Those requiring visas should obtain them in their home country before traveling to
Laos. Visas are available on arrival for US$30 at
Vientiane and
Luang Prabang International Airports, as well as at Warray and Pakse Airports for those countries without representation. They allow for a maximum stay of 30 days (one extension possible) if the traveller has a return or onward ticket, all documents required for next destination a confirmed hotel reservation in Laos (if applicable), and a contact individual or organization based in Laos. A passport size photograph is also needed. All visitors' passports
should be valid for at least six months.
Americans: United States citizens must have a valid passport. A visa is also required.
UK nationals: British citizens must have a valid passport. A visa is also required.
Canadians: Canadians must have a valid passport. A visa is also required.
Australians: Australians must have a valid passport. A visa is also required.
South Africans: South Africans must have a valid passport. A visa is also required.
Irish nationals: Irish nationals must have a valid passport. A visa is also required.
New Zealanders: New Zealand citizens must have a valid passport. A visa is also required.
Health
Those planning to travel to Laos should seek medical advice about vaccinations and endemic diseases at least three weeks prior to departure. There have been Avian Influenza poultry outbreaks in northern Laos provinces. Malaria exists throughout the country except in Vientiane, and typhoid and cholera occur in some areas. A typhoid vaccine is recommended for all travelers except short-term business travelers who will restrict their meals to major restaurants and hotels. Other risks include Hepatitis E, plague, dengue fever, and Schistosomiasis if swimming in the
Mekong River. Travelers' diarrhoea is a problem for many visitors; only drink bottled water and avoid dairy products, uncooked meat and fish, salads and unpeeled fruit. Medical care in Vientiane is extremely basic and outside the capital there are no reliable facilities to deal with medical emergencies. Medical evacuation is difficult to organize and very expensive. Travelers are advised to take out comprehensive medical insurance, and those who have an unstable medical condition should consider not traveling to Laos. A yellow fever certificate is required by all entering from an infected area. Bird flu has been detected in poultry and wild birds, and the first case of human infection was confirmed in February 2007; however the risk is still low for travelers, but contact with domestic, caged and wild birds should be avoided and poultry and egg dishes well cooked.
Safety
Most visits to Laos are trouble free, but violent crimes such as robbery are on the increase. Foreigners have been assaulted after having their drinks or food drugged. You should be careful about taking drinks from strangers, and do not leave food or drinks unattended. There have been bombing incidents and attacks on buses mainly in Vientiane in recent years, resulting in injury and death. These appear to have been linked to domestic disputes rather than international terrorism, but visitors are warned of the possibility of being caught up in such incidents. Theft of passports is a problem and travelers are advised to take care, avoid carrying large sums of money and keep valuables and documents in a safe place. Travel in some rural parts of Laos is dangerous because of banditry and unexploded ordnance. Visitors should also note that an ID document or passport should be carried at all times and should be presented on demand or a heavy fine could be imposed.
