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Government advisories for Laos
US State Department
US L2 · Increased cautionExercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution in Laos due to crime , unrest , and unexploded ordnances . Some areas have increased risk. Review the entire Travel Advisory. Review our Travel Guidance for Laos to learn how to prepare for a safe trip. Reconsider Travel to Xaisomboun Province due to civil unrest. Exercise Increased Caution in areas…
Official notice Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs (travel.state.gov) · updated Jul 28, 2026
UK Foreign Office (FCDO)
UK · regionalAdvises against all but essential travel to parts
Latest change: Updated information on flooding risks during periods of heavy rain (‘Safety and security’ page).
Official notice Source: gov.uk · updated Aug 13, 2026
Local scams and street 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…
- 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…
- 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…
Official notice Source: UK FCDO travel advice (Open Government Licence v3.0) · updated Aug 13, 2026
LGBT+ and women travellers: what the UK FCDO says
- 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 .
Official notice Source: UK FCDO travel advice (Open Government Licence v3.0) · updated Aug 13, 2026
Women, children and family: what governments say
- Women's safety (Government of Canada): Sexual assaults occur, particularly in Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng. Be particularly vigilant along hiking trails. If you’re the victim of a sexual assault, you should report it immediately to the nearest Government of Canada office.
Official notice Source: Government of Canada and UK FCDO travel advice (Open Government Licences)
Pregnancy and children: CDC health notes for Laos
- Zika: the CDC lists Zika as a risk in Laos. An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby. CDC on Zika
- Malaria: CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Laos take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Ask a travel-health provider which medicine suits pregnancy or young children before you go.
- Hepatitis A (children): Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A.
- Measles (children): All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .
- Polio (children): Vaccine recommendations : Adults traveling to Laos who received a complete polio vaccination series as children may receive a single lifetime booster dose of inactivated polio vaccine; travelers who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated should receive a...
CDC health page for Laos · CDC: pregnant travelers · CDC: traveling with children
Official notice Source: CDC Travelers' Health (US government, public domain). General information, not medical advice: see a doctor or travel clinic before you go.
Government of Canada
CA 2 · High degree of cautionExercise a high degree of caution (some regions differ)
Latest change: Natural disasters and climate section – added information on El Niño
Official notice Source: travel.gc.ca · updated Oct 15, 2026
US State Department: advisories for specific areas
- Reconsider Travel to Xaisomboun Province due to civil unrest.
- Exercise Increased Caution in areas on the Border with Burma, Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Salavan, Khammouane, Sekong, Champasak, Houaphanh, Attapeu, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane provinces, along Route 7 (from Route 13 to the Vietnam border), Route 9 (Savannakhet to the Vietnam border), and Route 20 (Pakse to Salavan) due to crime.
- Exercise Increased Caution in areas of Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Salavan, Khammouane, Sekong, Champasak, Houaphanh, Attapeu, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane provinces, as well as along Route 7 due to unexploded ordnances.
Read the official advisory for the exact areas
Official notice Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs (travel.state.gov) · updated Jul 28, 2026
Government of Canada: regional advisories
Xaisomboun province - Avoid non-essential travel
Avoid non-essential travel to Xaisomboun province due to the tense security situation and random shooting incidents.
