Laos

Violent opportunistic crime such as robbery occurs in Laos, including in:

• Vientiane
• Vang Vieng
• Luang Prabang

Petty crime

Petty crime is common, especially in tourist areas. It may include:

• thieves on motorbikes snatching bags
• theft from guesthouses

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 1 person creating a distraction while the other steals unguarded items.

Thieves sometimes target foreigners in rural and remote locations, especially along:

• Route 6 (near the town of Sam Neua, Huaphan Province)
• Route 7 (Phou Khoun to Phonsavanh)

To protect yourself against petty crime:

• carry only what you need — leave valuables in a safe location
• don't place bags or valuables in the basket of your bicycle or motorbike
• be aware of pickpockets in tourist areas and crowds

Violent 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 seen several shooting incidents and explosions. This has led to multiple deaths and injuries, including among civilians.

To protect yourself against violent crime:

• be aware of how much alcohol you consume
• be conscious of your surroundings
• pay attention to your personal security, especially at night and when riding a bike or motorbike
• be alert to people trying to distract you

When you're out at night:

• stick to well-lit public areas, especially in tourist cities and towns
• avoid travelling alone
• use well-travelled, well-lit roads
• be alert to crime along rural roads, especially Routes 6 and 7

Drugs and drink spiking

Travellers have died from drug-related incidents in Laos.

Some restaurants in popular tourist spots sell food and drink containing drugs. These drugs may contain harmful and unknown substances.

Travellers have been assaulted after accepting spiked food or drinks.

To protect yourself against spiking:

• never accept food or drinks from strangers
• never leave food or drinks unattended
• if you're not sure if something is safe to eat or drink, leave it
• if you're drinking alcohol, stick with people you trust
• look out for the people you're with

Sexual assault

Travellers have been sexually assaulted, including in 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 common in Laos. 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:

• Partying safely

Scams and fraud

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 1000s of dollars to compensate. This can amount to the value of a new motorbike plus lost earnings.

To avoid these scams:

• use a well-known vehicle hire company
• take date-stamped photos of your vehicle before you hire it to record any existing damage
• don't provide your passport as a deposit or guarantee for hiring a motorbike

ATM and credit card fraud are also common. To protect yourself against this kind of fraud:

• check for skimming machines before using ATMs
• take care not to expose your PIN
• keep your credit card in sight at all times, including during transactions
• monitor your bank statements

One-off incidents of civil unrest, including armed attacks and bombings, happen in Laos. Foreigners, including Australians, are not often targeted.

Curfews may be enforced and can include:

• roadblocks
• spot roadside checks
• raids on premises

Always follow the advice of local authorities.

Demonstrations and protests

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:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

There's a low threat of terrorism in Laos. However, terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorist threats

Laos experiences severe weather.

The rainy season is normally from May to November, bringing:

• tropical storms
• typhoons
• flooding
• landslides

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:

• keep your passport in a safe, waterproof place
• keep in contact with friends and family
• monitor the media and other sources such as the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• follow the advice of local authorities
• check with tour operators before going to affected areas

Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes activities such as river tubing, jumping and riding in fast boats.

'Fast boat' river travel, in particular, can be dangerous due to:

• excessive speed
• natural hazards

If you plan to do an adventure activity:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• check weather conditions, river levels and other factors that may affect safety
• cancel or change your plans if it seems unsafe
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Vang Vieng river activities

At Vang Vieng, Australians have been injured or killed while:

• tubing
• jumping into the river

River levels can vary during the year.

Take care when diving or jumping into the river. Debris can make it very dangerous.

Unexploded remnants of war are still found in many parts of Laos, particularly in:

• Xieng Khouang province (near the Plain of Jars)
• the Lao–Vietnamese border areas along the Ho Chi Minh Trail

Affected areas are often unmarked.

To stay safe:

• never stray from established walking paths and roads
• don't touch or pick up unknown metal objects

If you're still travelling despite our advice, make sure you have 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 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health

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. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription and a dated letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medicine

COVID-19

There are confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Laos.

If you're suspected of having COVID-19, you'll be put under mandatory quarantine in a public hospital and will not be permitted to travel to neighbouring countries for treatment. Hospital facilities are extremely limited. Due to these circumstances, the Foreign Minister has offered to support the voluntary departure of dependents of Australian embassy staff and non-essential staff. Monitor your health closely and follow the advice of local authorities.

More information:

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Department of Health)
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak (WHO)
• Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Insect-borne diseases

Malaria is a risk in rural areas. Take precautions.

Dengue fever is endemic throughout the country and year-round. Outbreaks are common in the rainy season. There's no vaccination or specific treatment for dengue.

Other insect-borne diseases are common, especially during the rainy season. These include:

• Zika virus
• Japanese encephalitis

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 where there's Zika virus. 

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking anti-malaria medicine

Get medical advice if you develop a fever, muscle pain, a rash or a bad headache.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

HIV/AIDS

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.

Rabies

Dogs throughout Laos carry rabies.

Rabies is a deadly virus that passes to humans from mammals, such as:

• dogs
• monkeys
• cats
• rats
• bats

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:

• wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water right away
• get urgent medical help

Bird flu (avian influenza)

 Human cases of avian influenza have been confirmed.

