11open jobs
6organisations hiring
0violent events in 3 months
To prepare a mission or a new post: the essential context, region by region. This briefing does not replace your organisation's security briefing on arrival.
communist party-led state
Specific events or political disputes may trigger violent protests. You should avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings of people. Keep yourself informed of local developments.
Lao 53.2%, Khmou 11%, Hmong 9.2%, Phouthay 3.4%, Tai 3.1%, Makong 2.5%, Katong 2.2%, Lue 2%, Akha 1.8%, other 11.6% (2015 est.)
Lao (official), French, English, various ethnic languages
Buddhist 64.7%, Christian 1.7%, none 31.4%, other/not stated 2.1% (2015 est.)
Country profiles: The World Factbook (CIA), public domain, last edition (2025-2026).
lower middle-income, industrial Southeast Asian economy; high inflation due to 2022 currency depreciation brought on by persistently high debt; new Laos-China railway and dry port; rising inequities; ongoing labor shortages
7.9 MPopulation2025
40.3 %Urban population2025
$2,325GDP per capita2025
4.5 %GDP growth2025
7.7 %Inflation2025
7.1 %Extreme poverty (international line)2024
1.2 %Unemployment2025
75.6 %Adult literacy2023
65.6 %Internet users2024
96.5 %Access to electricity2024
6,955refugees and asylum seekers from the country2025
Indicators: World Bank (CC BY 4.0); refugees and displaced people: UNHCR Refugee Data Finder. Latest available year for each figure.
Lao People's Armed Forces (LPAF; aka Lao People's Army): Lao People's Army (LPA, includes Riverine Force), Lao People's Air Force (LPAF); Self-Defense Militia Forces (2025)
Informative list, to be complemented by your organisation's security analysis and NGO security forums.
UK government (FCDO) travel advice. Some guidance is aimed at British nationals; always follow your organisation's instructions.
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Xaisomboun Province. There are intermittent attacks on infrastructure and armed clashes with anti-government groups.
Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.
Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights.
Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel:
In July 2025, Thailand and Cambodia fought along parts of the border. The fighting included the use of rocket and artillery fire. Tensions remain and fighting erupted again at various points along the border in December. Land borders and crossings between Thailand and Cambodia continue to be suspended. Some tourist destinations in border areas such as the Khao Phra Wihan/Preah Vihear temple, the Ta Kwai/Ta Krabey temple and the Ta Muen Thom/Tamone Thom temple are closed.
There are also unexploded landmines in the border area.
British nationals in Southern Laos travelling to Cambodia or Thailand, should carefully consider which land border crossings to use. British nationals should also carefully consider any travel they have planned close to the Lao border adjoining the affected areas.
See our travel advice for Thailand and Cambodia.
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
Follow FCDO:
Organised violence events recorded by UCDP, July – September 2026.
No organised violence event recorded in the country over this period.
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Laos, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Specific events or political disputes may trigger violent protests. You should avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings of people. Keep yourself informed of local developments.
Petty crime can occur in tourist areas and around ATMs. Try to have someone with you and do not carry your bank cards and cash in the same bag. Keep a copy of your passport somewhere safe.
Travellers regularly report random bag snatches, often by people on motorcycles. Hold your bags on the side away from the road, and do not have valuables on display.
People have reported incidents where they are approached and followed when alone. Be alert to your surroundings, trust your instincts and if you think you’re being followed move to an area where there are other people. Consider sharing your planned route in advance and avoid quiet or less-travelled areas.
Safes in hotels and guesthouses are not necessarily secure. Use your own lock where possible. Take care of your possessions if you’re travelling overnight on public transport.
Be particularly careful travelling at night by bicycle or motorcycle. Stick to well-used, well-lit roads and carry a personal alarm if possible, especially if you’re alone.
