Laos travel advice
A summary of the UK government’s (FCDO) travel advice for Laos, last updated by the FCDO on 13 August 2026. The full advice on GOV.UK is the authoritative version.
FCDO status
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of the country
Latest FCDO update (13 August 2026): Updated information on flooding risks during periods of heavy rain (‘Safety and security’ page).
FCDO notice
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
Warnings (from the FCDO, word for word)
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.
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 areas.
Passport validity
To enter Laos, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least 2 blank pages.
Airlines will only let you board your flight if your passport has enough blank pages.
Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
From FCDO: entry requirements. Written for British passport holders.
Recent FCDO updates
- 13 August 2026: Updated information on flooding risks during periods of heavy rain (‘Safety and security’ page).
- 22 April 2026: Updated information about the Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) ('Entry requirements’ page).
- 19 March 2026: Updated information about global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
Plan your trip
This page shows the FCDO’s headline status and quotes its text word for word; we don’t reword safety advice. It refreshes automatically, so it can lag GOV.UK by up to a day. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: FCDO foreign travel advice on GOV.UK. FCDO advice is written for British nationals; other nationalities should also check their own government’s advice.