Travel vaccinations for Cambodia: recommendations, malaria and dengue

No vaccinations are required for direct travel from Germany to Cambodia. The German Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt) recommends hepatitis A vaccination for all travellers, along with up-to-date routine vaccinations under the STIKO schedule, Germany’s national immunisation guidance, particularly measles. For longer stays, travel in rural regions or close contact with animals, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies and Japanese encephalitis should be considered. The malaria risk is low in Siem Reap and Angkor, and Phnom Penh is considered malaria-free. Because dengue cases rose sharply in 2026, mosquito protection carries particular weight.

Entry rules and yellow fever

According to the WHO, yellow fever is not transmitted in Cambodia. The Federal Foreign Office states that anyone arriving from a yellow fever area, or who spent more than 12 hours in transit there, must show proof of yellow fever vaccination from the age of one. For a South East Asia tour starting in Germany this does not usually matter, but it does if you have previously been in parts of Africa or South America. Background is in our guide to yellow fever vaccination.

Recommended vaccinations by type of trip

Cambodia is usually visited as part of a South East Asia tour, focusing on the temples of Angkor near Siem Reap, the capital Phnom Penh and time on the coast. Many travellers combine it with Vietnam or Thailand. The overview table on this page shows how the Federal Foreign Office classifies each vaccination.

For all travellers

Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated food and water, and the Federal Foreign Office recommends vaccination for any trip to Cambodia. Check your vaccination record for routine vaccinations as well. The Foreign Office specifically highlights protection against measles.

For long stays or particular exposure

The Federal Foreign Office recommends hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies and Japanese encephalitis vaccination based on individual circumstances. These include longer stays, travel in rural regions and close contact with animals or the local population. Rabies is mainly spread by dogs. Your consultation will clarify whether any of these vaccinations is right for you. For a first orientation, try the travel vaccine check.

Malaria in Cambodia

According to the 2026 DTG country table and the Federal Foreign Office, there is a moderate year-round malaria risk in parts of the east and the south-west, for example in Pursat province. In the rest of the country, including Siem Reap and the Angkor Wat temple complex, the risk is low. The city of Phnom Penh is considered malaria-free.

Protect yourself consistently against mosquito bites, especially at dusk and at night. For trips to remote areas, discuss with a doctor whether emergency standby treatment makes sense. If you develop a fever during or after the trip, always have it checked and mention where you have been. Our guide to malaria prevention has more detail.

Dengue in Cambodia

The Federal Foreign Office reports a sharp rise in dengue cases in 2026 and warns that health facilities may become overloaded. Dengue is spread by day-biting mosquitoes, including in cities. Protect yourself around the clock with repellent, long clothing and accommodation with air conditioning or insect screens. On dengue vaccination, STIKO currently recommends it only for people aged four and over who have had a laboratory-confirmed dengue infection in the past. Get individual advice on this. More in our guide to dengue and mosquito protection.

Hygiene, water and poultry

Travellers’ diarrhoea is common in Cambodia. According to the Foreign Office, hepatitis A and E, shigellosis and typhoid also occur among travellers. These steps help:

• Drink only water from a safe source, never tap water.
• Eat food that is cooked or that you have peeled yourself, and wash your hands often.
• Do not swim in the Mekong or other inland waters, as there is a risk of schistosomiasis.
• Avoid poultry markets and live birds, and only eat poultry that is thoroughly cooked.

Rabies and contact with animals

Avoid contact with stray dogs and cats as well as monkeys. After a bite, a scratch or an animal licking broken skin, wash the area immediately with soap and water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical help straight away, even if you are vaccinated. More in our guide to rabies and travel.

Medical care in Cambodia

According to the Federal Foreign Office, medical care is not comparable with European standards and is often problematic in technical or hygiene terms. People with chronic conditions should therefore prepare their trip carefully and bring enough of their own medication. The Foreign Office recommends health insurance for travel abroad with repatriation cover.

When to book your consultation

According to STIKO and the DTG, travel vaccinations should be completed at least two weeks before departure. Vaccinations that need several appointments require more lead time. If Cambodia is part of a longer tour, discuss the entire route in one appointment. Find a practice in our travel clinics directory.