Cambodia Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Cambodia
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated July 25, 2025
Cambodia recorded 1.8 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2011, a rate that is low by global standards. That places Cambodia #121 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Asia average of 2.0 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have fallen 43% over the past decade (from 3.2 in 2001). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Cambodia at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
1.8 /100k
Safety Rank
#75 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2011
Homicide Rate Trend (1992-2011)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 43% over the past decade (from 3.2 in 2001). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Cambodia Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Cambodia:
The advisory level was increased to 2. The "unrest" risk indicator was added. An area of increased risk was added. The advisory summary was updated. Exercise increased caution in Cambodia due to crime and landmines . Some areas have increased risks. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not Travel to: Areas along Cambodian and Thai border due to armed conflict. Advisory summary: Phnom Penh Street crime, particularly phone and bag snatchings, occurs frequently in areas where foreigners gather; resistance can result in injury.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Cambodia
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated June 04, 2026).
Crime
Cambodia has a critical crime rate, including street crime. Military weapons and explosives are readily available to criminals despite authorities’ efforts to collect and destroy such weapons. Armed robberies occur frequently, and foreign residents and visitors, including U.S. citizens, are among the victims. The Embassy has also received reports that residences and hotel rooms of U.S. citizens in Phnom Penh were burglarized while the occupants were asleep. The most common type of theft is “snatch and grab” robbery, and anything that can be quickly grabbed is at risk: cameras, jewelry, purses, backpacks, mobile phones, etc. Exercise caution and keep belongings out of sight if you travel via “tuk-tuk,” as passengers in these open-air vehicles have been targeted by thieves.
Victims of Crime
Report crimes to the local police and contact the U.S. Embassy at 023-728-000. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism
The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Cambodia Population & Demographics
Population of 17,638,801, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambodia safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Cambodia at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). The homicide rate of 1.8 per 100,000 is low by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Cambodia?
Cambodia has an intentional homicide rate of 1.8 per 100,000 people (2011, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #121 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Cambodia?
Cambodia is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Cambodia compare to other countries?
Cambodia's homicide rate of 1.8 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Asia average of 2.0.