Moderate riskAsia · South-Eastern AsiaLaos Travel Health Guide
Moderate risk
Laos carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in southern provinces of Laos. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Compiled by Voyax Health from CDC Travelers' Health: Laos. Not yet individually reviewed by a clinician · Updated
Overall risk
Moderate risk
Malaria
Present
Best time to visit
Year-round
Recommended vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Make sure all your routine vaccines are up to date, including chickenpox, tetanus, flu, MMR, polio, and shingles vaccines.
COVID-19
Stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines before traveling.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all unvaccinated travelers 1 year and older. Infants 6-11 months should also get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for unvaccinated travelers under 60. Those 60 and older may also consider vaccination.
Measles
All travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with MMR vaccine. Infants 6-11 months need an early dose.
Typhoid
Typhoid vaccine is recommended for most travelers to Laos, especially if visiting rural areas or staying with local families.
Japanese Encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis vaccine is recommended for long-term travelers (1+ months) and those doing high-risk activities like rural travel, hiking, or staying in places without screens. Not recommended for short urban trips.
Rabies
Consider rabies vaccine if you'll be around animals or in remote areas. Rabid dogs are common in Laos, but vaccines are usually available if needed.
Chikungunya
Chikungunya vaccine is generally not recommended. Focus on preventing mosquito bites instead.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever vaccine is not recommended and not required for entry to Laos.
Disease risks
Malaria
Malaria risk exists in southern provinces of Laos. Take antimalarial medication if visiting Attapeu, Champasak, Khammouane, Salavan, Savannakhet, or Sekong provinces. No medication needed for northern areas or the cities of Luang Prabang and Vientiane, but still use mosquito protection.
Traveler's Diarrhea
All areas except Vientiane; high risk in rural settings.
Malaria risk
Malaria risk is limited to certain areas. Whether you need antimalarial medication depends on your itinerary — see details.
Malaria risk exists in southern provinces of Laos. Take antimalarial medication if visiting Attapeu, Champasak, Khammouane, Salavan, Savannakhet, or Sekong provinces. No medication needed for northern areas or the cities of Luang Prabang and Vientiane, but still use mosquito protection.
Emergency numbers
Police
191
Medical / Ambulance
195
Fire
190
U.S. Embassy
+856-21-487-000
Laos travel health FAQ
Do I need vaccines to travel to Laos?▼
For travel to Laos, Routine Vaccines, COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Measles and Typhoid are recommended; Japanese Encephalitis and Rabies may be advised depending on your itinerary; Chikungunya and Yellow Fever are not needed. Make sure your routine vaccinations (such as MMR, Tdap, polio and seasonal flu) are up to date, and see a travel-health provider about 4–6 weeks before you leave.
Is there malaria in Laos?▼
Only in some areas. Malaria risk exists in southern provinces of Laos. Take antimalarial medication if visiting Attapeu, Champasak, Khammouane, Salavan, Savannakhet, or Sekong provinces. No medication needed for northern areas or the cities of Luang Prabang and Vientiane, but still use mosquito protection. Whether you need antimalarial medication depends on exactly where you go — review your itinerary with a travel-health provider, and use insect-bite precautions such as repellent and treated bed nets.
Is it safe to travel to Laos?▼
From a travel-health standpoint, Laos is currently rated moderate risk. Laos carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in southern provinces of Laos. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
What are the emergency phone numbers in Laos?▼
Key emergency numbers in Laos are Police 191, Medical / Ambulance 195, Fire 190 and U.S. Embassy +856-21-487-000. Save them before you travel and confirm the current numbers with your accommodation on arrival.
More country guides
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CambodiaModerate riskCambodia carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists primarily in rural and forested areas of Cambodia. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
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Plan your Laos trip
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Build my Trip KitSources: CDC Travelers' Health: Laos · WHO International Travel and Health. Last updated 2026-07-31. Health conditions and entry rules change — verify with the CDC, WHO and your destination’s authorities before travel. This page is informational and not a substitute for advice from a travel-medicine provider.