Living in Laos
Official information British people moving to and living in Laos need to know, including residency, healthcare and driving.
This guide sets out essential information for British citizens moving to or living in Laos. Read about how our embassy in Vientiane can help.
This information is provided as a guide only. You should get definitive information from the Laos authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is not liable for any inaccuracies in this information.
Support for British Nationals Abroad: a guide sets out how British nationals can stay safe abroad and how the FCDO can help if you do get into difficulty.
Read general guidance on moving or retiring abroad.
To stay up to date, follow the British Embassy Vientiane on the Embassy’s Facebook page.
Before you go
See our travel advice for Laos for up-to-date information on entry requirements, local laws and customs, safety and emergencies.
See moving or retiring abroad.
Visas and residency
Check the entry requirements for Laos in our travel advice.
E-visa
You can obtain an e-visa online before you travel. Please confirm which entry points currently accept e-visa at Lao Immigration Checkpoints.
Visa on arrival
Lao visas are available on arrival at:
- Lao international airports in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse and Savannakhet
- Lao-Thai Friendship Bridges in Vientiane, Thakhek, and Savannakhet
- some international land border crossing points - check your crossing point in advance
Requirements
- your original passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity and a full blank page for a visa stamp plus space for an entry and exit stamp
- a visa application form, filled and signed by the applicant (available at visa booth at Lao ports of entry)
- one recent passport-type photograph
- the visa fee (in cash) US$40
If you don’t have a photograph you will be asked to pay a small fee (a few dollars) for scanning your photograph from your passport, and placing it onto your visa application form.
Tourist visas may be extended for 30 days at the Bureau of Immigration (Bureau of Aliens and Foreigners Protection) which has moved to the city outskirts North of Wattay airport, Vientiane. Do not overstay beyond the limit of your visa or you risk arrest and fines being imposed. Fines for overstaying are imposed at a rate of US$10 for each day you remain in Laos beyond the date stamped in your passport. They can be paid at the Bureau of Immigration or at the Friendship Bridge on departure. Overstaying for more than 90 days can be punishable by US$2000 fine, deportation and a ban on re-entering Laos.
Procedures
In most ports of entry including the Lao international border crossing points and Lao International Airports (Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse and Savannakhet) the Visa on Arrival window is located at the arrival channel (before the immigration window).
Line up at the visa window to get a visa application form and fill it out (if you arrive by plane, the form should be given to you before landing). Then hand it in together with your passport, your photograph and the visa fee to the officer, and wait to be called.
The visa processing time varies between ports of entry. At major airports or at the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge in Vientiane it takes around 10-15 minutes. Delays are possible in late afternoons, weekends and public holidays at both the visa window and immigration windows at the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge.
Although we cannot advise you on what specific items you can or cannot bring into Laos, the Lao Customs Department website provides a list of general prohibitions and restrictions. We suggest you consult travel guides and websites to research your requirements.
UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETD) are currently allowed for entry into Laos. British Nationals leaving Laos on an ETD should get an exit visa from the Consular Section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Contact Lao Immigration Authorities for information about other visa types such as business visas.
Resident requirements
Candidates must have lived in Laos for 10 continuous years and must commit to living in Laos for at least 10 months each year. Specialists and scientists can also apply for permanent residency.
People who have operated a stable business in Laos for at least five years with an investment value of at least US$500,000 can also apply for permanent residency. A person who does a good deed to aid the nation’s development can also apply for permanent residency. Figures should be confirmed with the appropriate agency.
Everyone living in Laos must respect the laws and constitution of the country and its traditional culture and social order, as well as pay taxes to the government based on the relevant laws and contribute to maintaining security. One important requirement for permanent residency is the presence of a relative in Laos willing to act as a guarantor for the applicant, who must also be in good health and have no criminal record.
If the decree is approved, people of Lao origin living abroad can submit an application for permanent residency at the Lao Embassy or Consul General Office in the country where they live. The application will then be sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the relevant authorities for consideration within 3 months.
Registering yourself with the British Embassy and staying informed
We no longer use a system for registering visitors or residents with us. We advise all British nationals to read our up to date travel advice to ensure you stay safe, avoid problems and make informed decisions when living or travelling in Laos. We will email you with any changes to our travel advice when you subscribe to our travel alerts.
To stay up to date and get instant access to what’s going on you can also follow the Embassy’s Facebook page.
Passports and travel
See overseas British passports applications and get an emergency travel document (sometimes called an emergency passport).
Healthcare in Laos
Laos and the UK do not have reciprocal healthcare agreements. You should buy comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you enter the country. Ensure that you have accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment as treatment can be withheld until payment is received.
For information on pre-travel health consultations, please visit the NHS website for information about healthcare abroad.
Medical facilities and services in Laos are limited and do not meet Western standards. In Vientiane, British citizens may wish to contact the following organisations:
The emergency ambulance service. Telephone number: 1195
There are a number of charities operating a rescue service in Vientiane following a road traffic accident including:
Lao Red Cross. Telephone no: +856 (0)20 5996 6111 or +856 (0)20 2200 5563 Vientiane Rescue. Telephone number: 1623 (Lao speaking only) See list of medical facilities in Laos and Thailand.
Travellers with no insurance (or invalidated insurance) will be expected to pay for their medical treatment. Treatment, even in an emergency, is never free of charge. Often a patient will be required to pay their bill before they are released. Travellers with insurance may still have to pay for their healthcare upfront and claim the money back later. Check with your insurance company whether you will be entitled to claim for treatment in private facilities.
Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are a problem throughout Southeast Asia. Please be aware of this problem and purchase pharmaceuticals only through the most reputable pharmacies and with a physician’s prescription. See list of funeral directors to assist with funeral services in Laos.
UK healthcare
Your entitlement to free NHS treatment depends on the length and purpose of your residence in the UK, not your nationality. You must be able to show UK residency to be eligible for free treatment, even if you are a British citizen. The Citizens’ Advice Bureau or NHS can provide further information.
Note: UK Travel insurance providers will not generally cover your healthcare costs if you live overseas.
Medicine
If you are on a prescription for any medication you should ensure you have a supply of it, or are able to obtain it when in Laos. Certain medicines may not be available in Laos (including major brands readily available in the UK), and you may be prohibited from taking them into the country. You should consult your GP before travelling to Laos to find out about any alternative medication.
Read the guidance if you need to travel with medicines can I take my medicine abroad.
Working in Laos
If you are planning to move to Laos and work, volunteer or carry out certain business activities you will need a visa. For further information, please contact:
Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism Lane Xang Avenue, PO Box 3556, Vientiane, the Lao PDR Fax: +856 (0)21 212 769 Office: +856 (0)21 212 251 and refer to the Lao PDR Immigration Department’s website.
Offers of employment - There have been media reports about adverts for well paid jobs in various parts of SE Asia, which may turn out to be scams run by criminal gangs. We recommend that you do full research before accepting any positions.
Tax
See tax if you leave the UK to live abroad and tax on your UK income if you live abroad.
You may be able to pay National Insurance while abroad in order to protect your State Pension and entitlement to other benefits and allowances.
Benefits
There are no social or welfare benefits in Laos, even for Lao nationals.
You may still be able to claiming benefits if you live, move or travel abroad from the UK if you travel or move abroad, or are already living abroad. What you’re entitled to depends on where you’re going and how long for.
If you have retired and you live in Laos, see our information on getting your state pension abroad. For further details contact the International Pension Centre. There is information available to help you make informed choices about living abroad and thinking about returning to the UK.
Find out which UK benefits you might be able to get while you’re abroad and how to claim them.
Many income-related benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit can’t be paid if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.
Pensions
See State Pension if you retire abroad and new State Pension.
Life certificates for UK state pensions
If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you need to respond as soon as possible – your payments may be suspended if you don’t.
Money and banking
You need to have a business visa or a work permit before you can open a bank account. The banks will ask you for this documentation. For loans you would need an established local business or other collateral owned by a Lao citizen. For information on how to open an account and what documents are required please refer to individual banks.
There are ATMs in urban areas which will allow you to withdraw money in local currency by using foreign debit or credit cards, normally with a fee (20-40,000 LAK). The maximum withdrawal is usually 1,000,000 or 2,000,000 LAK depending on the bank. Some hotels, travel agencies and restaurants accept payments by credit cards although usually a 3% charge is applied. There are many banks and companies which will exchange money. The most common foreign currencies are US Dollars and Thai Baht, but British Pounds and Euros are increasingly accepted. If you wish to use US Dollars or other foreign currency they should be in pristine condition: notes with pen marks, folds or tears are often not accepted. Outside urban and tourist areas, ATMs and money exchange companies are not always available. Ensure you carry enough money if you are travelling to rural areas.
