Laos travel advice

Risk level

Disclaimer

The features in this map do not constitute an authoritative source of geographical information. This map is solely intended to assist Canadians by illustrating the risk levels contained in the Travel Advice and Advisories for this destination. The features in this map do not necessarily represent the views of the Canadian government on international boundaries, nomenclature or political status. The text under the Risk levels section takes precedence over this map.

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Laos travel advice

Disclaimer

The features in this map do not constitute an authoritative source of geographical information. This map is solely intended to assist Canadians by illustrating the risk levels contained in the Travel Advice and Advisories for this destination. The features in this map do not necessarily represent the views of the Canadian government on international boundaries, nomenclature or political status. The text under the Risk levels section takes precedence over this map.

Safety and security

Xaisomboun province

There have been random shooting incidents near Xaisomboun town, in Xaisomboun province, since late 2015.

If you travel to this region despite the advisory:

• avoid travel after dark
• exercise extreme caution
• follow the instructions of local authorities

Bokeo province

Criminals operate in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone, which is in the Ton Pheung district of Bokeo province, and along the borders with Thailand and Myanmar. The criminal activity includes drug and human trafficking as well as employment scams.

If you travel to these areas despite the advisory:

• avoid travel after dark  
• exercise extreme caution
• follow the instructions of local authorities

Officials have heightened security measures in Bokeo province, including an increased military presence at checkpoints along the Lao-Thai border, following clashes between the Lao army and unidentified armed groups.

Crime

Petty crime

Street crime is prevalent in cities and towns, including Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng.

Theft occurs frequently. Thieves on motorcycles grab bags and other valuables from pedestrians as well as from other motorcycle drivers and their passengers. Thieves also work in pairs to carry out distraction thefts.

During your trip:

• keep your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, in a secure place
• when walking, keep your bag on the side of your body that is facing away from the road
• do not show signs of affluence or wear expensive jewellery
• be aware of your surroundings, especially in busy tourist areas

Violent crime

Violent muggings involving weapons have occurred, particularly in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse and Vang Vieng.

Break-ins at hotels and guesthouses occur. Armed robberies occur occasionally.

Local police may not have the capacity to respond to crimes, especially at night.

During your trip:

• always keep doors and windows closed and locked
• avoid going out after dark
• travel in groups
• do not resist an attack

Fraud

Report any fraud or scams to the local tourist police in the jurisdiction where the incident occurred before you leave the country.

Currency exchange scams

Be wary of money counting scams (currency exchange). Don't exchange large sums of money in one transaction. Get local currency from the bank or an ATM instead of a currency exchange kiosk.

Vehicle rental scams

Rent only from reputable companies, since some companies have been known to steal vehicles, particularly motorcycles, and charge for the loss. Never leave your passport as collateral when renting a vehicle, since they may be withheld until the charges are paid.

Credit card, debit card and ATM fraud

Credit and debit card as well as ATM fraud occurs frequently.

When using your debit or credit card:

• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• pay careful attention when others are handling your cards
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overseas fraud

Spiked food, drinks and other items

Never leave your food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Avoid accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as these items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Some food and drinks, such as "happy pizzas" and "special shakes," may contain unspecified amounts of opium and other unknown substances. These items are sold in areas frequented by tourists, particularly in Vang Vieng. While these items may be easily accessible, taking any amount of opiates can be dangerous. Foreigners, including Canadians, have died of drug overdoses.

Methanol poisoning

Several foreigners in Vang Vieng have died or become severely ill as a result of alcohol poisoning from suspected methanol-adulterated alcohol. Methanol is extremely toxic and you can’t taste or smell it.

• Be vigilant if you choose to drink alcohol
• Avoid accepting free or extremely low-priced drinks
• Buy drinks only from licensed bars and restaurants
• In shops, buy alcohol only in sealed bottles and cans
• Follow orders issued by local authorities
• Do not purchase or consume Tiger brand vodka and whisky, which are prohibited
• Seek medical assistance immediately if you begin to feel sick

Women's safety

Sexual assaults occur, particularly in Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng. Be particularly vigilant along hiking trails.

If you’re the victim of a sexual assault, you should report it immediately to the nearest Government of Canada office.

Advice for women travellers

Demonstrations

Demonstrations are illegal in Laos but sometimes occur.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Adventure tourism

Outdoor activities, such as zip-lining and rock climbing, can be dangerous.

Tour operators may not meet Canadian safety standards. 

Exercise extreme caution and carefully consider your safety when engaging in river-based activities, including in Vang Vieng. Travellers have died or been seriously injured while tubing or jumping/diving into the river. River levels can fluctuate considerably, and debris can make these activities dangerous. Avoid consuming alcohol or drugs before participating in river-based activities.

