk area. It can cause sun sensitivity or stomach irritation.
- Atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone): usually well tolerated and taken for a shorter period after travel. Usually started 1 to 2 days before entering a malaria-risk area, but it can be more expensive.
- Mefloquine: taken weekly and usually started at least 2 weeks before entering a malaria-risk area, but it’s not suitable for everyone and may cause side effects in people with certain mental health or neurological conditions.
Border-area resistance: Plasmodium falciparum malaria in some Cambodian border areas has shown multidrug resistance. If you are traveling to forested or border regions, your doctor may recommend specific medication based on your exact route.
Important: We’re not medical practitioners. We’re sharing this information to help you understand malaria risks and the possible treatment options. Consult a registered healthcare professional when preparing to travel for malaria medication guidance.
Staying Healthy in Cambodia
When planning a trip to Cambodia, you should learn how to stay healthy and avoid local safety risks to make the most of your trip.
You should follow standard personal hygiene guidance, including the following tips:
- Wash your hands regularly
- Only drink bottled water
- Use insect repellent and take steps to protect against mosquito bites
- Only eat food that’s fully cooked through
- Avoid contact with local wildlife
- Use sunscreen and stay out of direct sunlight when possible
- Seek prompt medical treatment if you have concerning symptoms
Avoiding insect bites in Cambodia
The following diseases can be spread by insect bites in Cambodia:
- Chikungunya
- Dengue
- Malaria
- Zika
You can help to avoid insect bites by taking the following measures:
- Use insect repellent
- Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs
- Use clothes and gear treated with permethrin
- Stay in screened, air-conditioned rooms
- Sleep in a bed with a mosquito net if exposed to the outdoors
It's a good idea to check yourself for bites after you have been outdoors for any length of time, especially if you have been in wilderness areas.
Vaccinations for Specific Traveler Profiles
You’re recommended to get personalized vaccine advice before visiting Cambodia, especially if you have a higher health risk or a more complex itinerary.
Children: Parents should confirm that routine childhood vaccinations are complete before travel, including MMR, polio, and varicella. Speak to a pediatrician before traveling, especially if your child is too young for certain vaccines.
Pregnant travelers: Yellow fever vaccination should usually be avoided unless there is a real risk of exposure, as it’s a live vaccine. A doctor should advise on malaria prevention and medication options that are considered safer during pregnancy.
Immunocompromised travelers: Travelers with weakened immune systems should consult a specialist before traveling. Some live vaccines may be contraindicated, and extra precautions may be needed.
Frequent travelers: People who travel often should check whether any boosters are due, especially for tetanus, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B.
How To Fill Out the Cambodia Health Declaration
Cambodia’s Health Declaration is now completed online as part of the Cambodia e-Arrival Card. There’s no separate health form needed.
You should complete the form before you arrive in Cambodia and check that all details match your passport and travel documents.
Once submitted, keep a copy of your Cambodia e-Arrival Card confirmation with your travel documents, as you may be asked to show it on arrival.
FAQs
Does Cambodia require the yellow fever vaccine?
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Cambodia itself does not have yellow fever. The vaccine is only required to stop travelers from bringing it in from countries with a high transmission risk.
You only need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a country with a yellow fever transmission risk or if you transit for more than 12 hours through an airport in one of those countries.
What vaccinations are required for Phnom Penh and Siem Reap?
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No specific vaccines are required just for Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. However, Hepatitis A and Typhoid are highly recommended due to street food and water exposure. You’re also advised to be up to date with all routine shots.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Cambodia?
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No. You should always drink bottled or filtered water in Cambodia. Many travelers also choose to use bottled water for personal hygiene routines, like brushing teeth. It’s also best to avoid ice in rural areas to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases.
