Last Updated on November 12, 2025
Ancient wonders, vibrant markets, serene beaches, and a rich, resilient history – Cambodia is a captivating destination that draws travelers from around the globe. Whether you’re marveling at the majestic temples of Angkor Wat, exploring the bustling streets of Phnom Penh, soaking in the cultural depth of Siem Reap, or relaxing on the beautiful coastlines of Sihanoukville and Kep, Cambodia offers profound and unforgettable experiences. However, travelers often face different health risks compared to back home. Vaccines for Cambodia travel can help protect you from preventable diseases like hepatitis A, typhoid, and Japanese encephalitis, ensuring you navigate your journey with confidence and good health.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to prepare for a safe trip to Cambodia in 2025 – including recommended vaccines, Cambodia vaccine requirements, ideal vaccination timelines, estimated costs in Canada, and essential health tips.
📌Explore the full guide to Malaria Risks and Medications in Southeast Asia
✅ Table of Contents
- ✈️Recommended Vaccines for Cambodia (2025)
- 🧭Personalized Vaccine Recommendations by Travel Style
- 🦟 Malaria Risk in Cambodia
- 🦟 Zika and Dengue Risk in Cambodia
- 🛂 Are Any Vaccines Mandatory for Entry?
- 📅 When to Get Your Vaccines
- 💰 Vaccine Costs & Where to Get Them (Canada)
- 🦟 Extra Health Tips for Cambodia Travel
- 🙋♀️ Cambodia Travel Vaccine FAQ
- 🌟 Final Notes
✈️ Recommended Vaccines for Cambodia Travel (With Approximate Canadian Costs)
These vaccines are strongly recommended based on the most common health risks for travelers in Cambodia. Always check with a travel clinic or healthcare provider to personalize your vaccination plan.
| Vaccine | Why It’s Recommended | Who Should Get It | When to Get It | Approximate Cost $(CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Routine Vaccines | (MMR, Varicella (Chickenpox), Tdap, Polio, Flu, COVID-19 etc.) Outbreaks can happen. | All travelers — ensure you’re up to date. | Check and update before travel. | Usually free or provincial coverage (small admin fee possible) |
| Hepatitis A | Spread through contaminated food and water. | All travelers. | First dose at least 2 weeks before travel. | 65–100 per dose |
| Hepatitis B | Spread through blood and body fluids. | Recommended for less than 60 years old who are unvaccinated. Those unvaccinated, 60 years and older may get vaccinated especially travelers getting tattoos, piercings, or medical care abroad. | 2–3 doses over several months. | 30–60 per dose |
| Typhoid | Spread through contaminated food and water. | Travelers visiting family and friends, traveling to rural areas or adventurous eaters. | 2–4 weeks before travel (oral or injectable options). | 40–80 |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Mosquito-borne; rare but serious illness. | Stays ≥1 month or rural/outdoor travelers. | 2 doses, 28 days apart, finishing ≥1 week before trip. | 230–300 per dose |
| Rabies | Fatal virus from animal bites (dogs, monkeys). | Long stays, remote areas, animal exposure risk. | 3 doses over 3–4 weeks before travel. | 200–300 per dose |
| Chikungunya (As per CDC, FDA has suspended the use of IXCHIQ since Aug 22, 2025) | Mosquito-borne virus with outbreaks. Can cause severe joint pain, especially in older adults. | Not usually recommended. Recommended for adults ≥18 years old staying ≥6 months | Single-dose vaccine ideally given at least 2 weeks before travel. | ~ 205 – 250 |
🧭 Personalized Vaccine Recommendations by Travel Style
Cambodia offers an incredible range of experiences – from exploring temple ruins and cities to trekking through rural villages or volunteering in remote communities. Your vaccine needs can vary significantly depending on how and where you travel.
| Type of Trip | Commonly Recommended Vaccines | Extra Notes & Risk Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| City Tourist / Short-Stay Traveler (e.g., Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Angkor Wat) | Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Routine Vaccines (Tdap, MMR, Polio, Varicella, Flu, COVID-19) | Lower exposure in urban or resort settings, but Hepatitis A and Typhoid are still important due to food and water risks. Hepatitis B is recommended for unvaccinated travelers. Rabies and Japanese Encephalitis (JE) are generally low priority unless you’ll be in rural areas or have animal contact. |
| Backpacker / Cultural Explorer (e.g., Battambang, Kampot, Kampong Cham, or rural Siem Reap outskirts) | Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Rabies (optional), Japanese Encephalitis (consider), Routine Vaccines | More exposure to local food, unpasteurized drinks, and animals. Rabies and JE become more relevant, especially during the rainy season (May–Oct) or if staying longer than 2–4 weeks. |
| Rural / Adventure / Volunteering Trip (e.g., village stays, rural temples, forest treks, or NGO work) | Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis, Routine Vaccines, (Chikungunya) | Highest risk category. Rabies and JE are strongly recommended due to close animal contact and mosquito exposure. Malaria prophylaxis may be necessary depending on the region. Chikungunya may be recommended for those ≥18 years old staying ≥6 months. Long-term travelers should review all routine immunizations. |
🌿 Pro Tip
Even short trips can involve unexpected rural exposure, a temple visit or countryside excursion may take you into mosquito-prone areas. When in doubt, consult a travel health provider about Japanese Encephalitis and Rabies vaccines.
🦟 Malaria – No Vaccine Available
According to the CDC, malaria is a risk in Cambodia, particularly in rural areas and along borders with Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. The risk is generally low in major tourist areas like the capital Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and the main temple complex of Angkor Wat. There’s no vaccine, but preventive medication (chemoprophylaxis) may be recommended depending on your itinerary.
💊 Ask a travel health provider if medication like atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline is right for you.
Important:
When planning your trip, budget for your vaccines and allow time for full protection. Vaccines like hepatitis A, typhoid, and Japanese encephalitis are widely available across Canada, but prices can vary between provinces and clinics. Ideally, start your vaccine series at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure.
📌Explore the full guide to Malaria Risks and Medications
What About Dengue and Zika?
🦟 Other Mosquito-Borne Risks in Cambodia: Zika, and Dengue
Dengue:
There is no widely available dengue vaccine for travelers in Canada as of 2025. However, dengue is very common in Cambodia, especially during the rainy season (peak June to August).
- Dengue can cause high fever, rash, joint pain, and sometimes serious complications.
- Your best protection is mosquito bite prevention.
Zika:
Zika cases in Cambodia have been low in recent years, but outbreaks have occurred in the past.
- Zika is especially concerning for pregnant travelers due to the risk of birth defects.
- Again, prevention is key: use repellents, wear long sleeves, and sleep under mosquito nets.
🧴 See full tips on how to prevent mosquito bites in Southeast Asia.
🛂 Are Any Vaccines Mandatory for Cambodia?
Short Answer:
➡️ No vaccines are mandatory for travelers entering Cambodia from Canada, the U.S., Europe, Australia, or similar countries.
Exception:
Yellow Fever Vaccination:
If you are arriving from or transiting longer than 12 hours through a country with Yellow Fever risk, Cambodia requires proof of Yellow Fever vaccination (the “Yellow Card”).
Otherwise, all vaccines discussed here are recommended based on your personal health risks, not required for entry.
📅 When to Get Vaccines Before Traveling to Cambodia (Timeline Guide)
Ideal Timeline:
➡️ Visit a travel health clinic 6–8 weeks before your departure.
Why Plan Ahead?
- Vaccines like Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, and Hepatitis B require multiple doses spaced over weeks or months.
- Even single-dose vaccines like Hepatitis A need about 2 weeks to provide full protection.
- Clinics may have wait times, especially during busy seasons.
Last-Minute Tip:
Even if you’re leaving soon, it’s better to get some protection than none — travel clinics can help prioritize the most urgent vaccines.
💰 Travel Vaccine Costs and Where to Get Them (Canada Focus)
Vaccines are a key investment for your health while traveling. Here’s a breakdown:
Average Travel Vaccine Costs (Canada):
- Hepatitis A: 65–100 per dose
- Typhoid: 40–80
- Hepatitis B: 30–60 per dose
- Japanese Encephalitis: 230–300 per dose
- Rabies: 200–300 per dose
- Routine Vaccines: Often free with minor admin fees
Note: The Chikungunya vaccine (Ixchiq) is available in Canada but not routinely recommended for most travelers to Cambodia. If needed, it costs approx. 205–250 CAD.
Where to Get Your Travel Shots in Canada:
- Travel Clinics: Specialized advice and access to all travel vaccines.
- Doctor’s Offices: Good for routine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Polio, Hepatitis A/B).
- Pharmacies: Pharmacists in many provinces can administer travel vaccines like hepatitis A, typhoid, and sometimes JE or rabies.
Money-Saving Tips:
- Some clinics offer bundled vaccine packages for travelers.
- Check if private insurance covers travel vaccines or consultation fees.
