Travel Report for Laos

Country Profile for
Laos

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: December 1, 2006 15:13 EST
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 21:51 EST

Laos

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed. Sections 6 and 8 have been updated.

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2. ATTENTION

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the region(s) specified below. (IDW5)

You are advised against all travel to Sam Neua and Huaphan Provinces. Exercise extreme caution when travelling by road along Route 13 North between Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang, and Route 7 from Phoukhoun to Phongsavan. Military escorts should be used, whenever possible, when travelling to the Xaysomboune Special Zone and Xieng Khouang Province. There are ongoing security concerns related to ethnic conflicts, banditry, and unexploded munitions when travelling in

Laos

. There have been civil disturbances, including bombings in the capital, Vientiane, and in northern areas. Buses, bus stations, and markets have been the target of several attacks resulting in deaths and injuries. Landmines and unexploded munitions constitute a risk, particularly in Xieng Khouang Province (Plain of Jars) and at the Lao-Vietnamese border areas that were formerly traversed by the Ho Chi Minh Trail. You should avoid these areas and never travel off well-used roads.

There is a heightened threat of terrorism throughout Southeast Asia. You should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times as the security situation could deteriorate rapidly without notice. Exercise caution, particularly in commercial and public establishments (hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars, schools, places of worship, outdoor recreation events) and tourist areas frequented by foreigners.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians who choose to travel to the region(s) specified despite this warning should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting other areas of the country for three months or more should also register. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 7 below).

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Crimes such as theft, bag snatching, break-ins, and sexual assault occur. Caution is advised along hiking trails. Armed robberies have been reported in Phou Khao Khouay National Park. Exercise normal safety precautions and ensure personal belongings are secure. Do not show signs of affluence. Do not travel late at night in Vientiane. Travellers are subject to search, detention, and the possibility of fines by authorities if suitable identification is not presented. Travellers should comply with requests to stop at checkpoints and roadblocks.

Security authorities may place foreigners under surveillance. Hotel rooms, telephones, fax machines, and e-mail messages may be monitored. Personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched.

There have been several fatal crashes involving Yuen-7 and Yuen-12 aircraft on domestic routes in Laos since June 2000.

Travel by boat on the Mekong River from Vientiane to Luang Prabang is unreliable. Safety standards are minimal. Speedboat travel is especially dangerous during the dry season. Canadians should not travel on or across the Mekong River after dark. In some areas, the Lao military has been known to shoot at boats after dark.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Road accidents and fatalities have increased. Drivers have little regard for traffic regulations and do not follow safe driving practices. Vehicles are often poorly maintained. Road conditions are poor, especially during the rainy season. Travel should be undertaken during daylight hours. Public transportation is unreliable and limited after dark. Travellers involved in traffic accidents have been required to pay compensation for property damage or injuries, regardless of whom the police judged to be at fault. Lao insurers will generally only meet a small proportion of the costs of an accident and refuse to cover compensation, which can be the largest expense.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The rainy season extends from May to November. Flooding occurs in the provinces along the Mekong river in southern

Laos

. Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Flooding and damaged bridges may make roads impassable. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Dual nationality is not recognized. This may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada publishes a booklet, Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.

Sentences for drug offences, including drug use, are severe. The death penalty may be imposed for drug trafficking. There have been several deaths as a result of drug abuse among foreigners. Others have required urgent medical evacuations.

Non-marital sexual relationships between foreigners and Lao citizens are against the law, as are various forms of cohabitation with Lao nationals. Convictions for such offences can lead to prison sentences and large fines. Improper registration of a relationship to a Lao national can lead to similar sentences. Permission for marriage or engagement to a Lao citizen must be submitted in a formal application to Lao authorities. Homosexuality is prohibited and could lead to detention.

Photography of vehicles, bridges, airfields, government buildings, and military installations or personnel is prohibited. Violators may be arrested and equipment seized. Laos is tolerant of a wide diversity of religions. However, religious proselytizing or distributing religious material is strictly prohibited. Violators may be arrested or deported.

