Traveling Info
Visa
All visitors entering Laos must possess valid passports. Visa can obtained from Lao Embassies and Consulates abroad. Tourist visa allows you to stay in Laos for up to 30 days, and can be extended (with fee) for up to 60 days. The visa processing will take between 3 to 5 working days.
Medical information
The only vaccine required by international regulations is yellow fever. Proof of vaccination will only be required if you have visited a country in the yellow-fever zone within the six days prior to entering Southeast Asia. If you are traveling to Southeast Asia from Africa or South America you should check to see if you require proof of vaccination.
For further up-to-date medical information, please visit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Practical Information
Difference to Central European Time
PeriodTime difference
| During winter |
+6 hours to Central European Time |
| During summer |
+5 hours to Central European Time |
Telephone
The area code of Laos is 00856.
The general emergency number in Laos is 192.
Money
The official currency of Laos is the Laos kip (LAK), which comes in 100, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and recently issued 100,000 kip notes. There are no Lao coins in circulation. The interesting thing when you are in Laos and change your money is that you suddenly find yourself LAK millionaire. The LAK value is rather low in comparison to other currency and exchange rate now is around 8,000 LAK to 1 USD.
Major credit cards – Visa, MasterCard are accepted at tourist hotels, restaurants and some shops in the main cities; some take American Express, JCB and Diners Club. Cash advances on credit cards may be obtained at bank branches and exchange booths if not accepted at ATMs.
Holidays
For up-to-date national holidays, please visit Laos Holiday Calendar.
