Laos Travel Advisory 2026
Current U.S. State Department advisory
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. Most popular travel destinations worldwide sit at this level. Advisory as of November 20, 2024.
Official source: travel.state.gov
US vs UK: how the advice compares
🇺🇸 United States — travel.state.gov
Level 2 of 4 · as of November 20, 2024
🇬🇧 United Kingdom — FCDO (GOV.UK)
Advises against all but essential travel to parts of the country
Last updated April 22, 2026 · gov.uk advice
Latest UK update note: “Updated information about the Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) ('Entry requirements’ page).”
See all countries where the two governments disagree on the US vs UK comparison page.
Advisory level timeline
November 20, 2024 — current
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Latest official advisory as captured in our snapshot.
No advisory level changes recorded for Laos since we began tracking in July 2026. We log every future change here, with dates and official change notes.
Is Laos safe? What the official advisory says
Reissued after periodic review with minor changes.
Exercise increased caution to Laos due to civil unrest . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Reconsider travel to:
- Xaisomboun Province due to civil unrest.
Exercise increased caution in:
- Remote areas along the border with Burma due to crime.
- Areas of Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Saravane, Khammouane, Sekong, Champassak, Houaphan, Attapeu, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane provinces, as well as along Route 7 (from Route 13 to the Vietnam border), Route 9 (Savannakhet to the Vietnam border), and Route 20 (Pakse to Saravane) due to unexploded bombs.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Laos.
Condensed from the official State Department advisory of November 20, 2024 — read the full advisory before you travel.
Laos travel advisory FAQ
What is the current travel advisory level for Laos?
As of November 20, 2024, the U.S. State Department rates Laos at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. Most popular travel destinations worldwide sit at this level.
What does Level 2 mean?
Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) — Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. Most popular travel destinations worldwide sit at this level.
When did the Laos travel advisory last change?
The current advisory was published on November 20, 2024. No level changes have been recorded since we began tracking in July 2026 — this page will log every future change.
Does the UK government agree with the US advisory for Laos?
The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) position: Advises against all but essential travel to parts of the country (last updated April 22, 2026). The US and UK use different systems — the US assigns a 1–4 level, while the UK either advises against travel (entirely or in part) or issues no overall warning.
Related: all Level 4 countries · all Level 3 countries · US vs UK advice