To reduce your risk of infection:

• avoid contact with infected birds, including at live bird markets
• wash your hands after handling uncooked poultry and eggs
• cook poultry and eggs thoroughly before eating

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. They include:

• cholera
• hepatitis
• tuberculosis
• bilharzia (schistosomiasis)

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled or bottled water
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• don't swim in fresh water

Get medical advice if you develop a fever or diarrhoea.

Medical facilities

Medical facilities are extremely basic in Laos. Hospitals don't feed their patients.

Many doctors and hospitals require a cash payment before providing services, even for emergency care.

Avoid local medical facilities if you can. Travel to medical services in 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, and may not be possible at this time due to the closure of critical land borders, flight cancellations and travel restrictions. From 22 March, people can no longer cross into Vietnam. From 23 March, all borders with Thailand, including the first Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge in Vientiane will be closed, except for some commercial traffic.

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.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include the death penalty.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Surrogacy and adoption

If you're visiting Laos for paid surrogacy or adoption, get legal advice first.

More information:

• Going overseas for international surrogacy
• Going overseas to adopt a child

Intimate relationships

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.

Other laws

The death penalty can result from serious crimes such as:

• rape
• murder
• treason

Activities that are illegal in Laos include:

• taking photos of or visiting military sites
• making false statements to police
• wildlife trafficking
• damaging public property
• nudity in public or religious places

It's also illegal to:

• preach religion, including passing out religious material, without permission
• visit temples or other religious or cultural sites after 10:30pm
• speak or publish material against Laos

It's also illegal to sleep or camp in:

• public spaces
• areas along riverbanks
• near forests

Curfews

Night-time curfews apply throughout the country 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:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Laos doesn't recognise dual nationality. If you're a dual citizen, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

Always travel on your Australian passport.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

Due to COVID-19, the Lao authorities will not issue tourist visas or visa on arrival.

Regular flights out of Laos have stopped and land borders are closed. If you wish to leave Laos, check regularly with your airline, travel agent or tour operator for the latest information.

If you're in Laos, follow the advice of local authorities, make arrangements for a possible extended stay and limit your exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe and well.

The Lao Government has announced new measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. A full translation of the measures is provided on the Australian Embassy Facebook page. All people must remain at home, unless buying food and other essentials, visiting medical facilities and/or going to work at “essential organisations”. Medical facilities (including pharmacies), supermarkets, banks, petrol stations, hotels and restaurants are allowed to remain open with some restrictions on services. Travel between provinces can only occur with the approval of local authorities.

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:

• Department of Immigration of Laos

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.

Validity

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.

Lost or stolen 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:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

If your passport is lost or stolen in Laos, you also need to:

• get a police report from the nearest police station
• show the police report to the Department of Immigration of Laos in Vientiane to get a Certificate of Loss
• get a replacement passport at the Australian Embassy in Vientiane
• get an exit visa from the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Vientiane (which can take 2 working days)

If you don't take all these steps, immigration authorities could fine or detain you.

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:

• Vientiane
• Luang Prabang
• Pakse

High-end hotels and restaurants accept credit cards.

Contact your bank to ensure your cards will work in Laos.

Mekong Riverbank, Vientiane

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:

• a fine
• questioning
• arrest
• detention

Driving permits

You can drive in Laos with a valid:

• Australian driver's licence
• International Driving Permit (IDP)

You must get your IDP before leaving Australia.

More information:

• Australian Embassy, Vientiane

Road travel

Road travel in Laos can be dangerous. Hazards include:

• poorly maintained roads and vehicles
• local driving practices and drink driving
• livestock on roads
• a lack of road lighting

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:

• check your travel insurance policy covers you
• learn about local traffic laws and practices

While you're on the road:

• always carry photo ID
• drive carefully and legally
• don't drink and drive
• take only well-used, well-lit roads
• be alert to bandits along rural roads, especially Routes 6 and 7
• obey curfews

Avoid driving at night if you can, especially on rural roads.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

If you plan to ride a motorbike:

• check your travel insurance policy covers motorbikes
• use a well-known hire company with a good reputation
• check the rental contract to make sure the vehicle is insured for damage and theft
• don't provide your passport as a deposit or guarantee
• take date-stamped photos of your vehicle before you hire it to record any existing damage

Always wear a helmet. See Safety

Taxis

Where possible, use official taxisor 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:

• an unmetered taxi
• a tuktuk
• a motorcycle taxi

Secure your belongings while travelling in tuktuks or on motorcycles.

Public transport

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:

• Transport and getting around safely

Boat travel

Boats travelling on the Mekong River in the area between China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand have been robbed and shot at. 

More information:

• Travelling by boat

Air travel

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:

• Air travel

Travelling alone

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:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire

Call 1190.

Road accidents or life-threatening medical emergencies

Call 1623 (Vientiane Rescue Team).

Ambulance rescue

Call 1623 or 1624.

Other medical emergencies

Call 1195 or go direct to the hospital. Where possible, go to a hospital in Thailand.

Police

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:

• police stations are closed
• emergency phone numbers go unanswered
• police don't have the resources to look into crimes

Contact the embassy if you face these problems.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Check the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

The Foreign Minister has decided to direct departures of all remaining non-essential staff and dependants from the Australian High Commission. This will not affect the provision of services to Australians.

For consular help, contact the Australian Embassy, Vientiane.

Australian Embassy, Vientiane

KM4, Thadeua Road

Watnak Village

Sissatanek District

Vientiane, Lao P.D.R

Phone: (+856) 353800

Fax: (+856) 353801

E-mail: austemb.laos@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.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia