Laos

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 1191 for police.
• Dial 1195 for ambulance.

Crime

Exercise increased caution when traveling to certain parts of Laos.  Avoid the Bokeo and Boten Special Economic Zones (SEZ) due to elevated risk of crime and kidnappings in those areas. 

• Although violent crime is rare, there have been reports of it.  Most crime in Laos is opportunistic. They are most common during major Lao holidays.
• Look out for pickpockets and thieves at tourist hubs. Don't leave important property unattended, even in vehicles.
• Watch for thieves on motorcycles who snatch purses.
• Secure against residential break-ins.
• Vapes and electronic cigarettes are illegal in Laos. If caught, you may face fines or detention.

Although most police officers are polite, few speak English. Most officers do not respond without formal authorization from supervisory officers. This also applies to the tourist police.

• Traffic police work in small booths at major intersections. Police in Laos do not patrol the streets and are mostly reactive.
• Review more information in the Local Laws and Customs section.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams. 

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  

Financial and romance scams are common in Laos. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who wish to start a romantic relationship or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, direct messages, or emails. Some scammers even pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

A common scam in tourist areas involves shop owners who rent motorbikes to tourists, have an accomplice steal it, and then charge tourists for the stolen property.  Be careful of rental arrangements and never provide your passport as collateral.

Other scams include:

• False promise of a work permit and job offer
• Grandparent and relative targeting
• Scammers pretending to be U.S. military personnel
• Scammer pretending to be detained or hospitalized
• Free trip or luggage offers
• Lotteries
• Inheritance notices

Practice caution when using dating apps or websites in Laos because criminals use them to target potential victims for robbery or assault.

• Communicate plans with friends and family, send regular updates, and consider sharing your location on your phone. 
• Meet in popular public places.
• Inform family or friends about who they are and how you met.
• Video call before meeting in person. 
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
• Avoid free offers of food, drinks, trips, and gifts from strangers.

Victims of crime

If you’ve been a victim of crime, report it to the nearest police station.  Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing the tourist police at 021-251-128 or going to the police station. 

• Review our information for Victims of Crime.  

The U.S. embassy can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport
• Help you find medical care
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys
• Provide information on victim compensation programs in the United States
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault and domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.

• Lao authorities may have limited capabilities.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software and apps before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications. 
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious of scammers targeting U.S. citizens on dating apps.
• Drone operators should seek guidance and permission from the Department of Civil Aviation of Laos (DCAL).

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.
• Some hotels in Laos do not meet U.S. safety standards for security and fire safety.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
• Staff may not be trained or certified.
• Medical care is limited, especially in rural areas. 
• First responders may not be able to reach remote areas in emergencies.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) 

There are large amounts of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos left over from the Indochina Wars.  Never pick up unknown metal objects and avoid traveling off well-used roads, tracks, and paths.

UXOs are found mostly in parts of:

• Savannakhet
• Xieng Khouang
• Salavan
• Khammouane
• Sekong
• Champassak
• Houaphan
• Attapeu
• Luang Prabang
• Vientiane Province

Adventure travel

Laos has a developing adventure tourism industry that includes, but is not limited to: ziplining, bungee jumping, rock climbing, trekking, off-road bikes and buggies, hot air balloons, and paragliding or motoring.

• Safety instructions and equipment may be minimal.
• There are little to no warning signs at tourist sites. 
• Stay safe by choosing reputable, properly insured operators who are certified and trained.
• Traveling by speedboat on rivers is dangerous, especially when water levels are low in Laos.
• White water rafting, kayaking, tubing, swimming, and other water-based activities are dangerous. 
• Do not participate in any water-based activities while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 
• Review the CDC tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws.
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
  
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained, charged, and even convicted.

Drugs and alcohol

Possession of, trafficking in, and manufacture of drugs are serious offenses in Laos and result in long prison sentences or the death penalty.

• Cannabis and cannabis related products are illegal in Laos.  Possession or consumption of cannabis is punishable by law.
• Beware of foods and drinks labelled “happy” or “special”—particularly pizzas and shakes. They may contain opiates, psilocybin mushrooms (magic mushrooms), or unknown substances. Consuming these items is illegal. Poor regulation and identification of substances could result in medical emergencies.
• Beware of methanol poisoning in homemade and tampered alcohols.  Even a small amount can cause a medical emergency or death. 
• Be careful when drinking homemade “Lao Khao,” a low-cost, rice-based distilled spirit.

Business in Laos

Those opening a business or engaging in a profession in Laos may face several challenges.

