Maximum Alerts / Laos
Level published by the State Department on 27.07.2026 · read 16 October 2026 · source checked daily
Laos — official level as of 16 October 2026: Level 2/4 ("Exercise Increased Caution"), from the U.S. Department of State. Maximum Insurance covers this country: hospital settled directly, unlimited repatriation, EUR 1.5M, certificate on payment.
Every country has its own scale, so we ask them all the same question: is the whole country advised against?
An advisory covering only areas of the country does not raise the answer: it stays “No”, and the area is shown in the relevant column.
The level shown on this page — and across this site — is the one published by the U.S. State Department, from 1 (normal precautions) to 4 (do not travel). France and the United Kingdom publish their own advisories, with their own rules: they add to that level, they do not replace it.
In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services first, then Maximum: +41 22 ••• •• •• — 24/7 support number, an adviser stays with you to the end.
The 207 country pages — hospitals, pharmacies, police, embassies, emergency numbers, official advice from four governments, health, safety in figures, events in progress — read around the city you name. Your policy — benefits, the six steps, claims, articles. The site — prices, certificate, subscription. Nothing else: what it does not know, it says so and hands you to an adviser.
What I say on the phone
What to do, in this order
In immediate danger, call local emergency services first. Then contact assistance without delay; before engaging a service, seek approval under your policy. Cover is confirmed by the insurer.
Ask assistance where to get care and whether direct cover can be arranged. It confirms the facility and seeks the insurer's approval under your policy. In immediate danger, call local emergency services first.
Even for a pain you meant to shrug off. Without a medical certificate written on the spot, the same day, the insurer cannot cover the event — a certificate written after you return does not count.
The hospital desk sends the request to assistance. Direct payment depends on the insurer's approval and the policy; the call alone does not guarantee it. Have the response confirmed before relying on no up-front payment.
In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services immediately. For an arranged transfer or repatriation, contact assistance: the insurer's medical team decides on measures under the policy. A medical flight booked without approval may not be reimbursed.
Even if everything went well on the ground. Send your invoices and the medical report within 30 days; after that, compensation may be reduced or refused.
Places read from OpenStreetMap, within a circle of about 12 km: phone, email, address, website and hours when the source publishes them. No customer reviews, that source has none. Straight-line distances.
Notices vary by bank and vintage — yours prevails. On the right: the Maximum contract (public documents).
The country is not uniform: 1 region advised against, fully or partly, by at least one official reading. Vientiane is not one of them.
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
the trip stays outside the advised-against regions. Any move into a red or orange region calls for a new, written decision. The areas quoted without a region (border, routes, localities) call for the same decision.
Global Affairs Canada
within 10 km of the borders with Myanmar and Thailand, excluding Bokeo International Airport and Road 3 leading there
Global Affairs Canada — Advised against — all but essential travel
Avoid non-essential travel to Xaisomboun province due to the tense security situation and random shooting incidents.
Global Affairs Canada — Advised against — all but essential travel
the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone
Foreign Office — Advised against — all but essential travel
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Xaisomboun Province. There are intermittent attacks on infrastructure and armed clashes with anti-government groups.
France Diplomatie (in French) — Advised against — all but essential travel
La zone frontalière avec la Birmanie est déconseillée sauf raison impérative en raison du risque criminel.
Global Affairs Canada — Open Government Licence – Canada (15.10.2026) · Foreign Office — Open Government Licence v3.0 · France Diplomatie (10.03.2026) · Natural Earth
No located event in this reading.
Last change: Updated information on flooding risks during periods of heavy rain (‘Safety and security’ page).
Updated 27.07.2026
Exercise increased caution in Laos due to crime , unrest , and unexploded ordnances . Some areas have increased risk. Review the entire Travel Advisory.
Review our Travel Guidance for Laos to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.
Lao PDR: Floods - Jul 2026ReliefWeb ↗read 16.10.20262026-08-26
Source: ReliefWeb (OCHA), via HDX — CC BY
10-16 2.0 · 10-17 1.7 · 10-18 1.4 · 10-19 1.5 · 10-20 1.4 · 10-21 1.2 · 10-22 1.2 m³/s
Simulated discharge: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Emergency Management Service information 2026. For information only: this is not a flood warning; only national or regional authorities issue those.
The level is national. Risk areas are in the state advisories below.
No major event in progress is located in this country at this morning's check.
Reading: On the road, 8 times more deaths than in Switzerland: road crashes are the leading cause of death of healthy travellers (CDC) — seat belt, no night driving, a driver or a taxi from a rank.
World Bank (UNODC for homicides, WHO for roads) — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
What we locate on the map are events in progress that have real coordinates: USGS earthquakes, GDACS disasters, NOAA storms and open NASA EONET events. Hover a dot for details, click to open it in this briefing.
French passport — France Diplomatie
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Some areas are advised against except for imperative reasons.France Diplomatie ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 15.10.2026
Vigilance areas — France Diplomatie (in French) updated 10.03.2026official map ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 15.10.2026
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Dernière actualisation le 10/03/2026, information toujours valable à la date du jour
La zone frontalière avec la Birmanie est déconseillée sauf raison impérative en raison du risque criminel. Le point de passage terrestre entre la Birmanie et le Laos (pont de l’amitié lao-birman situé dans la province de Luang Namtha) est toujours officiellement fermé.
L’ensemble du reste du pays est en zone de vigilance renforcée.
Du fait de la présence en zone rurale de très nombreuses munitions non explosées datant de la guerre du Vietnam (mines et armes à sous-munitions notamment), il est recommandé de ne pas s’aventurer hors des routes sans être accompagné d’un guide local, en particulier le long de la frontière vietnamienne (ancienne piste Ho Chi Minh).
Les conditions de sécurité sont globalement satisfaisantes, sous réserve de faire preuve d’une vigilance renforcée. Il est possible de voyager, en respectant un minimum de précautions lors des déplacements en dehors des principaux centres urbains. Les principaux risques encourus par les visiteurs sont liés aux transports, à la situation sanitaire et à l’augmentation de la petite délinquance.
La consommation et le trafic de drogues sont sévèrement réprimés : les peines infligées peuvent aller jusqu’à la peine capitale. Plusieurs cas d’agression ont été rapportés en 2023, suite à l’ingestion de substances de type GHB dans des lieux de vie. La vigilance habituelle s’impose.
En raison de l’état du réseau routier assez dégradé, y compris sur les parties goudronnées, et de l’absence de formation pour les conducteurs, la conduite de nuit est déconseillée en dehors des centres urbains. Il convient également de ne pas emprunter les bus de nuit. Les accidents sont fréquents.
Pendant la saison des pluies, les voyageurs sont invités à se renseigner auprès des autorités locales et de la population sur l’état des routes avant d’entreprendre un trajet.
La petite délinquance se développe au Laos, même si elle reste faible. Le nombre des vols à l’arraché (sacs à main, sacs à dos et téléphones portables) par des motards au préjudice d’étrangers est en nette augmentation, parfois avec violence, en particulier dans les villes touristiques (Vientiane, Paksé, Luang Prabang). Des vols à main armée sont désormais signalés, en particulier la nuit.
Le pays est situé dans une zone d’activité sismique (tremblements de terre au nord-ouest du Laos -d’une magnitude de 6,1 sur l’échelle de Richter en mai 2007, et d’une magnitude de 4,6 en février 2011-). Pour plus d’informations sur la conduite à tenir en cas de séisme, consulter la rubrique Séismes .
Il convient de prendre certaines précautions : veiller à ses effets personnels (notamment durant les trajets en bus), ne pas laisser d’objets de valeur dans les « guest-houses », et rester vigilant au cours de ses déplacements. Il est conseillé aux voyageurs de conserver par-devers eux leur carte bancaire et leur passeport et de penser à faire des photocopies des documents officiels (ou d’en stocker une version scannée sur un support numérique), afin d’en faciliter le renouvellement en cas de vol.
Plus d’informations concernant la procédure à suivre en cas de perte ou de vol de passeport sont disponibles sur le site de l’ ambassade de France au Laos .
Il est rappelé qu’un couvre-feu est toujours officiellement en vigueur à partir de 23h et que les restaurants et bars doivent fermer au plus tard vers minuit. Il est cependant appliqué avec plus ou moins de rigueur selon les périodes et les lieux. Il est conseillé d’éviter de se trouver à l’extérieur à une heure tardive, ne serait-ce qu’en raison du risque d’accident de la circulation, très élevé pendant la nuit.
La police et la milice sont habilitées à infliger des amendes pouvant atteindre plusieurs centaines de dollars aux petits contrevenants et à en exiger le règlement immédiat par retrait aux distributeurs d’argent liquide (ATM).
Il convient d’être prudent dans la pratique d’activités sportives (sports nautiques, escalade, paramoteur, tyrolienne, etc.), les installations étant souvent rudimentaires, rarement contrôlées, et les soins médicaux quasi inexistants sur place en cas d’accident (évacuation vers la Thaïlande, voir la rubrique Santé de cette fiche).
Pour les vols en montgolfière il est impératif de s’assurer que les entreprises exploitantes répondent aux normes de sécurité internationales, en disposant notamment d’une immatriculation et d’un certificat de transport aérien délivré par l’autorité de l’aviation civile laotienne.
Si ces recommandations prévalent pour tout le Laos, elles s’appliquent particulièrement pour la ville Vang Vieng qui concentre un nombre important d’activités de loisirs ou sportives (tyroliennes, tubing…), et où les accidents graves sont régulièrement rapportés.
Full text of the Security pagediplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 15.10.2026
Swiss passport — FDFA (Switzerland), in French
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
FDFA update note — Les chapitres Dispositions légales particulières et Remarques particulières ont été actualisés. (published 04.09.2026)
Les voyages au Laos sont en principe considérés comme sûrs. Dans ce pays comme ailleurs, le risque d’attentats terroristes ne peut être exclu. La rubrique terrorisme et enlèvements attire l'attention sur les risques liés au terrorisme. Terrorisme et enlèvements
La description des zones à risques repose sur des données approximatives ; les risques ne peuvent se restreindre à des zones délimitées. Sur une grande partie du territoire, des bombes non explosées et des mines présentent des risques sérieux à ne pas négliger. Les zones dangereuses ne sont que rarement signalées. Empruntez de ce fait exclusivement les routes et les chemins les plus fréquentés et informez-vous au besoin auprès des autorités locales et/ou de la population. Nord du pays Province de Bokeo Dans la zone économique spéciale du Triangle d’Or, située dans la province de Bokeo (région frontalière avec le Myanmar et la Thaïlande), on observe une recrudescence d’activités criminelles graves. Des affrontements violents entre des groupes armés et les forces de sécurité ne peuvent être exclus. Province de Xaysomboun Dans la province de Xaysomboun, des affrontements armés entre groupes armés et forces de sécurité ont eu lieu dans le passé. Des explosions ont fait des victimes et des blessés. Renseignez-vous auprès des autorités locales au sujet de la situation sécuritaire actuelle avant de vous rendre dans les provinces de Bokeo et de Xaysomboun et faîtes-vous accompagner par une ou un guide ayant une expertise des lieux. Sud du pays En raison du conflit frontalier entre la Thaïlande et le Cambodge, évitez la région située dans le triangle frontalier.
La petite délinquance a augmenté, en particulier dans les villes de Vientiane, Luang Prabang et Vang Vieng. Les personnes de nationalité étrangère sont de plus en plus souvent victimes de vols, de vols avec effraction et d'agressions, entraînant parfois la mort. Des délits sexuels ont aussi été signalés. Des vols à l’arraché par des individus à moto ont lieu plus particulièrement à Vientiane, et les routes nationales sont parfois le théâtre d'actes de banditisme. Des délits impliquant des membres de la police ont été signalées. Il est recommandé d'observer notamment les précautions suivantes:
Méfiez-vous des offres qui vous sont proposées par des personnes inconnues. Certains criminels invitent leurs victimes à les rejoindre en prétextant vouloir devenir amis ou partenaires d’affaires avec elles. Une fois sur place, ces personnes sont menacées ou kidnappées. Souvent aussi, une offre d’emploi peut dissimuler des intentions criminelles, et les personnes qui y répondent peuvent se voir contraintes de collaborer à des escroqueries.
Le Laos se situe dans une zone sismique. Pendant la mousson , il faut s’attendre à de fortes pluies. Ces intempéries peuvent provoquer des inondations et des glissements de terrain, surtout le long du Mékong, et endommager les infrastructures. La circulation peut s’en trouver temporairement perturbée. Mékong River Commission Si une catastrophe naturelle devait se produire durant votre séjour, prenez immédiatement contact avec vos proches et suivez les instructions des autorités locales.
FDFA travel advice, in French, valid on 15.10.2026eda.admin.ch ↗updated 04.09.2026 · read 15.10.2026
British passport — Foreign Office (UK)
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Regions covered by the Foreign Officegov.uk ↗updated 13.08.2026 · read 15.10.2026
Warnings — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 13.08.2026 · read 15.10.2026
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Xaisomboun Province. There are intermittent attacks on infrastructure and armed clashes with anti-government groups.
Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel .
Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights.
Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel:
In July 2025, Thailand and Cambodia fought along parts of the border. The fighting included the use of rocket and artillery fire. Tensions remain and fighting erupted again at various points along the border in December. Land borders and crossings between Thailand and Cambodia continue to be suspended. Some tourist destinations in border areas such as the Khao Phra Wihan/Preah Vihear temple, the Ta Kwai/Ta Krabey temple and the Ta Muen Thom/Tamone Thom temple are closed.
There are also unexploded landmines in the border area.
British nationals in Southern Laos travelling to Cambodia or Thailand, should carefully consider which land border crossings to use. British nationals should also carefully consider any travel they have planned close to the Lao border adjoining the affected areas.
See our travel advice for Thailand and Cambodia .
Regional risks — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 13.08.2026 · read 15.10.2026
This section has safety advice for regions of Laos. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.
You should also read FCDO ’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice .
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Xaisomboun Province. There were reports in 2021 of attacks on infrastructure and armed clashes with anti-government groups in the province. There could be more skirmishes.
There have been small-scale clashes between anti-government groups and government troops in isolated areas along the Laos-Thailand border. The local law enforcement agencies have limited capability to counter these threats.
Be extremely cautious in Bokeo Province, particularly near the borders with Myanmar and Thailand, and around the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone. Armed groups carry out employment scams and drug trafficking in this area.
Recent clashes in this area between the Lao army and unidentified armed groups has led to increased security levels with associated military checkpoints. Make yourself aware of local official guidance and be prepared to reconsider travel plans to this area.
Safety — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 13.08.2026 · read 15.10.2026
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Laos, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Specific events or political disputes may trigger violent protests. You should avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings of people. Keep yourself informed of local developments.
Petty crime can occur in tourist areas and around ATMs. Try to have someone with you and do not carry your bank cards and cash in the same bag. Keep a copy of your passport somewhere safe.
Travellers regularly report random bag snatches, often by people on motorcycles. Hold your bags on the side away from the road, and do not have valuables on display.
People have reported incidents where they are approached and followed when alone. Be alert to your surroundings, trust your instincts and if you think you’re being followed move to an area where there are other people. Consider sharing your planned route in advance and avoid quiet or less-travelled areas.
Safes in hotels and guesthouses are not necessarily secure. Use your own lock where possible. Take care of your possessions if you’re travelling overnight on public transport.
Be particularly careful travelling at night by bicycle or motorcycle. Stick to well-used, well-lit roads and carry a personal alarm if possible, especially if you’re alone.
There is a risk of harassment when travelling alone. We recommend you use a known taxi service; one booked by your accommodation or one of the local taxi apps. You should:
- confirm the driver’s identity and license plate matches when the vehicle arrives
- share your journey details with a friend or use the apps sharing feature if available
- be wary of drivers claiming to be registered with app companies and trying to pick up passengers on the street
Do not leave your passport as a deposit or guarantee when hiring motorcycles. There have been reports of rental companies arranging for their motorcycles to be deliberately stolen or damaged, then keeping passports and demanding high fees. Make sure your travel insurance covers medical and other costs that arise from motorcycle accidents.
Call the Tourist Police in Vientiane on 021 251 128.
Local law enforcement responses to crimes, even violent crimes, are often limited. Foreigners attempting to report crimes have reported finding police stations closed, emergency telephone numbers unanswered, or police with no transport or authorisation to investigate crimes at night. If the police do attend, they may ask you to pay fuel and telephone costs. Ask the staff at your accommodation for help with reporting a crime.
Both male and female tourists have reported having their drink or food spiked with drugs and in some cases been assaulted. Never leave food or drink unattended. Be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers at bars, clubs, restaurants and parties.
There have been deaths and cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in Laos.
Methanol poisoning…
American passport — U.S. Department of State
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Laos - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution 2026-07-27travel.state.gov ↗updated 27.07.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Exercise increased caution in Laos due to crime , unrest , and unexploded ordnances . Some areas have increased risk. Review the entire Travel Advisory.
Review our Travel Guidance for Laos to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.
Global Affairs Canada — additional reading
Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)
Avoid non-essential travel to Xaisomboun province due to the tense security situation and random shooting incidents.
Avoid non-essential travel to the following areas of Bokeo province due to criminal activity:
Open Government Licence – Canada · October 15, 2026 04:53 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 15.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Global Affairs Canada — written for Canadian travellers, valid for all
You must abide by local laws. Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
Travellers are subject to search, detention and the possibility of fines by authorities if they can’t show suitable identification, such as a passport, and for not having an entry stamp in their passport. Always carry identification and comply with requests to stop at checkpoints and roadblocks.
It is prohibited to import, export, sell, buy, possess or use shisha, heated tobacco products, e-cigarettes, vaporizers and their refills. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines or jail sentences.
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and may include the death penalty.
Drugs, alcohol and travel
Non-marital sexual relationships between foreign citizens and Lao citizens are against the law, as are various forms of cohabitation. Convictions for such offences can lead to prison sentences and large fines. Improper registration of a relationship to a Lao citizen can lead to similar penalties. Permission for marriage or engagement to a Lao citizen must be submitted in a formal application to Lao authorities.
Photographing sensitive installations is prohibited. This includes:
Photography of military personnel is also prohibited. Violators may be arrested and their equipment may be seized.
Other illegal activities include:
Violators may be arrested, fined, imprisoned or deported.
You must carry an International Driving Permit. International Driving Permit
Travellers involved in traffic accidents have been required to pay compensation for property damage or injury, regardless of who the police determine to be at fault. Lao insurers will generally only meet a small proportion of the costs of an accident and refuse to cover compensation, which can be the largest expense related to an accident. Do not leave your passport as collateral when renting vehicles, including motorcycles. Read rental contracts thoroughly to ensure that the vehicle is correctly insured to cover damages and theft.
Public displays of affection, such as kissing, whether between opposite or same-sex couples, are not considered proper or polite.
The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Laos. If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Laos by an abducting parent:
If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies. Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.
The currency of Laos is the kip (LAK). The kip is not easily obtained or exchanged outside of Laos. U.S. dollars and Thai baht are commonly accepted. ATMs are widely available. Major credit cards are accepted at some international hotels and tourist establishments. Cash advances can be obtained from some banks, although the bank commission rates are high.
Open Government Licence – Canada · October 15, 2026 04:53 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 15.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Foreign Office — laws and cultural differences
The Lao legal system operates differently from the UK, and the standard of prisons is very poor. If you are under criminal investigation, you can be detained for long periods without evidence or official charges. There can be long delays before you can contact lawyers, British Embassy officials or family. Legal representation is far below UK standards.
Possession, trafficking and manufacture of any illegal drugs are serious offences in Laos. This includes cannabis. British nationals have been caught carrying cannabis while transiting through Laos. The Laos authorities have a zero-tolerance policy to drug offences. Possessing drugs, even in very small quantities, carries severe penalties, including:
Legal processes before court hearings can be long and expensive. It can take many months for a case to go to trial. Criminal gangs in the UK and elsewhere are known to coerce people into carrying drugs across borders. Do not allow yourself to be persuaded. Airports in Laos have security equipment and procedures in place for scanning and detecting illegal substances, including cannabis. This is also used to scan the carry-on and checked-in baggage of transiting passengers. It is important to be aware of your rights if you are detained by the police. See our guidance for those detained or imprisoned in Laos. Police often raid venues known to be frequented by foreigners. You may have to take a urine or blood test if there is a suspicion you have used drugs. You will be arrested if the test is positive.
Photographing or entering any military site without an official invitation is prohibited and you may be arrested or detained. Avoid photographing bridges or airfields.
You should get permission from the local district authorities for any travel seen as out of the ordinary, such as extensive photography, or scientific research of any kind.
The Lao government prohibits sexual relationships between foreign and Lao nationals, except when the parties have been married in accordance with Lao family law. You must ask permission for marriage or engagement to a Lao national in a formal application to the Lao authorities. Penalties for failing to register such a relationship can be up to 5,000 US dollars fine and possible imprisonment. It is not unknown for Lao authorities to demand entry into hotel rooms or guesthouses where they suspect this regulation is being broken.
While cigarettes are common, the use of e-cigarettes (vapes), heated tobacco and shisha (water-pipe tobacco) are illegal. You could be fined or imprisoned for possessing, using them, importing, selling, purchasing or exporting them.
When you visit any temples and religious sites, your shoulders and knees should be covered, whether you are male or female. It is not culturally appropriate to walk around in public wearing swimming costumes after leaving waterfalls, rivers or swimming pools.
There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations in Laos. Proud To Be Us Laos raises awareness about LGBT+ rights and HIV/AIDS among the LGBT+ community. More information can be found on the Proud To Be Us Laos Facebook page. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Open Government Licence v3.0gov.uk ↗updated 13.08.2026 · read 15.10.2026
FDFA (Switzerland) — laws and customs, in French
Entre autres, sont punissables:
Les personnes qui diffusent des propos critiques à l'égard du gouvernement (y compris sur Internet) peuvent être placées en détention et faire l'objet de poursuites pénales. Les personnes étrangères au volant impliquées dans un accident de la circulation peuvent, dans certaines circonstances, ne pas être autorisées à quitter le pays jusqu’à la fin de l'enquête/l'instruction. Il est recommandé de louer une voiture avec chauffeur. Lors d’ affaires financières , la police peut empêcher aux personnes de nationalité étrangère de quitter le pays jusqu'à ce que l'affaire soit réglée. Les infractions à la loi sur les stupéfiants, y compris la détention de minimes quantités de drogue quelle qu'elle soit sont sévèrement réprimées: détention de plusieurs années pouvant aller jusqu'à la perpétuité, et même peine de mort. Cela vaut également pour la possession de produits chimiques servant à la fabrication de drogues. Les crimes majeurs (par ex. viol ou vol avec assassinat) sont également passibles de la peine de mort. Les conditions de détention sont très précaires. En cas de procédures de poursuite judiciaire ou d’enquête policière , il faut s’attendre à de longs délais d’attente et tenir compte des us et coutumes locaux. Les services d’une avocate locale ou d’un avocat local bien choisi sont dans ces cas absolument nécessaires.
Respectez les sensibilités religieuses et les coutumes locales des différents groupes ethniques et adaptez votre comportement et votre tenue vestimentaire. Renseignez-vous dans les guides de voyages, auprès de votre agence ou directement sur place, sur les codes de conduite et les conventions à respecter.
FDFA travel advice, in Frencheda.admin.ch ↗updated 04.09.2026 · read 15.10.2026
What it changes for you: Air acceptable at this hour: nothing special to plan. Very high UV: sunscreen, hat and shade between 11 am and 4 pm; sunstroke and dehydration are travellers' first reasons to see a doctor.
Reading 13:00 (Asia/Vientiane)Open-Meteo ↗updated 16.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Air quality and UV: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information 2026. Neither the European Commission nor ECMWF is responsible for any use that may be made of the Copernicus information or data it contains.
Reading: With 0.3 physicians per 1,000 people (93% fewer than Switzerland), the nearest hospital does not always have the capacity for a serious case: evacuation to an adequate centre is the rule, not the exception — that is what unlimited evacuation and repatriation cover. Health spending of 27 USD per person (Switzerland: 11,784) goes with private hospitals that bill foreigners in hard currency and ask for a guarantee before admission: the direct payment guarantee is what avoids the deposit.
World Bank — latest published value, year per indicatordata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
Live alerts and level changes, each with its official source. Continuously updated.
