Each visitor to Laos must be in possession of a passport valid for at least six (06) months beyond the completion of his/her trip. Most nationalities require a valid visa to enter Laos, except for the following nationalities:
- Citizens of the following countries enter Laos without a visa for not more than 30 days: Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia (14 days), Brunei (14 days) and Japan.
A tourist visa is good for 30 days whereas 12 months business visa is also available. Visas can be obtained either from Lao Embassies and Consulates abroad or upon arrival at following immigration checkpoints:
Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse airports
Friendship Bridge in Vientiane (opposite Nongkhai, Thailand)
Houei Xay (opposite Chiangkhong, Thailand)
Boten, Luang Namtha province (opposite Bohan, Yunnan, China)
Nonghet, Xiengkhouang Province (opposite Nam Can, Vietnam)
Savannakhet (opposite Mukdahan, Thailand)
Denesavanh (opposite Lao Bao, Vietnam)
Vangtao (opposite Chongmek, Thailand)
Namphao, Borikhamxay Province (opposite of Cau Treo, Vietnam)
Thakek (opposite Nakhon Phanom, Thailand)
Naphao, Khammouane province (opposite Cha Lo, Quang Binh province of Vietnam)
Bo Y, Kon Tum to Attapeua province (opposite Kon Tum province of Vietnam)
Transit visas are good for only ten days and non-extendable.
Visas fee: Single entry visa: US$18 - $50, transit visa: US$25- $35.
Getting there:
- Air: There are 3 international airports: Wattay Airport in Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse Airport. Airline companies currently serving in Laos are Lao Airlines, Thai Airways International, Vietnam Airlines, Southern China Airlines Siem Reap Airways and Bangkok Airways. They connect Wattay Airport to Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Beijing-Kunming, and Phnom Phenh.
- Land: Along the borders with China, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar there are international border crossings into Laos.
On Vietnamese – Lao border: Muang Mai (Phongsaly Province), Nam Sooy (Huaphanh Province), Nam Khan (Xieng Khouang Province), Nam Pao (Bolikhamxay Province), Naphao (Khammouane Province), Denesavanh (Savannakhet Province), Attapeau (Attapeau province)
On Cambodian – Lao border: Dongkalaw and Vuenkham border (Champasak province).
On Chinese - Lao border: Boten (Luang Nam Tha Province).
On Burmese – Laotian border: Xieng Kok (Luang Nam Tha Province).
Customs regulation
A - Entry: Visitors should make sure that they complete immigration and customs formalities when they enter Laos. Visitors are authorized to bring in the following items duty-free: 500 cigarettes, 100 cigars, or 500g of tobacco, 1 liter of alcohol, or two bottles of wine; and unlimited amounts of money, all for personal use, into Laos without taxation or penalty. Not that the Customs officials do much, if any, searching. their weight. Antiques, especially Buddha images or parts thereof, are not permitted to leave the country.
Like any other country, Laos does not allow visitors import: drugs, weapons, explosive, pornography appliances
Important Notet: Drug import is strongly prohibited to life or dead sentences
B - Exit: If visitors purchase silver or copper items during their stay, they might be required to pay duty upon exiting Laos, according to their weight. Antiques, especially Buddha images or parts thereof, are not permitted to leave the country. However, please declare your items to customer prior departure.
Climate
Laos has a tropical monsoon climate, with a pronounced rainy season from June through September, a cool dry season from October through April, and a hot dry season in March and April.
Rainfall also varies regionally, with the average amounts 1,500 – 2,000 millimeters of rain annually.
Temperatures range from highs around 40°C along the Mekong in March and April to lows of 5°C or less in the uplands of Xiang Khoang and Phongsali in January.
What to wear
From November to mid-February, visitors should bring along a light jacket especially if they visit the northern part of the country or in the high altitude. For the remaining of the year, light clothes will fit fine or something that visitor feel comfortable in the hot and humid season.
Sandals or shoes that can be easily taken off will be good as shoes must always be taken off before entering a temple or a Lao house. Women should avoid clothing that bares the thighs, shoulders or breasts; long trousers, walking shorts and skirts are acceptable, while tank tops, short skirts or running shorts are not. Both men and women should dress conservatively, especially when visiting a temple or government office
Currency
The kip (LAK) is the currency of Laos which is available in 50K, 100K, 500K, 1000K, 2000K, 5000K notes. Coin rarely used.
The Thai baht and US dollar are also used wisely. Exchanging 8,500 kip equivalent of USD 1; and 12,700 kip equivalent of EUR 1 (August 2009).
Major credit cards and travellers’ cheques are accepted at many hotels, restaurants, and shop in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, and Pakse with the bank charge approximately 3-5% on total amount of credit card.
Security
Laos is considered as the less criminal cases countries amongst Southeast Asia nations. However, we recommend you to speak to your local guide or hotel staff on your arrival, especially in major towns.
Do not carry valuable items; lock them in hotel safe.
Carry only a small amount of cash.
Use a trustworthy moto-driver, preferably someone recommended by hotel staff.
Language
Lao is official language. Lao dialects (closely related to Thai) are also spoken. English and French are also wisely spoken in Laos.
Film and developing
Fresh negative film is widely available. Popular brands are Fuji, Kodak and Konica.
One-hour service photo shops are ubiquitous in tourist areas.
Digital cards can be printed and made CD burning in tourist areas.
Laos is ideal place for buying handicrafts and souvenirs. Each area has its own specific design. Vientiane city offers a wide variety of shopping opportunities. Varieties of handmade product of wood, gold, silver or precious stones are widely sold in department store (talat sao), many shops and market.
Every visitor should remember that it is forbidden to take any antiques or Buddha images (which are older than 40 years) out of the country. Therefore such items brought into Laos from other countries have to be declared at customs
Health
No vaccinations are presently required for visitors to enter Laos. However, it is advisable that precautionary measures be taken against cholera, malaria, hepatitis A & B, typhoid and tuberculosis. If visitors are going to the provinces, any essential medications should be brought with them as there is no guarantee they will be available in Laos.
Clinics with qualified Laotian and foreign doctors to treat foreign patients:
Australian Embassy Health Centre: Nehru, Street Phonexay, Vientiane, Tel: (856-21) 413603
International Medical Clinic: Mahosot Hospital, Fa Ngum Road, Vientiane Tel: (856-21) 214018 / 214023
National holidays
January 1 : International New Year Day
January 20 : Army Day
March 22 : Lao People's Revolutionary Party Day
April 13-16 : Lao New Year
May 1 : International Labor Day
August 23 : Liberation Day
December 2 : National Day
Other useful tips
Business hours: (GMT +7)
Offices: 8 a.m – 12 p.m and 1 - 5 p.m Monday to Friday
Banking: 8.30 a.m - 3.30 p.m, Monday to Friday.
Airport tax for every passenger on every departure International flights: all airtickets are included of airport departure tax at Wattay Airport in Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse Airport.
When leaving Laos via the Friendship Bridge, visitors will have to pay a departure tax of US$5, payable in US dollars, Thai baht or Kip. At other border points, officials may ask small "fees" for arriving or departing during lunch time, late in the day or at weekends
Taxis and regular buses are popular. Tutuk (local taxi) are wisely used in the large cities/ towns. Visitors can rent bicycles or motorbikes (except in Luang Prabang for motorbike) in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Savannakhet and Pakse…