- Compare prices between clinics — costs can vary significantly.
🦟 Extra Travel Health Tips for Cambodia
Street food stall in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where food and water safety is important for travelers.
Vaccines are just one part of staying healthy in Cambodia! Protect yourself with good travel hygiene too:
Mosquito Protection
Diseases to avoid: Dengue, Japanese Encephalitis, Zika, Malaria (in rural areas).
Tips:
- Use repellents with 30%+ DEET or Picaridin.
- Wear long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Sleep under mosquito nets if accommodations aren’t well-sealed.
(Learn more: How to Prevent Mosquito Bites & Stay Safe in Southeast Asia)
Food and Water Safety
Risks: Traveler’s diarrhea, Hepatitis A, Typhoid.
Tips:
- Stick to bottled or boiled water (even for brushing teeth!).
- Avoid ice unless you’re certain it’s safe.
- Eat freshly cooked, hot food.
- Peel your own fruit whenever possible.
(Learn more: Traveler’s Diarrhea Survival Guide)
Travel Health Kit
What to pack:
- Painkillers (acetaminophen/ibuprofen)
- Antiseptic wipes
- Band-Aids
- Motion sickness medication
- Anti-diarrhea meds (e.g., Imodium)
- (Optional) Standby antibiotics prescribed by your doctor
(See full guide: Ultimate Southeast Asia Medication Travel Kit)
Don’t forget travel insurance: Even with all the right vaccines and precautions, accidents and unexpected illnesses can happen. A good travel insurance policy can cover emergency medical care, hospitalization, or even expensive treatments like rabies post-exposure shots. For peace of mind, check out my detailed guide to travel insurance for Southeast Asia travelers or what to know about insurance coverage if you’re pregnant and traveling.
🙋♀️ Cambodia Vaccine FAQ (Quick Answers)
A: No — Cambodia has lifted all COVID-19 related entry requirements. However, being fully vaccinated is still strongly recommended for your protection and to prevent disruptions during travel.
A: Only if you are arriving from a country with Yellow Fever risk. Otherwise, it’s not needed for most travelers from North America, Europe, Australia, and similar regions.
A: Depends but generally yes if you plan rural stays, outdoor activities, or are traveling during the rainy season (May to October). Even short trips could involve exposure, given the prevalence in rural and peri-urban areas. It’s often more strongly recommended for all travelers to Cambodia unless for short-stay travelers to urban areas and day trips to usual tourist sites.
A: Costs vary by clinic and province. On average:
Hepatitis A and Typhoid: about 100–150 combined.
Japanese Encephalitis series: around 500–600.
Rabies pre-exposure series: about 600–900.
A: Yes, but protection may not be complete. Some vaccines need multiple doses. Even last-minute, a single dose of hepatitis A or typhoid can still offer helpful protection.
A: The top recommended vaccines for Cambodia are Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, and your Routine Vaccines. Due to the higher prevalence of certain diseases, Japanese Encephalitis and Rabies are also very strongly recommended depending on your itinerary and activities.
🌟 Final Notes: Stay Healthy and Enjoy Your Trip!
Vaccines are an essential part of safe travel, but staying healthy in Cambodia also means practicing good food hygiene, mosquito protection, and packing smart.
Always consult a doctor, pharmacist, or travel health specialist 6–8 weeks before departure for personalized advice based on your health, travel plans, and latest disease outbreaks.
✈️ Read More on Travel Health:
- Travel Vaccines by Country: How to Check What You Need (2025 Guide)
- What Routine Vaccines for Travel to Consider (2025 Guide)
- How to Stay Healthy on Long Haul Flights
- Southeast Asia Medication Kit for Travel
- How to Prevent Altitude Sickness When Traveling to Machu Picchu
- Southeast Asia Heat Survival Guide: How to Prevent Heatstroke & Dehydration
Disclaimer
This article provides general information based on guidelines from the CDC, WHO, and NaTHNaC. It is NOT medical advice. Your personal vaccine needs depend on your age, medical history, activities, itinerary, and local health alerts. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider or travel clinic before your trip.
Reference
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Travel Health – Cambodia. Available at: CDC – Cambodia Travel Health
World Health Organization (WHO). Vaccines and Vaccination. Available at: WHO – Vaccines
About the Author
Jun is a Canadian pharmacist and the writer behind Mindful Travel and Health. I believe in simplifying travel health advice so every traveler can feel confident on their journey. I continue to expand my knowledge to help improve health outcomes for global travelers. Learn more →
