Laos

Travel to Lao PDR

Foreigners are allowed to enter and exit Laos with no additional COVID-19 related tests or requirements. Travellers are not required to show vaccination certificates for entry into Laos. 

Citizens of countries eligible for visa waiver under bilateral agreements are permitted to enter Laos without visas. Singapore passport holders are allowed to enter Laos with no visa requirement for short-term visits of up to 30 days. For work or residence visas, Singaporeans should approach the Embassy of Lao PDR in Singapore for more information on the requirements. 

Travellers who contract COVID-19 while travelling in Laos are responsible for their own medical treatment, which may be sought at a public hospital, private hospital or home isolation in accordance with the guidance of the Lao Ministry of Health.

All travellers are free to leave Laos within the specified validity of their entry.

As the COVID-19 situation becomes endemic, Singaporeans are advised to closely monitor their health and purchase sufficient travel insurance.

Singaporeans who require consular assistance may contact the Singapore Embassy in Vientiane at the contact number below. Singaporeans already in Laos, be it for long-term or short-term stays, are strongly encouraged to e-register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg/ so that they can be contacted should the need arise. They should closely follow the Singapore Embassy in Vientiane’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/SingaporeEmbassyVientiane) to receive consular‑related news and updates.

Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Laos

Address: Ban Watnak, Unit 4 Thadeua Road, Km3, Sisattanak District, Vientiane Capital, Laos

Tel: +856-21-353-939

Emergency Tel (after office hours): +856-20-5559-9059

Email: singemb_vte@mfa.sg

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office (24-hour)

Tanglin, Singapore 248163

Tel: +65 6379 8800; +65 6379 8855

Email: mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg

Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in Singapore

Address: 51 Goldhill Plaza #13-04/05

Singapore 308900

Tel: 6250 6044 / 6250 6741

Email: laoembsg@singnet.com.sg; laoembsg@gmail.com

Entry to Laos via Cars/Motorcycle

Visitors should apply for a temporary import permit via the Embassy of Lao PDR in Singapore. Please contact the Embassy of Lao PDR in Singapore for the application process. 

Motor insurance is compulsory when entering Laos. If your insurance provider does not cover Laos, you can consider purchasing insurance from local providers such as AGL Laos, Lao-Viet Insurance or Toko Assurance.

Loss of Passport

The Singapore Embassy in Vientiane provides assistance to Singaporeans who lost or had their passports stolen while visiting Laos. Please call the Embassy’s Consular Section at Tel: +856-21-353-939 during office hours to report the loss.  After office hours, please call our Duty Officer at +856-20- 5559-9059 if assistance is required.

Singaporeans should do the following:

1. Make a "Loss Report" at the Public Security District Office where hotel is located in  [Note: There is a fee to lodge a police report]. Prepare 4 photographs of size 3x4cm.

2. Apply for “Certificate of Loss” at Immigration Department, General Department of Public Security. Please prepare 2 photographs of size 3x4cm.

Contact details of the Immigration Department is as follows:

Immigration Department
Nongping Road, Dongnasok Village,

Sikhottabong District, Vientiane Capital 
Tel: +856-21-219-607

Hotline: 1502 

3. Visit the Singapore Embassy’s Consular Section to apply for a “Document of Identity” (temporary travel document); with the copy of police report, photograph and documentary proof of your citizenship and your identity – preferably with your photograph on it, e.g. Identity Card.  Have your flight details to Singapore and 2 passport-sized photographs ready. Instant photographs are acceptable.  The cost of a DOI is USD11.00.

4. Apply for “Exit Visa” with the Lao MOFA-Consular Department. This would take an average of three working days.

Contact details of Lao MOFA-Consular Department is as follows:

Consular Department 
Sibounheuang Village, Sibounheuang Road
Chanthabouly District, Vientiane 
Visa Section: Tel: +856-21-254-173

Important Notes:
The "Document of Identity" is for one-way travel to Singapore only, and needs to be surrendered to the Immigration Officer upon return.  A new passport needs to be applied at ICA for replacement.

The passport which was reported lost would be cancelled with immediate effect and cannot be used for travel even if it is recovered subsequently. Should you recover your lost passport, you must surrender it to ICA or the Embassy personally within 14 days. 

Singaporeans visiting Laos are reminded to remain vigilant and take precautions against petty crimes, including pickpocketing and snatch theft. Visitors should also exercise caution when considering off-road wilderness travel in rural areas due to the risk of unexploded ordnance.  

There were past incidents of shootings and roadside attacks along Road 13, between Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang, as well as in Xaysomboun Province. Travellers who are thinking of driving along these routes should exercise caution.

Lao roads, especially in rural and mountainous areas, are narrow, poorly lit and not well maintained. Vehicles often encroach into traffic in the oncoming lane around a blind corner. Travellers should take care when driving or riding in such areas and avoid travelling after dark. Roads and bridges can become blocked by landslides or flash floods during the rainy season. Travellers should avoid travelling long distances by road during the rainy season.

Possession, trafficking and manufacture of drugs are serious offences. Offenders face lengthy prison sentences or the death penalty.

