Travel Vaccines and Advice for Laos
The natural beauty of Laos is unparalleled. Although the country is often overshadowed by tourist-laden Thailand, it offers no lack of must-see sights.
From dense, lavish forests and limestone caves to jungle rivers and windy mountain roads, Laos is a paradise. Whether travellers are exploring the Nam Ha national protected area or traversing the infamous Mekong River there is adventure at every turn.
But, Laos is more than just the outdoors. With well developed cities and wonderful eateries, there is an option for every traveller.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Laos?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Laos
What is the Climate Like in Laos?
How Safe and Secure is Laos
Is the Food Safe in Laos?
Pak Ou Caves in Laos
What Should I Take to Laos?
Canadian Embassy in Laos
Do I Need Vaccines for Laos?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Laos. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Laos: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Japanese Encephalitis –
Mosquito –
Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. May be given to short- and extended-stay travellers, recurrent travellers and travel to rural areas. Present throughout country. Most cases from June to September. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Recommended for some travellers to the region. Single adult booster recommended. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Laos |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Mosquito | Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. May be given to short- and extended-stay travellers, recurrent travellers and travel to rural areas. Present throughout country. Most cases from June to September. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Recommended for some travellers to the region. Single adult booster recommended. |
Routine Vaccinations for Laos |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
Mosquito-borne diseases are a serious problem in Laos. Travellers should consider bringing antimalarials as well as mosquito repellents and netting. Zika, dengue and chikungunya are also present in Laos.
Although there is no risk of yellow fever in Laos, the government requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the U.S.
To find out more about these vaccines, see our vaccinations page. Ready to travel safely? Book your appointment either call or book online now.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Laos
Yes, a valid passport and visa are required for Laos.
Laos Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Laos? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Laos and Canadian Travel and Tourism
The export of local currency is not permitted and if travellers are carrying more than $2,500 USD, they must declare so.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in Laos?
Laos has a tropical climate characterized by regular monsoon activity. Monsoons are most common during the rainy season from March through October, but varies based on locale.
Most of Laos sees a considerable amount of sun and heavy rainfall which can lead to uncomfortable amounts of humidity. But, mountainous regions have cooler and more temperate weather year-round.
- Pakse – Located in the southern region, it has a tropical savanna climate. Temperatures are particularly high in the months before monsoon season, which begins in March.
- Vientiane – Nestled in the northern-central region of the country, Vientiane is the capital of Laos. The city’s rainy season is from May through September with drier months from November through February
- Luang Prabang – Located in the northern region of the Laos, Luang Prabang at its coldest will only drop to around 20 degrees. The wettest month is in August.
How Safe and Secure Is Laos?
In recent decades, Laos has been regarded as an extremely safe place to travel. The locals are generally warm and welcoming in all parts of the country.
Although serious crime has dropped off, petty crimes such as theft still occur. Be sure to remain aware of your surroundings at all times.
Travel by vehicle throughout the country is quite safe. Roads are well built and cars for the most part are reliable. Locals in the cities should be able to provide travel advice for roads during your travel.
Is the Food Safe in Laos?
Laos boasts a large selection of unique cuisine. Most of this food is unfamiliar to the American palate, including Sai Uah (sausage) and Larb (a minced meat salad).
While most of these Asian delicacies are okay for consumption, take notice of how and where they are cooked. Diseases such as cholera, hepatitis A and typhoid spread in contaminated food and water.
Delicious-smelling street food, where meats are often cooked in the open-air, can be tempting. But, research which eateries are known for delivering high-quality options.
Pak Ou Caves in Laos
Laos is known for hundreds of years of ancient Buddhist traditions. Along the Mekong, one of the most infamous rivers in all Asia, lie the Pak Ou Caves. These Buddha caves, known as Tham Phun and Tham Ting, are accessible only by boat. The caves are carved into the side of large rock figures and are a unique way to discover of the rich religious history of Laos.
What Should I Take To Laos?
For the best possible stay in Laos and to prepare yourself for anything unexpected weather-wise, add these items to your packing checklist:
- Lightweight and light-colored clothing to reflect the sun
- Refillable water bottle
- Powerful sunscreen to protect from the sun’s intensity
- Earplugs as most places tend to be noisy during the day and into the night
- Dry pack if planning on water-based activities or to plan for spontaneous rain pour
- Wet weather coat or umbrella
Canadian Embassy in Laos
It is good to know exactly where the Canadian Embassy or consulates are located when travelling. Keep the address written down in case you have a legal problem, you lose your passport, or you want to report a crime. Keep a copy of your passport with you in case you lose the original.
Canadian Embassy Vientiane
KM4, Thadeua Road, Watnak Village,
Sisattanak District,
Vientiane, Laos
Tel: +856 (0) 21 35 38 34
Still have questions? Schedule an appointment by calling or booking online now.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Laos
“With professionalism, compassion and a very pleasant smile on her face, the nurse/doctor knew a lot more about Laos than I would have expected. Very well done.”
“Firstly we were not kept waiting passed our appointment. Which I interpret as efficient. The RPN seemed extremely knowledgeable and answered all our questions about Laos. Her technique in administering the injections was professional and painless. Paperwork was provided about all the medications needed.”
“Really good and knowledgeable nurse. Her technique of administering my vaccines for Laos was flawless and it did not hurt a bit. Good experience.”
“I found this Travel clinic after a brief Internet search. Unlike other travel clinics in my area, Passport’s website tended to be a little more informative and professional looking, which drew me to their Oakville clinic. Upon arrival, I found the clinic to be almost brand new and spotlessly clean. The attending Registered Nurse was very knowledgeable and personable and was able to answer all my questions with regard to my trip to Laos. Given my experience at the Oakville clinic, I would not hesitate to recommend their services to other local area residents.”
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