Asia and Oceania

Do not get involved with illegal drugs. Possession, trafficking and manufacture of such drugs are serious offences in Laos. Those caught face lengthy prison sentences or the death penalty.

 

There have been several deaths as a result of drug abuse among foreigners visiting Laos.

The Lao Government prohibits sexual relationships between foreign citizens and Lao nationals, except when the two parties have been married in accordance with Lao Family Law. It is not unknown for Lao authorities to demand entry into hotel rooms or guesthouses where they suspect this regulation is being broken. Permission for marriage or engagement to a Lao citizen must be submitted in a formal application to the Lao authorities. Penalties for engaging in prohibited sexual contact or failing to register a relationship range from US$500 to US$5,000 and may also involve imprisonment.

 

It is illegal not to carry an ID document or a passport, and fines for not having documentation for presentation on demand can be high.

Photographing or visiting military sites is prohibited and can result in arrest or detention.

 

For more general information for different types of travellers see your trip.