Cambodia

Telecommunication Regulator of Cambodia (TRC)

Visas & Work Permits

Crews travelling on Western passports are required to have visas to enter Cambodia, which can be applied for on arrival and require two passport photos.

Alternatively, applications can be made for an eVisa, with a three week for application processing period. This type of visa is valid for up to 30 days.

There are no work permits required to film in Cambodia.

Please contact a local embassy, consulate or representative for more information. Alternatively, there are specialist companies that provide visa and immigration support to the media industry, and may be able to assist.


Film Location Permits

Visiting productions are required to have a general film location permit, which generally takes two weeks to process.

Shoots that require exclusive use of public space, laying track or large set-ups, street closures, or working with weapons will require several levels of permitting and as much lead time as possible. Permitting times vary depending on the location, size and scope of the project.

On the whole, authorities are relaxed about permitting rules, and permits can often be expedited at not much extra cost.

Rules for filming with drones change regularly.


Customs

For productions looking to bring in film equipment, Cambodia is not an ATA carnet country.

Some lighting and grip equipment is available locally, but most equipment will need to be brought in from abroad.

When to Film

Cambodia has a tropical monsoon climate.

In the north, winters can be colder while, throughout most of the country, temperatures remain fairly constant. November to February is cool and dry, and is the best time of year to film. March to May is hot and dry. June to August is hot and wet. September to early November is cool and wet.

In Cambodia, Buddhism is the main religion, so those holidays are observed.


Public Holidays

Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Cambodia.

Cambodia is a very cost competitive place to film. Some key crew and equipment may need to be brought in, which will add to the cost of shooting.
 
The standard VAT rate in Cambodia, at the time of writing, is set at 10%.

Tax Incentives

At the time of writing, this country does not have any filming incentives. However, up-to-date information on global filming incentives may be found on the Entertainment Partners' Production Incentives Map.

At the time of writing, the UK does not have a trade agreement with this country. However, up-to-date information about UK trade agreements can be found on the GOV.UK website.