• Please consult the Country Commercial Guide and the Investment Climate Statement.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Laos seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Human and sex trafficking

Americans can be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law.

• Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.

Traffic police and damaging property

• Traffic police sometimes stop foreigners in rental vehicles and demand payments for alleged traffic violations.
• Foreigners who are arrested for bad behavior or for damaging private property can be kept in police custody even if they are not formally charged. Detention can last until damages are paid. This process can take at least two to three weeks.

Cohabitation and sexual contact with Lao nationals

Lao law prohibits cohabitation or sexual contact between foreign citizens and Lao nationals except when the 2 parties have been married in accordance with Lao Family Law. 

• Any foreigner who cohabitates with or engages in a sexual relationship with a Lao national risks interrogation, detention, arrest, or fines.
• Foreigners are not permitted to invite Lao nationals of the opposite sex to their hotel rooms. Police may raid hotel rooms without notice or consent. 
• If living in Laos, foreigners—including U.S. citizens of Lao descent—must have consent of the village authority to reside within their jurisdiction.  They are not allowed to stay in or rent homes without permission.
• Foreigners who married a Lao national outside of Laos should have their marriage certificate authenticated by the Lao Embassy in the country of their marriage.

Buddhism and heritage sites

Treat monks, temples, Buddha statues, and heritages sites with respect.

• Follow all signs.  Inappropriate actions and behaviors can result in punishment by law.
• You must have permission from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to export from Laos archeological objects, including Buddha statues, angel statues, holy objects, and national heritage items with historical and cultural value that are 50 years old or older.

Arrest notification

Lao authorities do not always  promptly inform the U.S. Embassy when a U.S. citizen is arrested.

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy  immediately They also do not always allow consular access to arrested individuals.

Detention conditions

• Detainees in Laos often can’t get their prescribed or over the counter medications.
• Detainees may also miss out on emergency and routine medical care.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Laos has multiple laws regarding copyright and intellectual property.

Enforcement, however, is limited.

• Counterfeit and pirated goods, such as toiletries, sunscreen, cosmetics, and medicine may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. 
• You may be subject to fines and the surrender of counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States. 
• Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Department of Justice.

Faith-based travelers

The Lao constitution provides citizens with “the right and freedom to believe or not to believe in religion,” but laws define the government as the final arbiter of what religious activities are allowed.  The Lao government and authorities have arrested people, including foreigners, for proselytizing in public areas.

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your trip using these resources:

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

Laos does not recognize same-sex marriages.

• Lao laws on cohabitation and sexual relations with a Lao national apply to U.S. travelers. 
• There are no legal restrictions specific to consensual same-sex sexual relations.  
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

• Although the law in Laos prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities, the law is not strictly enforced.  
• Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication or information, and general infrastructure, especially in rural areas. 
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers 

Review our information for:

• Women Travelers
• Marriage
• Victims of Crime

Human rights

There are credible reports of human rights abuses, including disappearances, arbitrary detention, and forced labor by foreign investors.  

• Avoid Special Economic Zones, particularly the Bokeo SEZ and Boten SEZ. These have a higher safety risk due to criminal activity.
• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report and Trafficking in Persons Report for Laos prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Laos Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 1191 for police.
• Dial 1195 for ambulance.

Ambulance services

Laos’ medical facilities are limited, and serious medical cases are often transferred to hospitals in Thailand.

Ambulances can usually cross the Vientiane Friendship Bridge to Thailand after normal hours, but it can take hours for immigration authorities to open the bridge after hours, even in serious medical emergencies. The bridge is closed from 10 p.m.–6 a.m. daily. Ask local officials or local contacts about the hours of other border crossings.

Ambulance services are not widely available.  

• Training and response time of emergency responders may be poor. 
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.
• There are some NGOs and foundations that provide ambulance services in Laos. They may provide fast service depending on your location and time of day. 

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure to know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Laos. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Lack of payment may bar future travel to Laos and incomplete treatment.
• Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.
• Credit card payment is not always available.
• Hospitals often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient. 
• Know whether your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• Supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation is strongly recommended.

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

Health facilities are available in Vientiane. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas. The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. 

• Public medical clinics often lack basic resources and supplies. 
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment upfront prior to service or admission.  Patients must cover all costs for transferring between hospitals.
• U.S. citizens have filed many complaints about unethical business practices. They have expressed concern about high prices and collection methods from some hospitals in Laos. Before agreeing to any medical care, gather full details on billing, pricing, and proposed medical procedures.
• Hospitals schedule minimal staff overnight. Consider hiring a private nurse or having a family member stay overnight with you or the patient, especially a child.
• Mental health services are limited.  In the capital of Vientiane, three hospitals can provid limited mental health assistance:  Mahosot, Mittapab, and 103 Military Hospital.

