There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators.  Advisory summary updated.

Exercise increased caution in Laos due to crime, unrest, and unexploded ordnances.   Some areas have increased risk.  Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Increased Risk Areas:

• Reconsider Travel to Xaisomboun Province due to civil unrest 
• Exercise Increased Caution in areas on the Border with Burma, Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Salavan, Khammouane, Sekong, Champasak, Houaphanh, Attapeu, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane provinces, along Route 7 (from Route 13 to the Vietnam border), Route 9 (Savannakhet to the Vietnam border), and Route 20 (Pakse to Salavan) due to crime.
• Exercise Increased Caution in areas of Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Salavan, Khammouane, Sekong, Champasak, Houaphanh, Attapeu, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane provinces, as well as along Route 7 due to unexploded ordnances.

Advisory summary:

Review our Travel Guidance for Laos to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.

Avoid Special Economic Zones (SEZs), especially the Bokeo SEZ (also known as the Golden Triangle SEZ) and Boten SEZ.  Scam centers and transnational criminal organizations that operate within these zones increase the risk of crime.

Specific areas of risks:

Reconsider Travel to Xaisomboun Province due to civil unrest.

There is a continued threat of violence in Xaisomboun Province.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Xaisomboun Province.  U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to Xaisomboun Province.

Exercise Increased Caution in areas on the Border with Burma, Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Salavan, Khammouane, Sekong, Champasak, Houaphanh, Attapeu, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane provinces, along Route 7 (from Route 13 to the Vietnam border), Route 9 (Savannakhet to the Vietnam border), and Route 20 (Pakse to Salavan) due to crime.

• Avoid remote areas along the border with Burma due to crime.
• Bandits, drug traffickers, and other people involved in illegal activities operate in these areas, along with armed groups that are against the Burmese government.

Exercise Increased Caution in areas of Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Salavan, Khammouane, Sekong, Champasak, Houaphanh, Attapeu, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane provinces, as well as along Route 7 due to unexploded ordnances.

There are large numbers of unexploded ordnance remaining from the Indochina War in these areas:

• Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Salavan, Khammouane, Sekong, Champasak, Houaphanh, Attapeu, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane provinces.  
• Along Route 7 (from Route 13 to the Vietnam border), Route 9 (Savannakhet to the Vietnam border), and Route 20 (Pakse to Salavan).

Avoid Special Economic Zones (SEZs), especially the Bokeo SEZ (also known as the Golden Triangle SEZ) and Boten SEZ.  Scam centers and transnational criminal organizations that operate within these zones increase the risk of crime.

If you decide to travel to Laos:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate.  Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Laos.   
• Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC website for the latest Travel Health Information for New Caledonia.
• Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
  
• We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.