Asia and Oceania

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

Travel Summary

• The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its pandemic threat alert phase to Level 6. The WHO website has further details. You should monitor media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated swine flu page on the FCO website. Guidance on pandemic flu is available on the UK Department of Health website.
  
  
• There is no British consular representation in Laos. Routine consular matters are covered by the Australian Embassy in Vientiane. The British Embassy in Bangkok is accredited to Laos and is responsible for non-routine consular matters. See the general (representation in Laos) section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• There is a low threat from terrorism in Laoss, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• You should be aware of and respect local conventions at all times. See the local laws and customs section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• Unexploded ordnance in rural areas is an ongoing danger.
  
  
• Outbreaks of avian influenza (bird flu) in Laos have led to a small number of human fatalities. The last fatality was in March 2007. See the health (avian influenza) section of this advice and avian and pandemic Flu for more details.
  
  
• Most visits to Laos are trouble free. The main types of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in Laos in 2008 were for: dealing with arrests; and replacing lost or stolen passports. You must carry an ID document or passport at all times, you will be heavily fined if you do not present any documentation on request by the authorities.
  
  
• 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 the general (insurance) section of this advice and travel insurance for more details.