Laos Travel Risk

Exercise increased caution in Laos due to crime, unrest, and unexploded ordnances. Some areas have increased risk. Review the entire Travel Advisory.

Review our Travel Guidance for Laos to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.

• Reconsider Travel to Xaisomboun Province due to civil unrest.
• Exercise Increased Caution in areas on the Border with Burma, Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Salavan, Khammouane, Sekong, Champasak, Houaphanh, Attapeu, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane provinces, along Route 7 (from Route 13 to the Vietnam border), Route 9 (Savannakhet to the Vietnam border), and Route 20 (Pakse to Salavan) due to crime.
• Exercise Increased Caution in areas of Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Salavan, Khammouane, Sekong, Champasak, Houaphanh, Attapeu, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane provinces, as well as along Route 7 due to unexploded ordnances.

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel

Xaisomboun Province

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.

Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East

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:

• check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through
• check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator
• review your travel insurance policy for coverage
• monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts
• be mindful of your permitted length of stay in Laos, extend visa if necessary, and see visa extensions on Entry requirements page

Terrorism

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.

Terrorism in Laos

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Laos, attacks cannot be ruled out.

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.

Crime

Protecting yourself and your belongings

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.

Sexual assault

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

Motorcycle scams

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.

Reporting a crime

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.

Drink and food spiking

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.

Methanol poisoning

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.

Regional risks

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.

Xaisomboun Province

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.

Borders with Thailand and Myanmar (Golden Triangle)

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.

Risk level

Laos - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in Laos due to ongoing security concerns related to banditry, crime, spiked food and drinks, and unexploded munitions.

Regional risks

Xaisomboun province - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to Xaisomboun province due to the tense security situation and random shooting incidents.

Areas of Bokeo province - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to the following areas of Bokeo province due to criminal activity:

• within 10 km of the borders with Myanmar and Thailand, excluding Bokeo International Airport and Road 3 leading there
• the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone

Xaisomboun province

There have been random shooting incidents near Xaisomboun town, in Xaisomboun province, since late 2015.

If you travel to this region despite the advisory:

• avoid travel after dark
• exercise extreme caution
• follow the instructions of local authorities

Bokeo province

Criminals operate in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone, which is in the Ton Pheung district of Bokeo province, and along the borders with Thailand and Myanmar. The criminal activity includes drug and human trafficking as well as employment scams.

If you travel to these areas despite the advisory:

• avoid travel after dark
• exercise extreme caution
• follow the instructions of local authorities

Officials have heightened security measures in Bokeo province, including an increased military presence at checkpoints along the Lao-Thai border, following clashes between the Lao army and unidentified armed groups.

Crime

Petty crime

Street crime is prevalent in cities and towns, including Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng.

Theft occurs frequently. Thieves on motorcycles grab bags and other valuables from pedestrians as well as from other motorcycle drivers and their passengers. Thieves also work in pairs to carry out distraction thefts.

During your trip:

• keep your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, in a secure place
• when walking, keep your bag on the side of your body that is facing away from the road
• do not show signs of affluence or wear expensive jewellery
• be aware of your surroundings, especially in busy tourist areas

Violent crime

Violent muggings involving weapons have occurred, particularly in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse and Vang Vieng.

Break-ins at hotels and guesthouses occur. Armed robberies occur occasionally.

Local police may not have the capacity to respond to crimes, especially at night.

During your trip:

• always keep doors and windows closed and locked
• avoid going out after dark
• travel in groups
• do not resist an attack

Public transportation

Public transportation is unreliable and limited after dark. Vehicles may be in poor condition.

River travel is common in Laos. Safety standards are minimal. Speedboat travel is especially dangerous during the dry season (November to May). Lifejackets and helmets should be provided to and worn by passengers.

Do not travel on or across the Mekong River after dark. In some areas, the Laotian military has been known to shoot at boats after dark.

老挝现有黄色（中风险）地区1个，其他地区为蓝色（低风险）。具体如下：

一、黄色地区：金三角地区。

二、蓝色地区：其他地区。

外交部和驻外使领馆将继续密切关注海外安全形势变化，动态调整有关风险评估，并实时在中国领事服务网等平台发布、更新相应安全提醒，请持续关注。