SeeVay is a baby product store that provides comprehensive safety checklists and a curated selection of high-quality, safe baby products. Our mission is to give new moms peace of mind by ensuring their baby’s safety is always top of mind.
COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers
Latest updates: The Health section was updated – travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)
Last updated: ET
Exercise a high degree of caution in Cambodia due to an increase in thefts, robberies and opportunistic crimes.
Avoid non-essential travel to Sihanoukville and around the Special Economic Zone due to criminal activity.
Back to top
There have been frequent clashes between Thailand and Cambodia over a border dispute in the region surrounding Preah Vihear, including exchanges of gunfire and artillery that resulted in numerous fatalities and the evacuation of civilians.
In 2013, the International Court of Justice ruled that Cambodia has sovereignty over the entire territory of the Preah Vihear temple. While the situation has improved, tension remains.
Criminals operate in the seaside resort of Sihanoukville and the Special Economic Zone. The criminal activity includes drug and human trafficking as well as employment scams.
If you travel to this area despite the advisory:
Street crime targeting foreigners, including pick-pocketing, is common in urban areas, including:
Crimes occur any time of day or night.
Armed assaults, although increasingly rare, may occur in Phnom Penh and on isolated beaches in Sihanoukville. Canadians have been injured during assaults and armed robberies.
Thieves, sometimes on motorcycles, grab bags and other valuables (including passports) from pedestrians, motorcycle drivers and motorcycle passengers.
Firearm ownership is high, and guns are often used in cases of robbery and personal dispute or disagreement, including those involving foreigners. Personal belongings have been stolen from locked rooms, particularly in low-cost accommodations. Items have been removed from luggage stored in the luggage compartments of buses, especially on the journey between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Banditry poses a risk, particularly at night, in rural areas and on routes between Snoul, Kratié and Stung Treng in the northeastern provinces. Foreigners have encountered difficulties with ill-disciplined police and military personnel.
Demonstrations take place frequently. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.
Mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Sexual assaults against women have occurred.
Advice for women travellers
Scams targeting tourists occur. Card games are often involved. Some travellers have been taken to an ATM and forced to withdraw money.
Travellers have been the victim of scams and extortion at border crossings. Travellers have reported that border officials demanded they pay extra charges before they can enter Cambodia.
In other cases, travellers were taken by strangers to isolated areas for extended periods and were intimidated and pressed for payment. Carefully consider accepting assistance from individuals offering to help with documentation or transportation.
There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.
Targets could include:
Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.
Extremely poor road conditions, local disregard for traffic laws and drunk drivers result in frequent accidents.
Only undertake travel by road in daylight hours, by either scheduled bus or cars travelling in convoy.
Motorcycles are a common means of transportation in urban areas. Motorcycle accidents kill or maim several Canadians in Cambodia each year. Avoid riding motorcycles in Cambodia as it is dangerous— even for experienced motorcyclists.
Rental agencies often request passports as a guarantee when renting motorcycles. Unscrupulous owners have followed renters and taken the motorcycle by removing the lock and chain when the vehicle was parked, leaving the traveller without a motorcycle or passport. If you plan to rent a motorcycle, purchase your own locks and chains.
You must not use your Canadian passport as collateral (e.g. as assurance for debts or rental of motorcycles). If your passport is inaccessible or stolen as a result of such misuse, you may be subject to investigation by Passport Canada and may receive limited passport services.
Boats are often overcrowded, lack adequate safety equipment and are susceptible to robbery by armed gangs. Boat owners accept no liability for accidents.
Avoid travelling by train. Accidents occur due to poor track maintenance and to drivers trying to beat the train at crossings.
We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.
Information about foreign domestic airlines
With the exception of flights between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, domestic air service can be unpredictable, and flights may be cancelled on short notice.
