Travel Vaccines and Advice for Laos
The natural beauty of Laos is unparalleled. Although the country is often overshadowed by tourist-laden Thailand, it offers no lack of must-see sights.
From dense, lavish forests and limestone caves to jungle rivers and windy mountain roads, Laos is a paradise. Whether travelers are exploring the Nam Ha national protected area or traversing the infamous Mekong River there is adventure at every turn.
But, Laos is more than just the outdoors. With well developed cities and wonderful eateries, there is an option for every traveler.
Do I Need Vaccines 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.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Cholera may be present in some regions of Laos. Vaccination is recommended for aid works and those traveling after severe flooding or to areas with inadequate sanitation services. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Japanese Encephalitis –
Mosquito –
Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. May be given to short- and extended-stay travelers, recurrent travelers and travel to rural areas. Present throughout country. Most cases from June to September. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Recommended for some travelers to the region. Single adult booster recommended. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Laos |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Cholera | Food & Water | Cholera may be present in some regions of Laos. Vaccination is recommended for aid works and those traveling after severe flooding or to areas with inadequate sanitation services. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Mosquito | Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. May be given to short- and extended-stay travelers, recurrent travelers and travel to rural areas. Present throughout country. Most cases from June to September. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Recommended for some travelers to the region. Single adult booster recommended. |
Routine Vaccinations for Laos |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
Mosquito-borne diseases are a serious problem in Laos. Travelers should consider brining 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.
Is Cholera in Laos?
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 carry Vaxchora, a single-dose cholera vaccination which provides protection.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health Travel Vaccines for Laos
“We have seen the same nurse every time we make a trip to Laos. She has always been very resourceful and knowledgeable. We appreciate being able to see the same nurse over the years, as it really aids in continuity of care. Thanks to Anna for her efficiency and knowledge!”
“They took great care of me, and I feel completely prepared to travel to Laos.”
“We met with a nurse in preparation for my 16 year old daughter, Michele, to go to Laos. Marcia was knowledgeable, thorough, and very kind. The personalized travel booklet is very helpful.”
“Very very nice experience. The nurse was wonderful in explaining everything to me so that my business trip to Laos would be a good one.”
“The professional serving me was thorough and alerted me to new items available for my travels to Kenya”
“We had a great experience at Passport health for our family’s trip to Laos. Lots of helpful hints in addition to the shots and meds.”
“Very knowledgeable and friendly. Enjoyed both my visits. Provided me with all the info on the required drugs and shots needed for trip to Laos. Highly recommend.”
“Very pleased with the thorough and comprehensive service. Feel very well prepared for my missions trip to Laos this summer. Everyone at Passport Health was very helpful and pleasant.”
“Passport Health is an extremely useful resource for people traveling overseas, especially visitors to countries and areas within countries you are unfamiliar with, where you may be exposed to health risks and other situations not you are unaware of. They are organized, thorough and very professional, and I left feeling I had all the bases covered for our trip to Thailand, Myanmar and Laos!”
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Laos
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 |
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| 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.
For more information, see our Laos visa page. Or contact a Passport Health Passport and Visa specialist by calling 1-844-366-8472 or by filling out our online form.
What is the Climate Like in Laos?
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.
How Safe and Secure Is Laos?
In recent decades, Laos has been regarded as an extremely safe place to travel. The locals are generally warm and welcoming in all parts of the country.
Although serious crime has dropped off, petty crimes such as theft still occur. Be sure to remain aware of your surroundings at all times.
Travel by vehicle throughout the country is quite safe. Roads are well built and cars for the most part are reliable. Locals in the cities should be able to provide travel advice for roads during your travel.
Is the Food Safe in 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.
Pak Ou Caves in Laos
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.
What Should I Take To Laos?
For the best possible stay in Laos and to prepare yourself for anything unexpected weather-wise, add these items to your packing checklist:
- Lightweight and light-colored clothing to reflect the sun
- Refillable water bottle
- Powerful sunscreen to protect from the sun’s intensity
- Earplugs as most places tend to be noisy during the day and into the night
- Dry pack if planning on water-based activities or to plan for spontaneous rain pour
- Wet weather coat or umbrella
U.S. Embassy in Laos
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
Ban Somvang Thai
Thadeua Road, Km 9
Hatsayfong district
Tel: 856-21-48-7000
For emergencies: 011-856-21-487-000 from the U.S. or 021-487-000 from Laos
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.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Laos?
Is Cholera in Laos?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Laos
What is the Climate Like in Laos?
How Safe and Secure is Laos
Is the Food Safe in Laos?
Pak Ou Caves in Laos
What Should I Take to Laos?
U.S. Embassy in Laos