There is a risk of harassment when travelling alone. We recommend you use a known taxi service; one booked by your accommodation or one of the local taxi apps. You should:
confirm the driver’s identity and license plate matches when the vehicle arrives
share your journey details with a friend or use the apps sharing feature if available
be wary of drivers claiming to be registered with app companies and trying to pick up passengers on the street
Do not leave your passport as a deposit or guarantee when hiring motorcycles. There have been reports of rental companies arranging for their motorcycles to be deliberately stolen or damaged, then keeping passports and demanding high fees. Make sure your travel insurance covers medical and other costs that arise from motorcycle accidents.
Call the Tourist Police in Vientiane on 021 251 128.
Local law enforcement responses to crimes, even violent crimes, are often limited. Foreigners attempting to report crimes have reported finding police stations closed, emergency telephone numbers unanswered, or police with no transport or authorisation to investigate crimes at night. If the police do attend, they may ask you to pay fuel and telephone costs. Ask the staff at your accommodation for help with reporting a crime.
Both male and female tourists have reported having their drink or food spiked with drugs and in some cases been assaulted. Never leave food or drink unattended. Be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers at bars, clubs, restaurants and parties.
There have been deaths and cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in Laos.
Methanol poisoning cases have resulted from drinks purchased in licensed bars, shops and hotels in tourist areas. Laos authorities have issued an order prohibiting the sale and consumption of Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whisky due to concerns about them being a risk to health.
Even small amounts of methanol can kill. It is not possible to identify methanol in alcoholic drinks by taste or smell. See Travel Aware Spiking and methanol poisoning for information about how to reduce the risks.
Seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with show the signs of methanol poisoning after drinking.
The Lao legal system operates differently from the UK, and the standard of prisons is very poor.
If you are under criminal investigation, you can be detained for long periods without evidence or official charges. There can be long delays before you can contact lawyers, British Embassy officials or family. Legal representation is far below UK standards.
Possession, trafficking and manufacture of any illegal drugs are serious offences in Laos. This includes cannabis. British nationals have been caught carrying cannabis while transiting through Laos.
The Laos authorities have a zero-tolerance policy to drug offences. Possessing drugs, even in very small quantities, carries severe penalties, including:
Legal processes before court hearings can be long and expensive. It can take many months for a case to go to trial.
Criminal gangs in the UK and elsewhere are known to coerce people into carrying drugs across borders. Do not allow yourself to be persuaded.
Airports in Laos have security equipment and procedures in place for scanning and detecting illegal substances, including cannabis. This is also used to scan the carry-on and checked-in baggage of transiting passengers.
It is important to be aware of your rights if you are detained by the police. See our guidance for those detained or imprisoned in Laos.
Police often raid venues known to be frequented by foreigners. You may have to take a urine or blood test if there is a suspicion you have used drugs. You will be arrested if the test is positive.
Photographing or entering any military site without an official invitation is prohibited and you may be arrested or detained. Avoid photographing bridges or airfields.
You should get permission from the local district authorities for any travel seen as out of the ordinary, such as extensive photography, or scientific research of any kind.
The Lao government prohibits sexual relationships between foreign and Lao nationals, except when the parties have been married in accordance with Lao family law. You must ask permission for marriage or engagement to a Lao national in a formal application to the Lao authorities.
Penalties for failing to register such a relationship can be up to 5,000 US dollars fine and possible imprisonment. It is not unknown for Lao authorities to demand entry into hotel rooms or guesthouses where they suspect this regulation is being broken.
While cigarettes are common, the use of e-cigarettes (vapes), heated tobacco and shisha (water-pipe tobacco) are illegal. You could be fined or imprisoned for possessing, using them, importing, selling, purchasing or exporting them.
When you visit any temples and religious sites, your shoulders and knees should be covered, whether you are male or female.
It is not culturally appropriate to walk around in public wearing swimming costumes after leaving waterfalls, rivers or swimming pools.
There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations in Laos. Proud To Be Us Laos raises awareness about LGBT+ rights and HIV/AIDS among the LGBT+ community. More information can be found on the Proud To Be Us Laos Facebook page.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Safety and maintenance may not meet the standards you find in the UK. Risks include:
Activities such as white-water rafting, kayaking, tubing and swimming, particularly in the Mekong River, can carry significant risks, including strong currents and hidden obstacles. There have been incidents of drowning and serious injuries involving tourists.
