Laos Travel Guide

Passports

Country	Passport Required	Visa Required	Return Ticket Required
Other EU	Yes	Yes	Yes
British	Yes	Yes	Yes
Canadian	Yes	Yes	Yes
USA	Yes	Yes	Yes
Australian	Yes	Yes	Yes

Passport with at least six months remaining validity required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Visas

Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above, except citizens Luxembourg for a maximum of 15 days.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Important Addresses).

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 Cost

On arrival: US$20.

Validity

All 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 Required

Three from consulate.

Travel Warnings

There have been 2 reported incidents of drug rape during 2009. You should be careful about taking drinks from strangers and be wary at bars, clubs, restaurants and parties.

Typhoon Ketsana passed Vietnam (in central provinces such as Da Nang, Quang Ngai and surrounding areas), and moved across north of Cambodia and Laos. The storm resulted in casualties and damage to infrastructure. Travelers staying in an affected area, or planning to visit one, are advised to continue to register with the Foreign Office.

There is a low threat from terrorism in Laos. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers.

Most visits to Laos are trouble free.

Unexploded ordnance in rural areas is an ongoing danger.

Outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Laos have led to a small number of 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.

Violent crimes such as robbery are on the increase. Foreigners have been assaulted after having their drinks drugged. Travelers should be careful about taking drinks from strangers.

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 Care

Any treatment must generally be paid for in cash. Health insurance is essential and should include cover for air evacuation.

Vaccinations

Vaccination	Special Precaution
Diphtheria	Yes
Hepatitis A	Yes
Malaria	Yes*
Rabies	Sometimes
Tetanus	Yes
Typhoid	Yes
Yellow Fever	No**

Special Notes

* Not required for Vientiane.

** A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers arriving from infected areas.