Areas of Bokeo province - Avoid non-essential travel
Avoid non-essential travel to the following areas of Bokeo province due to criminal activity:
- within 10 km of the borders with Myanmar and Thailand, excluding Bokeo International Airport and Road 3 leading there
- the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone
Read the full Canadian advisory
Official notice Source: travel.gc.ca (Government of Canada, Open Government Licence - Canada) · updated Oct 15, 2026
German Foreign Office
DE · no travel warningNo travel warning
Official notice Source: Auswärtiges Amt · updated Oct 14, 2026
Read the official travel and safety advice
Dutch Foreign Ministry
NL · yellowYellow: be alert, safety risks (regions differ, up to orange)
De kleurcode van het reisadvies is oranje voor de provincie Xaysomboune en het grensgebied tussen Laos en Myanmar. Reis alleen hierheen als het noodzakelijk is. Het is niet veilig er op vakantie te gaan. Lees meer onder Regionale risico’s. Voor de rest van Laos geldt kleurcode geel. U kunt hierheen reizen. Maar let op:
Official notice Source: Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken, Nederland Wereldwijd (open data, CC0) · updated Sep 9, 2026
New Zealand SafeTravel
NZ · level 1Exercise normal safety and security precautions
Official notice Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, SafeTravel (CC BY 4.0) · updated 04 September 2026
Japan Foreign Ministry
JP L2 · Avoid non-essential travelHighest level: Avoid non-essential travel
Level 2 in 1 area, level 1 in 1 area. Areas can differ; the highest level applies only where the ministry says so.
ラオスの危険情報【危険レベル継続】（内容の更新）
Official notice Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Overseas Safety Homepage · updated Dec 18, 2024
Each government uses its own scale. Read the full advisory before you book or travel; regional differences inside a country can matter more than the headline level.
Where in Laos the UK 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 .
Official notice Source: UK FCDO travel advice, areas where it advises against travel (Open Government Licence v3.0) · updated Aug 13, 2026
Entry requirements for Laos
🇬🇧 British passport holders
- Visa: You must have a visa to visit Laos.
- Passport: 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.
Read the full UK entry requirements
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.
Dual nationals
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
Digital Arrival/Departure Cards - Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF)
All foreign nationals entering Laos are required to complete the LDIF digitally within 3 days before arrival and 3 days before departure.
The LDIF applies at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang International Airport, Pakse International Airport and Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I. At these checkpoints, the LDIF replaces paper arrival and departure cards.
The LDIF does not replace visa requirements.
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.
Applying for a visa
From 1 January 2025, tourist visas reverted to the previous 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
- Pakske 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 additional 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.
Official notice Source: UK Foreign Office · updated Aug 13, 2026
🇨🇦 Canadian passport holders
- Tourist visa: required
Read the full Canadian entry requirements
Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.
The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.
We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.
Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.
Passport
Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.
Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.
Regular Canadian passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Laos.
Passport for official travel
Different entry rules may apply.
Passport with “X” gender identifier
While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.
Other travel documents
Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
Useful links
- Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
- Foreign Representatives in Canada
- Canadian passports and other travel documents
Visas
Tourist visa: required
Business visa: required
Student visa: required
A Lao electronic visa (eVisa) can be used to enter the country at 9 different ports of entry. You can apply for one within 60 days of your date of entry.
You can also obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at Wattay International Airport, Luang Prabang International Airport, Pakse International Airport and some “international” (that is, open to all foreign nationals) border crossings. Contact the nearest Lao embassy or consulate to confirm where you can get a tourist visa. You must provide a passport photo and pay a fee to obtain a visa upon arrival.
Lao eVisa – Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Immigration arrival and departure forms
You can complete a paper immigration form upon arrival or departure, or submit an online form in advance. If you choose to complete the online form, you must submit it within 3 days before entering or exiting Laos.
Useful links
- Immigration Arrival Register – The Department of Immigration of Lao PDR
- Immigration Departure Register – The Department of Immigration of Lao PDR
Entry stamp
Immigration offices at some border crossings are difficult to identify. Ensure that you obtain an entry stamp when you enter Laos. Failure to do so can result in serious fines, detention and deportation.
Travel to Xaisomboun province
You must obtain permission from local authorities before travelling to certain parts of Xaisomboun province. You may be refused entry to some areas of the province, particularly around Long Tieng.
Children and travel
Learn about travelling with children.
Yellow fever
Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).
Official notice Source: Government of Canada · updated Oct 15, 2026
Other passports
Rules depend on your nationality, so we do not guess. Before you book:
- Read your own government's travel advice first (US travellers: State Department page for Laos).
