Last updated: 24 Jan 2012
Security and health
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Smartraveller site provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Laos. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.
It is strongly recommended that Australian travellers take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before their departure. They should confirm that their insurance covers them for the whole time they will be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in their policy.
It is also recommended for Australian travellers to register, before travelling, on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website, in case of an emergency.
Security
Travel in parts of Laos is dangerous, and travellers should be particularly alert to ongoing security concerns related to ethnic conflict and banditry in certain rural areas. There has also been a steady increase in thefts and assaults, including robberies targeting foreigners.
Before you visit it is strongly advised that you contact the Australian Embassy in Vientiane to register your presence and receive updated reports regarding security.
Health
Travel insurance is strongly recommended due to the basic medical services available in Vientiane. The Australian Embassy Clinic in Vientiane (located in Nehru Street) is open on a fee-paying basis to Australian citizens. The phone number for the clinic is +856 21 413 603. In emergencies, please call +856 21 413 600 and contact the 24-hour Consular Operations Centre in Canberra or the Embassy duty officer. The clinic can evacuate emergency cases to a hospital in Thailand 24-hours a day.
There are many tropical diseases, endemic parasites, worms and viruses common in Laos. Immunisation and/or boosters against typhoid, tetanus, tuberculosis, hepatitis A and B and polio are strongly recommended. Vaccination against Japanese B encephalitis and rabies is also advised for long-term visitors.
Drink only bottled or boiled water.
Please note that facilities in Lao hospitals are basic. For complex cases, evacuation to a hospital in neighbouring Thailand is recommended.
Top Business Risks
OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
Multinational Enterprises should be aware of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises that provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business behaviour in a variety of areas, consistent with applicable domestic laws. These Guidelines are endorsed and promoted by the Australian Government. For more information, go to the AusNCP website.
Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative
The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) is a voluntary mechanism which promotes and supports improved governance in resource-rich countries through the full publication and verification of company payments and government revenues from oil, gas, and mining.
The EITI is supported by governments, industry, and non-government organisations around the world. The Australian Government supports the EITI and encourages Australian companies operating internationally to comply with its recommendations.