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Foreign Travel Advice Laos

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Foreign Travel Advice Laos

Contents

  1. Warnings and insurance
  2. Entry requirements
  3. Safety and security
  4. Regional risks
  5. Health

Foreign Travel Advice Laos

Warnings and insurance

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) offers guidance on travel risks to assist British nationals in making informed decisions. Explore further details about FCDO travel advice.

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Areas of Travel Advisory:

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.

Xaisomboun Province: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Xaisomboun Province due to intermittent attacks on infrastructure and armed clashes with anti-government groups.

Discover more about the rationale behind FCDO’s travel advisories.

Before You Travel:

Remember, no travel can be guaranteed as entirely safe. It’s essential to thoroughly review all the advice provided in this guide, as well as the support available for British nationals abroad, which includes:

  • Guidance on preparing for travel abroad and mitigating risks
  • Information tailored for women, LGBT+, and disabled travelers

Stay connected with FCDO travel updates on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also sign up for email notifications for real-time updates.

Travel Insurance:

If you choose to travel, conduct thorough research on your destinations and obtain appropriate travel insurance. Your insurance coverage should encompass your entire itinerary, planned activities, and emergency expenses.

/foreign-travel-advice/laos
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FCDO travel advice for Laos. Includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements and legal differences. 
avoid_all_but_essential_travel_to_parts
Information on the visa extension penalty if not renewed within 90 days and that the use of E-cigarettes is illegal ('Entry requirements' and 'Safety and security' pages).
Latest update: Health Section – revised guidance on sources of health information before travel
2018-11-30T06:45:06.823Z
Latest update: Summary - addition of information about damage to the road network following the 2018 wet season; addition of information about the availability of consular support; removal of information about a dam breach in the Attapeu region in August 2018; Entry requirements section (Passport validity) - addition of information on blank pages in passports
2018-12-14T17:01:56.837Z
Latest update: This advice has been reviewed in full with editorial amendments; Entry Clearance section (Regional travel) - Thailand currently allows only two crossings per annum at the land border between Laos and Thailand
2019-05-07T12:16:06.798Z
Entry requirements section (Visas) - addition of information on e-visas; Health section - addition of information about regional air pollution
2019-10-03T12:43:54.000Z
Latest update: Summary and Health section - updated information and advice following an outbreak of coronavirus in China and elsewhere in the region.
2020-01-25T04:10:46.000Z
Addition of link to advice from the Department of Health and Social Care if returning to the UK from Laos ('Health' page)
2020-02-25T11:34:26.000Z
Update to information on Coronavirus (Covid 19), addition of information on Drug laws, update to information on Visas and update on armed clashes in Xaisomboun Province. ('Summary', 'Safety and Security', 'Entry requirements' and 'Health' Pages)
2020-03-06T11:54:37.000Z
Addition of advice to check travel advice pages for other countries if travelling in the region ('Summary' page)
2020-03-16T12:40:50.000Z
Update to information about travel restrictions in relation to coronavirus (COVID-19) ('Health' page)
2020-03-18T11:42:46.000Z
With immediate effect, the Government of the Lao PDR has suspended the visa on arrival service at all international entry points for a period of 30 days (Summary and Entry Requirements)
2020-03-19T02:06:44.000Z
With immediate effect, the Government of the Lao PDR has suspended the visa on arrival and eVisa service at all international entry points for a period of 30 days for all nationals. ('Summary' and 'Entry Requirements' pages)
2020-03-19T16:00:05.000Z
If you’re visiting or living in Laos and intend to return to the UK, you’re advised to make arrangements to do so as soon as possible. The number of international flights out of Laos is reducing rapidly as a result of travel restrictions in the region and globally. (Summary)
2020-03-20T06:11:51.000Z
Addition of information on the reducing availability of flights due to travel restrictions ('Summary' page)
2020-03-20T18:05:20.000Z
Addition of information on the reduction of flights and closure of border with Thailand from midnight on 22 March.('Summary' & 'Health' Pages)
2020-03-22T10:42:12.000Z
Update of information on travel restrictions in relation to coronavirus (COVID-19) ('Summary' and 'Health' pages)
