Moving to Cambodia with Pets: Import Rules for Phnom Penh-Bound Expats

What Cambodia Requires

Cambodia is one of the more accessible Southeast Asian countries for pet relocation. No rabies titre test, no long quarantine waiting period.

Required documentation:

  • Microchip (ISO 11784/11785 strongly recommended)
  • Current rabies vaccination
  • Official health certificate from an accredited vet, endorsed by your national authority (APHA for UK, USDA for USA, DAFF for Australia), issued within 14 days of travel
  • Parasite treatment records (not always mandatory but recommended)

The health certificate should list all current vaccinations, the microchip number, and confirm the animal is free from clinical signs of disease.

Arriving at Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) is the primary port of entry. GDAHP inspectors check documentation. Processing is typically smooth with complete paperwork.

Siem Reap International Airport also handles international arrivals. Confirm live animal handling capabilities if routing through Siem Reap.

Life with Pets in Cambodia

Rabies is present in Cambodia – keep vaccinations current throughout your stay. Phnom Penh has expatriate-standard veterinary clinics, particularly in the BKK1 and Russian Market areas. The heat and humidity are significant; brachycephalic breeds need careful management. Tick-borne diseases are present; monthly prevention is important.

Departing Cambodia

Export from Cambodia requires a health certificate from a GDAHP-licensed vet and an export permit. Allow 2 to 3 weeks for the process.

Verify current GDAHP requirements before travel. Information accurate as of May 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cambodia does not operate a mandatory quarantine facility for household pets. Pets arriving with complete documentation (health certificate, rabies vaccination, microchip) are inspected at Phnom Penh International Airport by the Department of Animal Health and Production and released to the owner.

The General Directorate of Animal Health and Production (GDAHP) under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries manages live animal imports into Cambodia. For individual pet imports, inspection is conducted at Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH).

Cambodia does not maintain a published list of banned dog breeds for import as of 2026. Cambodian authorities have discretionary border powers. Confirm with the Cambodian embassy if travelling with a breed classified as dangerous in other countries.