Laos

The Lao legal system operates differently from the UK, and the standard of prisons is very poor.

If you are under criminal investigation, you can be detained for long periods without evidence or official charges. There can be long delays before you can contact lawyers, British Embassy officials or family. Legal representation is far below UK standards.

Possession, trafficking and manufacture of any illegal drugs are serious offences in Laos. This includes cannabis. British nationals have been caught carrying cannabis while transiting through Laos.

The Laos authorities have a zero-tolerance policy to drug offences. Possessing drugs, even in very small quantities, carries severe penalties, including:  

• arrest and detention
• a long jail sentence if charged and convicted
• a possible death penalty for drug trafficking

Legal processes before court hearings can be long and expensive. It can take many months for a case to go to trial.

Criminal gangs in the UK and elsewhere are known to coerce people into carrying drugs across borders. Do not allow yourself to be persuaded.

Airports in Laos have security equipment and procedures in place for scanning and detecting illegal substances, including cannabis. This is also used to scan the carry-on and checked-in baggage of transiting passengers.

It is important to be aware of your rights if you are detained by the police. See our guidance for those detained or imprisoned in Laos.

Police often raid venues known to be frequented by foreigners. You may have to take a urine or blood test if there is a suspicion you have used drugs. You will be arrested if the test is positive.

Photographing or entering any military site without an official invitation is prohibited and you may be arrested or detained. Avoid photographing bridges or airfields.

You should get permission from the local district authorities for any travel seen as out of the ordinary, such as extensive photography, or scientific research of any kind.

The Lao government prohibits sexual relationships between foreign and Lao nationals, except when the parties have been married in accordance with Lao family law. You must ask permission for marriage or engagement to a Lao national in a formal application to the Lao authorities.

Penalties for failing to register such a relationship can be up to 5,000 US dollars fine and possible imprisonment. It is not unknown for Lao authorities to demand entry into hotel rooms or guesthouses where they suspect this regulation is being broken.

While cigarettes are common, the use of e-cigarettes (vapes), heated tobacco and shisha (water-pipe tobacco) are illegal. You could be fined or imprisoned for possessing, using them, importing, selling, purchasing or exporting them.

When you visit any temples and religious sites, your shoulders and knees should be covered, whether you are male or female.

It is not culturally appropriate to walk around in public wearing swimming costumes after leaving waterfalls, rivers or swimming pools.

There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations in Laos. Proud To Be Us Laos raises awareness about LGBT+ rights and HIV/AIDS among the LGBT+ community. More information can be found on the Proud To Be Us Laos Facebook page.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

The rainy season in Laos normally runs from May to October, at the same time as the typhoon season in south-east Asia. During this period river levels can can increase dramatically within hours and heavy rainstorms may cause unexpected and serious flooding. Be aware of local advice, social media coverage and follow the advice of the local authorities.

Travel to some provinces can be seriously disrupted during this time. Mountain areas are vulnerable to landslides in the rainy season and the Mekong’s river basins and surrounding areas are likely to be flooded. Meteorologists predict that tropical storms could be more forceful and more frequent in the future, this can amplify monsoon storms and rainfall. Away from river basins there is a high risk of flash flooding causing falling trees, damage to buildings and transport infrastructure; be aware landslides may expose undiscovered UXO.

During the monsoon season local road transport is often disrupted due to conditions. Cross country journeys can often take substantially longer than posted schedules and have limited mobile phone coverage. Travel with extra water and food supplies.

The Mekong River Commission posts official updates on the Mekong River. Travel to some provinces can be seriously disrupted during this time. Monitor local news and check World Meteorological Organization weather reports.