Cambodia customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Cambodia permits duty-free imports of 1 liter of alcohol (spirits over 22% or 2 liters of wine/beer), 200 cigarettes (or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco), and personal goods up to USD 800. Cash of USD 10,000 or more must be declared. Narcotics, counterfeit goods, and pornographic materials are strictly prohibited. Travelers must be 18+ for alcohol and tobacco allowances.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits over 22% alcohol, OR 2 liters of wine or beer. Traveler must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Amounts of USD 10,000 or more (or equivalent in any currency) must be declared on the customs arrival form.
Goods duty-free
$800
Personal goods and gifts up to USD 800 are duty-free; items exceeding this value are subject to duty and tax at 35% of value.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including marijuana, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine)
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated intellectual property
  • Pornographic materials (including digital media)
  • Firearms, ammunition, explosives, and weapons (unless with special permit from Ministry of Interior)
  • Endangered species and products (CITES-listed animals, ivory, rhino horn, tiger parts)
  • Radioactive materials and hazardous waste

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic ingredients (require a prescription and prior approval from Ministry of Health)
  • Plants, seeds, fruits, and vegetables (require phytosanitary certificate and import permit)
  • Live animals (require veterinary health certificate and import permit from Ministry of Agriculture)
  • Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (require permit from Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Defence)
  • Satellite phones and radio transmitters (require license from Ministry of Post and Telecommunications)

Rules worth knowing

Currency Declaration

Any person entering or leaving Cambodia with cash, negotiable instruments, or precious metals valued at USD 10,000 or more must declare to customs. Failure to declare can result in seizure and fines up to 20% of the undeclared amount.

Cultural Property Export Restriction

Export of antiques, Buddha statues, and cultural artifacts requires a permit from the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts. Unauthorized export is illegal and may lead to confiscation and prosecution with penalties including imprisonment.

Temporary Import of Vehicles

Foreign-registered vehicles may be temporarily imported for up to 30 days with a Carnet de Passages en Douane or a bank guarantee of USD 5,000. Extensions require approval from customs and may incur fees.

Duty-Free Shop Purchases

Duty-free goods purchased at Cambodian airports are limited to 1 liter of alcohol and 200 cigarettes per person. Additional purchases are subject to duty at 35% of value.

Frequently asked questions

Personal electronics like laptops and cameras for personal use do not need to be declared. However, if you are carrying multiple units (e.g., more than 2 of each) or items that appear to be for commercial use, customs may ask for proof of ownership and may charge duty at 35% of value.
Yes, for personal use up to a 30-day supply. Carry the original prescription and a doctor's letter. For medications containing narcotics or psychotropics (e.g., codeine, diazepam), you must obtain prior approval from the Cambodian Ministry of Health at least 14 days before travel.
You must declare the excess items on the customs form. Customs will assess duty and tax at 35% of the value for most goods. Failure to declare can result in fines up to 100% of the duty owed or confiscation of items.
There is no specific limit on Cambodian Riel, but any amount equivalent to USD 10,000 or more must be declared. The same applies to foreign currency. Undeclared amounts over USD 10,000 may be seized.
Small quantities (up to 1 kg) of processed, commercially packaged food for personal use are generally allowed. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products require a phytosanitary certificate and import permit. Declare all food items to avoid fines of up to USD 500.
Penalties are severe. Possession of even small amounts of narcotics (e.g., 1 gram of heroin) can lead to long prison sentences of 20 years to life, or the death penalty in extreme cases. Cambodia has a zero-tolerance policy for drug trafficking.

Official source

General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia before travelling.