coronavirus travel health
Check the TravelHealthPro website for the latest information on COVID-19 risk in Laos
For further advice on travelling abroad and reducing the spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic, see the TravelHealthPro website.
international travel
If you are a British national planning to travel to Laos, you should follow your airline guidelines and sign up for email alerts for updates on this travel advice.
Please contact your travel company for the latest information.
leave Laos
The normal immigration process should now be working.
entrances and borders
The Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic has announced the reopening of all international borders from May 9, 2022.
Entry visas and e-Visas will be available from the above dates.see entry requirements
Back to the UK
Traveling from and back to the UK
If you are planning to return to the UK via another country, please check the travel advice for the country you are transiting through.
Be prepared to change plans
During the COVID-19 pandemic, no travel is risk-free. Countries may further restrict travel or introduce new rules at short notice, for example due to new COVID-19 variants. Check with your travel company or airline for any traffic changes that may delay your return home.
If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay put until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.
Plan and make sure you:
- can withdraw money
- Find out what your insurance will cover
- Arrangements can be made to extend your stay and leave for longer than planned
travel in Laos
Travel restrictions within Laos have been lifted. Travellers with proof of full vaccination no longer need authorization to travel by road, water and air between provinces. You should consult with the provincial COVID-19 task force to provide guidance for those who are not fully vaccinated or are too young to be vaccinated.
You should follow official local announcements for guidance on the latest restrictions. Temporary lockdowns may be implemented in provinces reporting outbreaks of COVID-19.
thailand land border
From July 1, you no longer need to apply for a permit to enter Thailand.
You should keep abreast of the latest information on the websites of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, the Royal Thai Embassy in Vientiane and the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand.
stay
Hotels and private rental accommodation are available all over Laos, although some hotels/hostels are currently closed due to reduced tourist numbers. You should arrange accommodation before travelling.
public places and services
All public spaces and services have reopened as of May 9, 2022. You should still carry proof of your vaccination status at all times, as this may still be required in some places and services.
other requirements:
The COVID-19 outbreak means that further measures, including those that apply across provinces, are likely to be introduced at short notice. You should follow the advice of the Lao authorities.
Healthcare in Laos
For English-speaking physician contact information, visit our list of health care providers.
If you think you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should self-isolate and speak to the person on duty on +856 20 5406 6777 in Lao or English, or call the toll-free hotlines 155 and 166.
Keep in regular contact with family and friends at home to let them know you are safe. Your emotional and mental health is important. Read our guide on how to take care of your mental health and mental health.
Check out Health for more details on healthcare in Laos.
If you are waiting to return to the UK, see also the healthcare guidelines.
Get the COVID-19 vaccine if you live in Laos
We will update this page when the Lao government announces new information about the national vaccination program. You can sign up to get email notifications when this page is updated.
The Lao National Vaccination Program began using AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Sinovac, Pfizer Biotech and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccines in November 2020, with booster shots starting in November 2021 for selected populations. The Lao government said British nationals living in Laos would be eligible to be vaccinated if they opted into the scheme. You can find more details on when and how to register on the Lao vaccination website.
If you live abroad, find out more about COVID-19 vaccines, including those licensed in the UK or approved by the World Health Organization.
If you are a British national living in Laos, you should seek medical advice from your local healthcare provider. Information about the COVID-19 vaccine used in programs in the country where you live should be obtained from local authorities, including regulatory status.
finance
For information on the financial support you can get while abroad, visit our Financial Aid Guide.
More information
If you need urgent consular assistance, please contact your nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate. All phone numbers are available 24/7.
See additional advice on making travel plans to return to the UK, or what to do if you cannot leave immediately.
