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ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport and visa are
required. The Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that visas can be
issued upon arrival in Laos to U.S. citizen tourists with two passport-size
photographs and $35 at the following ports of entry: Wattay Airport,
Vientiane; Friendship Bridge, Vientiane, and Luang Prabang Airport. Persons
who obtain entry visas prior to their arrival in Laos may also enter at the
following international entry points: Boten-Bohan, Huaixay,
Khammouane-Nakhonphanom, Suvannahket-Mukdahan, Vangtao-Chong Mek, Pakse
Airport, Daensayanh-Laobao, Namphao-Kaopae, and Namkan. Foreign tourists
are generally admitted to Laos for 30 days. The Department of Immigration in
Vientiane will extend 30-day tourist visas up to an additional 60 days for a
fee of $2 per day. Foreigners who overstay their visas in Laos risk arrest
and upon departure will be fined $10 for each day of overstay.
Foreign tourists who wish to obtain a visa in advance may contact a Lao
Embassy or Consulate. In the United States, visas and further information
about Lao entry requirements can be obtained directly from the Embassy of
the Lao People's Democratic Republic, 2222 S St. N.W., Washington DC 20008,
tel: 202-332-6416, fax: 202-332-4923, Internet:
http://www.laoembassy.com.
Business visas can only be arranged in advance by having a company or
individual “sponsor” contact the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in
Vientiane and request a visa for the traveler by offering a “guarantee.”
Once this request is approved by the MFA, the approval will be communicated
to the Lao Embassy in Washington, DC and the U.S. traveler may then apply
for the business visa. This process normally takes 1-3 months. After
arrival, these visas can usually be extended for one month.
U.S. citizens should not attempt to enter Laos without valid travel
documents or outside of official ports of entry. Unscrupulous travel agents
have sold U.S.-citizen travelers false Lao visas, which have resulted in
those travelers being denied entry into Laos. Persons attempting to enter
Laos outside of official ports of entry risk arrest or other serious
consequences.
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MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical
facilities and services in Laos are limited and do not meet Western
standards. U.S. citizens often seek medical care in Thailand. The
Friendship Bridge linking Vientiane, Laos, to Nong Khai, Thailand, is open
daily 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Officials generally will allow travelers to
cross after hours in cases of medical emergency. AEK International Hospital
(tel: 66-42-342-555) and North Eastern Wattana General Hospital, both in
Udorn, Thailand (tel: 66-1-833-4262) have English-speaking staff accustomed
to dealing with foreign patients. Nong Khai Wattana Hospital in Nong Khai,
Thailand (tel: 66-1-833-4262) can handle most simple medical procedures.
Ambulances for both AEK International Hospital and Nong Khai Wattana
Hospital have permission to cross the Friendship Bridge to collect patients
from Vientiane. In Vientiane, the Setthatirat Hospital ambulance (tel:
021-413-720) can take patients to Thailand. The Department of State assumes
no responsibility for the professional ability or reputation of these
hospitals.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe
food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international
travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX
(1-888-232-3299)
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MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly
urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to
traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and
whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living
or traveling outside of the U.S. are encouraged to register with the U.S.
Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration website,
https://travelregistration.state.gov. Americans without Internet access
may register directly with the U.S. Embassy. By registering, American
citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of
emergency.
The U.S. Embassy is located on Rue Bartholonie (near Tat Dam), in
Vientiane; from the U.S., mail may be addressed to U.S. Embassy Vientiane,
Unit 8165, Box V, APO AP 96546; Telephone (856-21) 267-000, recorded
emergency information for American citizens (856-21) 267-111; duty officer
emergency cellular telephone (856-20) 550-2016; Embassy-wide fax number
(856-21) 267-190; Consular Section e-mail:
CONSLAO@state.gov, Embassy website:
http://vientiane.usembassy.gov.
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