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Visa requirements, security, medical & other essential information
The following information will give you the basic facts you need to know before starting out on your trip. Visa requirements, security concerns, local medical facilities and laws vary tremendously across the Asia Pacific region, so it is important that you know the facts for your destination and don't arrive without a visa or inadvertently break a local law! The information on this page is intended to give you an overview - please be sure to confirm entry requirements with your travel agent when purchasing your ticket.
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:
The Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos) is a poor, developing country ruled by an authoritarian, Communist, one-party government. Political power is centralized in the Lao People's Revolutionary Party.
Services and facilities for tourists are adequate in the capital, Vientiane, and the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, but are extremely limited in other parts of the country.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS:
A passport and visa are required. The Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that visas are issued upon arrival in Laos to foreign tourists and business persons with two passport size photographs and $30 at all international entry points: Wattay Airport, Vientiane; Friendship Bridge, Vientiane, and Luang Prabang Airport, Boten-Bohan, Huaixay, Khammouane-Nakhonphanom, Sayannahket-Mukdahan, Vangtao-Chong Mek, Pakse Airport, Daensayanh-Laobao, Namphao-Kaopae, and Namkan.
Foreign tourists are generally admitted to Laos for 15 days with a visa issued upon arrival or for 30 days with a visa issued at a Lao Embassy. The Department of Immigration in Vientiane will extend 15-day tourist visas for up to 15 days and one-month visas for up to one month for a fee of $2 per day of extension.
An additional 15-day extension can sometimes be obtained through a tour agency. Foreigners who overstay their visas in Laos risk arrest and upon departure will be fined $10 for each day of overstay.
Foreign tourists who wish to obtain a visa in advance may contact a Lao embassy or consulate.
Visitors should not attempt to enter Laos without valid travel documents or outside of official ports of entry. Unscrupulous travel agents have sold travelers false Lao visas which have resulted in those travelers being denied entry into Laos. Persons attempting to enter Laos outside of official ports of entry risk arrest or more serious consequences.
Immigration offices at some of the less-used border crossing points are not well marked. Travelers should make sure that they complete immigration and customs formalities when they enter Laos. Travelers who enter Laos without completing these formalities may be subject to fine, detention, imprisonment, and/or deportation.
At Wattay Airport (Vientiane), there is an international airport departure tax of 10 USD and at the Friendship Bridge (Vientiane, Laos-Nong Khai, Thailand border crossing), there is a 5,000 Kip (or 20 Thai Baht) exit tax.
SAFETY AND SECURITY:
Since 2000, there have been periodic attacks on markets, bus stations, all forms of ground transportation, border checkpoints and other public places.
Between February 2003 and November 2004, there were bombings in Vientiane, Savannakhet, and other cities and provinces, including Xieng Khouang, Sayabury, Houaphan, and Saysomboun.
Between February and April 2003, armed attacks on buses and other vehicles on Route 13 (Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang) and Route 7 (junction Route 13 to Phonsavan) killed at least 22 persons. Small bombings and attacks on remote roads, as well as other incidents, have occurred as recently as January 2005.
In light of these incidents, you are advised to exercise caution in public places and be alert to their surroundings, since the locations of future incidents are unpredictable.
We advise travelers to be cautious when traveling the roads of Laos and to check with local authorities, transport companies, other travelers, and/or the Embassy regarding any recent developments prior to travel.
Road obstacles such as changes in surface conditions due to the weather occur frequently. We especially urge caution when traveling by road between Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang, on Route 7 from the Route 13 junction to Phonsavan town, and in surrounding areas, which have experienced armed attacks in past years.
After some attacks, the Lao Government has shut down telecommunications and stopped all transport on main roads for up to several days. Travelers should comply with requests to stop at checkpoints and roadblocks.
Visitors, especially those considering travel outside urban centers, are advised to contact relevant Lao government offices, such as Lao Immigration Police Headquarters in Vientiane, local police and customs offices, or their Embassy for the most current security information.
To avoid trouble with the authorities, visitors traveling outside of normal tourist areas or contemplating any unusual activity (including, but not limited to, engaging in business, extensive photography, or scientific research of any kind) should consider seeking advance permission from the Village Chief, District Head, Provincial Governor, or National Tourism Authority, as appropriate.
More than 500,000 tons of unexploded ordnance (UXO) left over from the Vietnam War causes about 120 casualties per year in Laos. Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Saravane, Khammouane, Sekong, Champassak, Houaphan, Attapeu, and Luang Prabang Provinces and Saysomboun Special Zone are severely contaminated by UXO.