- Not sure what your passport needs? Check the visa rules for your nationality (eVisas visa checker) or compare with VisaHQ. These are affiliate links: if you use their application service we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Official government sites are usually cheaper and are linked above where we have them.
- Check your passport: many countries want it valid for 6 months after arrival and with blank pages.
- Check for an e-visa, travel authorisation or digital arrival card, and any vaccine rules (yellow fever is the common one).
- Ask your airline: they can refuse boarding if your documents do not match the rules.
Entry rules are set by each government and change without notice. This summary is for planning only and is not legal or immigration advice. Confirm on the official government website and with your airline before you book or travel. Voyaggora is not a government agency and does not process visas.
Essentials for travelers
Police 191 Ambulance 195 Fire 190 CONFLICT: FCDO lists 1191/1195/1190; Wikipedia and Google data support 191/195/190
- Plugs: type A, B, C, E, F
- Power: 230 V, 50 Hz
- Traffic drives on the right
- Tap water: not recommended
- Calling code: +856
Compiled by Voyaggora from IEC World Plugs, government and consular sources. Confidence: medium. Check with your embassy or hotel before you rely on it in an emergency.
Local language
ລາວ Lao
Country names come from the Unicode CLDR. Phrases are short standard translations; show them on your phone to ask for help.
More live hazards and notices
- Globe at Night campaign running 2026-11-01 to 2026-11-10: look for Cygnus, Grus, Pegasus. Join in: globeatnight.org.
- Tourism board, recent posts (Tourism Laos):
- Laos Flags Millions in Misused Funds Across Public Projects
- Health Ministry Finds More Than 180 Illegal Beauty Centers, Orders Nationwide Re-Inspection
- The Photographer Who Speaks for Laos’ Forests
- Khammouane Signs USD 1.2 Million Deal to Develop Khounnamphone Nature Tourism Site
Live feed Sources: NOAA / NWS (ash advisories from the ICAO Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres, aurora from the Space Weather Prediction Center), USGS, GeoNet New Zealand (CC BY 3.0 NZ) · checked
Health and vaccines
Vaccines, malaria and yellow-fever certificate rules: TravelHealthPro country pages (UK Health Security Agency), CDC destination pages, UK Foreign Office health advice. Ask a travel clinic 6 to 8 weeks before you go.
Money
1 US dollar ≈ 22354 LAK · 1 euro ≈ 25104 LAK
Central-bank reference rate for Oct 18, 2026. Your card or exchange desk will differ.
Live feed Source: Frankfurter · checked
Voyaggora destination guides
Quick answers: is it safe to travel to Laos?
- Is it safe to travel to Laos right now?
- It depends on where you go. As of Oct 18, 08:26 UTC. The US State Department rates Laos Level 2 of 4, "Increased caution". Canada says "Exercise a high degree of caution", with regional advisories. The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of Laos. Advisory levels change and can vary by region within a country: check the official page before you travel. Sources: US State Department Canada UK FCDO.
- Which parts of Laos do governments warn about?
- Governments warn about parts of Laos rather than the whole country. The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of Laos. Canada lists regional advisories. The US State Department page lists area-specific levels. Open each official page for the exact areas and routes.
- Are there any active weather or hazard alerts in Laos right now?
- As of Oct 18, 08:26 UTC, Travel Live shows these live hazard and alert sections for Laos: more live hazards and notices. Each one on this page names its official source and the time it was checked. Worldwide storms, earthquakes and disasters are on the Travel Live hub.
- What do the advisory levels mean?
- US State Department: Level 1 exercise normal precautions, Level 2 exercise increased caution, Level 3 reconsider travel, Level 4 do not travel. Canada: take normal security precautions, exercise a high degree of caution, avoid non-essential travel, avoid all travel. UK FCDO: it advises against all travel, or all but essential travel, to the whole country or to parts of it, or has no warnings. Each government uses its own scale, so the levels are not directly comparable.
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Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Voyaggora summarises official sources and is not a government service; always confirm with the official advisory before you travel.