Persons interested in doing business in Laos should be aware that Laos presents a risky business environment. Judicial and regulatory regimes may not operate with the same transparency as can be expected in Canada. Individuals may be held legally and financially responsible for company dealings. The possibility of bureaucratic delays and unexpected legal interpretations should be accounted for in business planning. For further information, please read Doing Business — Laos.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

There is no resident Canadian government office in Laos. Canadians in Laos can obtain consular assistance and further information from the Australian Embassy in Vientiane (under the Canada-Australia Consular Services Sharing Agreement) at the following address:

Laos - VIENTIANE, Australian Embassy
Address: J. Nehru Street, Phone Xay, Vientiane, Laos
Postal Address: P.O. Box 292, Vientiane, Laos
Tel.: 856 (21) 413-600
Fax: 856 (21) 413-601

The Embassy of Canada in Bangkok, Thailand, has consular responsibility for Laos. The address is as follows:

Thailand - BANGKOK, Embassy of Canada
Address: 15th Floor, Abdulrahim Place, 990 Rama IV, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
Postal Address: P.O. Box 2090, Bangkok 10501, Thailand
Tel.: 66 (2) 636-0540
Fax: 66 (2) 636-0555
E-mail: bngkk@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.international.gc.ca/bangkok

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Australian Embassy in Vientiane and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the authorities of Laos and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on August 21, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Laos. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa. A 30 day tourist visa can be obtained upon arrival at Wattay International Airport, Luang Prabang International Airport, Pakse International Airport, and the Friendship Bridge. Tourist visas are also available at the border crossings of Savannakhet/Mukdahan, Densavanh/Lao Bao, Boten/Mohan, Houai Sai/Chiang Khong, Nam Phao/Cau Treo, Thakhek/Nakhon Phanom, Vangtau/Chongmek, and Nam Kan/Ngo Anh, but Canadians should confirm with the nearest Laotian Embassy or Consulate. A passport photo and US$30 are required to obtain a visa upon arrival.

Immigration offices at some border crossings are difficult to identify. Travellers should ensure they obtain an entry stamp into Laos. Failure to complete these formalities can result in serious fines, detention, and/or deportation.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

An airport tax is charged upon departure.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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9. MONEY

The currency is the kip. U.S. dollars are also widely accepted. There are very few ATMs in

Laos

that accept foreign cards. Those that do are often out of order. Major credit cards are accepted at some international hotels and tourist establishments. Cash advances can be obtained from some banks although commissions are high. Traveller's cheques can be cashed at most banks in Vientiane and other major towns. Western Union recently commenced international money transfer operations in Vientiane through a branch of the Bank of Ayudhya, 79/6 Lane-Xang Ave., P.O. Box 5072, Vientiane, Lao PDR (country and area codes: 856-21/ tel.: 213521/ fax: 213520).

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

Laos (capital: Vientiane) is located in Southeast Asia, bordered by Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, and Burma (Myanmar). The official language is Lao. Tourist facilities outside Vientiane and Luang Prabang are limited. International telephone and e-mail facilities are limited in Vientiane and unavailable in many areas. Where available, they are often unreliable and very expensive. For emergency assistance, call 191 for police, 195 for ambulance, or 190 for fire.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities throughout Laos are scarce and below Western standards. Medical evacuation to Thailand is required, except for basic medical conditions and injuries, in order to obtain acceptable standards of treatment. Such evacuations are very expensive and difficult to organize. Canadians with unstable medical conditions should take this into account prior to travel. Travellers experiencing medical problems while in Laos should seek immediate assistance in Vientiane and consider leaving.

Canadians may visit the Australian Embassy's clinic (country and area codes: 856-21/ tel.: 413-603/ fax: 413-700), which is located 50 metres from the Australian Chancery, or the International Clinic attached to Mahasot Hospital (country and area codes: 856-21/ tel: 414-022). For after hours emergencies, contact the Australian Embassy (see above). Travellers should also seek further information on tick and louse borne diseases from the contact numbers above.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Local law does not allow adoption of children by foreigners.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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