2020-03-23T12:27:51.000Z
Update of information on travel restrictions in relation to Coronavirus ('Coronavirus' and 'Return to the UK' pages)
2020-03-26T16:14:19.000Z
Update to information on the availability of flights from Laos. ('Return to the UK' page)
2020-03-27T13:39:50.000Z
Update on flight information, local restrictions from 30 March to 20 April and visa extension ('Coronavirus', 'Return to the UK' and 'Entry requirement' pages)
2020-03-31T14:58:05.000Z
Update to flight information 'Return to the UK' page.
2020-04-04T12:51:44.000Z
A flight organised by the German government will be flying from Vientiane to Frankfurt at 0930 on Wednesday 8 April. For further details, including how to book, please consult the contact the British Embassy ('Return to the UK' pages)
2020-04-06T10:27:20.000Z
A flight organised by the French government will be flying from Vientiane to Paris at 0940 on Monday 13 April. For further details please consult ‘Return to the UK’ pages
2020-04-10T11:28:23.000Z
Update to information about local measures in response to coronavirus and options for returning to the UK ('Coronavirus' and 'Return to the UK' pages)
2020-04-17T12:35:01.000Z
Addition of information on a charter flight from Vientiane to Seoul on 9 May. Updated information on local measures and travel restrictions ('Coronavirus' and 'Return to the UK' pages)
2020-04-29T15:09:45.000Z
Update to information and advice on local coronavirus (COVID-19) measures and returning to the UK ('Coronavirus' and 'Return to the UK pages) and to information and advice on safety and security ('Safety and Security' page)
2020-05-07T10:21:30.000Z
Update to information and advice on local coronavirus (COVID-19) measures and returning to the UK ('Coronavirus' and 'Return to the UK pages) and to information and advice on safety and security ('Safety and Security' page)
2020-05-07T10:21:30.000Z
Additional information on some easing of lockdown measures, internal travel and visa issues ("Staying during coronavirus" section)
2020-05-08T08:49:28.000Z
Removal of flight information on the ("Return to the UK" section).
2020-05-11T09:28:48.000Z
Addition of information and advice on financial support (‘Staying during coronavirus’ page)
2020-05-20T11:36:08.000Z
Updated information on charter flights ('Return to the UK' page), easing of lockdown measures and lifting of travel restrictions in Laos ('Staying during coronavirus' page) and updated information on visas ('Entry requirements' page)
2020-05-21T09:48:15.000Z
Removal of information on previous flight details ('Return to the UK' page) and updated information on the lifting of restrictions ('Staying during coronavirus' page)
2020-06-01T13:44:58.000Z
Addition of information on charter flight to Frankfurt from Phnom Penh between 15-20 June ('Return to the UK' page)
2020-06-05T13:24:53.000Z
New information on rules for entering the UK from 8 June. ('Return to the UK' page)
2020-06-08T12:35:21.000Z
Updated information about the the charter flight to Frankfurt via Phnom Penh on 19 June which is now fully booked ('Return to the UK' page) and the easing of lockdown measures ('Staying during coronavirus' page)
2020-06-15T10:27:53.000Z
Removal of information about previous flights leaving Laos ('Return to the UK' page)
2020-06-22T09:13:55.000Z
Addition of information about a charter flight from Vientiane to Seoul on Sunday 5 July ('Return to the UK' page)
2020-06-23T09:59:41.000Z
Editorial review to improve ‘Coronavirus’ and 'Entry requirements' sections.
2020-07-10T13:14:34.000Z
From 24 July, Laos is exempt from the FCO advice against all non-essential international travel. This is based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks
2020-07-24T10:07:10.000Z
Update to information on recent armed incidents ('Summary' and 'Safety and security pages) and current international flight situation ('Return to the UK' page)
2020-07-31T12:09:59.000Z
Updated information on charter flights and quarantine requirements ('Coronavirus', 'Return to the UK' and 'Entry requirements' pages)
2020-09-30T08:48:08.000Z
Additional information on another charter flight organised by Lao Airlines on Sunday 18 October ('Return to the UK' page)
2020-10-01T11:42:02.000Z
Updated information on another charter flight confirmed from Vientiane to Seoul on 20 October ('Return to the UK' page). Travellers who are departing from Laos should check all conditions of air ticket purchased as some airlines may require evidence of a negative COVID-19 test to travel ('Entry requirements' page)
2020-10-08T11:50:59.000Z
New information on a Thai Airways charter flight planned from Vientiane to Bangkok on Wednesday 11 November. ('Return to the UK' page)
2020-10-12T10:59:26.000Z
New information on a Lao Airlines charter flight planned from Vientiane to Seoul on Sunday, 8 November. ('Return to the UK' page)
2020-10-17T05:44:48.000Z
Update to information on flights from Laos ('Return to the UK' page).
2020-10-23T12:08:43.000Z
Update to information on flights from Laos in November and December ('Return to the UK' page)
