Laos travel advice

Laos entry requirements
Tourist visas are required to enter Laos, and can be purchased at the Vientiane and Luang Prabang international airports and primary Laos-Thai border crossings - at Houai Sai-Chiang Khong, Vientian-Nongkhai, Savannakhet-Mukdaharn, and Vang Tao-Chong Mek.

If arriving at other international border points, a visa should be arranged in advance. There is no Laos embassy in the UK, the nearest being in Paris, France. More details can be found at Ambassade de la Republique Democratique Populaire Lao.

When entering the country, ensure you have your passport stamped, as failure to do so can result in hefty fines.

Laos health
Travellers should ensure they are covered by comprehensive travel insurance, which should include the eventuality of needing medical evacuation, as local facilities can be poor.

Those with serious medical conditions should think twice before visiting Laos, as while medical evacuations are possible, they are very difficult to arrange, making emergency treatment unreliable.

Your GP should be consulted regarding vaccinations before travelling to Laos.

There is a very low risk of Bird Flu provided you stay away from live animal markets and contact with live birds.

Official Laos travel advice
Parts of Laos are susceptible to political unrest, which can make some regions unsafe for travel. For up-to-date and official travel advice on Laos see the Foreign Office website at www.fco.gov.uk