Check current flight, airport, entry, border and travel warning information that could affect a trip to Laos.
Laos Status
WATCH
Travel to Laos is operating normally overall, including international flights, airports and major land-border crossings. However, elevated security warnings remain in several parts of the country because of crime, unrest and unexploded ordnance.
Current Travel Conditions
What Travellers Should Know
Xaisomboun Province
Travellers should pay particular attention to official warnings concerning Xaisomboun Province. The current U.S. advisory recommends reconsidering travel there because of civil unrest and the continuing threat of violence.
Unexploded ordnance
Unexploded bombs and other ordnance remain a serious danger in parts of Laos as a legacy of past conflicts. Travellers should stay on established roads and paths, particularly in rural areas.
Crime warnings
Official guidance recommends increased caution in several provinces and along some major routes because of crime, including risks associated with transnational criminal organizations and scam centres.
Thailand border
Major crossings between Laos and Thailand are operating. These include the Friendship Bridges connecting Vientiane with Nong Khai, Savannakhet with Mukdahan, Thakhek with Nakhon Phanom and Huay Xai with Chiang Khong.
New Thailand-Laos crossing
The Fifth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge between Bueng Kan in Thailand and Bolikhamxay in Laos opened for public use in December 2025, providing another permanent international crossing.
China border
Overland and rail travel between Laos and China is operating. The Laos-China Railway provides an important international passenger connection between the two countries.
Vietnam border
International road crossings between Laos and Vietnam are operating, but visa-on-arrival and eVisa acceptance varies considerably by checkpoint. Travellers should confirm the immigration facilities at their intended crossing before travelling.
Visa on arrival
Eligible travellers can obtain visas on arrival at designated airports and border checkpoints. Do not assume that every land crossing offers the same visa facilities.
Laos eVisa
Laos offers an electronic visa for eligible nationalities, but it can only be used at approved entry points. Travellers should verify that their intended airport, railway station or land crossing accepts the eVisa.
Arrival and departure cards
Laos allows travellers to submit arrival and departure information electronically. Physical forms also remain available.
Road travel
Road conditions vary considerably outside major cities. Heavy rain, landslides and flooding can affect roads during the wet season.
Latest Travel Changes
International travel operating normally
No significant nationwide flight, airport or entry disruption has been identified. Laos remains accessible by air and through numerous international land crossings.
Security advisory remains elevated
The current U.S. State Department advisory remains Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution because of crime, unrest and unexploded ordnance.
Xaisomboun remains higher risk
Xaisomboun Province remains at Level 3 under current U.S. guidance because of civil unrest and the continuing threat of violence.
Cross-border transport expanding
Cross-border transport links continue to develop. The Fifth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge is now operating, while the Laos-China Railway continues to provide international rail connectivity.
Border visa rules vary
Laos maintains numerous international checkpoints, but visa-on-arrival and eVisa facilities are not identical at every crossing. Travellers planning an overland trip should check their exact checkpoint before departure.
Before You Travel
Check your airline, passport and Laos visa requirements before departure.
If using an eVisa or planning to obtain a visa on arrival, confirm that your intended airport, railway station or land-border checkpoint accepts that form of entry.
If travelling overland to Thailand, China or Vietnam, check the operating hours and immigration facilities of your specific crossing before departure.
Exercise additional caution in areas covered by elevated security warnings, particularly Xaisomboun Province.
Never touch unidentified metal objects or leave established roads and paths in areas where unexploded ordnance may remain.
Allow additional travel time during periods of heavy rain because flooding and landslides can affect roads in rural and mountainous areas.
Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.