Travel Vaccines and Advice for Laos

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Laos. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Laos: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.

Japanese encephalitis vaccines are mandatory for those living in rural areas, hiking or camping. Those that plan to stay longer than a month should consider getting vaccinated.

Mosquito-borne diseases are a serious problem in Laos. Travelers should consider bringing antimalarials as well as mosquito repellents and netting. Zika, dengue and chikungunya are also present in Laos.

Although there is no risk of yellow fever in Laos, the government requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the U.S.

To find out more about these vaccines, see our vaccinations page. Ready to travel safely? Book your appointment either call or book online now.

A cholera vaccine should be considered along with the other suggested vaccines. Although cholera is not common in Laos, it can spread through contaminated food or water.

Risk of contracting cholera increases after heavy rains or in areas with poor sanitation and lack of clean drinking water. Going during a drier time of the year can reduce the risk of contracting cholera.

The best protection against cholera is through vaccination. Passport Health clinics offer the cholera vaccine. Book your cholera vaccination appointment today!

Unless travelers hold a passport from Japan or another ASEAN state, a visa is required to enter Laos. Travelers should consider getting their visa before arrival to avoid any potential problems.

Laos Entry Requirements
Do I Need A…	For My Trip to Laos?
Passport
Tourist Visa
Business Visa
Vaccinations

Sources: Embassy of Laos and U.S. State Department

The export of local currency is not permitted and if travelers are carrying more than $2,500 USD, they must declare so.

Laos has a tropical climate characterized by regular monsoon activity. Monsoons are most common during the rainy season from March through October, but varies based on locale.

Most of Laos sees a considerable amount of sun and heavy rainfall which can lead to uncomfortable amounts of humidity. But, mountainous regions have cooler and more temperate weather year-round.

• Pakse – Located in the southern region, it has a tropical savanna climate. Temperatures are particularly high in the months before monsoon season, which begins in March.
• Vientiane – Nestled in the northern-central region of the country, Vientiane is the capital of Laos. The city’s rainy season is from May through September with drier months from November through February.
• Luang Prabang – Located in the northern region of the Laos, Luang Prabang at its coldest will only drop to around 69 degrees Fahrenheit. The wettest month is in August.

When traveling in Laos, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and avoid suspicious people or areas. Respect the local customs and laws, like dressing modestly and not showing public displays of affection.

Keep your important documents in a safe place and don’t carry too much cash or valuable items with you. If you must travel at night, use a reputable transportation company and avoid traveling alone. Don’t buy drugs because it’s illegal, and the penalties can be severe.

Stay informed about any safety concerns or warnings from your embassy or local authorities and follow their recommendations. By using common sense and being respectful, you can enjoy a safe and enjoyable trip to Laos.

Laos boasts a large selection of unique cuisine. Most of this food is unfamiliar to the American palate, including Sai Uah (sausage) and Larb (a minced meat salad).

While most of these Asian delicacies are okay for consumption, take notice of how and where they are cooked. Diseases such as cholera, hepatitis A and typhoid spread in contaminated food and water.

Delicious-smelling street food, where meats are often cooked in the open-air, can be tempting. But, research which eateries are known for delivering high-quality options.

Laos is known for hundreds of years of ancient Buddhist traditions. Along the Mekong, one of the most infamous rivers in all Asia, lie the Pak Ou Caves. These Buddha caves, known as Tham Phun and Tham Ting, are accessible only by boat. The caves are carved into the side of large rock figures and are a unique way to discover of the rich religious history of Laos.

If you are going to travel to Laos, there are some important things to pack. Laos is a hot and humid country, so bring lightweight and loose-fitting clothes made of breathable fabrics, like cotton. It is also a good idea to pack comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain.

Laos is home to mosquitoes, so bring insect repellent to protect yourself from insect-borne diseases. Bring sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Laos uses different power sockets, so you may need to bring a travel adapter.

It is also a good idea to bring any necessary prescription medications and a basic first-aid kit with essentials such as band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers. Many places only accept cash, so bring enough cash to cover your expenses. Consider bringing a travel guidebook to help you navigate Laos and learn more about the country’s culture, history, and attractions. Finally, don’t forget to pack a camera or smartphone to capture your memories.

It is good to know exactly where the U.S. embassy or consulates are located when traveling. Keep the address written down in case you have a legal problem, you lose your passport, or you want to report a crime. Keep a copy of your passport with you in case you lose the original.

If you plan to buy a local SIM card you can also enter your phone number to receive SMS updates from the office.

U.S. Embassy Vientiane
Thadeua Road, Km 9
Ban Somvang Thai
Hatsayphong District
Vientiane, Lao PDR
Telephone: +(856) (21) 48-7000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(856) (21) 48-7600
Fax: +(856) (21) 48-7040

Visit the Embassy to Laos website before departure to confirm correct contact details for the office.

Still have questions? Schedule an appointment by calling or booking online now.