U.S. Department of State Seal
U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE — BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS

Intercountry Adoption

English

Country Information

Cambodia

Cambodia
Kingdom of Cambodia
Exercise increased caution in Cambodia due to crime and landmines. Some areas have increased risks. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

The advisory level was increased to 2. The “unrest” risk indicator was added. An area of increased risk was added. The advisory summary was updated. 

Exercise increased caution in Cambodia due to crime and landmines. Some areas have increased risks. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel to:

  • Areas along Cambodian and Thai border due to armed conflict.

Advisory summary:

Phnom Penh
Street crime, particularly phone and bag snatchings, occurs frequently in areas where foreigners gather; resistance can result in injury. Violent crimes, such as sexual assault and homicide do occur and sometimes are committed against foreigners.

Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, Pailin, and Kampong Thom provinces
Landmines and unexploded ordnance are found in remote areas throughout Cambodia, and especially in Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, Pailin, and Kampong Thom provinces.

Do not touch unknown metal objects; instead notify the Cambodia Mine Action Center at 012-800-473/023-995-437. Use a local guide when walking in forested areas or dry rice paddies in these areas.

Level 4: Do Not Travel
Cambodia – Thailand Border

Do not travel to areas within 50km of the Cambodia – Thailand border due to ongoing fighting between Cambodian and Thai military forces.

There are reports of fighting, including rocket and artillery fire, between Cambodian and Thai forces along the border.  Armed conflict has led to reports of civilian casualties. There is a collateral risk of violence, and U.S. citizens are advised to avoid all but essential travel to within 50km of these border areas until further notice.  The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these provinces due to the ongoing risk of armed conflict.

Read the destination information page for additional information on travel to Cambodia.

If you decide to travel to Cambodia:

  • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
  • Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate.  Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.  
  • Review the Country Security Report for Cambodia.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
  • We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
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Hague Convention Participation

Hague Adoption Convention Country?
Yes
Are Intercountry Adoptions between this country and the United States possible?
Intercountry adoptions are not currently possible between Cambodia and the United States.

Hague Convention Information

Cambodia is a party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention or Convention). Intercountry adoption processing in Convention countries must be done in accordance with the requirements of the Hague Adoption Convention; the U.S. implementing legislation, the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (IAA); the IAA’s implementing regulations and U.S. adoption-related immigration policies; as well as the implementing legislation and regulations of Cambodia.

Intercountry adoption is not possible from Cambodia at this time.  
 
On December 21, 2001, the former Immigration and Naturalization Service (now a function of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS) suspended processing of adoption petitions for Cambodia. This decision was based on numerous concerns related to fraud in Cambodia, as well as the lack of sufficient local legal frameworks and other safeguards to protect the children's best interests. This suspension remains in effect for any Form I-600, Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative, filed before April 1, 2008.

When the United States joined the Hague Convention in April 2008, the Department of State (the Department) also confirmed the suspension of adoptions under the Convention process in Cambodia, based on the continuing issues of fraud and irregularity in the adoption process in Cambodia. In early 2023, the Department found Cambodia still does not have procedures and personnel to support safeguards for processing adoptions under the Convention. Therefore, the Department is unable to issue the required Hague Adoption Certificate or Hague Custody Certificate for any Form I-800, Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative. Without this certification, USCIS cannot approve a Form I-800 on behalf of a child from Cambodia. The Department of State will continue to monitor the situation in Cambodia and provide updates as soon as they are available.

How to Adopt

U.S. citizen prospective adoptive parents living in Cambodia who would like to adopt a child from the United States or from a third country should contact Cambodia’s Central Authority. See contact information below.

Prospective adoptive parents who are stationed overseas on U.S. military orders, posted overseas on U.S. government orders, or are private citizens living abroad are cautioned that the Convention may apply to an adoption completed in the United States, in the host country, and/or involving a child from a third country. We also strongly encourage such prospective adoptive parents to consult with the Central Authority of the country where they are physically residing, and/or where the child is residing, to determine whether the Convention applies to a proposed adoption.

Please visit the Department of State’s country page for more information on traveling to Cambodia and U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh’s website for information on consular services.

Contact Information

Cambodia’s Adoption Authority:
Address:
No. 788, Preah Monivong Blvd.,
Sangkat Boeung Trabek,
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: (+855)-23-211-848 
Email: mosvy.dpss@gmail.com

U.S. Embassy in Cambodia 
Address:
#1, Street 96 
Sangkat Wat Phnom 
Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh 
Tel: (855-23) 728-000
Email:   IVPhnomPenh@state.gov
Internet: https://kh.usembassy.gov/

Office of Children’s Issues
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street, NW
SA-17
Washington, DC 20520
Tel: 1-888-407-4747
E-mail: Adoption@state.gov
https://adoption.state.gov/

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
For questions about a pending Form I-800A application, Form I-800 petition or related supplement:
USCIS
Tel: 1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-913-275-5480 (local); Fax:1-913-214-5808
Email: NBC.Adoptions@uscis.dhs.gov

For other USCIS-related questions:
USCIS Contact Center
1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
Internet: uscis.gov

Last Updated: January 24, 2025

Assistance for U.S. Citizens

U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh
#1, St. 96 (entrance on St. 51 between
St. 96 and 102), Phnom Penh
Telephone
855-23-728-402
Emergency
855-23-728-000
Fax
855-23-728-700

Cambodia Map