Asia and Oceania

Insurance

 

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See travel insurance for more details.

 

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is how we can help. .

 

Representation in Laos

There is no British consular representation in Laos. Routine consular matters are provided by the Australian Embassy in Vientiane (please see below for contact details). The British Embassy in Bangkok is responsible for non-routine consular matters.

 

Replacing a passport in Laos

 

If you require a new passport, application forms can be downloaded from the Internet. Applications for new and replacement passports are processed by the British Embassy in Bangkok and can be submitted by post or the local courier service (known as EMS). Where possible, you are advised to apply at least 15 working days before you need to use your passport. In the event of an emergency, the Australian Embassy in Vientiane can issue a Laissez Passer emergency travel document to allow you to enter Thailand, and will ask you to complete a lost/stolen report form. We strongly advise you to keep a photocopy of the relevant pages of your passport, to avoid any complications.

 

Registering your presence

 

If you are a British national and plan to stay for an extended period in Laos, you are advised to register with the Australian Embassy in Vientiane upon arrival.

 

The Australian Embassy in Vientiane can be contacted at: KM4, Thadeua Road, Watnak Village, Sisattanak District, Vientiane; (Tel: + 856 21 353 800; Fax: 856-21 353-801). Email: austemb.laos@dfat.gov.au.

 

Consular Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

Money

 

The majority of international ATMs are generally reliable. However, there is a limit to the amount of money you are able to withdraw per day (1,000,000 LAK = approx £65). Major credit cards are accepted at the larger international hotels and main tourist orientated establishments. Traveller's cheques can be cashed at most banks in Vientiane and major towns. Most transactions are conducted in cash, American Dollars, Thai Baht or Lao Kip (LAK). Western Union, United Kingdom freephone 0800 833 833, offers international money transfer facilities in Vientiane through a branch of the Bank of Ayudhya on Lane Xang Avenue.