Call 1190.
Call 20 5666 8825 (Vientiane Rescue Team).
Call 1623 or 1624.
Where possible, go to a hospital in Thailand.
Call 21 251 128 for the Vientiane Tourist Police.
Call 21 212 520 for the Foreigner Control Police.
Call 1191 for the regular police or visit a police station.
Exercise normal safety precautions in Laos overall.
Higher levels apply in some areas.
Exercise normal safety precautions in Laos overall.
Reconsider your need to travel to Xaisomboun Province, east of Vang Vieng.
Reconsider your need to travel to Xaisomboun Province, east of Vang Vieng due to the high risk of armed attacks.
See Safety.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Bokeo Province along the border with Myanmar, Thailand and around the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (GTSEZ).
Exercise a high degree of caution in Bokeo Province along the border with Myanmar, Thailand and around the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (GTSEZ). Criminals, drug traffickers and other people pursuing illegal activities, including employment scams, operate in these border areas.
See Safety.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Violent opportunistic crime such as robbery occurs in Laos, including in:
Petty crime is common, especially in tourist areas. It may include:
In the lead-up to local festivals, there's an increase in theft and violent crime. This includes Lao New Year in April.
Thieves often operate in pairs, with one person creating a distraction while the other steals unguarded items.
Thieves sometimes target foreigners in rural and remote locations, especially along:
To protect yourself against petty crime:
Local media has reported violent muggings involving guns and knives in Vientiane.
Gun ownership is illegal. However, illegal guns are sometimes used, causing deaths and injuries.
The region east of Vang Vieng in Xaisomboun province has historically seen several shooting incidents and explosions. This has led to multiple deaths and injuries, including among civilians.
To protect yourself against violent crime:
When you're out at night:
Travellers have died from drug-related incidents in Laos.
Some food and drinks sold in popular tourist spots may contain harmful and unknown substances.
Travellers have been assaulted after accepting spiked food or drinks.
To protect yourself against spiking:
Travellers have been sexually assaulted, including in Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang.
Learn about reducing the risk of sexual assault overseas before you travel. Know what help is available to victims.
HIV/AIDS is more common in Laos than in Australia. If you're a victim of violent crime, especially rape, get immediate medical help. Contact the Australian Embassy in Vientiane as soon as possible. See Local contacts.
More information:
Australians have reported hire companies demanding high payments for existing damage to motorbikes.
Hire companies sometimes arrange for motorbikes to be stolen from the renter. The renter is forced to pay thousands of dollars to compensate. This can amount to the value of a new motorbike plus lost earnings.
To avoid these scams:
ATM and credit card fraud are also common. To protect yourself against this kind of fraud:
Employment scams have occurred in Bokeo Province along the border with Myanmar, Thailand and around the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (GTSEZ).
Before signing an employment contract for work, verify the true nature of the work you're offered.
You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.
Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.
More information:
One-off incidents of civil unrest, including armed attacks and bombings, have occurred in the past in Laos. Foreigners, including Australians, are not often targeted.
Curfews may be enforced and can include:
Always follow the advice of local authorities.
Protests and demonstrations are illegal in Laos. Avoid any protests, demonstrations or political activities that happen.
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
More information:
There's a low threat of terrorism in Laos. However, terrorism is a threat worldwide.
More information:
Laos experiences severe weather.
The rainy season is normally from May to November, bringing:
The Mekong River Commission website has news on flood levels for the Mekong River.
Earthquakes and tremors have happened in the border areas of Laos, Burma and Thailand.
If there's a natural disaster:
Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes activities such as river tubing, zip lining, bungee jumping and riding in fast boats.
'Fast boat' river travel, in particular, can be dangerous due to:
If you plan to do an adventure activity:
If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.
At Vang Vieng, Australians have been injured or killed while:
River levels can vary during the year.
Take care when diving or jumping into the river. Debris can make it very dangerous. Do not consume excessive alcohol at riverside bars while river tubing. Australians have died doing this.
Unexploded remnants of war are still found in many parts of Laos, particularly in:
Affected areas are often unmarked.
To stay safe:
Do not travel without comprehensive travel insurance.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Laos (License - Druglist). Take enough legal medication for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription and a dated letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
The standard of medical facilities is generally poor, with hospital facilities outside of Vientiane extremely limited in their capabilities. Medical evacuation to another country can be difficult. Ensure you have appropriate travel insurance.
Malaria is a risk in southern provinces. Take precautions.
Dengue fever is endemic throughout the country and year-round. Outbreaks are common in the rainy season (May to November). There's no vaccination or specific treatment for dengue.
Other insect-borne diseases are common, especially during the rainy season. These include:
Get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis before you travel.
If you're pregnant, discuss any travel plans with your doctor. Avoid non-essential travel to areas with Zika virus.
To protect yourself from disease:
Get medical advice if you develop a fever, muscle pain, a rash or a bad headache.
More information:
If you engage in high-risk activities, you risk catching HIV/AIDS. High-risk activities include unprotected sex and injecting drugs.
Take precautions during activities that may expose you to the virus. HIV/AIDS is more common in Laos than in Australia.
Dogs throughout Laos carry rabies.
Rabies is a deadly virus that passes to humans from mammals, such as:
Rabies is fatal if you don't get vaccinated or don't get medical treatment quickly.
