Laos travel guide

Travel Advice

Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential 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. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

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.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Laos’s current rules 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

To enter Laos, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least 2 blank pages.

Airlines will only let you board your flight if your passport has enough blank pages.

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 

You must have a visa to visit Laos.  

To work, study and travel for business or other reasons, you must meet the Lao immigration department’s entry requirements.

Temporary tourist visa changes, 2024

From 1 July to 31 December 2024, visas on arrival and e-visas will permit you to stay for 60 days. Multiple-entry visas will only be available from the Lao Embassy before you depart for Laos.

These visas can be extended only once while in Laos for a further 60 days.

Applying for a visa

From 1 January 2025, tourist visas will only permit you to stay for 30 days from the date you arrive in Laos.

You can apply online for a Laos e-visa – apply at least 5 days in advance. The e-visa is single entry only and is accepted at major entry points.

You can also get a visa on arrival (single entry) at many entry points, including:

• Vientiane Wattay airport
• Luang Prabang airport
• Paske airport

See a full list of the entry points that accept e-visas and visas on arrival.

Visa extensions

From 1 January 2025, you’re allowed to extend your tourist visa twice while in Laos, for a total of 60 days.

If you do not extend your visa within 90 days, you will face a fine in Lao kip worth 2,000 US dollars, deportation to your home country and a ban on returning to Laos.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Laos guide.

Customs rules

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

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. Stay aware of your surroundings 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.

As chair for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for all of 2024, there will be high-level meetings in Vientiane and around Laos throughout the year. These may cause traffic delays, along with a much higher security and police presence. Security will be more proactive around the events and as attendees travel between locations.

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 your bank cards and cash in the same bag. Keep a copy of your passport somewhere safe.

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 less-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 careful 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 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.

Methanol poisoning

There have been deaths and cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol. Methanol has been used in the manufacture of counterfeit replicas of well-known alcohol brands or illegal local spirits, like vodka. You should take care if offered, particularly for free, or when buying spirit-based drinks. If labels, smell or taste seem wrong then do not drink.

Affected drinks may include:

• local spirits, including local rice or palm liquor
• spirit-based mixed drinks, such as cocktails
• counterfeit brand-name bottled alcohol in shops or behind the bar

To protect yourself from methanol poisoning:

• buy alcoholic beverages only from licensed liquor stores
• buy drinks only at licensed bars and hotels
• avoid home-made alcoholic drinks
• check bottle seals are intact
• check labels for poor print quality or incorrect spelling

Methanol is tasteless and odourless. It can rapidly lead to serious illness. Long-term effects may include blindness and permanent damage to the Central Nervous System. Coma and death may occur following substantial exposure.

TravelHealthPro lists the symptoms of methanol poisoning. Seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with show signs of methanol poisoning.

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.

Getting permission for special travel projects

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.

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 culturally 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

Safety and maintenance may not meet the standards you find in the UK. Risks include:

• remote areas that are difficult for rescue services to reach
• flooding, swollen rivers and landslides, especially during the rainy season
• lower standards than in the UK

River rafting and water activities

• Travel on the Mekong River can be dangerous, especially when water levels are low, and sandbanks may be close to the surface  
• 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; you cannot expect warning signs to tell you about currents or rough stretches of water  
• Check that lifejackets are provided.

See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.

Extreme or adventure sports, including paragliding/motoring, climbing, off-road driving and hot air ballooning

Be aware equipment may not meet UK safety and insurance standards.

Make sure:

• you use reputable properly insured operators and insist on training 
• adequate safety precautions are in place 
• your travel insurance covers all the activities you want to undertake 
• you read the contract you are offered and be clear about who is responsible for all parts of the venture.  
• if you choose an organisation that prepares properly, you are more likely to stay safe

Road travel 

If you are planning to drive in Laos, see information on driving abroad.

You’ll need to have both the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

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

Driving conditions

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.

Road accidents and safety

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. Generally, 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.

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.

China-Laos Expressway

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.

Landmines and unexploded weapons

Landmines 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

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards. 

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. Meteorologists predict that tropical storms could be more forceful and more frequent in the future, this can amplify monsoon storms and rainfall. Away from river basins there is a high risk of flash flooding causing falling trees, damage to buildings and transport infrastructure; be aware landslides may expose undiscovered UXO.

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 Organization weather reports.

Regional risks

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.

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 quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Laos
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Laos.

Mosquito-borne diseases

The rainy season sees an increase in dengue cases. 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 4,000 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 parts of 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.

Healthcare in Laos

Medical care in Laos can be 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 medical providers in Laos where some staff will speak English.

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.

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

Tourist police in Vientiane: 021 251 128 

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:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Laos
• dealing with a death in Laos
• being arrested or imprisoned in Laos
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

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.

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