If you intend to participate in adventure tourism activities:

• share your itinerary with a friend or family member if you’re alone
• choose a reputable and well-established company that has insurance
• buy travel insurance that covers these types of recreational activities
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you have proper equipment and bring sufficient water
• refrain from using equipment if you are unsure of its condition or safety
• stay on marked trails and consider hiring an experienced guide from a reputable company

Adventure travel health and safety

Tourist facilities

Tourist facilities outside Vientiane and Luang Prabang are limited.

Security officials may place foreigners under surveillance. Hotel rooms, telephones, fax machines and electronic communications may be monitored. Personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched.

Public transportation

Public transportation is unreliable and limited after dark. Vehicles may be in poor condition.

River travel is common in Laos. Safety standards are minimal. Speedboat travel is especially dangerous during the dry season (November to May). Lifejackets and helmets should be provided to and worn by passengers.

Do not travel on or across the Mekong River after dark. In some areas, the Laotian military has been known to shoot at boats after dark.

Landmines

Landmines and unexploded ordnance pose a risk to travellers throughout the country, but particularly in:

• the Plain of Jars site
• Xiengkhouang province
• Lao-Vietnam border areas, including those traversing the former Ho Chi Minh Trail

 If you are travelling in the affected areas:

• be especially vigilant in remote areas
• stay on main roads
• avoid walking in fields/rural areas 
• avoid roadside ditches, shoulders and unmarked trails
• only cross at official border crossings
• pay attention to signs indicating the possible presence of landmines
• report any suspicious items to local authorities

Roads

Road conditions

Road conditions are poor throughout the country.

Driving conditions may be hazardous during the rainy season.

Driving can also be dangerous due to:

• insufficient lighting
• unpaved roads
• poorly maintained vehicles
• stray livestock

Driving habits

Drivers don’t always respect traffic laws. They can be aggressive and reckless.

If you plan to travel by car, consider hiring a driver.

If you choose to drive:

• always drive defensively
• plan your trip in advance, especially if you are visiting a rural area
• familiarize yourself with your itinerary before you leave
• avoid travelling after dark
• only use main roads and highways

Air travel

We don't make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Lao authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Laos.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

Tourist visa: required 
Business visa: required 
Student visa: required 

If you plan to enter Laos through Wattay International Airport or the First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, you can obtain an electronic tourist visa in advance for a fee.

You can obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at Wattay International Airport, Luang Prabang International Airport, Pakse International Airport and some “international” (that is, open to all foreign nationals) border crossings. Contact the nearest Lao embassy or consulate to confirm where you can get a tourist visa. You must provide a passport photo and pay a fee to obtain a visa upon arrival.

Electronic tourist visa – Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Entry stamp

Immigration offices at some border crossings are difficult to identify. Ensure that you obtain an entry stamp when you enter Laos. Failure to do so can result in serious fines, detention and deportation.

Travel to Xaisomboun province

You must obtain permission from local authorities before travelling to certain parts of Xaisomboun province. You may be refused entry to some areas of the province, particularly around Long Tieng.

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine vaccines

Make sure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel, no matter where you’re going.

These may include vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, varicella (chickenpox), meningococcal disease, seasonal flu, and others.

Provincial and Territorial Immunization Information

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

When travelling in this destination, you might be at risk for diseases that can be prevented with vaccines or medications. Talk to a travel health care provider about which ones are right for you based on your travel plans.

The highlights below will also tell you if your destination may require that vaccine for entering or exiting.

Safe food and water precautions

Eating or drinking unsafe food or water, or swimming in contaminated water can make you sick while travelling. Take precautions by following these tips:

• Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it (only eat food that is prepared safely)
• Avoid, if possible, getting water in your eyes, mouth, or nose when swimming in freshwater (like streams, lakes, or canals), especially after heavy rain or flooding - the water might look clean but can still be contaminated 
• Don’t swallow water when bathing, showering, swimming in pools, or using hot tubs 

Eat and drink safely abroad

Tick and insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by bites from infected ticks and insects like mosquitoes, fleas, or flies. Before you travel, find out what types of ticks or insects are in the area, when they’re most active, and what diseases they can spread.

To protect yourself from bites:

• use an approved bug spray (insect repellent) on exposed skin
• wear light-coloured, loose clothing made of tightly woven materials like nylon or polyester
• wear socks and closed-toe shoes
• sleep under mosquito netting if you’re outdoors or staying in places that aren’t fully enclosed
• do a full body tick check on yourself, your children, your gear, and any pets you’re travelling with when you return from outdoor activities

Insect bite and pest prevention
Personal insect repellents

Animal precautions

Some infections can spread directly from animals to people, like rabies or bird flu (avian influenza). Others don’t spread directly from animals but can infect people who visit areas animals have contaminated with their droppings or body fluids.

