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.

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.

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.

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

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.