What are Cambodia's customs rules for tourists?
Cambodia allows 200 cigarettes, 2 liters of alcohol, and $300 in gifts duty-free. Cash over $10,000 must be declared. Drugs are strictly prohibited with severe penalties. Drones must be declared and registered. Antiquities cannot be exported. Fill out the customs declaration form on arrival.
- Duty-free: 200 cigarettes, 2L alcohol, $300 gifts
- Declare cash over $10,000 (all currencies combined)
- Drugs strictly prohibited — severe penalties including life imprisonment
- Drones: allowed but must be declared and registered with SSCA
Customs Overview
Cambodia's customs process is straightforward for most tourists. Upon arrival at any international airport or land border, you will pass through customs after immigration. All passengers must complete a customs declaration form — this is usually handed out on the plane or available at the immigration counter.
In practice, customs enforcement for personal-use items is relatively relaxed. Tourists with standard luggage carrying normal tourist items are rarely stopped for inspection. However, commercial quantities, restricted items (drones, professional equipment), and undeclared cash can trigger closer inspection.
Zero tolerance on drugs: Cambodia has extremely strict drug laws. Possession of even small amounts of illegal drugs can result in lengthy prison sentences. Drug trafficking carries penalties up to life imprisonment. This is strictly enforced, particularly for foreigners.
Duty-Free Allowances
| Item | Allowance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cigarettes | 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250g tobacco | Per person, age 18+ |
| Alcohol | 2 liters of wine/spirits | Per person, age 18+ |
| Perfume | Reasonable personal quantity | No strict limit for personal use |
| Gifts & personal items | Up to $300 USD value | Items clearly for personal use are generally not questioned |
| Cash/currency | Amounts over $10,000 must be declared | All currencies combined. Failure to declare can result in confiscation |
Prohibited Items
Narcotics and illegal drugs
Severe — up to life imprisonment. Cambodia has extremely strict drug laws. Any amount of hard drugs can result in lengthy prison sentences.
Weapons and ammunition
Confiscation and criminal charges. Includes firearms, knives over certain lengths, pepper spray, and tasers.
Pornographic materials
Confiscation. Includes printed materials, DVDs, and digital content on devices.
Counterfeit goods
Confiscation. Large quantities may result in charges.
Political materials critical of the monarchy
Confiscation and potential charges under lèse-majesté laws. Cambodia has strict laws protecting the monarchy.
Antiquities and cultural artifacts
Severe penalties for removing Khmer antiquities. This includes stone carvings, ancient pottery, and temple artifacts. Reproductions are fine with receipts.
Restricted Items
These items are not banned but have specific requirements or limitations:
| Item | Restriction | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Drones | Require registration with SSCA before use. Import is allowed but must be declared. See our drone regulations guide. | Declare at customs, register before flying |
| Professional camera equipment | Professional-grade cameras, lenses, and video equipment may be questioned. Carry proof of ownership and intent (journalist credentials, etc.). | Carry ownership receipts, declare if asked |
| Medications (controlled) | Opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants require a doctor's letter and must be in original packaging. Maximum 90-day supply. | Carry doctor's letter, keep in original packaging |
| Plants and seeds | Fresh plants, seeds, and soil are restricted. Processed plant products (dried spices, packaged foods) are generally fine. | Declare fresh plant material |
| Food products (fresh) | Fresh meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables may be confiscated. Packaged and processed foods are generally allowed. | Avoid fresh produce; packaged food is fine |
| Satellite phones | Require prior authorization from the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications. | Apply for authorization before travel |
Customs Declaration Form
All arriving passengers must complete a customs declaration form. Here is how to fill it out:
- Personal information: Name, nationality, passport number, flight number, hotel address in Cambodia.
- Goods declaration: Check "Yes" or "No" for each category — alcohol, tobacco, cash over $10,000, commercial goods, restricted items.
- Green lane (nothing to declare): If all your answers are "No", walk through the green lane. You may still be randomly selected for inspection.
- Red lane (goods to declare): If any answer is "Yes", proceed to the red lane where customs officers will assess your declarations and calculate any applicable duty.
The customs form is typically distributed on the airplane (for air arrivals) or available at the immigration counter. Fill it out before reaching the customs checkpoint to save time. Use a blue or black pen. Keep your passport and boarding pass handy.
Export Restrictions (Leaving Cambodia)
When leaving Cambodia, be aware of these export restrictions:
- Antiquities and cultural artifacts: Strictly prohibited. Ancient Khmer artifacts, temple stones, and historical items cannot be taken out of the country. Penalties are severe. Airport X-ray machines are configured to detect stone carvings.
- Modern reproductions: Allowed. Keep receipts from the shop where you purchased them. Clearly labeled reproductions from licensed souvenir shops are fine.
- Gemstones and jewelry: Allowed in reasonable personal quantities. Keep receipts. Commercial quantities may require export documentation.
- Agricultural products: Fresh produce, live animals, and unprocessed plant material may be restricted by your destination country's import rules. Check your home country's customs regulations.
- Kampot pepper: Vacuum-packed Kampot pepper is fine to export. Purchase from licensed sellers (La Plantation, Starling Farm) who provide proper packaging suitable for customs.
- Cash over $10,000: Must be declared when leaving, same as arrival.
Customs Tips
- Keep receipts: For any significant purchases, electronics, or items that could be questioned. Receipts prove ownership and purchase date.
- Pack medications clearly: Keep all medications in original labeled containers in your carry-on luggage. Carry a doctor's letter for prescription medications.
- Be honest on the form: If in doubt, declare it. Under-declaring can result in penalties and confiscation. Over-declaring just means a brief conversation with customs officers.
- Electronics are fine: Laptops, phones, tablets, cameras, and other personal electronics do not need to be declared for personal use.
- Dress code matters: Customs officers are more likely to randomly inspect travelers who appear nervous, have unusual luggage, or behave erratically.
- Land borders: Customs enforcement at land borders varies. Major crossings (Poipet, Bavet) have organized customs checkpoints. Smaller crossings may have minimal or no customs inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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