Passport/Visa | Passport Required? | Visa Required? | Return Ticket Required? |
| British | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Australian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Canadian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| USA | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Other EU | Yes | Yes | Yes |
PassportsPassport with at
least six months remaining validity required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
VisasRequired by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see
General Info).
Visa Note(a) A 15-day visa
on arrival is now available for nationals arriving at Vientiane International Airport, Luang Prabang International Airport or Friendship Bridge; visas are not extendable. (b) A one-month
visit visa is available from the Laos embassy provided the applicant has a guarantor in Laos; visas can be extended by up to a further two months. (c) A one-month
business visa is available from the Laos embassy; applicants require authorization from the organization they will be visiting in Laos before applying for a visa; visas can be extended until the completion of business. (d) A five-day
transit visa is available for nationals transiting through Vientiane International Airport; nationals require proof of onward journey within five days. (d) Multiple-entry visas are only available from the ministry of foreign affairs in Laos.
Types of Visa and CostOn arrival: US$30.
Visit,
Business and Transit: US$50.
ValidityAll visas are issued for single entry and must be used within two months of date of issue.
Applications to:Consulate (or consular section at embassy)
or an officially recognized tour operator. A visa valid for Laos can also be obtained from travel agencies in Bangkok (Thailand) or on arrival.
Working Days RequiredThree from consulate.
WarningMost visits are trouble free.
The threat from terrorism in Laos is low. However, travelers should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including places frequented by foreigners.
Travelers should be aware of and respect local conventions at all times.
Unexploded ordnance in rural areas is an ongoing danger.
Outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Laos have resulted in human fatalities, the last one of which was in 2007. As a precaution, travelers should avoid live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds is likely; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.
The Lao government prohibits sexual relationships between foreign citizens and Lao nationals except when the two parties have been married in accordance with Lao family law. Penalties for breaking these regulations can range from fines to imprisonment.
Penalties for illegal drug importation and use are severe and can include the death penalty.
It is illegal not to carry an ID document, and fines for not having one for presentation are high.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:
British Foreign and Commonwealth Office Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website:
www.fco.gov.uk US Department of State Website:
http://travel.state.gov/travel Health | Special Precautions | Certificate Required? |
| Diphtheria | Yes | |
| Hepatitis A | Yes | |
| Malaria | Yes* | |
| Rabies | Sometimes | |
| Tetanus | Yes | |
| Typhoid | Yes | |
| Yellow Fever | No** | |
Health CareAny treatment must generally be paid for in cash. Health insurance is essential and should include cover for air evacuation.
Note* Not required for Vientiane.
** A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers arriving from infected areas.
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