Do You Need Vaccinations to Go to Laos?

Traveling to South East Asia often means getting vaccinated, and Laos is no exception.

While a trip to the country is an overall enjoyable and safe experience, you may need a few vaccinations to go to Laos.

Before any trip overseas to a tropical, forested country like Laos, you should consult your doctor regarding the suitable travel vaccines. They will be able to give you detailed advice on the right protection for the areas that you’ll be visiting.

This page explains the shots recommended for most travelers and COVID-19 vaccine requirements for Laos.

Will I Need to Have a COVID-19 Vaccine to Travel to Laos?

Laos has reopened international borders to all tourists from all countries. You can now visit Laos on vacation provided you meet the remaining COVID-19 enter requirements.

If you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you can travel to Laos without a negative pre-departure test. If you have not been vaccinated against COVID-19, you must take a COVID-19 rapid antigen test, and test negative, no more than 48 hours before departure from the first embarkation point.

Travelers are advised to get a COVID vaccine before traveling to Laos.

What Vaccinations Do I Need For Laos?

Your doctor may recommend several vaccines for traveling to Laos. Which vaccines you need for your trip will depend on the area of the country you are visiting and your planned activities.

Protection against Hepatitis A and B

A Hepatitis A jab is usually recommended to people traveling to Laos. Hepatitis A is caught from contaminated food or water in Laos. For this reason, it’s critical to take care of what you eat and drink in the country.

Travelers should also consider getting vaccinated against Hepatitis B Hepatitis B is contracted through infected blood, contaminated needles, and sexual intercourse. Travelers could be at risk if they have sex with a new partner in Laos or get a tattoo.

Typhoid Vaccines May be Recommended for Laos

Doctor’s may advise travelers to get vaccinated against Typhoid. Typhoid is another illness that is spread by contaminated food and water. It is a particularly unpleasant condition that can cause headaches, aches, and pains as well as a high fever.

It’s possible to be protected from typhoid with a shot that can last for up to 2 years and provides protection 7 days after being injected.

Alternatively, you can receive an oral vaccine that can last for up to 5 years. The oral vaccine, however, contains a live sample of the virus, which may cause side effects.

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccinations for Visiting Rural Areas

Japanese Encephalitis is a mosquito-borne virus that affects the brain.

If you’re traveling to rural areas and will be spending a lot of time outside you should consider getting an injection for Japanese Encephalitis. Be sure to mention to your doctor if you’re going to more isolated regions of Laos.

Some Travelers May Need a Rabies Vaccine for Laos

Rabies is spread through the saliva of infected animals, usually through a bit or scratch. Travelers in Laos are more at risk if they are visiting remote or rural areas, or taking part in activities such as trekking or cycling. A typhoid vaccine is advised in these cases

Even if vaccinated, travelers should seek medical care urgently if they are bitten by an animal in Laos.

Is Yellow Fever Present in Laos?

You won’t contract the yellow fever virus while in Laos. Nevertheless, if you are traveling from a country where yellow fever is present it is obligatory to have proof of the vaccination.

Be aware, however, the yellow fever vaccine contains a live sample of the virus. This can on rare occasions cause a severe allergic reaction.

Is Cholera Protection Necessary for Laos?

Many visitors to the country wonder if there is cholera in Laos. While a few cases of the illness are still reported each year it’s relatively rare and seldom affects tourists to the country.

Most travelers can avoid contracting it by taking the right precautions around what they eat and drink. Still, if you’re visiting more of the country’s many rural areas, a doctor may recommend a shot.

Is there a Risk of Contracting Polio in Laos?

The poliovirus is all but eradicated from the population of Laos. However, it is often still recommended to have the polio vaccination before traveling to the country.

Check with your doctor to make sure you’re up to date with your immunizations. Some visitors may need a booster shot before they embark on their trip to Laos.

What Other Health Precautions Should I Take?

In addition to the vaccinations for Laos listed above, there are a few other health tips you should follow on your trip:

Protection from Malaria When Visiting Rural Laos

Many of the tourist hotspots in Laos are free from malaria and mosquitoes carrying the virus are rarely found in major cities like Vientiane.

Though, for those heading north to Vang Vieng or to rural spots, there is a low risk of infection and protection is important.

If you’re heading to the south of the country and to cities like Savannahket or Salavan it’s essential to carry malaria tablets. The rural southern regions of the country are a high-risk area for the illness. You should always bring antimalarials if you are traveling here.

Is There Zika in Laos?

Since stories first broke in the media of birth defects caused by the Zika virus, many tourists have worried about catching the illness.

The disease can be prevented with the help of mosquito repellent and netting (which is also great for preventing other mosquito-spread viruses like dengue).

There are currently no vaccines for Zika available for the general public. However, with the right precautions, you are unlikely to catch the illness. Furthermore, the virus doesn’t present a serious risk to the majority of travelers.

Pregnant women, should avoid traveling to Zika affected locations. Also, men and women planning a pregnancy, should avoid mosquitos and wait for at least 3 months after their return from Laos before getting pregnant.

Advice for Staying Healthy In Laos

For the most part, visitors to Laos are unlikely to encounter any issues.

Laos is a relatively safe country and tourists only need to follow a few basic steps to enjoy their stay. The essential travel tips to remember before visiting Laos include:

• Be careful what you eat and drink
• Prevent against mosquito bites
• Sanitize properly
• Exercise caution if getting tattoos or piercings in Laos
• Speak to a doctor before traveling for the right vaccination advice

With the right vaccinations and proper precautions, it’s unlikely you’ll experience any of the ailments listed above.

Remember that you can now apply for the Laos eVisa in a few steps. This offers a simpler, worry-free way to get a tourist travel visa for Laos or Laotian Business Visa. Getting the eVisa only takes a few minutes and can be done in ease from your own home.

Travel First-Aid Kit for Laos

Buying medication in Laos could be expensive or difficult to find. It is always a good idea to travel with standard medication that can be used in the event of minor illnesses or accidents.

A list of useful medication to take to Laos:

• Paracetamol
• Ibuprofen
• Constipation and diarrhea relief (tablets and rehydration sachets)
• Contraceptives
• Antihistamine
• Insect bite relief
• Antiseptic cream
• Sun cream
• Throat lozenges
• Insect repellent

The above items are suggestions for preparing for your trip to Laos. Carrying basic medication or first-aid kits can be of help in minor incidents while traveling.

Laos Medical Assistance and Costs

The medical services that are offered in hospitals and clinics in Laos are much more basic than those of other countries in terms of hygiene, equipment, and staff training.

The international clinic Mahasot Hospital in Vientián has a good reputation and is open 24 hours. Some embassies in Vientián also have medical centers.