Laos

Our Laos collection

Frequently asked questions

• Is there a time difference?

  Laos: GMT +7 hrs.

• What is the currency?

  Lao Kip

• What will the weather be like?

  Our tours in Laos operate during the dry season, between October and April, when the temperatures range from the mid 20s to early 30s.

  We recommend checking up-to-date weather forecasts before you travel.

• What clothing should I take to Laos?

  Dress for our tours is generally relaxed and informal during the day, dressing to suit the weather conditions and the activity you are undertaking. It’s likely there will be occasions when exploring you’ll be walking on uneven surfaces, so we recommend sturdy and comfortable walking shoes. Wearing layers of clothing means it’s much easier to deal with potentially varied weather conditions and it’s always advisable to carry a waterproof. Any included evening dinners are also informal, with smart casual dress being the norm. We would also recommend taking good insect repellent, a high factor sun-screen lotion and a hat for protection from the sun.

  It is always worth being aware of local customs when visiting sacred places. As a general rule, when visiting such places, it is recommended that arms and legs are covered. Women may also wish to take a shawl to cover their shoulders and all visitors should wear long trousers, skirts or shorts that reach below the knee. Taking off your shoes is also a prerequisite before entering many sacred places.

  Mekong Cruise
  The dress code on board the Mekong cruise is relaxed and casual, with no requirement for formal attire.

• How much should I tip in Laos?

  Unlike the UK, tipping is very much a way of life in most Asian countries and we have included a number of gratuities into your tour. Tipping for your Tour Manager and drivers are not included.

  Tipping is always discretionary, however if you are happy with the service provided, we would suggest the following amounts.

  Local Tour Manager
  $10.00 – $15.00 USD per person per day

  Laos Local Guide
  $7.00 – $10.00 USD per person per day

  Driver
  $5.00 USD per person per day

• What are the entry requirements for Laos?

  The following information on entry requirements, passports and visas is for British citizens only. Holders of a British Subject passport, non-British citizens and holders of a passport endorsed in any way should check immigration requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate of the country to be visited, as should clients with dual nationality or renounced citizenship.

• Do I need to renew my passport?

  A valid ten-year British passport is required for all holidays, valid for a minimum of 6 months after your return date to the UK. If you are not currently in possession of a valid passport, please make sure you leave plenty of time before your holiday to apply for this document. Our recommendation is that you should apply at least three months before your holiday.

  For Laos, you are required to have at least two blank pages in your passport for visa purposes. If you will not have two blank pages in your passport at the time you are due to travel, you will need to renew your passport beforehand.

• Will I need a visa to enter Laos?

  Yes. A tourist visa is required to enter Laos. An eVisa currently costs US$50.00 and you can apply no more than 60 days and at least five days before you arrive in Laos here: Lao Official Online Visa – Lao eVisa. Alternatively, you can apply for a visa on arrival at the airport, currently costing US$40.00 plus a service charge of US$1.00 per person. You must have two recent passport sized photos to apply.

  In addition to obtaining a visa, all passengers are required to register with the Department of Immigration of Laos here: The Department of Immigration of Lao PDR, for both arrival and departure from Laos. This must be done up to 3 days before each entry or exit. Once you complete registration, you will be issued a QR code, which you must present at immigration.

  For more information on passport information and entry requirements please visit the Government Passport Office website www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports and the Foreign Office website: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

  Please note entry requirements may change and it is your responsibility to ensure you are in possession of all necessary travel, passport, visa and other entry requirements before departure. All costs incurred in obtaining such documentation must be paid by you. We regret we cannot accept any liability if you are refused entry onto any transport or into any country due to failure on your part to obtain and carry all required documentation.

• Do I need to have any vaccinations?

  Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide and may change at any time. You should take health advice from your GP or local travel clinic about your specific needs as early as possible and ensure that vaccinations or preventative measures are taken early enough (which may be a month or more prior to departure) to be fully effective by the date of travel.

  We also suggest referring to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website, https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice and the NHS Travel Vaccinations website, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/travel-vaccinations/