Laos
Last update 22 August 2023Diplomatic missions
Risk index
Level 2: Increased attention (please be informed in detail about the current situation in the country)
2
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Lao People's Democratic Republic
The Republic of Bulgaria does not have an embassy in the capital — Vientiane. The Embassy of the country in Hanoi, Vietnam is accredited to Laos.
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Hanoi
Address: No 5 Nui Truc str., Van Phuc Hanoi; P.O.Box10
Telephone: +84 24 3845 2908
Fax: +84 24 3846 0856
Working hours of the Consular Office: Mon – Fri, 09:00 – 12:00
Е-mail: [email protected], [email protected]
Website: www.mfa.bg/embassies/vietnam
The Embassy of Laos in Vienna is accredited to Bulgaria
Embassy of Laos in Vienna
Address: 1030 Wien, Neulinggasse 29 /Top 6
Telephone: +43 1 890 2319 11; +43 1 890 2319 13
Fax: +43 1 890 2319 15; +43 1 890 2319 18
Working hours: 09:00 – 12:00; 14:00 – 16:00
E-mail: [email protected]
General information
Security level:
The general security situation is good, but thefts and street attacks are possible. Vigilance should be exercised regarding personal safety and personal belongings. The instructions of the local authorities regarding order and security should be observed.
Healthcare:
The conditions in health facilities and medical care do not meet the standards in Europe. It is recommended that citizens have full insurance. Before departure, you should check whether the insurance also covers medical emergencies. It is important to read and check all the details of the health and travel insurance. Treatment not covered by insurance can be very expensive and is at the expense of the person affected.
Recommended vaccines and personal hygiene advice:
There are no special vaccine requirements when entering the country unless you intend to visit an area affected by yellow fever. It is recommended to get basic vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A and B, typhoid. More information on necessary vaccinations and other health issues can be found on the World Health Organization's website at: https://www.who.int/ and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/home.
Tourists should wash their hands frequently, be careful when eating raw foods and drink only bottled water. Carry with you essential medicines that you may need.
Specifics of the local legislation:
Possession or distribution of drugs and opiates, as well as sexual offences, can lead to extremely serious sentences, including the death penalty. Unmarried cohabitation between a foreigner and a local woman is punishable under local law and carries heavy fines and/or imprisonment. Homosexual acts do not fall under the law, but are not well accepted by the local population. It is strongly advised not to accept packages or other goods from unknown persons. Luggage must be packed personally and not left unattended. Conditions in detention facilities and prisons are harsh.
Photography of military sites is prohibited. Photography of religious sites and ceremonies is not prohibited, but must be done with the prior consent of the participants.
Customs requirements:
Customs requirements for Laos can be found here: https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/la-Lao-People%27s-Dem.-Rep.-customs-currency-airport-tax-regulations-details.htm.
You can import any goods for personal use into the country duty-free, including up to 1.5 litres of liquor and 1 pack of cigarettes. The export of local currency is prohibited. Foreign currency may be exported in unlimited quantities.
The export of souvenirs depicting the Buddha is prohibited. When exporting antiquities, you must present the appropriate permit from the Department of Cultural and Historical Heritage in Vientiane.
It should be borne in mind that in Laos, unmarried cohabitation between a foreigner and a local woman is punishable under local law and is punishable by a fine of up to USD 5,000. Sexual abuse of minors is punishable.
Road traffic:
Due to the poor condition of the roads it is advisable to use air transport, and the services of foreign airlines, if possible. It is common practice in this country that when a car accident involving a foreigner occurs, the foreigner is automatically forced to pay for the damages, regardless of which party is at fault.
The use of so-called ‘Speed Boats’ poses risks.
Practical advice:
Bulgarian citizens should take good care of their passports, which should always be with them. It is highly recommended that citizens always carry a photocopy of the passport page with their personal details, visas and stamps.
Citizens should pay attention when choosing a tour operator and to the safety conditions when choosing tours. They should strictly adhere to all local authority requirements, including compliance with any restrictions placed.
It is recommended that children travel with their own passports.
Local currency:
The local currency is Kip. Credit and debit cards can be used for payments at larger hotels. ATMs are becoming more affordable.
Climate:
There are no distinct seasons in Laos in the true sense of the word. Only rainy and dry periods alternate. The wet and hot monsoon period lasts from May to November. From December to February the weather is dry and moderately hot. Temperatures are particularly high in March and April.
Travellers are advised to check the current weather forecast. During the rainy season, heavy rains fall between May and October, which can cause flooding and landslides and create health risks. The forecast for strong tropical storms can be monitored at: www.tropicalstormrisk.com.
Travel papers and visas
You need an international passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel. Bulgarian citizens can obtain a tourist visa at the border crossing points of the country.
Competitive service
Bulgarian identity documents:
Applications for passports, Emergency Travel Documents, driving licences and identity cards shall be made in person by the interested citizens. Under Bulgarian legislation, no exceptions to personal appearance at the Embassy are allowed. Citizens should be informed about the possibilities and conditions for submitting an application through the Automated Information System for Electronic Services of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the following link: https://e-usluga_bds.mfa.bg/. Please note that in order to receive the ready documents requested through the Automated Information System for Electronic Services, you must appear in person at the Bulgarian embassy you have indicated.
In cases of a damaged, lost, stolen or expired passport, Bulgarian citizens can apply for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) at an embassy of an EU Member State in the capital Vientiane. The ETD is issued only for the purpose of a single trip to the Republic of Bulgaria or the country of permanent residence.
Certifications and legalizations:
In order to serve before the Bulgarian authorities, the documents issued by the authorities in Laos should be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Laos and then legalized at the Embassy in Hanoi. To be used before Bulgarian institutions, the documents must be translated into Bulgarian by a certified translator in the Republic of Bulgaria.
All fees for consular services are payable in euros by bank transfer.