Travel from Laos should be undertaken by air only. The Laotian side of the border is often closed to international travellers. For travel to Laos from Cambodia, you must obtain the relevant visa prior to arriving at the border.
Tourist facilities are well developed in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, but limited elsewhere.
Cambodia is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world. There are landmines in rural areas, especially in the provinces of Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Kampong Thom, Pursat and Siem Reap (except in the town of Siem Reap and the Angkor temples, which are safe).
The border area with Thailand is especially dangerous. Do not walk in forested areas or in dry rice paddies without a local guide.
Areas around small bridges or secondary roads are dangerous.
Do not visit outlying temples, particularly in the heavily mined areas of Phnom Kulen and the River of a Thousand Lingas.
Unexploded ordnance is also found throughout the country and could explode if handled.
Strictly observe warning signs and do not handle any unknown object.
Illicit drug use has led to the death of several Canadians in Cambodia.
More information on how to avoid difficult and dangerous situations related to illegal drugs
Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.
Live piracy report – International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy Reporting Centre
Back to top
Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.
We have obtained the information on this page from the Cambodian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.
Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.
Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.
Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry into Cambodia.
Different entry rules may apply.
Official travel
While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
Tourist visa: required
Business visa: required
Student visa: required
Tourist and business visas allow entry to Cambodia for 30 days only, counting from the date of entry.
Travellers must pay a fee in cash of US$30 for tourist visas or US$35 for business visas and provide two passport-sized photos. The photos can be purchased at the airport for US$3 each.
You can request a single-entry tourist visa online through Cambodia’s e-Visa service.
Apply for an e-visa – Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
When issued outside Cambodia, visas have an expiry date, which refers to the date by which the visa must be used, not the length of time allowed in the country. Visas must be renewed for stays in excess of 30 days and may only be extended once.
Tourist and business visas can be obtained at:
You can get a 30-day visa at any of these Cambodian-Thai border crossing points:
If entering Cambodia from Vietnam, you can get a visa at the international crossing points at:
You can’t purchase Cambodian and Laotian visas at the Cambodia–Laos border.
If entering Cambodia from Laos, note that the Laotian side of the Dong Kralor–Veun Kham border crossing is often closed to foreign travellers with little notice.
An onward or return ticket and proof of sufficient funds are required to visit Cambodia.
Learn more about travelling with children.
Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).
Back to top
This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.
Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.
Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.
Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.
You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary.
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
Risk
Country Entry Requirement*
Recommendation
Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada
* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.
Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.
Rabies is a deadly illness spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from an infected animal. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who have a high risk of exposure (e.g., are children, have an occupational risk, or in close contact with animals, including free roaming dogs in communities).
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.
Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.
Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.
Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain. It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.
Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:
Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.
It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.
Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.
Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.
Travellers’ diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
Risk of developing travellers’ diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.
The most important treatment for travellers’ diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.
Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.
Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.
Schistosomiasis can be spread to humans through freshwater sources contaminated by blood flukes (tiny worms). The eggs of the worms can cause stomach illnesses like diarrhea and cramps or urinary problems. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Avoid swimming in freshwater sources (lakes, rivers, ponds). There is no vaccine available for schistosomiasis.
Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:
To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.
Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.
There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. The risk may vary between regions of a country. Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.
Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.
Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.
Human cases of avian influenza have been reported in this destination. Avian influenza is a viral infection that can spread quickly and easily among birds and in rare cases it can infect mammals, including people. The risk is low for most travellers.
Avoid contact with birds, including wild, farm, and backyard birds (alive or dead) and surfaces that may have bird droppings on them. Ensure all poultry dishes, including eggs and wild game, are properly cooked.
Travellers with a higher risk of exposure include those:
All eligible people are encouraged to get the seasonal influenza shot, which will protect them against human influenza viruses. While the seasonal influenza shot does not prevent infection with avian influenza, it can reduce the chance of getting sick with human and avian influenza viruses at the same time.
Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common viral illness that mainly affects infants and children. Travellers are at increased risk if visiting or living in overcrowded conditions. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against this disease.
Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.
For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.
Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.
High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks and impairs the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
High risk activities include anything which puts you in contact with blood or body fluids, such as unprotected sex and exposure to unsterilized needles for medications or other substances (for example, steroids and drugs), tattooing, body-piercing or acupuncture.
With the exception of some Thai-run hospitals in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, medical facilities throughout Cambodia are extremely poor and very limited.
Doctors and hospitals may demand cash payment or written guarantees from insurance providers in advance for health services.
Medical evacuation to Thailand or Singapore is often required in order to obtain adequate treatment. Seek immediate assistance in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap and consider leaving the country if you experience medical problems.
Psychiatric or psychological facilities and services in Cambodia are almost non-existent.
Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Travel health and safety
Back to top
You must abide by local laws.
Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
Cambodian authorities can expel, deport or limit a traveller’s visit if the traveller is accused, or suspected of, having:
Detention during the investigative period, before charges are laid, is common and can exceed 6 months.
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and steep fines.
A permit is required to purchase, export or possess cultural or archaeological artefacts.
There are harsh penalties for sexual exploitation of minors. It is a serious offence in Cambodia.
Canadians may also be subject to criminal proceedings in Canada for acts of this nature committed while abroad. Consult our publication entitled:
Child Sex Tourism: It’s a Crime
All forms of commercial surrogacy are illegal in Cambodia. Penalties for surrogates, as well as operators of clinics and hospitals providing surrogacy services, may include imprisonment and/or fines. If you have already entered into a surrogacy agreement, you should seek advice from a local lawyer on how these guidelines, including its exit requirements, apply to your situation.
Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Cambodia.
If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Cambodia, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you’re there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.
Travellers with dual citizenship
The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Cambodia.
If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Cambodia by an abducting parent:
If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.
Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.
You must have and carry a Cambodian driver’s licence.
Helmets are mandatory for motorcycle riders, but many helmets do not meet international safety standards. Ensure your medical insurance will cover you when riding as a driver or passenger.
The number of foreign tourists detained in Siem Reap has increased since early 2018. The detentions are typically tied to activities local authorities suspect are illegal, but also to culturally offensive activities surrounding the tourist “party culture” that has formed in recent years.
Local authorities seem to be cracking down on events such as pub crawls, raves, booze cruises and pool parties, as well as other events where recreational drugs may be present. Avoid these types of events.
Behaviour that is deemed scandalous, drunken or disorderly is considered highly disrespectful to the local culture and population, especially given the sacred Angkor temples nearby.
To avoid offending local sensitivities:
Do not photograph airports or military installations, and ask permission before photographing individuals, including Buddhist monks.
The currency is the riel (KHR).
U.S. dollars are also widely used. Only newer, undamaged notes are accepted. Notes with the slightest tear will not be accepted.
Credit cards are not widely accepted.
Some banks in Phnom Penh accept Visa and MasterCard for cash advances. There are ATMs in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville.
Back to top
The rainy (or monsoon) season extends from May to November. Severe rainstorms can cause flooding and landslides, resulting in significant loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure. They can also hamper the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged. Flooding can affect wide areas in numerous provinces, including certain parts of Phnom Penh. Keep informed of regional weather forecasts, avoid disaster areas and follow the advice of local authorities.
Back to top
In case of emergency, dial:
Thailand, Cambodia, Laos
For emergency consular assistance, call the Office of the Embassy of Canada in Phnom Penh and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.
The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an “as is” basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.
If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.
Learn more about consular services.
Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.
There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.
IMPORTANT:The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.
Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.
You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.
source
At SeeVay, we know that the safety and well-being of your baby is your top priority. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing you with the tools you need to make sure you’re always on top of your baby’s safety. We understand that being a new mom can be overwhelming, and there’s so much information out there that it can be hard to know where to start.