The Lao government prohibits sexual relationships between foreign and Lao nationals, except when the two parties have been married in accordance with Lao family law. It is thus an offence for foreigners, regardless of male or female, to spend the night (or day) with a local in the same room. Permission for marriage or engagement to a Lao national must be submitted in a formal application to the Lao authorities.

Photographing or trespassing into military-controlled areas are prohibited and will result in arrest or detention. The operation of drones is regulated by the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications (Department of Frequency Management) and Ministry of Public Works and Transport (Department of Civil Aviation). Visitors who wish to operate drones would have to seek approval from the relevant authorities before doing so. Drones are not allowed to be operated near sensitive areas such as military, police, government and party establishments, as well as certain heritage sites and temples.

Foreigners are not allowed to bring in/out more than US$12,000 worth of cash. Due to the government’s policy to promote the Lao currency, commercial banks are not allowed to sell USD and would only sell the local currency. Visitors can either exchange for the local currency at commercial banks or private money exchange outlets.

Antiques, including old Buddha statues, are not allowed to be brought out of Laos. It is also illegal to bring endangered wildlife into/out of Laos. Failure to comply with the above will result in arrest.

When visiting temples and religious sites, wear appropriate clothing and be respectful to the Lao culture. For example, shorts, scruffy clothing, mini-skirts and low cut blouses or dresses should not be worn in temples.

The quality of medical care is not good in Laos – even in major cities like Vientiane and Luang Prabang. If you have an accident in a remote area, or even along a major road in the provinces, you could face long delays before being evacuated to a hospital. Travellers should have travel, medical and accident insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation to a third country.

There is a history of outbreaks of avian influenza (bird flu) in Laos. The risk of transmission to human is very low, but as a precaution visitors should avoid contact with live poultry and make sure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.  

Dengue fever/malaria risk is present in Laos. Anti-malaria tablets are recommended if visiting provinces south of Vientiane. Visitors are advised to take precautions against mosquito bites, especially if travelling to rural areas.

Visitors are also recommended to seek medical advice on the required vaccinations before visiting Laos.

The rainy season in Laos occurs from May to November. During this period, mountainous areas are vulnerable to landslides and flooding may occur in parts of Laos.

Local Emergency Contacts

Embassy of the Republic of ingapore

Ban Watnak, Unit 4, Thadeua Road, Km 3

Sisattanak District, Vientiane Capital       

Tel: +856-21-353-939

Fax: +856-21-353-938

Embassy Duty Officer

HP: +856-20-5559-9059

Lao Government Authorities/Enforcement Agencies Contact Details

Medical Emergencies – Contact Details of Hospitals/Medical Centres

Overseas Travel – Be Informed & Be Safe [Updated on 5 February 2024]

Singaporeans planning overseas travel are reminded to take the necessary precautions, including being prepared to deal with accidents, natural disasters or terrorist attacks. Singaporeans are also reminded to be familiar with your destination’s local laws, customs, and COVID-19 regulations.

Demonstrations do occur in major cities across the world. Such demonstrations can sometimes escalate into violence. It is important for Singaporeans to keep abreast of local news, avoid any protests or demonstrations and heed the advice of the local authorities.

When participating in outdoor leisure activities overseas, Singaporeans should be mindful that certain sporting activities, especially in open seas, may carry risks. Besides ensuring that one has the physical competencies and appropriate condition to undertake the activity, every effort should be made to ascertain if the trip organiser or guide is reliable and competent, and that appropriate safety and contingency plans are in place. When in doubt, Singaporeans should consult the relevant professional bodies or sporting associations for specific advice.

For those planning to travel, here are some tips:

Before travelling

• Familiarise yourself with our network of overseas missions.
• Purchase comprehensive travel insurance and be familiar with the terms and coverage.
• Equip yourself with research about your destination’s entry requirements, current situation, local laws and customs.
• eRegister with us on our website (www.mfa.gov.sg) so that we may reach out to you during an emergency.

While travelling

• Always take care of your personal safety, remain vigilant and monitor local weather news, advisories, and security developments.
• Exercise caution around large gatherings and avoid locations known for demonstrations or disturbances.
• Be prepared for possible delays and last-minute changes in travel plans especially during unforeseen events such as natural disasters, social unrest or terror attacks.
• Stay connected with your friends and family. Inform them of your whereabouts and provide them with your overseas contact details.
• In the event that you require consular assistance, please contact the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.

Advisory: Email Scams

There have been reports of individuals receiving scam emails/messages purportedly sent from friends in distress overseas. These emails/messages typically originate from an email address/social media known to the receiver bearing claims of the sender getting into trouble overseas and urgently requesting financial assistance. The sender would also claim to have approached a Singapore Embassy/Consulate and the local Police for help to no avail.

MFA takes the safety of all Singaporeans very seriously.  Singaporeans in distress approaching our Overseas Missions for assistance will be rendered with all necessary consular assistance.  If you receive such emails/messages from purported friends seeking funds transfers, we strongly advise you to call them first to verify the authenticity of the emails/messages before responding to their request.  It is also not advisable to give out any personal information such as NRIC/passport numbers, address, telephone number, etc.  Any form of reply, even one of non-interest, could result in more unsolicited emails.  Members of the public who suspect that they have fallen prey to such scams should report the matter to the Police immediately.  Should Singaporeans abroad require consular assistance, they can contact the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24-hr Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.