Certain activities can increase your chances of coming into contact with animals, their droppings, or their body fluids, like:

• travelling in rural or forested areas
• camping, hiking, or visiting caves
• visiting places where live animals are sold or killed for food, like wet markets

To reduce your risk of getting sick:

• avoid contact with animals like stray dogs, livestock (such as pigs and cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats.
• stay away from places where animal waste can build up, such as caves
• avoid eating undercooked meat

Make sure to closely watch children; they are more likely to try to touch animals.

Person-to-person infections

When travelling, you can reduce your risk of getting or spreading respiratory infections, like the flu or COVID-19, by:

• staying at your accommodation and limiting contact with others if you’re sick
• wearing a well-fitting mask, especially: 
  
  • if you’re sick and need to be around others 
  • when you’re at large indoor events or in crowded settings, like sporting events, concerts, and airports
• cleaning your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol
• covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, not your hands

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Clean your hands to help reduce the spread of infectious diseases
Respiratory infectious diseases: How to reduce the spread with personal protective measures

To lower your risk of getting sexually transmissible infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox, you can:

• get vaccinated against mpox if you’re eligible
• practise safer sex methods
  • use barrier protection during sexual activity, like condoms and dental dams.

Mpox vaccines
Sexual health and travel
HIV and AIDS: Travel health advice

Medical services and facilities

Medical facilities throughout Laos are scarce and operate below the standards you might expect in Canada.

Medical care for basic illnesses and injuries is available in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. To obtain suitable treatment for more complex cases, medical evacuation to Thailand is required.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive and difficult to organize, but you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Identification

Travellers are subject to search, detention and the possibility of fines by authorities if they can’t show suitable identification, such as a passport, and for not having an entry stamp in their passport.

Always carry identification and comply with requests to stop at checkpoints and roadblocks.

Smoking

It is prohibited to import, export, sell, buy, possess or use shisha, heated tobacco products, e-cigarettes, vaporizers and their refills. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines or jail sentences.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and may include the death penalty.

• Pack your own luggage and monitor it closely at all times
• Never transport other people’s packages, bags or suitcases

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Illegal or restricted activities

Relationships between foreign citizens and Laotian citizens

Non-marital sexual relationships between foreign citizens and Lao citizens are against the law, as are various forms of cohabitation. Convictions for such offences can lead to prison sentences and large fines. Improper registration of a relationship to a Lao citizen can lead to similar penalties. Permission for marriage or engagement to a Lao citizen must be submitted in a formal application to Lao authorities.

Photography

Photographing sensitive installations is prohibited. This includes:

• military sites
• government buildings
• bridges
• airfields

Photography of military personnel is also prohibited.

Violators may be arrested and their equipment may be seized.

Other illegal activities

Other illegal activities include:

• religious proselytizing or distributing religious material
• panhandling
• nudity in public or at religious sites

Violators may be arrested, fined, imprisoned or deported.

Driving

You must carry an International Driving Permit.

International Driving Permit

Rental vehicles

Travellers involved in traffic accidents have been required to pay compensation for property damage or injury, regardless of who the police determine to be at fault. Lao insurers will generally only meet a small proportion of the costs of an accident and refuse to cover compensation, which can be the largest expense related to an accident.

Do not leave your passport as collateral when renting vehicles, including motorcycles. Read rental contracts thoroughly to ensure that the vehicle is correctly insured to cover damages and theft.

Culture

Public displays of affection, such as kissing, whether between opposite or same-sex couples, are not considered proper or polite.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Laos.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Laos, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Laos.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Laos by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Laos to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Money

The currency of Laos is the kip (LAK).

The kip is not easily obtained or exchanged outside of Laos. U.S. dollars and Thai baht are commonly accepted.

ATMs are widely available. Major credit cards are accepted at some international hotels and tourist establishments. Cash advances can be obtained from some banks, although the bank commission rates are high.

Natural disasters and climate

Climate change

Climate change is affecting Laos. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans. Monitor local media for the latest information.

Typhoons and monsoons

The rainy season (monsoon) extends from May to November. It can bring typhoons and lead to severe flooding, especially in provinces along the Mekong River in southern Laos.

Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable due to mudslides and landslides. Bridges, buildings, and infrastructure may be damaged.

• Monitor local media for the latest information, including on road conditions
• Stay away from flooded areas
• Monitor weather reports
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Severe storms outside Canada