2020-11-06T12:29:49.000Z
Update to information on charter flights from Laos in December ('Return to the UK' page)
2020-11-27T10:20:45.000Z
New information on a localised travel restriction for entering and leaving Luang Namtha Province ('Coronavirus' page), upcoming flight to Seoul with Lao Alirlines 26th December ('Return to the UK' page) and additional information on where to go for most prescriptions requirements ('Health' page)
2020-12-04T11:03:21.000Z
New information on a localised travel restriction for entering and leaving Luang Namtha Province ('Coronavirus' page), an upcoming flight to Seoul with Lao Alirlines 26th December ('Return to the UK' page) and additional information on where to go for most prescriptions requirements ('Health' page)
2020-12-04T11:04:22.000Z
Addition of information on proposed charter flights from Vientiane ('Return to the UK' page)
2020-12-10T14:28:20.000Z
New advice to British nationals intending to travel to Laos to check with their airline ('Coronavirus' page).
2020-12-14T10:47:23.000Z
New advice to British nationals intending to travel to Laos to check with their airline and update to information if you are departing Laos ('Coronavirus' and 'Return to the UK' pages).
2020-12-23T13:53:26.000Z
Update to flights information for British nationals intending to depart Laos ('Return to the UK' page).
2020-12-24T14:55:38.000Z
Updated information on international flights out of Laos ('Return to UK' section)
2020-12-31T19:18:22.000Z
New information and advice on the Vang Vieng section of the China-Laos Expressway ('Safety and security' page)
2021-01-05T11:59:41.000Z
Removal of 26 December flight to Seoul with Lao Airlines information ('Return to UK' page)
2021-01-13T13:57:56.000Z
If you are arriving in the UK from Laos on or after 4am on 18 January you will need to self-isolate on your arrival, unless you have a valid exemption (‘Summary’ page)
2021-01-16T01:18:27.000Z
Updated information on upcoming international flights ('Return to UK' page), additional information on road travel in Laos ('Safety and security' page) and COVID-19 tests are no longer free on arrival ('Entry requirements' page)
2021-01-27T09:58:47.000Z
Addition of information on the pre-departure COVID-19 testing requirement for travel to the UK (‘Coronavirus’ page)
2021-02-04T10:12:16.000Z
Update to remove out of date information on flights and add booking information for upcoming ones ('Return to the UK' page).
2021-02-09T10:20:07.000Z
New information on a cancelled Laos airlines flight that was scheduled to depart on 27 February 2021 ('Return to the UK' page).
2021-02-12T10:12:49.000Z
Information about COVID-19 vaccines if you live in Laos ('Coronavirus' page)
2021-02-23T11:35:25.000Z
Update to information on charter flights leaving Laos ('Return to the UK' page)
2021-03-04T15:13:39.000Z
Addition of advice to check whether you're transiting a country that is subject to a travel ban on your return journey to the UK from Laos ('Return to the UK' page)
2021-03-19T15:20:33.000Z
New information on the reintroduction of fees for visa overstays and update to information on 'Quarantine requirements' ('Entry requirements' page). New information on a flight to Incheon on 8 April 2021 ('Return to the UK' page). Update to information on armed clashes in Xaisomboun Province ('Safety and security' pages).
2021-03-25T14:03:37.000Z
New information on flights leaving Laos in April and May 2021 ('Return to the UK' page). Update to information on travelling to Thailand through the land border ('Coronavirus' page).
2021-04-09T09:10:59.000Z
Updated information on where to find details on when and how to register for a COVID-19 vaccine if you live in Laos ('Coronavirus' page)
2021-04-12T14:50:27.000Z
New information on the announcement of local lockdowns in the southern part of the Xayaboury province ('Coronavirus' page).
2021-04-13T12:22:21.000Z
New information on COVID-19 restrictions in Vientiane Capital province form 13 April 2021 ('Coronavirus' page)
2021-04-14T09:43:57.000Z
Updated information on new lockdown restrictions in place until midnight on 5 May ('Coronavirus' and 'Return to the UK')
2021-04-22T10:16:40.000Z
Update to information and advice on lockdown in Laos (coronavirus page).
2021-04-26T15:53:21.000Z
Updated information on the suspension of all international flights and public transport and flights to Incheon (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Return to UK’ pages)
2021-05-07T15:22:51.000Z
Addition of information on the extension of the COVID-19 prevention measures until 20 May 2021 (‘Coronavirus’ page)
2021-05-10T10:15:16.000Z
Addition of information on the extension of COVID-19 prevention measures until 4 June 2021 ('Coronavirus' and 'Return to the UK' pages)
2021-05-21T12:10:08.000Z
Update to information on the extension of lockdown measures and update to information on flight options to return to the UK ('Coronavirus' and 'Return to the UK' pages)
2021-06-04T15:49:28.000Z