In addition, there are numerous mine fields left over from the war, including mine fields along Route 7 (from Route 13 to the Vietnam border), Route 9 (Savannakhet to the Vietnam border), and Route 20 (Pakse to Saravane). While traveling in Laos, you should never pick up unknown metal objects and should avoid traveling off of well-used roads, tracks and paths.
Visitors considering travel by air, road or river within Laos are advised to carefully evaluate the relative risks of the three modes of transport for their particular journey. (See sections on Aviation Safety Oversight, Traffic Safety, and River Travel below.)
CRIME:
While Laos generally has a low rate of violent crime, it is not immune to crime. While in Laos, visitors should remain aware of their surroundings and exercise appropriate security precautions.
There has been an increase in recent years in thefts and assaults in Vientiane, including bag-snatching and sexual assault. Residential burglary is commonplace. Expatriates attempting to report burglaries in progress to the police often find that police telephones are not answered, or are informed that the police are not authorized to respond to criminal activity at night or that they have no transportation.
Visitors traveling to Vang Vieng should be aware that some tourists have been robbed and assaulted while walking alone to the caves on the far side of the Nam Song River. Several people have drowned during the rainy season while inner-tubing or swimming in the Nam Song River. Camping at night anywhere except authorized campgrounds in national parks is considered dangerous.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME:
The loss or theft abroad of a passport should be reported immediately to the local police and your Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact your Embassy or Consulate for assistance.
The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION:
Medical facilities and services in Laos are limited and do not meet Western standards. Foreigners often seek medical care in Thailand. The Friendship Bridge linking Vientiane, Laos, to Nong Khai, Thailand, is open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Officials generally will allow travelers to cross after hours in cases of medical emergency. AEK International Hospital (tel: 66-42-342-555) and North Eastern Wattana General Hospital, both in Udorn, Thailand (tel: 66-1-833-4262) have English-speaking staff accustomed to dealing with foreign patients.
Nong Khai Wattana Hospital in Nong Khai, Thailand (tel: 66-1-833-4262) can handle most simple medical procedures. Ambulances for both AEK International Hospital and Nong Khai Wattana Hospital have permission to cross the Friendship Bridge to collect patients from Vientiane.
In Vientiane, the Setthatirat Hospital ambulance (tel: 021-413-720) can take patients to Thailand.
MEDICAL INSURANCE:
You are advised to consult with your medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether your policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS:
While in a foreign country, visitors may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those at home. The information below concerning Laos is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
The number of road accidents and fatalities in Laos has risen sharply in the last decade as the number of motor vehicles has increased. Reliable statistics are not available, but the rate of traffic fatalities in Laos is likely higher than in the rest of Southeast Asia.
Visitors involved in traffic accidents have been barred from leaving Laos before paying compensation for property damage or injuries, regardless of who was at fault.
Traffic in Laos is chaotic and road conditions are very rough. Few roads have lane markings. Where lane markings, road signs, and stoplights do exist, they are widely ignored.
Many drivers are unlicensed and uninsured. Driving under the influence is not uncommon and there may not be any penalties for such offenses. Theoretically, traffic moves on the right, but vehicles use all parts of the road.
Cyclists pay little or no heed to cars. Motorcycles carry as many as five people, greatly impeding the drivers' ability to react to traffic. The evening hours are particularly dangerous. Road construction sites are poorly marked, appear with no advance warning, and can be difficult to see at night. Roads are poorly lit, many vehicles have no operating lights, few bicycles have reflectors, and trucks without reflectors commonly park on unlit roads.
Public transportation is unreliable and is limited after sunset. The most common form of public transport is three-wheeled, open-sided taxis called "tuk-tuks.” Automobile taxis are available at the airport, the Friendship Bridge, and major hotels.
Tuk-tuks and taxis are frequently in poor states of repair, and drivers generally speak little or no English. Inter-city transport is provided by buses, pickups, and trucks, which are also often in poor repair.
Emergency services in Laos are either unreliable or non-existent. Lao road traffic regulations require any driver coming upon a road accident to assist in transporting injured persons to a hospital. Emergency telephone numbers are Fire: 190, Ambulance: 195 or 021-413-720, Traffic Police: 191, Tourist Police: 021-251-128 (only for incidents involving tourists).
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:
As there is no direct commercial air service between the United States and Laos, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the Lao Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with ICAO international aviation safety standards.
There are concerns about the safety standards and maintenance regime of Lao Airlines. There is a history of aircraft crashes in remote mountainous areas of the country, usually due to severe weather conditions and pilot error.
You are advised not fly in the mountainous parts of Laos during bad weather and fly only on Lao Airlines aircraft that are certified for and in regular use on major international air routes, such as the ATR aircraft.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:
TRAVEL OF FOREIGNERS WITHIN LAOS:
The Lao tourist police have informed foreign tourists that a licensed Lao tour guide must accompany any group of more than 5 foreign tourists, however this regulation does not appear to be strictly enforced.
Lao citizens who wish to have a foreign citizen -- including a family member -- stay in their home must obtain prior approval from the village chief. The foreigner may be held responsible if the Lao host has not secured prior permission for the visit. Visitors are strongly advised to ensure that such permission has been sought and granted before accepting offers to stay in Lao homes.
Security personnel may at times place foreign visitors under surveillance. Hotel rooms, telephones and fax machines may be monitored, and personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched. Taking photographs of anything that could be perceived as being of military or security interest may result in problems with authorities.
DUAL NATIONALITY:
Dual nationality is prohibited under the Law on Lao Nationality. The Lao Government holds that persons lose their Lao citizenship if they take a foreign citizenship, and in some cases, if they reside in a foreign country for an extended period of time.
The Law on Lao Nationality holds that if one or both parents of a child are Lao nationals who have not permanently settled in another country, then the child is a Lao citizen, even if the child is born outside Laos.
RELATIONSHIPS WITH LAO CITIZENS:
The Lao Government prohibits sexual contact between foreign citizens and Lao nationals except when the two parties have been married in accordance with Lao Family Law.
Any foreigner who enters into a sexual relationship with a Lao national may be interrogated, detained, arrested, or jailed. Lao police have confiscated passports and imposed fines of up to $5000 on foreigners who enter into disapproved sexual relationships. The Lao party to the relationship may also be jailed without trial. 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.
Foreign citizens intending to marry Lao nationals are required by Lao law to obtain prior permission from the Lao Government. The formal application process can take as long as a year. The Lao Government will not issue a marriage certificate unless the correct procedures are followed.
Any attempt to circumvent Lao regulations may result in arrest, imprisonment, a fine of $500-$5000, and deportation. Foreigners who cohabit with or enter into a close relationship with Lao nationals may be accused by Lao authorities of entering an illegal marriage and be subject to the same penalties.
Foreign citizens who wish to become engaged to a Lao national are required to obtain prior permission from the chief of the village where the Lao national resides. Failure to obtain prior permission can result in a fine of $500-$5000.
Lao police frequently impose large fines on foreign citizens a few days after they hold an engagement ceremony with a Lao citizen based on the suspicion that the couple probably subsequently had sexual relations out of wedlock.
RELIGIOUS WORKERS:
Religious proselytizing or distributing religious material is strictly prohibited. Foreigners caught distributing religious material may be arrested or deported. The Government of Laos restricts the importation of religious texts and artifacts.
While Lao law allows freedom of religion, the Government registers and controls all associations, including religious groups. Meetings, even in private homes, must be registered and those held outside established locations may be broken up and the participants arrested.
RIVER TRAVEL:
River travel is common in Laos, but safety conditions do not conform to international standards. In particular, travel by speedboat (local term “fast boat”) is dangerous and should be avoided, particularly during the dry season.
Travel on or across the Mekong River along the Thai border should be avoided at night. Lao militia forces have shot at boats on the Mekong after dark.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND OTHER RESTRICTIONS:
Taking photographs of anything that could be perceived as being of military or security interest -- including bridges, airfields, military installations, government buildings, or government vehicles -- may result in problems with authorities, including detention or arrest and confiscation of the camera.
Tourists should be cautious when traveling near military bases and strictly observe signs delineating the military base areas. Military personnel have detained and questioned foreigners who innocently passed by unmarked military facilities.
FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS:
There are no network-connected automatic teller machines in Laos. Credit cards are accepted only at major hotels and tourist-oriented businesses. Credit card cash advances and Western Union money transfers are available at some banks in Vientiane.
It is illegal to use U.S. dollars and Thai Baht for larger transactions. However, the Lao Government requires payment in U.S. dollars for some taxes and fees, including visa fees and the airport departure tax.
CUSTOMS/CURRENCY REGULATIONS:
Lao customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Laos of items such as firearms, religious materials, antiquities, foreign currency, cameras and other items.
It is advisable to contact the Embassy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in Washington for specific information regarding customs requirements. (Please also see section on “Religious Workers” below.)
There are prohibitions against importing or exporting more than $ 2500 (U.S. dollar equivalent) of currency without authorization. Contact the Lao Embassy or Lao customs authorities for more details.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES:
While in a foreign country, visitors are subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those at home and may not afford the protections available to the individual at home.
Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than at home for similar offenses. Persons violating Lao laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Laos are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. |
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