Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue to Laos. Certain categories of traveller will require enhanced security advice.

 

Crime

 

Emergency lines are: 1190 for fire, 1195 for ambulance and for police: 1191, 241162, 241163, 241164, and 212703. The Tourist Police can be contacted in Vientiane on 021-251-128.

 

Petty crime, including bag snatching occurs frequently and is becoming increasingly violent, especially in tourist areas. Avoid placing bags in the front basket of bicycles. In the lead up to local festivals and major events like Lao New Year in April and the end of Buddhist lent in October, and the boat racing festivals which happen during September and October, there is a significant increase in theft and violent crime.

 

There have been confirmed reports of armed robberies of foreigners’ homes in Vientiane, some of which have occurred in broad daylight. You should review any security measures you have in place and be vigilant.

 

Be particularly vigilant travelling at night by bicycle or motorcycle, especially if you’re alone. Stick to well-used, well lit roads and carry a personal alarm if possible. There has been an increase in reports of violent muggings with guns and knives in Vientiane, especially at night. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid unlit roads, especially if you’re alone

 

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 lacking transportation or authorisation to investigate crimes that occur at night.

 

The theft of passports is a particular problem. Never leave food or drink unattended. There have been incidents of drug related rapes reported by foreigners. Be careful about taking drinks from strangers and be wary at bars, clubs, restaurants and parties.

 

Political situation

 

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.

 

Local travel

 

Unexploded mines and ordinances are a hazard throughout Laos, and kill about 300 people each year. The risk is particularly high in Xieng Khouang Province (Plain of Jars), Luang Prabang Province and areas of the Lao-Vietnamese border, formerly the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Mined areas are often unmarked. Don’t stray off main routes in rural areas, and don’t pick up metal objects.

 

Take care near the border with Burma. This is a well-known drugs trade-route where armed groups operate.

 

There are regular reports of clashes in the Xaisomboun district in Vientiane involving the Lao army. Travel is not permitted without a permit. If you do visit, you should be accompanied by the authorities.

 

There have been small-scale skirmishes between anti-government groups and government troops in isolated areas along the Lao-Thai border. The local law enforcement agencies have limited capability to counter these threats.

 

You should get permission from the village chief, district head, provincial governor or national tourism authority for any travel perceived as out of the ordinary, including business, extensive photography, or scientific research of any kind.

 

You may be stopped by the police at any time, particularly in the evening, and asked to show identification papers before being allowed to travel on. You should comply with requests to stop at checkpoints and roadblocks.

 

Drugs

 

There have been several deaths from drug abuse among foreign nationals visiting Laos. Some tourists have had drinks or food spiked with drugs. Some restaurants in popular tourist destinations offer drug-laced food and drink which has led to victims being assaulted. Consuming these products can result in serious injury or even death.

 

Air travel

 

A list of recent incidents and accidents can be found on the website of the Aviation Safety network.

 

In 2010 the International Civil Aviation Organisation carried out an audit of the level of implementation of the critical elements of safety oversight in Laos.

 

We can’t offer advice on the safety of individual airlines. However, the International Air Transport Association publishes a list of registered airlines that have been audited and found to meet a number of operational safety standards and recommended practices. This list is not exhaustive and the absence of an airline from this list does not necessarily mean that it’s unsafe.

 

A departure tax is now included in the price of the air ticket and is no longer paid separately in cash.

 

Road travel

 

Roads in Laos are in poor condition. Travel after dark significantly increases the risk of an accident as vehicles often do not have lights. Livestock also stray on to the roads causing accidents.

 

Road accidents and fatalities have risen sharply in recent years, particularly in towns and cities. Most accidents are caused by drunk driving, reckless driving and a general violation of traffic rules Take care, especially if you’re riding a motorbike.

 

You can report road accidents to a dedicated police number +856 20 5666 9090.

 

Take extra care on overnight bus trips, particularly on buses travelling to/from Vietnam. There have been reports of scams and thefts of personal belongings, including passports on these trips.

 

If you are involved in a road accident you will have to pay compensation for third party property damage and injury, even if you are not at fault. As a general rule, the Lao authorities will overwhelmingly find in favour of Lao citizens, regardless of the situation. Lao insurers only meet a small proportion of the costs of an accident and will not cover this compensation.

