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 of countries referred to in the chart above.
VisasRequired by all nationals of countries 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).
Types of Visa and CostTourist,
Business: €50 (including service and document fees). Families may only be charged €50 per family if all living at the same address, and same surname is indicated on passports.
ValidityValidity starts from day of entry into Laos.
Tourist/Business: 30 days (can be extended twice in Vientiane for 30 days ). Visas must be used within three months of being issued.
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 (at most points of entry, but it is recommended that one is obtained before arrival). Visas are issued on arrival at 14 international checkpoints throughout Laos, including Luang Prabang Airport, Pakse Airport and (Wattay) Vientiane International Airport for stays of 15 days and costs US$30. For further details, contact the nearest embassy (see
General Info).
Working Days RequiredThree.
WarningThe 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.
Unexploded ordnance in rural areas is an ongoing danger.
Outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Laos have resulted in human fatalities. 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? |
| Yellow Fever | No | 1 |
| Cholera | Yes | 2 |
| Typhoid and Polio | 3 | N/A |
| Malaria | 4 | N/A |
Health CareAny treatment must generally be paid for in cash. Health insurance is essential and should include cover for air evacuation.
Note1A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers arriving from infected areas.
2Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition of entry to Laos. However, cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness.
3Typhoid may occur. Polio virus transmission has been interrupted, but complete eradication is not yet certain.
4Malaria risk exists throughout the year in the whole country, except in Vientiane. The malignant
falciparum form is prevalent and is reported to be highly resistant to chloroquine. The recommended prophylaxis is mefloquine.
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