Foreign Ministry Eases Phnom Penh Special Travel Advisory to Travel Caution

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced at 4:00 p.m. on December 4, 2025, that it has lifted the special travel advisory for Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, and downgraded the alert to Level 2 (Travel Caution). In addition, areas such as Siem Reap, which were previously under a Level 2 (Travel Caution) advisory, have now been downgraded to Level 1 (Travel Watch).

However, Level 4 (Travel Ban) advisories remain in effect for areas such as Bokor Mountain in Kampot Province, where crimes against Korean university students in their 20s have occurred, as well as for Bavet City and Poipet City. Existing travel advisories also remain unchanged for the following regions: ▲Sihanoukville Province (Level 3 Departure Recommendation) ▲Preah Vihear Province, Oddar Meanchey Province, Banteay Meanchey Province, Battambang Province, Pailin Province, Pursat Province, and Koh Kong Province (all previously subject to special travel advisories).

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, "This adjustment to the travel advisories reflects the Cambodian government's own crackdown efforts against scam crimes, as well as strengthened cooperation between the two countries, including the operation of the Korea-Cambodia Joint Task Force for the Protection of Korean Nationals. As a result, the number of scam crime reports in Cambodia has decreased, and the situation has notably improved in areas such as Phnom Penh and Siem Reap."

However, the ministry cautioned, "Reports of Korean nationals being victimized by scam crimes in Cambodia continue, particularly in regions under Level 3 or higher advisories, so continued vigilance is necessary." The ministry further advised, "In particular, if you receive a job offer with excessively favorable conditions, such as high earnings, and are considering visiting Cambodia, please reconsider carefully, as there is a high risk of being involved in scam crimes."