Take care when dealing with any animal in Laos.
If an animal bites or scratches you:
Human cases of avian influenza have been confirmed.
To reduce your risk of infection:
Waterborne, food-borne and other infectious diseases are common. They include:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
To protect yourself from illness:
Get medical advice if you develop a fever or diarrhoea.
Medical facilities are generally basic in Laos. Hospitals don't provide meals for patients.
Many doctors and hospitals require a cash payment before providing services, even for emergency care.
Avoid local provincial medical facilities if you can. Travel to medical services in Vientiane or Thailand instead.
If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to seek evacuation to another country, such as Thailand. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Penalties for drug offences are severe and include the death penalty.
More information:
If you're visiting Laos for paid surrogacy or adoption, get legal advice first.
More information:
Intimate relationships between Lao citizens and foreigners who are not married are illegal. This includes sexual relationships and living together.
Marriages between Lao citizens and foreigners must be pre-approved by Lao authorities. This is the case if you are in Laos or another country.
Marriage certificates issued outside of Laos need to be checked by a Lao embassy. This needs to happen in the country where the marriage took place.
If you don't register a relationship, authorities could fine you or send you to prison.
The death penalty can result from serious crimes such as:
Activities that are illegal in Laos include:
It's also illegal to:
It's also illegal to sleep or camp in:
In some areas night-time curfews apply after certain hours. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and follow the instructions from security forces.
Curfews may be enforced with short notice or without notice and can include roadblocks, spot roadside checks and occasional raids on premises.
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Laos doesn't recognise dual nationality. If you're a dual citizen, this may limit the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.
Always travel on your Australian passport.
More information:
You can, for a fee, obtain visas-on-arrival and e-visas.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Laos for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
More information:
If your return journey to Australia transits another country, you should check Smartraveller and your airline for advice on transiting.
Only use official border crossing points to enter Laos.
Make sure you get an entry stamp on arrival. If you don't, authorities could fine or detain you.
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
If your passport is lost or stolen in Laos, you also need to:
If you don't take all these steps, immigration authorities could fine or detain you.
Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.
More information:
The local currency is the Lao Kip (LAK).
You can't buy or exchange Lao Kip outside Laos. Only exchange money at official outlets.
ATMs are available in major cities in Laos, including:
High-end hotels and restaurants accept credit cards.
Contact your bank to ensure your cards will work in Laos.
The Mekong Riverbank in Vientiane is a border of Laos and Thailand. It's a known smuggling route. Lao and Thai border security strictly patrol it. Anyone suspected of smuggling will be questioned and may be detained.
Take extra care along the Mekong Riverbank in Vientiane.
The riverbank has a 10.30pm curfew. If you're in the area after 10.30pm, you could face:
You can drive in Laos with a valid:
You must get your IDP before leaving Australia.
More information:
Road travel in Laos can be dangerous. Hazards include:
The number of road accidents and deaths has increased in recent years. Accidents at night and those involving motorcycles are common.
Police often check drivers in towns and in rural areas. If you don't provide identification (ID) when asked, police could fine or detain you.
Before driving:
While you're on the road:
Avoid driving at night if you can, especially on rural roads.
More information:
Traffic in Laos does not operate on the same rules as Australia. It may appear chaotic and unpredictable. Riding motorcycles is one of the riskiest activities for travellers. Always wear a helmet and sensible clothing. Never ride or drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
If you plan to ride a motorcycle:
Always wear a helmet. See Safety
There are few taxis in Laos. Where possible, use official taxis or reputable ride-sharing companies that can be booked by phone, app or at major hotels or inside airports. Don't share taxis with strangers.
Be alert to possible scams and safety risks. Riding in tuktuks (motorised 3-wheel vehicles) or on motorcycle 'taxis' brings extra safety and security risks.
Make sure you agree on both the fare and route before taking:
Secure your belongings while travelling in tuktuks or on motorcycles.
Local vehicles and roads don't always meet Australian safety standards. Serious accidents do happen.
Inter-city bus networks are the main public transport option in Laos. However, the service isn't reliable in some parts of the country.
More information:
Boats travelling on the Mekong River in the area between China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand have been robbed and shot at.
More information:
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Laos's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
If you're travelling on your own and not part of a tour group, find out about travelling to specific areas. Provincial or district offices can provide this advice.
If you want to camp, get permission from local authorities in advance.
Authorities may set and strictly enforce curfews in some provinces. Contact provincial or district authorities about where and when curfews are in place.
Follow instructions of local authorities. If you don't, they could fine, arrest or detain you.
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 1190.
Call 1623 (Vientiane Rescue Team).
Call 1623 or 1624.
Where possible, go to a hospital in Thailand.
Call 21 251 128 for the Vientiane Tourist Police.
Call 21 212 520 for the Foreigner Control Police.
Call 1191 for the regular police or visit a police station.
Always get a police report when reporting a crime.
There have been reports of foreigners finding that:
Contact the embassy if you face these problems.
Check the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
For consular help, contact the Australian Embassy, Vientiane.
KM4, Thadeua Road
Watnak Village
Sissatanak District
Vientiane, Lao PDR
Phone: (+856) 21 353800
E-mail: consular.vientiane@dfat.gov.au
Website: laos.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/australiainlaos/
Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.