Safety standards vary widely. Operators may not provide adequate safety advice, and there may not be warning signs for dangerous currents or other hazards. Stay alert and check that lifejackets are provided.
See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
Be aware equipment may not meet UK safety and insurance standards.
Make sure:
If you are planning to drive in Laos, see information on driving abroad.
You’ll need to have both the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
Police may stop your car at any time, particularly in the evening, and ask for ID. You should stop at checkpoints and roadblocks unless you are waved on.
Roads in Laos are often in poor condition and vehicles may not be maintained to UK standards. Travel after dark significantly increases the risk of an accident, as vehicles often do not have lights. Livestock, including water buffalo, also stray onto roads, creating hazards for motorists.
If you’re involved in a road accident, you will have to pay compensation for third-party property damage and injury, even if you’re not at fault. Generally, the Lao authorities will find in favour of Lao citizens, regardless of the situation. Lao insurers typically only cover a small proportion of accident costs and do not provide broader compensation.
Motorbike rentals may not supply helmets, so you may need to bring your own or purchase one locally. Take extra care when using public transport or shared vehicles, as they can be overcrowded and unsafe. You can report road accidents to a dedicated police number +856 20 5666 9090.
The Vientiane to Vang Vieng section of the China-Laos Expressway is the first contained high-speed road in Laos, with posted speed limits between 80 and 120km/h. Take care when using this road, as some local users will be unfamiliar with this type of carriageway.
Travel on the Mekong River can be dangerous due to changing water levels, strong currents, and hidden obstacles. There have been incidents of boating and ferry accidents. Vessel safety standards vary widely and operators may not provide adequate safety advice. Stay alert, ensure boats are equipped with life jackets and avoid boarding overcrowded vessels.
Landmines and other unexploded weapons are a hazard throughout Laos and kill a number of people each year. Keep to main routes in rural areas, and do not pick up metal objects. This risk is higher after flash floods or landslides during the monsoon season.
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
The rainy season in Laos normally runs from May to October, at the same time as the typhoon season in south-east Asia. During this period river levels can can increase dramatically within hours and heavy rainstorms may cause unexpected and serious flooding. Be aware of local advice, social media coverage and follow the advice of the local authorities.
Travel to some provinces can be seriously disrupted during this time. Mountain areas are vulnerable to landslides in the rainy season and the Mekong’s river basins and surrounding areas are likely to be flooded. Meteorologists predict that tropical storms could be more forceful and more frequent in the future, this can amplify monsoon storms and rainfall. Away from river basins there is a high risk of flash flooding causing falling trees, damage to buildings and transport infrastructure; be aware landslides may expose undiscovered UXO.
During the monsoon season local road transport is often disrupted due to conditions. Cross country journeys can often take substantially longer than posted schedules and have limited mobile phone coverage. Travel with extra water and food supplies.
The Mekong River Commission posts official updates on the Mekong River. Travel to some provinces can be seriously disrupted during this time. Monitor local news and check World Meteorological Organization weather reports.
This section has safety advice for regions of Laos. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.
You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Xaisomboun Province. There were reports in 2021 of attacks on infrastructure and armed clashes with anti-government groups in the province. There could be more skirmishes.
There have been small-scale clashes between anti-government groups and government troops in isolated areas along the Laos-Thailand border. The local law enforcement agencies have limited capability to counter these threats.
Be extremely cautious in Bokeo Province, particularly near the borders with Myanmar and Thailand, and around the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone. Armed groups carry out employment scams and drug trafficking in this area.
Recent clashes in this area between the Lao army and unidentified armed groups has led to increased security levels with associated military checkpoints. Make yourself aware of local official guidance and be prepared to reconsider travel plans to this area.
