Newsgroup: it.hobby.viaggi
Titolo: LAOS Avviso di sicurezza

 Still Current at: 17 July 2003  
Updated: 16 July 2003  
 
 Laos 
 
SUMMARY
There are some security concerns related to banditry in rural areas
remain. There have been three lethal attacks on buses travelling to
and from the capital Vientiane in recent months. Unexploded ordnance
is a danger. There is a continuing threat to westerners from terrorism
throughout South East Asia. But the vast majority of visits to Laos
are trouble-free
Medical insurance is strongly recommended. But the vast majority of
visits to Laos are trouble-free
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Terrorism
In recent years there have been several minor bombing incidents,
mainly in Vientiane, which have resulted in a small number of
casualties. It was not clear in every case who was responsible and
some incidents may have been linked to business or domestic disputes.
We have received reports that on 18 June one person was killed and 20
others injured in a bomb blast on a Vientiane-bound passenger bus in
the southern province of Khammuan. On 20 April at least 12 people were
killed by armed gunmen who attacked a bus on Route 13 near the
Phoukhon turn off to Xieng Khouang north of the capital Vientiane.
This is the second such incident on this road in recent months. In
February 10 people, including two foreign tourists, were killed in a
similar attack near Vang Vieng. There is no evidence to suggest that
British nationals or British interests have been, or will become
targets, but you may inadvertently become caught up in random acts of
violence.
We are not aware of any specific threat to British nationals or
British interests in Laos. But, following the terrorist attacks in
Bali which deliberately targeted Western tourists, we believe there is
a continuing threat from terrorism throughout South East Asia. You
should therefore be on your guard in public places, particularly those
popular with westerners, such as nightclubs, bars and restaurants,
places of worship and tourist sites. British institutions and
businesses should review their security arrangements.
Crime
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
There is no curfew in Vientiane but you should be aware that people
travelling in the city may be stopped by the police at any time, but
particularly in the evening and asked to show identification papers
before being allowed to travel on. You should comply with requests to
stop at checkpoints and roadblocks.
You require a permit to visit Xaysomboune special province and
military escorts should be used.
You should be aware that travel in parts of Laos is dangerous. You
should be alert to continuing security concerns related to armed
conflict and banditry in rural areas. You should take particular care
when travelling by road through Xaysomboune special zone and Xieng
Khouang Province. Wherever possible you should travel in daylight
hours. Travel by road should be avoided on route 13 from Vang Vieng
north through Phou Khoun to south of Luang Prabang and route 7 from
Phou Khoun to Phonsavan. There have been two lethal attacks on buses
on route 13 - on 20 April near the Phoukhon turn off to Xieng Khouang
and in February near Vang Vieng.
You 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. Mined areas are frequently unmarked. You should therefore not
stray off main routes in rural areas.
Seasonal flooding occurs in Laos starting at the end of July or early
August, continuing until November. Travel to some provinces can be
seriously disrupted during this time.
Travel insurance is a basic requirement for a well-planned visit to
Laos.
Travel by road
The majority of roads in Laos are in a very poor condition. Travel
should be completed during daylight hours. Travel after dark
significantly increases the risk of an accident. Vehicles often do not
have lights and cattle stray on to roads.
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.
Travel by boat
Travel on the Mekong River by speedboat is dangerous, particularly in
the dry season, November to April. Life-vests and crash helmets should
be provided, and worn.
Travel by air
It is not known whether aircraft maintenance procedures on internal
flights are always properly observed. You should avoid travel by Lao
Aviation Yuen 7 and Yuen 12 aircraft.
If you are planning to travel by road or river you should check with a
travel company on arrival for an update on local conditions.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
Penalties for using illegal drugs, opium, heroin, amphetamine type
stimulants including Ecstasy, and marijuana etc, in Laos are severe.
You should exercise extreme caution to avoid any perceived association
with drug trafficking or use. There have been several recent deaths as
a result of drug abuse among foreigners visiting Laos.
In 2001 the death penalty was introduced 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.
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 to 5,000 American Dollars and may also involve imprisonment.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Tourist visas may be obtained at the Vientiane and Luang Prabang
international airports and the Thai to Laos Friendship Bridge on
arrival on payment of 30 American Dollars cash and provision of a
passport photograph. These are valid for 14 days and can be renewed at
the Department of Immigration. At all other international border
crossing points open to foreigners, not all are, a visa must be
obtained prior to arrival.
The Lao People’s Democratic Republic does not have an embassy in the
United Kingdom. Visa applications can be made before arrival at the
Ambassade de la Republique Democratique Populaire Lao, 74 Avenue
Raymond Poincaré, 75116 Paris, France; (Tel: 
+33 7 30 97 31 53
; (Fax:
+33 1 47 27 57 89
).
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.
10 American Dollars airport tax is payable in dollars on departure
from Vientiane and Luang Prabang international airports.
HEALTH
The outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in Asia appears
under control. The World Health Organisation and Department of Health
are no longer advising against travel to any destination because of
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome concerns. But global surveillance
for the disease continues.
You are strongly recommended to take out comprehensive medical
insurance. 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 the
facilities to deal with medical emergencies. Medical evacuation is
difficult to organise and very expensive.
You should seek medical advice about endemic diseases including H I V
or AIDS before travelling. Safe sex practices are essential
GENERAL
Insurance
It is essential that you take out full insurance cover for medical
treatment and accidents. You should also have cover for unexpected
losses such as cancelled flights, stolen cash, cards, passports or
luggage.
Money
There are no international A T M facilities in Laos. Major credit
cards are accepted at some international hotels and tourist orientated
establishments. Travellers’ cheques can be cashed at most banks in
Vientiane and major towns. Most transactions are conducted in cash,
American Dollars, Thai Baht or Lao Kip. Western Union, United Kingdom
freephone 0800 833 833, offers international money transfer facilities
in Vientiane through a branch of the Bank of Ayudhya on Lane Xang
Avenue.
 
 
GLOBAL TERRORISM WARNING
You should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks in
public places anywhere in the world. Be vigilant, and take sensible
precautions. See Risk of Terrorism.
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