Cambodia

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Cambodia, facilitating international productions of every scale with a full range of services, including location scouting, obtaining permits, full range of logistic support and connecting production teams with local talent and experienced crew.

Ultimate Filming Guide for Cambodia

Capital

Phnom Penh

Main Cities

Siem Reap, Battambang, Sihanoukville

Local Languages

Khmer (ភាសាខ្មែរ)

Currency

Cambodian Riel (KHR).

Climate

Tropical wet and dry

General Visa Requirements:

Travellers entering Cambodia, including foreign film crews, must apply online for an official e-Visa prior to arrival. The e-Visa grants entry permission for short-term stays and is required in addition to any film-related permits. Applicants must ensure their passport is valid for at least six months beyond entry and that all required supporting documents are submitted accurately to avoid delays.

Required Documents:

Passport valid for at least 6 months
Passport photographs
Hotel booking confirmation
Medical certificate

Visa Application Process:

You can start your Visa-Application here.

Processing Time:

Processing generally takes 1–2 weeks.

Cost:

Approx. $36 USD

Accreditation Requirements:

In Cambodia, crew accreditation is combined with the film permit application. All crew members are listed in detail on the official permit, and no separate accreditation process exists beyond the required submission of personal and project-related documents.

Required Documents:

Production company profile.
Script detailing Cambodian filming locations.
Passport scans and photos of crew members.
Visa scans for crew members.
Equipment list with serial numbers.

Processing Time:

Approximately 2 weeks

Cost:

Combined with film permit fees.

Issuing Organization:

The Cambodia Film Department

Required Documents:

Production company profile
Passport scans
Photos of crew members
Visa scans for crew members
List of equipment being brought into Cambodia

Processing Time:

Film permit processing typically takes 2–3 weeks.

Cost:

$75 USD

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

A local fixer will communicate directly with private property owners to negotiate terms, secure filming permission, and ensure compliance with local regulations.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Determined through fixer–owner negotiation based on project needs.

Drone Regulations:

Drone operations in Cambodia fall under the oversight of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA). Drone flying is allowed in many areas without a permit, but permission is mandatory in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and the Angkor Wat region, which are designated as controlled airspace.

Drone Importation Regulations:

Importation rules are relatively simple. Drones may enter the country without a permit, but filming with drones in major cities or protected zones requires approval from civil aviation authorities.

Permit Issuance:

State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA)

Timing:

Approximately 2–3 weeks

Cost:

Approx. $100 USD

Carnet Status:

No — Cambodia does not accept ATA Carnets.

A licensed clearing agent must process a temporary importation permit, including customs paperwork and verification of equipment value.

Required Documents:

Detailed equipment list with serial numbers.
Equipment value declaration.

Issuing Organization:

Customs Service Department under the Cambodia Revenue Authority

Timing:

Approximately 5 working days

Cost:

Varies; no standard rate published.

General Overview:

Cambodia is generally considered safe for foreign travellers and film crews. While petty theft can occur—particularly in busy tourist zones—serious crime against foreigners is uncommon. Certain border regions and remote rural areas may require additional caution, but these are well-documented and typically avoided by production teams.