US Warns Travelers in Cambodia: Don’t Resist if Robbed

A newly refreshed U.S. travel advisory for Cambodia is drawing attention for a blunt line aimed at reducing injuries during street crime: if a robbery happens, Americans are urged not to physically resist. The guidance appears alongside broader cautions about crime in Phnom Penh, unexploded ordnance in several provinces, and a higher warning for parts of the Cambodia–Thailand border.

What the U.S. updated, and where the risk is highest

Publicly available advisory information shows the U.S. State Department issued an updated Cambodia Travel Advisory dated September 15, 2026, keeping the country at Level 2, “Exercise Increased Caution.” The advisory highlights three main concerns: crime, unrest, and unexploded ordnance.

Within that Level 2 framework, the advisory flags Phnom Penh for heightened caution due to crime, describing frequent street theft in areas where foreigners gather, including phone and bag snatchings. The advisory’s robbery guidance is framed as a safety measure: resisting can escalate a theft into an assault, increasing the chance of injury.

The advisory also contains a sharper geographic warning along the Cambodia–Thailand border. Publicly available advisory language indicates a “Do Not Travel” instruction for areas within 50 kilometers of the border, tied to reported tensions and violence risks that can limit the U.S. government’s ability to provide emergency services in that region.

Why the “don’t resist” warning is being emphasized

The phrasing stands out because it is direct and behavior-focused, centering on what travelers should do in the moment of a robbery. Published advisory text specifically advises against physically resisting and connects that recommendation to the injury risk that can arise when a thief feels challenged or cornered.

The Cambodia advisory describes “snatch and grab” theft as a common pattern, a category that can include a phone, purse, backpack, camera, jewelry, or other items that can be taken quickly. In cities, this type of theft can happen in seconds, including from moving motorcycles or in crowded areas where distraction is common.

Even when a crime begins as opportunistic theft, travel-security guidance often focuses on de-escalation because the weapon status of an attacker is unknown and medical resources may be uneven outside major urban centers. The State Department’s broader travel-crime guidance encourages travelers to prepare in advance so they are not improvising in a high-stress situation.

How travelers can reduce robbery risk in Phnom Penh and beyond

The updated advisory points to everyday scenarios where theft risk can rise, including places popular with visitors and situations where valuables are visible. Publicly available guidance also warns that open-air transport can expose bags and phones, particularly when riders or passengers are close to traffic and passing motorcycles.

Practical risk reduction starts with minimizing what can be grabbed: keeping phones out of hand while walking near the curb, using cross-body bags worn to the front, and avoiding displaying expensive jewelry or cameras in crowded areas. Travelers who do need to use a phone for navigation may want to step inside a shop or stand away from the street.

The advisory also notes that some crimes targeting tourists involve drugged drinks. That risk category is different from street snatching, but it reinforces the same theme: many incidents occur when travelers are distracted, isolated, or separated from companions. Travelers can reduce exposure by watching drinks being prepared, not leaving beverages unattended, and sticking to well-lit, busier areas late at night.

Unexploded ordnance and the border warning: what it means for itineraries

Beyond urban theft, the updated Cambodia guidance highlights the continuing risk from landmines and unexploded ordnance in parts of the country, particularly in remote areas. Publicly available advisory text calls out several provinces for increased caution due to unexploded ordnance, underscoring that hazards can exist away from main roads and established sites.

For travelers building itineraries that include rural trekking, temple-hopping beyond main routes, or countryside exploration, the advisory’s practical implication is to stick to known paths and consider using local guides in remote areas. The travel advisory also includes a clear directive not to touch unknown metal objects and provides Cambodia Mine Action Center contact numbers for reporting suspicious items.

The separate “Do Not Travel” warning for areas within 50 kilometers of the Cambodia–Thailand border is especially relevant for travelers who plan overland crossings or side trips near frontier areas. The advisory language indicates concerns about instability and collateral risks that can shift quickly, which can affect road access, transport options, and emergency support.

What to do if you are robbed, and how to get help afterward

If a robbery occurs, the State Department’s Cambodia advisory emphasizes non-resistance, then shifts the focus to reporting and documentation steps that can matter for replacement documents, insurance claims, and onward travel. Publicly available guidance advises filing a police report at the nearest police station if a passport is lost or stolen.

The advisory also lists local emergency numbers, including 117 for police and 119 for ambulance, plus a foreigners’ emergency hotline. Those details are relevant for travelers who may need immediate assistance after a theft, particularly if injuries occur or if critical items such as passports, phones, or bank cards are taken.

For Americans, the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh is listed as a point of contact for services such as emergency passport assistance and general guidance on reporting a crime. The State Department also encourages travelers to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive alerts and make it easier to be reached in an emergency.