Yes	Yes	Yes
Yes	Yes	Yes
Yes	Yes	Yes
Yes	Yes	Yes
Yes	Yes	Yes
Yes	Yes	Yes

Passport with at least six months remaining validity required by all.

Required by all.

Tourist, Business: Eur;50 (including service and document fees). Families may only be charged Eur;50 per family if all living at the same address, and same surname is indicated on passports.

Validity starts from day of entry into Laos. Tourist/Business: 30 days (can be extended twice in Vientiane for 30 days ). Visas must be used within three months of being issued.

Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy) or an officially recognised tour operator. A visa valid for Laos can also be obtained from travel agencies in Bangkok (Thailand) or on arrival (at most points of entry, but it is recommended that one is obtained before arrival). Visas are issued on arrival at 14 international checkpoints throughout Laos, including Luang Prabang Airport, Pakse Airport and (Wattay) Vientiane International Airport for stays of 15 days and costs US$30. For further details, contact the nearest Embassy.

(a) One passport-size photo. (b) One signed and completed application form. (c) Valid passport. (d) Fee payable by cash or cheque. (e) Postal applications should include an additional Eur;5 (inside France) or Eur;10 (international), to cover postage. Business: (a)-(e) and, (f) Letter from sponsor in Laos.

Three.

Enquire at nearest Embassy or Consulate. For extension of visa, consult the Immigration Office (tel: (21) 512 012); neglecting to do so will result in a fine of US$10 per day until leaving the country.

Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in France
74 Avenue Raymond Poincaré, 75116 Paris, France
Tel: (1) 4553 0298.
Opening hours for visa enquires and applications: Mon-Fri 0900-1200.
Website: www.laoparis.com

Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in the USA
2222 S Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 332 6416.
Website: www.laoembassy.com

PO Box 3556, Lane Xang Avenue, Hadsady, Chanthaboury, Vientiane, Laos
Tel: (21) 212 251.
Website: www.visit-mekong.com/laos

74 Avenue Raymond Poincaré, 75116 Paris, France
Tel: (1) 4553 0298.
Opening hours for visa enquires and applications: Mon-Fri 0900-1200.
Website: www.laoparis.com

2222 S Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 332 6416.
Website: www.laoembassy.com

No	1
Yes	2
3	N/A
4	N/A

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers arriving from infected areas.

Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition of entry to Laos. However, cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness; see the Health appendix.

Typhoid may occur. Polio virus transmission has been interrupted, but complete eradication is not yet certain.

Malaria risk exists throughout the year in the whole country, except in Vientiane. The malignant falciparum form is prevalent and is reported to be highly resistant to chloroquine. The recommended prophylaxis is mefloquine.

All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products that are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Hepatitis A and E occur; hepatitis B is highly endemic. Dengue fever, diphtheria, tuberculosis and Japanese encephalitis occur. Some vaccinations may be advised. Liver fluke (opisthorchiasis) is present; travellers should avoid eating raw or undercooked fish. Avoid swimming in fresh water (except well-chlorinated swimming pools) as schistsomiasis and leptospirosis are present.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.

Any treatment must generally be paid for in cash. Health insurance is essential and should include cover for air evacuation.

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2006-June 2007 period.
Jan 1 2006 New Year’s Day. Jan 6 Pathet Lao Day. Jan 20 Army Day. Jan 29 Chinese New Year. Mar 8 International Women’s Day. Mar 22 Day of the People’s Party. Apr 13-15* Lao New Year (Pi Mai). May 1 Labour Day. May 13 Birth of Buddha. Jul 11 Khao Pansa (Buddhist Fast begins). Jun 1 Children’s Day. Aug 13 Lao Issara (Day of the Free Laos). Oct 2 Bouk ok Pansa (Buddhist Fast ends). Oct 12 Day of Liberation. Dec 2 National Day.
Jan 1 2007 New Year's Day. Jan 6 Pathet Lao Day. Jan 20 Army Day. Feb 18 Chinese New Year. Mar 8 International Women's Day. Mar 22 Day of the People's Party. Apr 13-15* Lao New Year (Pi Mai). May 1 Labour Day. May Birth of the Buddha. Jun 1 Children's Day. Jun/Jul Khao Pansa (Buddhist Fast begins).

*Variations may occur.