COVID-19

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to Xaisomboun Province due to the potential of violent incidents, such as shooting attacks (level 3 of 4).

Exercise increased caution

Exercise increased caution in Bokeo Province along the borders with Myanmar, Thailand and around the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone due to criminal activity (level 2 of 4). Criminals, drug traffickers and other people pursuing illegal activities, including employment scams, operate in these areas.
 
We advise New Zealanders to exercise increased caution elsewhere in Laos (level 2 of 4).

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Laos

Crime
On occasion, violent crime, such as robbery and sexual assault has been known to occur, including in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Vang Vieng. There have been reports of violent muggings which have involved the use of guns and knives. As victims of robbery are often targeted due to their perceived wealth, it is advisable to avoid wearing or displaying items that appear valuable, such as electronic devices, cameras and jewellery. No resistance should be given if you are the victim of a robbery or mugging as this could lead to an escalation in violence.

Petty crime, including bag snatching from passing motorcycles, is prevalent in cities and tourist areas. Thieves often work together and may distract victims and rob them while their attention is diverted. Local law enforcement’s response to crime is often limited. We recommend paying close attention to your personal security and belongings at all times, avoid travelling alone and late at night, avoid unlit areas and roads. To help prevent a total loss, you should consider not carrying your passport, debit and credit cards, and cash all in the same bag.

There have been a number of drug-related deaths among foreign nationals visiting Laos. Some tourists have had their drinks or food spiked with drugs and have subsequently been assaulted. Extra care should be taken to ensure your food and drink is never left unattended. We recommend against accepting drinks from strangers or recent acquaintances. Restaurants offering ‘Happy’ or ‘Special’ menu items, particularly pizza or shakes, should be avoided as they may contain unspecified amounts of opium and other unknown substances.

Scams
There have been reports of local motorcycle rental companies arranging for rented motorcycles to be deliberately stolen or damaged, in order to charge the renter large amounts of money in “compensation”. Always make sure your travel insurance covers medical and other costs associated with motorcycle rental and accidents. Never provide your passport as a deposit or collateral when hiring a vehicle. Only rent from a reputable vehicle hire company. 

Local travel
Unexploded landmines and ordnance pose a significant threat in Laos, particularly in Xieng Khouang Province (Plain of Jars) and the Lao-Vietnamese border area along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. We advise you not to stray off well‑used roads and paths in rural areas. Never pick up unknown metal objects. Mined areas are often unmarked.  

The area near the border with Myanmar and the Mekong Riverbank border with Thailand are known drug smuggling routes. There have also been small-scale skirmishes between anti-government groups and government troops in isolated areas along the Thailand border.  

New Zealanders should exercise caution if contemplating participation in river and water-based activities in Laos. Tourists have been killed and seriously injured participating in activities such as jumping, tubing, rafting and ‘fast boat’ river travel. New Zealanders are advised to carefully consider the risks of participating in such activities, as sufficient safety equipment may not be provided and safety regulations may be lower than what you would expect in New Zealand. You should always use the safety equipment supplied and avoid operators who do not take the necessary safety precautions to ensure passenger safety, such as providing life jackets.

Civil unrest
Isolated incidents of violent civil unrest, including armed attacks and bombings, have occurred in the past in Laos. New Zealanders are advised to avoid all demonstrations and protests, monitor the media for information on potential safety risks and comply with any instructions issued by the local authorities.

General travel advice
It is a requirement under Lao law to carry identification at all times. Police undertake frequent checks and failure to provide suitable identification may result in a fine or detention. 

New Zealanders travelling or living in Laos should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for adventure activities (if you are planning on doing any) and medical evacuation by air.

Intimate relationships between foreigners and Lao citizens are illegal, except when the two parties have been married in accordance with Lao law.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include the death penalty.

Exercise caution in relation to offers of employment that appear ‘too good to be true’.  There have been a number of cases where victims have been trafficked into online scamming or other fraudulent activity, with poor pay and living conditions, restrictions on movement, and the possibility of severe mistreatment.

Photography of military establishments or officials is prohibited, and could result in detention. If in doubt, don’t take a picture.

The rainy season normally runs from May to October. During this time, there is a heightened risk of flooding and landslides, particularly in provinces along the Mekong River in Southern Laos. Keep informed of regional weather forecasts and follow the advice of local authorities.

New Zealanders in Laos are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

• For current health alerts

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The New Zealand Embassy Bangkok, Thailand is accredited to Laos

Street Address M Thai Tower, 14th floor, All Seasons Place, 87 Wireless Road, Bangkok Postal Address PO Box 2719, Bangkok 10500 Telephone +66 2 254 2530 Fax +66 2 253 9045 Email info@newzealandembassybkk.com Web Site http://www.mfat.govt.nz/thailand Hours Mon-Fri 0800-1200, 1300-1630 hrs

See our regional advice for South East Asia