South Korea Issues Level 4 Travel Ban for Parts of Cambodia Amid Surge in Kidnapping and Job Scam Cases

Paul Lee 특파원

hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr | 2025-10-16 08:49:14

 

[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] SEOUL, Oct. 15 — South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it will issue a Level 4 travel alert (Travel Ban) for certain regions in Cambodia starting at midnight on October 16, citing a surge in crimes such as job scams, abductions, and unlawful confinement targeting Korean nationals. The ministry also plans to raise travel alert levels for other regions across the country.


According to the ministry, the Bokor Mountain area in Kampot Province, Bavet City, and Poipet City will be designated as Level 4 (Travel Ban) zones. Additionally, Sihanoukville Province will be placed under a Level 3 (Advisory to Leave) alert.


Under the Passport Act, South Korean nationals who enter or remain in Level 4 (Travel Ban) areas without authorization may face legal penalties, including fines or imprisonment.


Meanwhile, areas currently under a Special Travel Advisory — including Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Pailin, Pursat, Koh Kong Provinces, and Phnom Penh — will remain under their existing status. Regions previously designated as Level 1 (Exercise Caution) will be raised to Level 2 (Refrain from Travel).

Following this adjustment, Cambodia’s travel alert status will be classified as follows:

Level 4 (Travel Ban): Bokor Mountain area in Kampot Province, Bavet City, and Poipet City

Level 3 (Advisory to Leave): Sihanoukville Province

Special Travel Advisory: Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Pailin, Pursat, Koh Kong Provinces, and Phnom Penh

Level 2 (Refrain from Travel): All remaining regions


The ministry urged Korean citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Cambodia and to promptly register their presence with nearby Korean diplomatic missions if already residing in the affected areas.

 

 

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