Laos Travel Risk Level

There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary updated. Exercise increased caution in Laos due to crime, unrest, and unexploded ordnances . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Increased Risk Areas: Reconsider Travel to Xaisomboun Province due to civil unrest Exercise Increased Caution in areas on the Border with Burma, Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Salavan, Khammouane, Sekong, Champasak, Houaphanh, Attapeu, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane provinces, along Route 7 (from Route 13 to the Vietnam border), Route 9 (Savannakhet to the Vietnam border), and Route 20 (Pakse to Salavan) due to crime . Exercise Increased Caution in areas of Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Salavan, Khammouane, Sekong, Champasak, Houaphanh, Attapeu, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane provinces, as well as along Route 7 due to unexploded ordnances. Advisory summary: Review our Travel Guidance for Laos to learn how to prepare for a safe trip. Avoid Special Economic Zones (SEZs), especially the Bokeo SEZ (also known as the Golden Triangle SEZ) and Boten SEZ. Scam centers and transnational criminal organizations that operate within these zones increase the risk of crime. Specific areas of risks: Reconsider Travel to Xaisomboun Province due to civil unrest. There is a continued threat of violence in Xaisomboun Province. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Xaisomboun Province. U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to Xaisomboun Province. Exercise Increased Caution in areas on the Border with Burma, Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Salavan, Khammouane, Sekong, Champasak, Houaphanh, Attapeu, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane provinces, along Route 7 (from Route 13 to the Vietnam border), Route 9 (Savannakhet to the Vietnam border), and Route 20 (Pakse to Salavan) due to crime . Avoid remote areas along the border with Burma due to crime . Bandits, drug traffickers, and other people

Higher-risk regions — Level 3 (Reconsider Travel): Xaisomboun Province due to civil unrest Exercise Increased Caution in areas on the Border with Burma, Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Salavan, Khammouane, Sekong, Champasak, Houaphanh, Attapeu, Luang…

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel Xaisomboun Province FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Xaisomboun Province. There are intermittent attacks on infrastructure and armed clashes with anti-government groups. Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel . Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights. Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel: check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator review your travel insurance policy for coverage monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts be mindful of your permitted length of stay in Laos, extend visa if necessary, and see visa extensions on Entry requirements page Land borders and crossing with Thailand and Cambodia In July 2025, Thailand and Cambodia fought along parts of the border. The fighting included the use of rocket and artillery fire. Tensions remain and fighting erupted again at various points along the border in December. Land borders and crossings between Thailand and Cambodia continue to be suspended. Some tourist destinations in border areas such as the Khao Phra Wihan/Preah Vihear temple, the Ta Kwai/Ta Krabey temple and the Ta Muen Thom/Tamone Thom temple are closed. There are also unexploded landmines in the border area. British nationals in Southern Laos travelling to Cambodia or Thailand, should carefully consider which land border crossings to use. British nationals should also carefully consider any travel they have planned close to the Lao border adjoining the affected

Higher-risk regions — Advise against all but essential travel: Xaisomboun Province FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Xaisomboun Province. There are intermittent attacks on infrastructure and armed clashes with anti-government groups.

France Diplomatie : vigilance renforcée sur l'ensemble du pays (jaune).

Higher-risk regions — Travel advised against except for essential reasons: Specific zones carry a higher advisory than the country overall.

Auswärtiges Amt: Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise (general travel and security advice); no travel warning in effect.