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Safety and Security

The Department of State recommends that if you travel to or reside in Laos, exercise caution and be alert to your surroundings at all times.

The Lao government security forces often stop and check all transport on main roads, particularly at night. You must comply with requests to stop at checkpoints and roadblocks. Especially if you are considering travel outside urban centers, please contact relevant Lao government offices, such as Lao Immigration Police Headquarters in Vientiane, the Lao Tourist Police, local police and customs offices, or the U.S. Embassy for the most current security information. To avoid trouble with the authorities, if you are traveling outside of normal tourist areas or contemplating any unusual activity (including, but not limited to, engaging in business, extensive photography, or scientific research of any kind), be sure to seek advance permission from the Village Chief, District Head, Provincial Governor, or National Tourism Authority, as appropriate.

The large amount of unexploded ordnance (UXO) left over from the Indochina War causes more than 300 casualties per year. UXO can be found in some parts of Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Saravane, Khammouane, Sekong, Champassak, Houaphan, Attapeu, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane Provinces. In addition, numerous mine fields are left over from the war along Route 7 (from Route 13 to the Vietnam border), Route 9 (Savannakhet to the Vietnam border), and Route 20 (Pakse to Saravane). Never pick up unknown metal objects and avoid traveling off well-used roads, tracks, and paths.

You should also exercise caution in remote areas along the Lao border with Burma. Bandits, drug traffickers and other people pursuing illegal activities operate in these border areas, as do armed insurgent groups opposed to the government of Burma.

To stay connected:

CRIME: In general, Laos has a high rate of crime, and over the past year there has been an increase in violent crimes involving weapons. You should remain aware of your surroundings and exercise appropriate security precautions at all times. Residential burglary is common. There have been confirmed reports of armed robberies of foreigners, some of which have occurred in broad daylight. There have also been reports of sexual assaults on foreigners both in Vientiane and Vang Vieng. You should exercise caution, particularly after dark, at roadside restaurants, bars, and stalls. Never leave food or drinks unattended. Be careful about taking drinks from strangers and be wary at bars, clubs, restaurants, and parties due to the possibility of consuming food or drinks that have been spiked with drugs. Foreigners have reported incidents of drug-related rapes. Please exercise caution on overnight bus trips, particularly on buses travelling to/from Vietnam. The Embassy has received reports of scams and thefts of personal belongings.

Purse, Backpack, and Satchel Snatchings: Thieves on motorcycles will speed up from behind a victim, and the passenger on the back of the motorcycle snatches a purse, handbag, or cellular phone. These types of thefts occur at all hours and often in front of large groups of witnesses, even in upscale neighborhoods frequented by expatriates. Increasingly, robbers will even confront a victim traveling within a larger group. Women walking by themselves or with small children are the most common targets, but men walking or jogging alone have also been targeted. Victims have been injured and killed after falling and being dragged behind thieves in cars or on motorcycles. Some thieves have slashed or cut victims in order to shock the victim into immediately releasing valuable items.

Be alert and aware of your surroundings. Walk facing traffic and keep a close eye on all approaching vehicles, particularly motorcycles. If possible, try to walk on the part of the sidewalk that is away from the curb. Avoid poorly lit streets, shortcuts, and narrow alleys, but be aware that attacks may occur anywhere. Purses or shoulder bags should be closed and tucked under your arm. Do not wrap the strap around your arm or shoulder. People have been injured or killed by being pulled to the ground by their purse straps as the thieves sped off. Laotians often wear jackets backwards over their clothing with purses and bags underneath to keep valuables out of sight of potential thieves. Avoid placing bags in the front basket of bicycles. Theft and violent crime increases significantly prior to major local festivals, holidays, and other events.  If your purse or bag is snatched, report the incident as soon as possible to the police.

Drugs: Possession of, trafficking in, and manufacture of drugs are serious offenses in Laos. Those caught face lengthy prison sentences or even the death penalty. There are restaurants in Laos that offer menu items, particularly “pizzas” or “shakes,” that may contain unknown substances or opiates. These products are often advertised as “happy” or “special” items. These unknown substances or opiates can be dangerous, causing serious illness or even death. Travelers in Vang Vieng and Vientiane have been fined and detained for purchasing, possessing, or using illegal substances. In recent years, foreigners, including U.S. citizens, have died in Laos after using illegal drugs, such as methamphetamines, opium, or heroin. The potency of some of these drugs can be several times that of similar substances found in the United States.

Motorcycle/Scooter Rental Scams: Motorbike rental scams are common in areas frequented by foreign tourists, such as Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane. Rental companies may require your passport as a deposit or collateral, and will hold your passport or give it to the Lao police to hold until you pay for any damage. The Embassy receives many reports of renters having been charged exorbitant amounts for damage to motorbikes, even in instances where the renter had caused no visible damage. A variation of this scam occurs when the motorbike is “stolen,” and the rental agency demands that the renter pay two or three times the reasonable price of the motorbike to replace it.

Be cautious about rental arrangements and never turn over your passport as a deposit or collateral.  Instead, allow them to make a copy of your passport, or an imprint of your credit card. Be certain to examine the vehicle and note any pre-existing damage before agreeing to rent and operate the vehicle. If possible, document the vehicle’s condition with before and after photos. Find out and agree upon the replacement cost of the motorcycle if it gets stolen ahead of time. If you purchase insurance from the rental shop, get a receipt showing you paid for insurance and be sure you know what the insurance policy covers in case of an accident.

You may also want to consider bringing your own sturdy lock and chain, or purchase one from a hardware store (don’t use one from the motorcycle rental company) to tie around the wheel and frame of the motorbike to deter theft.  If you find yourself a victim of one of these scams, you will need to attempt to recover your passport by involving the local Lao Tourist Police and documenting the situation with a police report. The Embassy cannot intervene on your behalf in personal financial disputes. However, if your passport is lost or stolen, you can apply for a replacement passport at the U.S. Embassy in Vientiane.

Counterfeit and pirated goods: These goods are widely available in Laos, but don’t buy them. Not only are they illegal in the United States, if you purchase them, you may also be breaking local law.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

  • Replace a stolen passport.
  • Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
  • Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, we can contact family members or friends.
  • Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency lines in Laos are 190 for fire, 191 for traffic police, and 195 for ambulance. The Tourist Police can be reached in Vientiane at 021-251-128.

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim-compensation programs in the United States. 

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Population: 7,275,560


Total Land Area: 230,800 km2


Population/km2: 31.52