(Last updated: 24 Apr 2011)

Visas

Tourist visas may be extended by 30 days at the Bureau of Immigration (Bureau of Aliens and Foreigners Protection) in Lane Xang Avenue, Vientiane (opposite the morning market). A US$5 per day penalty will be incurred for overstaying and payment must be made either directly to the Bureau of Immigration or at the Friendship Bridge on departure.

Business and resident visas are difficult to obtain with applicants requiring official sponsorship. This may take months to process.

It is important to check your passport for the correct entry/exit stamp when entering and leaving. Travellers without the entry stamp may be detained by immigration officers and fined US$50-500 for illegal entry, and may find it difficult to re-enter Laos.

With the exception of Vientiane and Luang Prabang, all other international border checkpoints require a valid Lao visa already in the passport granted by a Lao Embassy abroad. Crossing points are:

• Vientiane Prefecture: Wattay International Airport, Friendship Bridge: Laos-Thailand, Nong Khai Province
• Luang Prabang Province: Luang Prabang International Airport
• Savannakhet Province: Savanakhet-Mukdahan Province (Laos-Thailand), Densavanh-Laobao, Quang Tri Province (Laos-Vietnam)
• Luang Namtha Province: Boten-Mohan, Sisuangpana, Yunnan Province (Laos-China)
• Bokeo Province: Houai Sai-Chiang Rai Province (Laos-Thailand), Tonpheung-Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai Province (Loas-Thiland)
• Borikhamsay Province: Na Phao (Laksao)-Cau Treo, Ha Tinh Province (Laos-Vietnam)
• Khammouane Province: Thakhek-Nakhon Phanom Province (Laos-Thailand)
• Champassak Province: Vangtau-Chongmek, Ubon Ratchatani Province (Laos-Thailand)

Climate

Laos has a tropical monsoon climate with a wet and dry season. The wet season is between May/June to September/October. During December to January the temperatures at night can drop to 10°C, while February to November temperatures are typically 25°C to 35°C, but may reach a maximum of up to 40°C during April.

For weather details in Laos, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.

Airports

Wattay International Airport is five kilometres (approximately 10 minutes drive) from the centre of Vientiane. Most hotels will provide transport to and from the airport. Taxis are also available at the airport. The approximate cost of transport into the city is US$5.

Ground transport

There is a meter taxi service in Vientiane. There are also ‘tuk-tuks’, but the fare must be bargained in advance. Cars and drivers are also available for hire.

Security and health

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Laos. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

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.

Tipping

Tipping is not required in Laos, except at upscale restaurants where around 10 per cent is usually appreciated.

Time zones and time differences

Laos is three hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.

To find out the current time in Vientiane, view the World Clock.

Dialling codes

Laos' country code is 856.

For calls to Laos from Australia dial: 0011 + 856 + area code + telephone number.

For calls from Laos to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.

For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.

Business hours

Business hours are between 8.00am–noon and 2.00pm–4.00pm (public sector).

Business hours are between 8.00am–noon and 1.00pm–5.00pm (private sector).

Banks are open between 8.30am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday, although some foreign exchange facilities operated by banks are open longer hours, including Saturdays.

The main shopping centre, the morning markets, is open between 8.30am–4.00pm.

Public holidays

January 1 – New Year's Day
January 6 – Pathet Lao Day
January 20 – Army Day
March 2 – Chinese New Year
March 8 – International Women's Day
April 13 – Laotian New Year
May 1 – Labour Day
June 1 – Children’s Day
October 12 – Day of Liberation
December 2 – Lao National Day

Currency

Oanda currency converter

The Lao kip cannot be converted into another currency.

Hotels and tourist places are permitted to charge in US dollars and both the Thai baht and US dollars are accepted.

Electricity and water

Laos’ power supply is 220 volts, 50Hz. The parallel two and three point plugs are the most common.