Laos
Warnings and insurance
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential 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.
Typhoon Season
Meteorologists predict that tropical storms could be more forceful and more frequent during this year’s typhoon season (up to end of November). There is a risk of falling trees, damage to buildings and transport infrastructure, landslides and flooding, in particular in the Northern and Central region (including the tourist area of Luang Prabang ). High river levels may affect the Mekong further south. Check local guidance before travelling.
See more in Extreme weather and natural disasters.
Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guideguide. andYou anymay specificalso travelfind adviceit thathelpful applies to you: to:
- see general advice for women travellers
- read our
disabledguidetravellerson disability and travel abroad - see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
- read about safety for solo and independent travel
- see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
About FCDO travel advice
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help Britishyou nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.
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)