Updated information of COVID-19 measures in Laos; in Vientiane Capital many of the COVID-19 prevention measures have been extended until 19 June ('Coronavirus' page)
2021-06-09T10:12:48.000Z
Information on the extension of COVID-19 prevention measures in Laos until 4th July (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Return to the UK’ pages)
2021-06-24T13:11:56.000Z
Addition of information on the extension of COVID-19 prevention measures in Laos until 19 July and potential short notice provincial lockdowns (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Return to the UK’ pages)
2021-07-12T14:38:30.000Z
Update on COVID-19 prevention measures in Laos, including the extension of lockdown measures in Vientiane Capital until 3 August (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Return to the UK’ pages)
2021-07-26T15:06:29.000Z
Information about COVID-19 vaccines if you live in Laos ('Coronavirus' page)
2021-08-06T08:29:43.000Z
Updated information on extension of COVID-19 restriction measures in Laos (‘Coronavirus’ page)
2021-08-23T13:56:42.000Z
Updated information on the tightening of general COVID-19 prevention measures in response to further community transmissions ('Coronavirus' page)
2021-09-02T15:28:13.000Z
Update to information on changes to COVID-19 restrictions in place until 30 September ('Coronavirus' and 'Return to the UK' pages)
2021-09-22T09:58:12.000Z
Updated information on Laos' COVID-19 restrictions; these restrictions are in place till 15 October ('Coronavirus' and 'Return to the UK' pages)
2021-10-01T13:37:02.000Z
Addition of information on the extension of many of the COVID-19 prevention measures, lockdown and travel restrictions until 14 November 2021 ('Coronavirus' page)
2021-11-01T11:51:05.000Z
Update to information on COVID-19 restrictions in Laos ('Coronavirus' page)
2021-11-17T09:22:50.000Z
Update to information on procedures for departing Laos after 12 December 2021 ('Coronavirus' and 'Return to the UK' page)
2021-12-03T13:25:51.000Z
Information on Laos national vaccination programme offering booster vaccines and removal of information on Lao Government's COVID-19 regulation to inform the Embassy if you are departing from Laos ('Coronavirus' and 'Entry requirements' pages)
2021-12-09T10:55:44.000Z
Updated information on international travel and departing Laos; the government of the Lao PDR has announced a restart of tourism with tours arranged by approved agencies only beginning 1 January 2022 and it is no longer a requirement to notify the British Embassy when you depart Laos ('Coronavirus' and 'Return to the UK' pages)
2021-12-21T10:54:18.000Z
Updated information on quarantine requirements for entry to Laos ('Entry requirements' page)
2022-03-04T17:07:17.000Z
Updated information on entry requirements to Laos ('Entry requirements' page)
2022-03-18T16:36:34.000Z
Updated information following relaxation to travel restrictions and COVID-19 measures from 9 May ('Coronavirus' and 'Entry requirements' pages).
2022-05-09T10:26:55.000Z
Updated information on travel restrictions and COVID-19 measures ('Coronavirus' and 'Entry requirements' pages)
2022-06-13T10:12:40.000Z
Updated information on Dengue and COVID-19 measures ('Coronavirus' and 'Health' pages)
2022-07-01T09:34:37.000Z
Updated information on drink spiking ('Safety and security' page)
2022-07-06T10:22:32.000Z
Updated information on flights (Return to the UK page), visa on arrival (Entry requirements page)
2022-08-10T10:02:11.000Z
Updated information on crime and drugs ('Safety & Security page') and visiting temples ('Local laws and customs' page).
2022-10-03T10:16:19.000Z
Reference to read the Living in Laos guide if plan to stay in Laos longer or work in Laos. ('Summary' page).
2022-10-21T10:43:59.000Z
Updated information on E-visas and addition of information to exercise caution in Bokeo Province ('Coronavirus', 'Entry requirements' and 'Safety and security' pages).
2022-11-23T10:17:21.000Z
Updated information on exercising caution in Bokeo Province ('Entry requirements' and 'Safety and security' pages).
2022-12-16T11:01:21.000Z
Updated information on unvaccinated Covid-19 travellers ('Entry requirements' page).
2023-02-01T12:20:06.000Z
Updated information on land border crossings for foreign travellers ('Coronavirus' page).
2023-02-15T13:53:55.000Z
Updated information on land border crossings for foreign travellers ('Entry requirements' page).
2023-02-24T11:27:07.000Z
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages.
2023-06-22T09:40:24.000Z
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.
2023-09-01T13:37:07.000Z
Removal of information on Covid-19 rules and updated information on visa on arrival ('Entry requirements' page). Addition of information about anthrax ('Health' page).
2024-04-03T15:38:04.000Z
Information on the visa extension penalty if not renewed within 90 days and that the use of E-cigarettes is illegal ('Entry requirements' and 'Safety and security' pages).
2024-05-14T14:55:43.000Z
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The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.

Xaisomboun Province

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Xaisomboun Province. There are intermittent attacks on infrastructure and armed clashes with anti-government groups.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:

  • advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
  • information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

warnings-and-insurance
Warnings and insurance

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Laos set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, send a message to the Lao Embassy London Facebook page.

Passport validity requirements

Your passport should have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the day you enter Laos.

Airlines only allow boarding of flights to and from Laos if you have 2 blank pages in your passport.

Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document, or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

Applying for a visa

Visa on arrival is available at Vientiane’s Wattay International Airport, Luang Prabang’s and Paske airports but not at all land borders or Lao Immigration checkpoints.

You can apply online for an e-Visa - you must submit your application at least 3 days in advance of your entry to Laos.

Visa extensions

Tourist visas will only be extended twice in Laos. Be aware if you do not renew your visa within 90 days, you will face a fine in Lao Kip equivalent to 2,000 US Dollars, deportation to your home country and a ban on returning to Laos.

To stay longer (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), you must meet the Lao immigration department’s entry requirements .

Vaccination requirements

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Laos guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of country. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

entry-requirements
Entry requirements

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Laos

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Laos, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Political situation

Specific events or political disputes may trigger violent protests. You should avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings of people. Keep yourself informed of local developments.

Crime

Protecting yourself and your belongings

Petty crime can occur in tourist areas and around ATMs. Try to have someone with you and do not carry passport, bank cards and cash in the same bag.

Travellers regularly report random bag snatches, often by people on motorcycles. Hold your bags on the side away from the road, and do not have valuables on display.

People have reported incidents where they are approached and followed when alone. Be alert to your surroundings, trust your instincts and if you think you’re being followed move to an area where there are other people. Consider sharing your planned route in advance and avoid quiet or sparsely travelled areas.

Safes in hotels and guesthouses are not necessarily secure. Use your own lock where possible. Take care of your possessions if you’re travelling overnight, on public transport.

