You must have the correct vaccinations for Cambodia before arriving in the country.
These precautions ensure that visitors can enjoy a safe and healthy time during their stay in Cambodia. They also help to prevent the spread of disease in the country itself.
Before traveling with a valid Cambodia visa, you must get a few vaccines.
This article details the necessary and recommended shots for Cambodia for foreign visitors.
Essential Cambodia Travel Vaccinations
There is only one mandatory vaccination for Cambodia, and even then, it is only necessary in certain circumstances. This is the Yellow Fever vaccine.
Travelers entering Cambodia must have a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if the following conditions apply:
- Arriving from countries with a high risk of yellow fever transmission, including layovers of more than 12 hours
- Age 1 years or older
Travelers are also recommended certain shots for Cambodia.
Most tourists experience a safe and enjoyable time in Cambodia. However, all visitors should follow precautions to avoid infectious illnesses.
Vaccinations recommended for all travelers to Cambodia
All visitors to Cambodia are highly advised to be up-to-date with a number of routine vaccinations before arriving in the country.
Vaccinations to travel to Cambodia protect you against the spread of common illnesses. They also reduce the chance of infection from diseases not commonly found in your home country or region.
Those traveling to Cambodia soon should consider getting the following essential vaccinations:
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
- Polio
- Tetanus
Countries around the world provide these vaccines at routine intervals.
We advise you to also consult with your doctor to see whether you will require any boosters to your routine vaccinations before visiting Cambodia.
Other recommended vaccines for Cambodia
There are some other vaccinations that travelers to Cambodia should consider in addition to those listed above. These are needed depending on the area you’ll be visiting, and the amount of time you intend to stay in the country.
You should contemplate 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
Staying Healthy in Cambodia
When planning a trip to Cambodia, it’s crucial to consider some essential health information before traveling.
You should learn how to stay healthy and avoid risks during a visit to make the most of your trip.
Malaria is present in some of Cambodia’s regions. You can prevent Malaria by using drugs such as doxycycline, atovaquone/proguanil, or mefloquine.
You should carry antimalarial medicine if you’re planning to visit the regions commonly affected by Malaria. These include the country’s northeastern border with Vietnam, or rural areas outside big cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
In addition to these recommendations, you should follow common personal hygiene guidelines such as:
- Washing your hands regularly
- Only drinking bottled water
- Seeking medical help if you fall sick
- Using insect repellent to protect against mosquito bites
- Only eating adequately cooked food
- Avoiding contact with local wildlife
Visiting Cambodia is typically an enjoyable and memorable experience. However, this is best safeguarded by following the correct health advice. Don't forget to get the necessary vaccinations to protect individual travelers and the local population.
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 is 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.