Prescription medications

• Review the CDC Healthy Travel Packing List for Laos.
• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals in Laos are easier to buy but with fewer controls.
• Counterfeit medications are common. Be aware they may be ineffective, list incorrect dosages, or contain dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, it must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Non-traditional medicine

• Exercise caution when seeking care from non-traditional “healers” and practitioners in Laos.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

If you are considering traveling to Laos to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.

• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in Laos with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents. 
• Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Lao courts.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Laos via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays in documenting your child’s birth or citizenship status.

Water quality and food safety

• You should avoid drinking tap water. However, it is generally safe to use in cooking. 
• Review how to Make Water Safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling. Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact to avoid any tampering.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve bottled water when ordered.  In Vientiane, there is an ice company that delivers safe ice to most restaurants. However, you may want to request no ice in your drinks in rural areas since it may be made using tap water.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.  In Laos, be prepared for lower air quality during the burning season, typically from February to April.

• Check NASA's GEOS Composition Forecast model which produces high-resolution global air quality forecasts in near real-time.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

Road accidents are a major cause of death. You must drive defensively.  Many drivers pay little attention to traffic laws.

• Poor driving conditions: Traffic is chaotic, and road conditions can be rough.
  • Few roads have lane markings, road signs, and stoplights.
  • Drivers widely ignore those that exist.
  • Speeding, reckless passing, and failure to obey traffic laws are common.
  • Many drivers are underage, unlicensed, inexperienced, or uninsured.
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs is common.
  • Motorcycles carry as many as 5 people. This makes it difficult for drivers to react to traffic.
  • Road conditions worsen during the rainy season where landslides are common. This includes major routes connecting provincial capitals.
• Avoid driving at night: Road construction sites are poorly marked, appear with no warning, and can be difficult to see.  
• • Roads are poorly illuminated
  • Many vehicles have no operating lights
  • Few bicycles have reflectors, and trucks without reflectors commonly park on unlit roads.
• Motorcycles and motorbikes: Be cautious of riders weaving in between traffic.  Look before turning because riders will pass on both sides.
• Emergency vehicles: There are no government ambulance services. There are few private ambulances. This makes it difficult for accident victims to receive timely medical attention.
• Intoxicated drivers: Drunk driving is common, especially at night.

Traffic laws 

Traffic generally moves on the right, but vehicles use all parts of the road.

• If you rent a car or motorcycle, contact the rental company to learn more about required documents and insurance.  The U.S. embassy recommends that you obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP). 

Taxis and ride-shares

• In larger cities, taxis and tuk-tuks are often available.
• LOCA is a ride-sharing app that allows you to set your pick-up and drop-off location within the app.
• Buses and private vans are available for travel between cities. Beware of roads and bridges in rural areas as heavy rain can cause landslides and infrastructure failures.
• Due to road conditions, the U.S. embassy does not advise traveling by road between Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang.

Public and commercial transportation

• Public transportation is hard to find, and there are very few options after sunset. Only a small number of buses and shared vans or covered pick-up trucks are available.
• Inter-city transportation is provided by buses, vans, pickups, and trucks. Some of these vehicles may be in poor condition.
• For-hire vehicles: Taxis and cars-for-hire are available at major transit hubs, such as border crossings and airports.
  • Tuk-tuks—3-wheeled, open-sided vehicles—are available in tourist areas, but are frequently in poor repair. Drivers generally speak little to no English.
  • Car taxis are also available by phone or app.
• Visit Laos' official website from the Tourism Marketing Department for more information.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Aviation safety oversight

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Laos’ Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight.

•  FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Laos experiences 2 distinct seasons:

• Rainy season occurs from May to October.
• Dry season happens from November to April.

Be prepared for lower air quality during the dry season when land is burned to prepare for agriculture.  

Typhoons, landslides, and flooding occur during the rainy season. Enroll in STEP to receive safety and security alerts from the U.S. Embassy in Laos.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

U.S. citizens living in Laos are advised:

• Foreigners are unable to own property in Laos. If you plan on buying property through a Lao national, understand the risks it involves.
• It’s important to maintain legal status in Laos by either renewing short term visas or procuring a long term stay permit.  Overstay fines are charged for each day beyond your visa expiration date.
• Foreigners who have a valid work permit are able to open a Lao bank account.

Embassies and consulates