Be particularly vigilant travelling at night by bicycle or motorcycle. Stick to well-used, well-lit roads and carry a personal alarm if possible, especially if you’re alone.

Motorcycle scams

Do not leave your passport as a deposit or guarantee when hiring motorcycles. There have been reports of rental companies arranging for their motorcycles to be deliberately stolen from you or damaged, then keeping passports and demanding high fees. Make sure your travel insurance covers medical and other costs that arise from motorcycle accidents.

Reporting a crime

Call the Tourist Police in Vientiane on 021 251 128.

Local law enforcement responses to crimes, even violent crimes, are often limited. Foreigners attempting to report crimes have reported finding police stations closed, emergency telephone numbers unanswered, or police with no transport or authorisation to investigate crimes at night. If the police do attend, they may ask you to pay fuel and telephone costs. Ask the staff at your accommodation for help with reporting a crime.

Drink and food spiking

Both male and female tourists have reported having their drink or food spiked with drugs and in some cases been assaulted. Never leave food or drink unattended. Be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers at bars, clubs, restaurants and parties.

Laws and cultural differences

Illegal drugs and the death penalty

The possession and use of all drugs including marijuana are illegal in Laos and penalties are harsh. These include life sentences and the death penalty, with a number of Lao nationals having been sentenced to death in 2019.

For confidential support and guidance for dealing with officials, call the British Embassy in Vientiane (24 hours).

Using cameras and binoculars in secure areas

Photographing or entering any military site without an official invitation is prohibited and you may be arrested or detained. Avoid photographing bridges or airfields.

Relationships with Lao nationals

The Lao government prohibits sexual relationships between foreign and Lao nationals, except when the parties have been married in accordance with Lao family law. You must ask permission for marriage or engagement to a Lao national in a formal application to the Lao authorities.

Penalties for failing to register such a relationship can be up to 5,000 US dollars fine and possible imprisonment. It is not unknown for Lao authorities to demand entry into hotel rooms or guesthouses where they suspect this regulation is being broken.

Smoking and e-cigarette bans 

While cigarettes are common, the use of E-cigarettes is illegal. You could be fined or imprisoned for importing, selling, purchasing or using them.

Dress codes

When you visit any temples and religious sites, your shoulders and knees should be covered, whether you are male or female.

It is not considered appropriate to walk around in public wearing swimming costumes after leaving waterfalls, rivers or swimming pools.

LGBT+ travellers

There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations in Laos. Proud To Be Us Laos raises awareness about LGBT+ rights and HIV/AIDS among the LGBT+ community. More information can be found on the Proud To Be Us Laos Facebook page.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

River rafting and water activities

Travel on the Mekong River by speedboat and even slow boat can be dangerous, especially when water levels are low and sandbanks may be close to the surface. Make sure you travel with a company that provides lifejackets.

White-water rafting, kayaking, tubing and other water-based activities, including swimming in the Mekong, are dangerous and there have been incidents of drowning and serious injuries. Operators may not give the necessary safety advice and you cannot expect warning signs to tell you about currents or rough stretches of water. Take great care and check your travel insurance covers you for these activities. Make use of buoyancy aids and if none are available reconsider whether you want to take part.

Transport risks

Road travel

You need a 1949 international driving permit (IDP) to drive in Laos. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

If you are planning to drive in Laos, see information on driving abroad. Roads in Laos are in poor condition and vehicles are not maintained to UK standards. Travel after dark significantly increases the risk of an accident, as vehicles often do not have lights. Livestock including water buffalo also stray on to the roads causing accidents.

The recently opened Vientiane to Vang Vieng section of the China-Laos Expressway is the first contained high-speed road in Laos, with posted speed limits between 80 and 120km/h. Take care when using this road, as some local users will be unfamiliar with this type of carriageway.

Motorbike rentals may not supply helmets, so budget to purchase one locally. Take extra care when using public transport or shared vehicles, as they can be overcrowded and unsafe. You can report road accidents to a dedicated police number +856 20 5666 9090.

If you’re involved in a road accident you will have to pay compensation for third-party property damage and injury, even if you’re not at fault. As a general rule, the Lao authorities will overwhelmingly find in favour of Lao citizens, regardless of the situation. Lao insurers only meet a small proportion of the costs of an accident and will not cover this compensation.

You should get permission from the local district authorities for any travel seen as out of the ordinary, such as extensive photography, or scientific research of any kind.

Police may stop you at any time, particularly in the evening, and ask for ID. You should stop at checkpoints and roadblocks unless you are waved on.

Anti-personnel mines

Mines and other unexploded weapons are a hazard throughout Laos and kill a number of people each year. Keep to main routes in rural areas, and do not pick up metal objects. This risk is higher after flash floods or landslides during the monsoon season.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Monsoon

The rainy season in Laos normally runs from May to October, at the same time as the typhoon season in south-east Asia. Mountain areas are vulnerable to landslides in the rainy season and the Mekong’s river basins and surrounding areas are likely to be flooded . The Mekong River Commission posts official updates on the Mekong River. Travel to some provinces can be seriously disrupted during this time. Monitor local news and check World Meteorological Association weather reports.

See more information on tropical cyclones.

safety-and-security
Safety and security

This section has safety advice for regions of Laos. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Xaisomboun Province

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Xaisomboun Province. There were reports in 2021 of attacks on infrastructure and armed clashes with anti-government groups in the province. There could be more skirmishes.

Borders with Thailand and Myanmar (Golden Triangle)

There have been small-scale clashes between anti-government groups and government troops in isolated areas along the Laos-Thailand border. The local law enforcement agencies have limited capability to counter these threats.

Be extremely cautious in Bokeo Province, particularly near the borders with Myanmar and Thailand, and around the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone. Armed groups carry out employment scams and drug trafficking in this area.

Northern and eastern Laos, border with Vietnam

The risk of unexploded landmines and other weapons is particularly high in Xieng Khouang Province (Plain of Jars), Luang Prabang Province and areas of the Lao-Vietnamese border, formerly the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Mined areas are often unmarked.

regional-risks
Regional risks

Before you travel check that:

  • your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
  • you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical numbers

Dial 1195 or 030 525 7239 and ask for an ambulance.

Voluntary ambulance services also operate in Vientiane free of charge.

Vientiane Rescue: 1623 or (0)20 5666 8825

Lao Red Cross Rescue: (0)20 5996 6111 or (0)20 2200 5563

Make sure anyone attending an accident is wearing a uniform marked ‘Vientiane Rescue’ or ‘Lao Red Cross’. There have been reports of bogus companies attending accidents and trying to charge fees.

Contact your insurance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccinations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip check:

Mosquito-borne diseases

The rainy season sees an increase in dengue cases, which have been getting more severe. Dengue and malaria are endemic, so you should increase precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

Anthrax

Anthrax has been found in cattle and buffalo near the tourist areas of 4000 Islands, Pakse and the Bolaven Plateau. Anthrax is a serious disease that can be transmitted to humans. Avoid contact with cattle and buffalo and make sure meat is thoroughly cooked. Seek medical attention if you are exposed to infected animals or show symptoms.

Air pollution

Regional air pollution can be a problem in some cities in Laos, and may aggravate heart, lung or respiratory conditions. Children, the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions may be especially affected. You can read guidance on how to cope with air pollution.

Medication

International clinics, large hospitals and larger pharmacies in Laos can supply most prescription medication. In remoter areas this may be more difficult.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad.

Healthcare facilities in Laos

Medical care in Laos is basic and outside the capital there are no reliable facilities to deal with medical emergencies. Medical evacuation is difficult to organise and very expensive. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

You may be asked to pay for an ambulance and any treatment you need in advance. Make sure you get a receipt to use for insurance claims.

FCDO has a list of English-speaking doctors in Laos.

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Laos.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

health
Health

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Laos

Fire: 1190

Police: 1191

Alternative numbers for police stations: 241162, 241163, 241164, and 212703

Ambulance: 1195 or 030 525 7239

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

  • where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
  • how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

You can also contact FCDO online.

Help abroad in an emergency

If you’re in Laos and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Embassy in Vientiane.

Telephone: +856 30 770 0000 (24 hours)

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

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