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
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.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO guidance on foreign travel insurance.
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
If you’re living in Laos or planning to work or stay for a longer period, check the Living in Laos guide in addition to this travel advice.
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
2024-11-29 11:33
New information that Laos authorities have issued an order prohibiting the sale and consumption of Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whisky (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-11-20 10:12
Updated information on methanol poisoning risks (‘Safety and security’ page)
2024-10-31 09:46
Updated information on visa extensions and outdoor activities and adventure tourism (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-09-24 11:08
Updated information about monsoon season (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-09-23 11:16
Updated information about monsoon season (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-09-20 11:05
Updated information on tropical storms (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2024-07-30 15:28
This travel advice was reviewed for style and accuracy.
2024-06-28 15:59
Information that from 1 July to 31 December visas on arrival and eVisas will be valid for 60 days and that multiple entry 60-day visas will only be available from the Lao embassy before you depart for Laos (see ‘Temporary tourist visa changes’ on the ‘Entry requirements’ page).
2024-06-03 16:32
Information that there will be traffic delays and a higher police presence in Vientiane and Laos throughout the year due to Laos hosting the ASEAN chair (See ‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-05-14 15:55
Information on the visa extension penalty if not renewed within 90 days and that the use of E-cigarettes is illegal (‘Entry requirements’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
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)