Common menu bar links
|
Last Updated:
November 15, 2007 16:51
EST
Still Valid: November 15, 2007 22:36 EST |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1. RECENT UPDATES Section 7 (currency) of this Travel Report has been updated. See our Current Issues page for information on Avian Influenza. BACK TO TOP 2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS There is no Official Warning for this country. Laos
There are ongoing security concerns related to ethnic conflicts, banditry, and unexploded munitions when travelling in Landmines and unexploded munitions constitute a risk, particularly in There is a heightened threat of terrorism throughout OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad. BACK TO TOP 3. SAFETY AND SECURITY The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions. Tourist facilities outside Crimes such as theft, bag snatching, break-ins, and sexual assault occur. Caution is advised along hiking trails. Armed robberies have been reported in Reports of increasing tensions between Lao Government forces and unidentified groups could lead to violence in the northern region of Food and beverages (such as “happy pizzas” or “special shakes”) may contain unspecified amounts of opium and other unknown additives. These items are sold in areas frequented by tourists, particularly Vang Vieng. While these items may be easily accessible, Canadians should be advised that taking any amount of opiates can be dangerous. Medical facilities may be extremely rudimentary or distant and several foreigners, including two Canadians, have died as a result of drug overdoses. Sentences for drug offences, including drug use, are severe. The death penalty may be imposed for drug trafficking. BACK TO TOP 4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the authorities of Laos and was valid on January 15, 2007. 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 Travellers are required to obtain permission from local authorities prior to travel to certain parts of Immigration offices at some border crossings are difficult to identify. Travellers should ensure they obtain an entry stamp into Tourist Visa: Required Business Visa: Required Student Visa: Required An airport tax is charged upon departure. A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (CCC) is not a travel document. Airlines are known to refuse boarding to dual national Canadian passengers returning to Canada, travelling on a passport that requires a visa to enter Canada, regardless of whether the passenger presents a valid CCC as proof of Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. It proves your admissibility to enter Canada. Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services. 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. BACK TO TOP 5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS There is no resident Canadian government office in Laos - VIENTIANE, Australian Embassy Address: J. Nehru Street, Phone Xay, Vientiane Postal Address: P.O. Box 292, Vientiane, Tel.: 856 (21) 413-600 Fax: 856 (21) 413-601 E-Mail: austemb.laos@dfat.gov.au Internet: http://www.laos.embassy.gov.au The Embassy of Canada in Thailand - BANGKOK, Embassy of Canada Address: 15th Floor, Abdulrahim Place, 990 Rama IV, Bangrak, Bangkok, Thailand 10500 Postal Address: P.O. Box 2090, Bangkok, 10501 Tel.: 66 (0) 2636-0540 Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 001-800-156-220-0142 Fax: 66 (0) 2636-0555 E-Mail: bngkk@international.gc.ca Internet: http://www.bangkok.gc.ca 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. BACK TO TOP 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 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request. Dual nationality is not legally recognized, which 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. The Department publishes a booklet entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality. The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare. 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. Public displays of affection, such as kissing, whether between opposite or same-sex couples, are not considered proper/polite in public. Photography of vehicles, bridges, airfields, government buildings, and military installations or personnel is prohibited. Violators may be arrested and equipment seized. Persons interested in doing business in BACK TO TOP 7. LOCAL TRAVEL AND CURRENCY 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. Livestock often stray onto the roads causing accidents. Travellers involved in traffic accidents have been required to pay compensation for property damage or injuries, regardless of who 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. Public transportation is unreliable and limited after dark. Canadians are reminded not to leave their passport as collateral when renting motorcycles. All rental contracts should be read thoroughly to ensure that the motorcycle is correctly insured to cover damages and theft. Canadians should only rent from reputable companies, as some companies have been known to "steal" the motorcycle and claim for loss. Travellers whose passports are inaccessible or stolen as a result of misuse may be subject to investigation by Passport Canada and may receive limited passport services. River travel is common in Lao air safety standards do not conform to Canadian standards. There have been several fatal crashes involving Yuen-7 and Yuen-12 aircraft on domestic routes in An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended. The currency is the kip, which is not easily obtained or exchanged outside of Check with your bank for information on Automated Banking Machine ( BACK TO TOP 8. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE The rainy season extends from May to November. Flooding occurs in the provinces along the BACK TO TOP 9. 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 continues to closely monitor and report on occurrences of avian influenza A (H5N1), or "bird flu", in humans and in birds. Further information on avian influenza A (H5N1) and recommendations for travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site as well as on the World Health Organization's Web site. For more information, see our Current Issues on Avian Influenza. 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. BACK TO TOP 10. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION Medical facilities throughout 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. BACK TO TOP 11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Returning to Canada Traveller's Checklist 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. See Canada's Health Portal. 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. Adoption: Local law does not allow adoption of children by foreigners. BACK TO TOP 12. ANNEX N/A BACK TO TOP |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