Accommodation and buying property
Buying property or land in Laos is not a straightforward business. Generally foreign nationals are not able to own land. It is essential therefore that anyone planning to buy property or land seeks legal guidance before they commit. Contact a lawyer.
Please note that the British Government cannot become involved in private legal disputes or provide legal advice. If you experience problems involving property in Laos you are recommended to engage a lawyer to act on your behalf and to seek legal redress through the courts.
Driving in Laos
See driving abroad.
You need either a Lao driving licence, a temporary Lao driving licence or an International Driving Permit to drive in Laos.
A Lao driving licence can be obtained after taking a driving test in Laos and will be valid for five years. Alternatively you can obtain a one year temporary driving licence by providing your UK driving licence if you are a resident in Laos. This is obtained from the Ministry of Communications, Transport and Post (located opposite Patuxai). You will need your valid UK driving licence; a photocopy of the front and back of your driving licence; your passport and a photocopy; your work permit and a photocopy; one passport photograph; and a fee of 50,000 LAK. This will take 3 days to be processed.
You should bear in mind that once your UK photocard licence expires, or is lost or stolen, you will not be able to renew this with the DVLA if you are residing in Laos. You must be a resident of Great Britain to renew your licence with the DVLA.
Documents you should carry
When driving in Laos, if stopped by the police you would need the following:
- driving licence
- technical inspection card
- car or motorbike registration
- tax sticker
The information below concerning Laos is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
The number of road accidents and fatalities in Laos has risen sharply in the last decade as the number of motor vehicles has increased. A driver involved in a traffic accident should remain at the scene and attempt to contact the police, or wait for the police to arrive to prepare an accident report. If renting a car or motorcycle, contact the rental company and its insurance agent. If you are involved in an accident, you may contact the Embassy. When renting a car, motorcycle, or bicycle, we advise you not to give your original passport to the owner of the vehicle as surety against loss, theft, or damage to the vehicle.
Less than half of the roads in Laos are paved: many are gravel roads or dirt tracks. As Laos is a mountainous country, the gradients coupled with poor roads can make for some challenging and slow driving. A 200km drive through the mountains could take as long as 18 hours so bear this in mind when planning your trip. Check local conditions with someone who has made the journey recently, especially during the rainy season as road conditions can deteriorate dramatically. You may need a 4WD or vehicle with a high wheel base to drive in most of Laos due to poor road conditions.
Roads in Laos are rarely busy, although the centre of Vientiane is becoming congested at rush hours. Driving standards are generally poor so expect lane indiscipline and motorbikes appearing from all directions. Few roads have lane markings. Where lane markings, road signs, and stoplights do exist, they are often ignored. Driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs is not uncommon, especially at night and during Lao festivals. Furthermore, take special care when driving at night as most roads, especially in rural areas, do not have street lights and many cars, motorbikes and bicycles do not use lights. Theoretically, traffic moves on the right, but vehicles use all parts of the road.
Voting
See voting when you’re abroad.
British citizens living abroad can vote in some UK elections – you’ll need to register as an overseas voter.
Births
Deaths
See what to do after someone dies and what to do after a British person dies in Laos.
Getting married
Pets
See travelling with pets.
Emergencies
Laos has the following emergency numbers:
- 1190 - for fire
- 1195 - for ambulance
- 1191- for police
- 021-251-128 The Tourist Police can be contacted in Vientiane
Returning to the UK
To move your pension to the UK, contact the International Pension Centre.
See tax if you return to the UK.
Your right to free NHS treatment depends on the length and purpose of your residence in the UK, not your nationality. See NHS: cover your healthcare abroad.
See bringing your pet to the UK.
Lao police clearance certificates are not available online, consider obtaining a certificate before leaving Laos as one may be needed for future employment and residence applications.
Disclaimer
Please note that this information is provided as a guide only. Definitive information should be obtained from the Laos authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information.
Updates to this page
Published 31 October 2013Last updated 11 November 2024 + show all updates
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Coronavirus section removed, as no restrictions. Update on extending tourist visas and consequences of overstaying.
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Updated 'Working in Laos' section.
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Reviewed guide. Updated 'Entry and residence requirements' section.
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Coronavirus section added with a link to guidance on vaccines.
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added Leaving Laos section
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First published.