 

When hiring a car, motorcycle, or bicycle, do not give your original British passport to the owner of the vehicle as surety against loss, theft, or damage to the vehicle. There have been reports of foreign nationals having to make an additional payment for any loss, theft or damage caused, even if you are not at fault, before your passport will be returned.

 

Water-based activities

 

Travel on the Mekong River by speedboat and slow-boat can be dangerous, especially when water levels are low. Make sure you travel with a company that provides lifejackets.

 

White water rafting, kayaking, tubing and other water-based activities, including swimming in the Mekong, are dangerous and incidents of drowning and serious injuries have been reported. Laos does not have the same health and safety expectations as in the EU. Please be aware that safety advice will be minimal and there may not be warning signs at tourist sites. Take great care, including in Vang Vieng, and check your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for these activities.

 

Local laws and customs

Don’t get involved with drugs. Possession, trafficking and manufacture of drugs are serious offences. Those caught face lengthy prison sentences or the death penalty.

 

The Lao Government prohibits sexual relationships between foreign and Lao nationals, except when the two parties have been married in accordance with Lao family law. Permission for marriage or engagement to a Lao national must be submitted in a formal application to the Lao authorities.  Penalties for engaging in prohibited sexual contact or failing to register a relationship range from US$500 to US$5,000 and may also involve imprisonment. It is not unknown for Lao authorities to demand entry into hotel rooms or guesthouses where they suspect this regulation is being broken.

 

Photographing or visiting military sites is prohibited and can result in arrest or detention. This includes photographing anything that can be perceived as a military site like bridges or airfields.

 

When visiting temples and religious sites, wear suitable clothing and be respectful of the Lao culture. For example refrain from photographing monks around temples and during alms giving ceremonies. Women should also cover their shoulders, including when swimming in waterfalls.

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Health

Medical care in Vientiane is extremely 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.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 1195 or 030 5257239 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment. You may be asked to pay for the use of an ambulance and any treatment you may require in advance. Usually you will get a receipt that can be used to claim on your insurance.

 

Voluntary ambulance services also operate in Vientiane free of charge. Make sure anyone attending an accident is wearing a uniform identifying themselves as ‘Vientiane Rescue’ or ‘Lao Red Cross’. There have been reports of bogus companies who aren’t trained in first aid charging for attending accidents.

 

Vientiane Rescue (telephone: 1623 or (0)20 5666 8825).

 

Lao Red Cross Rescue (telephone: +856 (0)20 5996 6111 or (0)20 2200 5563.

 

Please be aware that these phone lines and emergency services telephone numbers are not staffed by English speakers.

 

Water borne, food borne and other infectious diseases are common and serious outbreaks occur from time to time.

 

There have been outbreaks of avian influenza (also known as bird flu) in poultry in Laos. The risk to humans is very low, but as a precaution you should avoid contact with domestic, caged or wild birds and make sure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

 

Monsoon season

 

The rainy season in Laos normally runs from May to November, coinciding with the typhoon season in South East Asia. Mountain areas are particularly vulnerable to landslides in the rainy season and flooding may occur along the Mekong river basins and elsewhere. The Mekong River Commission posts official updates on the Mekong River on their website. Travel to some provinces can be seriously disrupted during this time. Monitor local news and weather reports, and international weather updates from 

the World Meteorological Organisation.

 

Visas

 

Visa conditions change regularly. For the most up to date information, contact the nearest Lao Embassy or Consulate.

 

You can get a visa on arrival for around US$35 or Thai Baht 1,500.00. Alternatively, you can get a visa by contacting the Lao Embassy in your home country. Or if you are in the region, you can get a long-stay visa from the Lao Embassy in Bangkok or Hanoi.

 

When you enter Laos, make sure you get an entry stamp in your passport. Not having a legitimate entry stamp could lead to arrest or a large fine.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Laos.

 

Yellow fever

 

Yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents can’t be used to enter Laos. You can leave Laos using an Emergency Travel Document, but you must get an exit visa from the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs.