Newsgroup: it.hobby.viaggi
Titolo: laos, a rischio?

volevo sapere se č vero, come ho letto da internet, che il laos č a
rischio di attentati. qualcuno saprebbe darmi delle informazioni piů
precise? č solo terrorismo turistico o č veramente meglio non andarci?
grazie e ciao!
Margottola
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Margottola
Still Current at: 20 January 2003  
Updated: 18 October 2002  
 
 Laos 
 
SUMMARY
Most visits to Laos are trouble-free but some security concerns
remain. Following recent developments, including the terrorist bombing
of a night club in Bali on 12 October, UK nationals world-wide should
be aware of the risk of indiscriminate attacks on civilian targets in
public places, including tourist sites. 
ATTENTION
There is an increased threat to British nationals and British
interests from terrorism in South East Asia. Following the terrorist
attacks in Bali on 12 October in which Western tourists were
deliberately targeted, British nationals should exercise extreme
caution in public places, in particular places of entertainment such
as nightclubs, bars, restaurants and places of worship known to be
frequented by foreigners. All British institutions and businesses
should reconsider their security arrangements. British and
international schools should be especially vigilant. 
SAFETY AND SECURITY
A number of bombing incidents occurred in Laos in public places in the
capital Vientiane from March 2000 and continued into early 2001. It
appears that this series of bombing incidents is now over, but British
citizens should remain vigilant and maintain a high level of personal
security awareness.
There is no curfew in Vientiane but visitors should be aware that
people travelling in the city after 2300 may be stopped by the police
and asked to show ID papers before being allowed to travel on.
Travellers should comply with requests to stop at checkpoints and
roadblocks.
Theft and assaults involving foreigners are not uncommon. Theft of
passports is a particular problem. Travellers should exercise care,
avoid carrying large sums of money and keep valuables, including
passports, in a secure place.
LOCAL TRAVEL
A permit is required to visit Xaysomboune special province and
military escorts should be used.
Visitors should be aware that travel in parts of Laos is dangerous.
Visitors should be alert to continuing security concerns related to
ethnic conflict and banditry in rural areas. Particular care should be
taken when travelling by road through Xaysomboune special zone, along
Route 13 north between Kasi and Luang Prabang, route 7 between
Phonsavan and its westernmost terminus at Route 13, and Mouang Khoune
in Xieng Khouang Province. Wherever possible travel along these routes
should be in daylight hours.
Visitors should be aware of the dangers of unexploded ordnance,
particularly in Xieng Khouang Province (Plain of Jars) and areas of
the Lao-Vietnamese border that were formerly traversed by the Ho Chi
Minh Trail.
Travel on the Mekong River by speedboat is dangerous, particularly in
the dry season (November to April).
It is not known whether aircraft maintenance procedures on internal
flights are always properly observed. Travel by Lao Aviation Yuen 7
and Yuen 12 aircraft should be avoided where possible.
Visitors planning to travel by road or river are advised to check with
a travel company on arrival for an update on local conditions.
ROAD TRAVEL
Travel after dark is not advised because of the danger of other road
users not having proper, or indeed any, lighting. Stray animals are an
added danger.
The numbers of road accidents and fatalities in Laos have risen
sharply in recent years as the number of motor vehicles (especially
motorbikes) has increased. Foreigners involved in road accidents are
generally required to pay compensation for third party property damage
and injury, even if they are not judged to be at fault. Lao insurers
will generally only meet a small proportion of the costs of an
accident, not covering this compensation (which can be the largest
part of the expense).
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
Penalties for using illegal drugs in Laos are severe. 
Travellers should exercise extreme caution to avoid any perceived
association with drug trafficking or use. 
On 10 April 2001 the Lao National Assembly passed a law introducing
the death penalty for persons found guilty of the illegal production,
possession, trafficking or trade of 500 grams or more of heroin, or 3
kilograms or more of opium, or 10 kilograms or more of marijuana. 
The new law has yet to signed by the President and no date has been
announced for when it will take effect. 
There have been several recent deaths as a result of drug abuse among
foreigners visiting Laos. 
Sexual relationships between foreigners and Lao citizens are not
permitted under Lao law. Permission for marriage or engagement to a
Lao citizen must be submitted in a formal application to Lao
authorities. Penalties for failing to register a relationship range
from $500-5,000 (US Dollars) and may also involve imprisonment. 
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Visas may be obtained at the Vientiane and Luang Prabang international
airports and the Thai/Laos Friendship Bridge on arrival on payment of
US$30 cash and provision of a passport photograph). At all other
international border crossing points open to foreigners (not all are),
a visa must be obtained prior to arrival.
Immigration offices at some border crossings are difficult to identify
but travellers should ensure they obtain an entry stamp into Laos.
Fines for not having a legitimate entry stamp can be high.
HEALTH
British citizens with unstable medical conditions should seriously
consider not travelling to Laos. Medical care in Vientiane is
extremely basic and outside the capital there are not facilities to
deal with medical emergencies. Medical evacuation is difficult to
organise and is very expensive. 
Visitors should seek medical advice about endemic diseases before
travelling. 
GENERAL
It is essential that travellers take out full insurance cover for
medical treatment and accidents. It is also advisable to have cover
for unexpected losses such as cancelled flights, stolen cash, cards,
passports or luggage.
There are no international ATM facilities in Laos. Major credit cards
are accepted at some international hotels and tourist orientated
establishments. Western Union (UK freephone 0800 833 833) offers
international money transfer facilities in Vientiane through a branch
of the Bank of Ayudhya.
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