Laos
Summary
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to Xaisomboun province, due to intermittent attacks on infrastructure and armed clashes with anti-government groups. See Local travel
COVID-19 entry restrictions for Laos
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Laos’ current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
Travelling from and returning to the UK
Check what you must do to travel abroad and return to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
ItIf you’re planning travel to Lao, find out what you need to know about coronavirus there in the Coronavirus section.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO guidance on foreign travel insurance.
For information about COVID-19 vaccines, see the Coronavirus page.
The monsoon season in Laos runs from May to October. You should be aware of elevated risks of flooding and landslides during this period, particularly if travelling by road as maintenance and repair standards differ to the UK, you should take additional care and undertake research. See Natural disasters
Unexploded ordnance in rural areas is a real and ongoing danger. Take care when travelling around Laos. See Local travel
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Laos, attacks cannot be ruled out. See Terrorism
Carry an ID document or passport at all times. You will receive a heavy fine if you do not present ID on request. See Local laws and customs
UK health authorities have classified Laos as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. For information and advice about the risks associated with Zika virus, visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre website
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. Consular support is limited in parts of Laos where we advise against all but essential travel.
Update history
2024-04-03 16:38
Removal of information on Covid-19 rules and updated information on visa on arrival (‘Entry requirements’ page). Addition of information about anthrax (‘Health’ page).
2023-09-01 14:37
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.
2023-06-22 10:40
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages.
2023-02-24 11:27
Updated information on land border crossings for foreign travellers (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2023-02-15 13:53
Updated information on land border crossings for foreign travellers (‘Coronavirus’ page).
2023-02-01 12:20
Updated information on unvaccinated Covid-19 travellers (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2022-12-16 11:01
Updated information on exercising caution in Bokeo Province (‘Entry requirements’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2022-11-23 10:17
Updated information on E-visas and addition of information to exercise caution in Bokeo Province (‘Coronavirus’, ‘Entry requirements’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2022-10-21 11:43
Reference to read the Living in Laos guide if plan to stay in Laos longer or work in Laos. (‘Summary’ page).
2022-10-03 11:16
Updated information on crime and drugs (‘Safety & Security page’) and visiting temples (‘Local laws and customs’ page).
2022-08-10 11:02
Updated information on flights (Return to the UK page), visa on arrival (Entry requirements page)
2022-07-06 11:22
Updated information on drink spiking (‘Safety and security’ page)
2022-07-01 10:34
Updated information on Dengue and COVID-19 measures (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Health’ pages)
2022-06-13 11:12
Updated information on travel restrictions and COVID-19 measures (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages)
2022-05-09 11:26
Updated information following relaxation to travel restrictions and COVID-19 measures from 9 May (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages).
2022-03-18 16:36
Updated information on entry requirements to Laos (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-03-04 17:07
Updated information on quarantine requirements for entry to Laos (‘Entry requirements’ page)