La saison des typhons en Asie s’étend de juin à novembre. Il convient de s’assurer que son lieu de séjour est adapté en matière de protection contre les vents tempétueux et les fortes pluies. A défaut, il est recommandé de rejoindre un lieu sécurisé et d’éviter de rester isolé. Il est fortement conseillé de suivre les consignes diffusées par les autorités locales, en particulier avant de planifier un déplacement par la route, et de se tenir informé de l’actualité des vols…
France Diplomatie (in French) · posted 2 September 2026diplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 15.10.2026Natural disasters and climate section – added information on El Niño
October 15, 2026 04:53 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 15.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026No level change recorded for this country since the log opened. The live alerts above are updated continuously.
Level 2/4 — Exercise Increased Caution, U.S. Department of State, retrieved on 16 October 2026.
Sourcestravel.state.gov · updated 27.07 · read 16.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 15.10DFAE · updated 04.09 · read 15.10207-country comparison
An area advised against does not rule out the country.
SourcesFrance Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 15.10Foreign Office · updated 13.08 · read 15.10State Department · updated 27.07 · read 16.10
The rules depend on the passport, not on the destination alone.
SourcesFrance Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 15.10Foreign Office · updated 13.08 · read 15.10State Department · updated 27.07 · read 16.10
For a Schengen visa, yes: at least €30,000 of travel medical insurance (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, art. 15).
SourcesRegulation (EC) 810/2009, art. 15General conditions, policy 20 00 479
VIP Pack — €990 for twelve months, unlimited trips.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479OpenStreetMap · read 10.10
Six steps, in this order.
SourcesSpecial conditions 01.26General conditions, policy 20 00 479
Local emergency services: police 191 · ambulance 195 · fire 190
SourcesEmergencyNumberAPI · Wikidata · read 08.10OpenStreetMap · read 10.10
At today's level 2/4, card by card:
SourcesAmex Platinum France T&Cs, 01.2025 — general exclusion n° 11BNP Paribas Visa Infinite notice (policy PT7), 04.2025 — comFortuneo World Elite Mastercard notice, 01.2026 — art. 5.5 '
A health plan reimburses at home; here, the hospital asks for a payment guarantee before admission.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
Around Vientiane: 38 hospitals and clinics, 32 with a 24/7 emergency room, 40 pharmacies, 15 doctors' practices (OpenStreetMap, hospital list read on 15.10.2026).
The sourced detail is under Medical network › Health: vaccines, diseases present, altitude, outbreaks.
SourcesCDC Travelers' Health · read 10.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 15.10OMS · read 15.10Foreign Office · updated 13.08 · read 15.10
0.3 physicians per 1,000 people (2022) versus 4.5 in Switzerland.
SourcesWorld Bank · read 10.10General conditions, policy 20 00 479
Comparable figures (homicides, roads, incidents) are under Safety & risks › Incidents.
The nearest representations, by passport (OpenStreetMap):
SourcesOpenStreetMap · read 10.10DFAE · updated 04.09 · read 15.10
1 region advised against, fully or partly, by at least one official reading.
SourcesGlobal Affairs Canada · updated 15.10 · read 16.10Foreign Office · updated 13.08 · read 15.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 15.10
Local laws apply to every traveller; here is what the official texts say.
SourcesGlobal Affairs Canada · updated 15.10 · read 16.10Foreign Office · updated 13.08 · read 15.10
Every foreign ministry runs a 24/7 emergency line for its nationals.
Sourcesdiplomatie.gouv.fr · updated 15.09 · read 15.10eda.admin.ch · updated 04.09 · read 15.10
Emergency phrases, transliterated; the original script, to show if pronunciation fails, is under Useful phrases.
SourcesMaximum Insurance
Keep the entry stamp, the invoices, the prescriptions and the medical report.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
Cancellation or change up to EUR 20,000, special risk EUR 5,000 per person, crisis management and security, optional Kidnap & Ransom.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
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The 207 country pages — hospitals, pharmacies, police, embassies, emergency numbers, official advice from four governments, health, safety in figures, events in progress — read around the city you name. Your policy — benefits, the six steps, claims, articles. The site — prices, certificate, subscription. Nothing else: what it does not know, it says so and hands you to an adviser.
Same advisory level: Philippines · Peru · United Kingdom · Dominican Republic · Saint Lucia · Serbia
The displayed level comes from the State Department, checked every morning. Before departure, always cross-check your country of residence's advisory: that is what your policy cites.
The level shown is the official U.S. Department of State level, checked daily. Maximum Insurance is an insurance distributor — general information, not personal advice.
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