£1 LAK 29,819
Today
1:11 am
+7h from you
Travel warning
Fighting between Thailand and Cambodia along parts of their shared border is causing major travel disruption, including border closures and landmine risks near the Lao border, and could affect your flights.
Weather & climate
Weather in Laos
Laos
39°
Partly cloudy
Thu
24°
39°
Fri
25°
38°
Sat
24°
34°
Sun
25°
30°
Mon
24°
32°
Tue
25°
35°
Wed
26°
37°
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
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after you arrive and have at least 2 blank pages.
You must obtain a visa before travelling to Laos as a tourist.
You can apply for an e-visa online at least 5 days in advance for entry at major points.
A tourist visa allows a stay of 30 days from your arrival date.
You can extend your tourist visa twice while in Laos for a total of 60 extra days.
Good to know:
Be prepared to pay a substantial fine and face deportation if you overstay your visa by more than 90 days.
You must declare any goods that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty when entering Laos.
Safety in Laos
Tips when travelling
Laos is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Do not leave your passport as a deposit when hiring motorcycles as rental companies may arrange thefts and demand high fees.
Never leave your food or drink unattended and be cautious of accepting drinks from strangers due to reports of spiking and assault.
Be extremely careful with alcoholic drinks as there have been deaths from methanol poisoning, including from drinks in licensed bars, shops and hotels.
Do not possess, use, or carry any illegal drugs, including cannabis, as penalties are severe and you may be tested and arrested in police raids.
If you are involved in a road accident, you will likely have to pay compensation for damage and injury, even if you are not at fault.
Bonus tips:
Use a known taxi service or local taxi app, confirm the driver's identity and license plate match, and share your journey details with a friend.
During the rainy season from May to October, be prepared for serious flooding, landslides, and significantly longer travel times, and carry extra supplies.
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.
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
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.
UK Embassy
British Embassy Vientiane
That Luang Road Wat Nak Village Sisattanak District Vientiane Lao PDR
Phone
Website
Frequently asked questions
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.