The Laotian authorities have temporarily suspended visas for all foreign nationals as of March 18. The decision is valid for 30 days. This also applies to E-visas and “Visa on arrival”. For information about coronavirus and entry, see the entry Entry and Health.
Safety
Laos is generally a safe country to stay and travel to.
The crime rate is relatively low. If you are alert and do not seek danger, you will generally travel safely. As a tourist, you can still be subjected to violence, pocket theft and purse seeding. It is important to be aware of where you store your valuables.
The embassy is aware that shooting episodes have occurred on some roads in Laos and travelers are requested to exercise caution.
Road safety in Laos is poor. Therefore, always be careful when traveling in traffic in Laos. Always wear a helmet if you are riding or moping. Wear seat belt in car.
Laos has a tropical climate. The year is divided into dry and rainy season. The dry season is from November to May and is referred to as winter. During the summer season and the rainy season between May and November, floods and floods can occur in the provinces around the Mekong River in southern Laos. Travelers should stay up to date on weather conditions. Updated Laos weather information can be found at Tropical Storm Risk.
Entry
Please note that entry regulations may change. The Foreign Service is not responsible if the following information on entry regulations or visa requirements is changed at short notice. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents are valid for entry and to familiarize themselves with the current entry rules for each country.
Travelers are advised to contact the Lao Embassy or Consulate for information on current entry rules. Subject to changes that have not been notified to the Embassy.
The Laotian authorities have temporarily suspended visas for all foreign nationals as of March 18. The decision is valid for 30 days. This also applies to E-visas and “Visa on arrival”.
Health
Coronavirus (covid-19): For up-to-date information, travelers should follow the World Health Organization (WHO) page.
Norwegian travelers should keep abreast of the development of the corona virus. Feel free to follow local authorities’ advice, guidance and instructions on how to deal with the situation.
The Public Health Institute provides health advice. You can find more information and guidance from the Norwegian health authorities on FHI’s coronavirus page.
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For updated information on general health conditions in Laos, travelers should follow the Laos World Health Organization page.
As always, we encourage all travelers to register at reiseregistrering.no.
Infectious diseases, waterborne diseases, dengue fever, hepatitis, rabies, polio and STD are among the challenges. The somatic and mental health services in Laos are deficient, and in case of serious illness it is recommended to seek health services in other countries.
Travelers to Laos are encouraged to contact their local health station or GP for further information on vaccines and other precautions. Useful information is also available on the website of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.
Practical
Visa and Mastercard are accepted in major cities and tourist locations, and can be used for local currency withdrawals from ATMs.
Opening hours: Banks and public offices have normal opening hours from 8.30-15.30.
Laos is ahead of Norway in time; five hours at daylight saving time, and six hours at winter time.
Emergency numbers: Police 191, Fire Department 190, Ambulance 195.
If you need consular assistance, please contact the Norwegian Embassy in Hanoi by phone:
+84 4 3974 8900 or by e-mail: emb.hanoi@mfa.no.
Opening hours are 8.30-12.00/13.00 – 16.30 (Monday – Friday)
Embassy’s visit address:
Hanoi Tower, 8th Floor
49 Hai Ba Trung Street
Hanoi
Vietnam
According to allcitycodes, Laos area code is +856. Outside the embassy’s working hours, travelers can contact the UD’s operational center by phone: +47 23 95 00 00 or by e-mail: UDops@mfa.no
Laos is generally a tolerant country, and you can pretty much dress as you please. If you are going to visit a temple or pagoda, you are expected to dress respectfully. You can be denied access if you arrive in shorts. When visiting another country, it is important in all respects to show discretion and show respect for the country’s culture.
The population of Laos is composed. Less than half are ethnic Laotians or so-called “Lowland” Laotians. There are 160 different ethnic minorities – including ethnic Chinese, Vietnamese and small communities of South Asian origin.
The official language is Lao, which is a tonal language closely related to Thai. About half the population speak Lao. The ethnic minorities speak their own languages such as hmong and khmu.
In Laos, Laotian laws and regulations apply. Foreigners should always bring their passport, or a copy of the personalization page and visa with entry stamp, so that one can identify if needed. Drug crimes are hard fought, and drug smuggling can be punished with the death penalty.