69.2yearsLife expectancy2024
29.4per 1,000 live birthsUnder-5 mortality2024
112per 100,000 live birthsMaternal mortality2023
0.1per 1,000 people at riskMalaria (new cases)2024
0.33per 1,000 peoplePhysicians2022
95.9 %Basic drinking water access2024
Before you travel check that:
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Dial 1195 or 030 525 7239 and ask for an ambulance.
Voluntary ambulance services also operate in Vientiane free of charge.
Vientiane Rescue: 1623 or (0)20 5666 8825
Lao Red Cross Rescue: (0)20 5996 6111 or (0)20 2200 5563
Make sure anyone attending an accident is wearing a uniform marked ‘Vientiane Rescue’ or ‘Lao Red Cross’. There have been reports of bogus companies attending accidents and trying to charge fees.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
See what health risks you’ll face in Laos.
The rainy season sees an increase in dengue cases. Dengue and malaria are endemic, so you should increase precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
Anthrax has been found in cattle and buffalo near the tourist areas of 4,000 Islands, Pakse and the Bolaven Plateau. Anthrax is a serious disease that can be transmitted to humans. Avoid contact with cattle and buffalo and make sure meat is thoroughly cooked. Seek medical attention if you are exposed to infected animals or show symptoms.
Regional air pollution can be a problem in Laos and may aggravate heart, lung or respiratory conditions. Children, the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions may be especially affected. You can read guidance on how to cope with air pollution.
International clinics, large hospitals and larger pharmacies in Laos can supply most prescription medication. In remoter areas this may be more difficult.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
Medical care in Laos can be basic and outside the capital there are no reliable facilities to deal with medical emergencies. Medical evacuation is difficult to organise and very expensive. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
You may be asked to pay for an ambulance and any treatment you need in advance. Make sure you get a receipt to use for insurance claims.
FCDO has a list of medical providers in Laos where some staff will speak English.
There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Laos.
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
Passport Index Data (passportindex.org), MIT licence. Indicative, for a tourist stay; always check with the embassy or consulate. (17 February 2026)
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Laos’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Laos set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, send a message to the Lao Embassy London Facebook page.
To enter Laos, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least 2 blank pages.
Airlines will only let you board your flight if your passport has enough blank pages.
Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
All foreign nationals entering Laos are required to complete the LDIF digitally within 3 days before arrival and 3 days before departure.
The LDIF applies at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang International Airport, Pakse International Airport and Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I. At these checkpoints, the LDIF replaces paper arrival and departure cards.
The LDIF does not replace visa requirements.
You must have a visa to visit Laos.
To work, study and travel for business or other reasons, you must meet the Lao immigration department’s entry requirements.
From 1 January 2025, tourist visas reverted to the previous 30 days from the date you arrive in Laos.
You can apply online for a Laos e-visa – apply at least 5 days in advance. The e-visa is single entry only and is accepted at major entry points.
You can also get a visa on arrival (single entry) at many entry points, including:
See a full list of the entry points that accept e-visas and visas on arrival.
From 1 January 2025, you’re allowed to extend your tourist visa twice while in Laos, for a total of 60 additional days.
If you do not extend your visa within 90 days, you will face a fine in Lao kip worth 2,000 US dollars, deportation to your home country and a ban on returning to Laos.
For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Laos guide.
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Laos. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Before you arrive, register with the coordination bodies: they share alerts, cluster meetings and useful contacts.
Clusters: health, nutrition, protection, WASH, food security, shelter, education, logistics, emergency telecommunications and CCCM. OCHA publishes their meetings and contacts in each country where they are activated.
Organisations hiring in the country, based on open jobs on the site:
Violence over the last 3 months, jobs and passages of official advice that mention the region.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
The LDIF applies at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang International Airport, Pakse International Airport and Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I. At these checkpoints, the LDIF replaces paper arrival and departure cards.
Vientiane Wattay airport
No organised violence recorded over the period.
Be extremely cautious in Bokeo Province, particularly near the borders with Myanmar and Thailand, and around the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone. Armed groups carry out employment scams and drug trafficking in this area.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
This briefing gathers public information to prepare a mission. It does not replace your organisation's security analysis, your security focal point's instructions or the country's authorities.