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5,779 mi away
£1 LAK 29,733
Today
1:06 pm
+7h from you
Travel warning
Avoid visiting certain provinces due to attacks on infrastructure and armed clashes, and be aware that nearby border fighting is causing flight cancellations and travel disruption across the region.
Weather & climate
Weather in Laos
Laos
34°
Overcast
Mon
26°
34°
Tue
26°
35°
Wed
26°
34°
Thu
26°
33°
Fri
26°
34°
Sat
26°
34°
Sun
25°
32°
SPF level in Laos
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Laos
What British travellers need to know
You must obtain a visa to visit Laos, with a tourist visa valid for 30 days from arrival from 1 January 2025.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date and have at least 2 blank pages to enter Laos.
You can apply online for a single-entry e-visa at least 5 days in advance, or get a single-entry visa on arrival at major airports.
Complete the Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) digitally within 3 days before arrival and within 3 days before departure when using specific international airports and the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I.
Airlines may prevent you from boarding if your passport does not have enough blank pages, so check your passport meets their requirements.
Good to know:
Declare any goods that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty when entering or leaving Laos.
Tourist visas can be extended twice while in Laos for a total of 60 additional days, but failing to extend within 90 days results in a large fine, deportation, and a re-entry ban.
Safety in Laos
Tips when travelling
Laos is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Hold your bags on the side away from the road as bag snatches by people on motorcycles are common.
Never leave your passport as a deposit for hiring a motorcycle as companies may arrange for it to be stolen and demand high fees.
Never leave your food or drink unattended as tourists have reported being spiked with drugs and assaulted.
Be aware that alcoholic drinks in bars, shops and hotels can contain methanol, which can be fatal even in small amounts.
Dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees when visiting temples and do not walk around in public in swimming costumes.
Bonus tips:
Be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers at bars, clubs and parties to avoid drink spiking.
Road accidents can require you to pay compensation even if you are not at fault, and local insurance typically only covers a small amount.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Laos
A valid international driving permit (IDP) is recommended in addition to your UK driving license.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
80 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Laos drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Laos
It is essential to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation. Ensure your policy covers all planned activities. While Laos does not have reciprocal healthcare agreements with the UK, good travel insurance will ensure you can access quality medical care if needed.
No vaccinations required
Consult your GP or a travel clinic for the most up-to-date health advice before travelling to Laos. Ensure you are up-to-date with routine vaccinations. Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever and malaria are present, so take precautions against bites, such as using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and trousers, especially during dawn and dusk. Food and water hygiene are important to avoid traveller's diarrhea. Drink bottled or boiled water, and be cautious about street food.
Cards & payments
Credit card acceptance is limited, primarily to larger hotels, restaurants, and tourist-oriented businesses in major cities. Smaller establishments and local markets generally only accept cash.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 410-581-9994
Tipping in Laos
Tipping is not expected in Laos, but it is increasingly appreciated, especially in tourist areas for good service. Small tips can go a long way.
Restaurant
5-10% for good service. Not expected in local restaurants.
Bar/Café
Small change for good service.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is appreciated.
Hotel Porter
10,000-20,000 LAK per service
Hotel Housekeeper
10,000-20,000 LAK per day.
Tour Guide
50,000-100,000 LAK per day for good service.
Mobile & roaming
UK mobile users will not benefit from EU roaming agreements post-Brexit. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Laos, as they can be expensive. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable rates.
Local SIM
10 GB for 150,000 LAK (~£7)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Electrical in Laos
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B, Type C, Type E, Type F
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants in major cities and tourist areas. Coverage can be unreliable in more rural areas.
Average speed
10 Mbps
Free WiFi is often available, but speeds can vary. Consider a local SIM card for reliable internet access.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
1191
Ambulance
1195
Fire
1190
Save 1191 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Laos
Country code
+856
To call the British Embassy in Vientiane from the UK, dial 00 856 21 413 606.
The country code for Laos is 856. When calling Laos from abroad, you will need to use the exit code of the country you are calling from, followed by the Laos country code, and then the local number. Mobile phone coverage is generally good in urban areas but can be limited in more remote regions.
Languages in Laos
UK Embassy
British Embassy Vientiane
That Luang Road Wat Nak Village Sisattanak District Vientiane Lao PDR
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Entry requirements
18 days ago
Border procedures
- All foreign nationals must now complete the Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) online 3 days before arrival and 3 days before departure.
- The LDIF replaces paper arrival/departure cards at major air and land entry points, including Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Pakse airports, and the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I.
Airports in Laos
Beaches in Laos
Frequently asked questions
Yes, British citizens typically require a visa to enter Laos. You can obtain a visa on arrival at major international airports and border crossings, or you can apply in advance through the Lao Embassy. Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining.
Laos is generally a safe country for tourists. However, petty theft can occur, especially in tourist areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings. Unexploded ordnance (UXO) remains a risk in some rural areas, so stick to marked paths and avoid venturing into uncultivated land.
The best time to visit Laos is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. The weather is generally sunny and pleasant during these months, with lower humidity. The rainy season, from May to October, can bring heavy rainfall and make travel more difficult.
The official currency of Laos is the Lao Kip (LAK). While credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger establishments in major cities, cash is widely used, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. US dollars are also commonly accepted. It is advisable to bring a mix of US dollars and Lao Kip.
Laos is a relatively conservative country, so it is advisable to dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing, such as shorts or tank tops. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended due to the hot and humid climate.
No, it is not safe to drink tap water in Laos. Drink bottled or purified water, and avoid ice in drinks unless you are sure it is made from purified water. Be cautious about eating raw fruits and vegetables that may have been washed in tap water.
Like many tourist destinations, Laos has its share of scams. Be wary of overly friendly people offering unsolicited help or tours. Always negotiate prices before accepting services, and be cautious when exchanging money. Double-check your change and be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas.
When visiting temples, remove your shoes and hat and dress respectfully. Avoid pointing your feet at people or religious figures, as this is considered rude. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon. It is polite to ask for permission before taking photographs of people, especially monks.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.