Overview
Laos reads south to north. The southern third of the country carries a high malaria risk in places, the southern half bordering Vietnam a moderate one, while the northern half and most of the south-west stay low-risk and central Vientiane is malaria-free. No vaccine is required to enter, but the polio booster becomes compulsory beyond four weeks in the country. Japanese encephalitis occurs countrywide, mainly from June to September, and a measles outbreak is under way.
Recommended vaccines
Malaria by region
In the high-risk southern third, bite protection and preventive tablets are advised, without mefloquine because of resistance; elsewhere bite protection is enough, sometimes with tablets for higher-risk travellers. If you develop a fever during or after the trip, get tested for malaria as soon as possible.
Malaria risk is regional, concentrated in the areas detailed below.
Certain regions in the southern third of the country: high risk, with bite protection and preventive tablets advised. Mefloquine (Lariam) is not recommended there because of resistance.
The southern half of the country along the Vietnamese border: a moderate risk, bite protection, sometimes combined with tablets for higher-risk travellers.
The northern half and most regions of the south-west: a lower risk, where bite protection is enough.
Central Vientiane.
Other health risks
Prepare your trip
Leaving in under 2 weeks? Still book a clinic: a first hepatitis A dose already protects, and yellow fever needs at least 10 days. A travel clinic will prioritise what fits your timeline.
Frequently asked questions
Is any vaccine required for Laos?
No vaccine is required for entry. The vaccines on this page are recommended, not required.
Is there a malaria risk?
Malaria: high risk depending on the region. In the high-risk southern third, bite protection and preventive tablets are advised, without mefloquine because of resistance; elsewhere bite protection is enough, sometimes with tablets for higher-risk travellers. If you develop a fever during or after the trip, get tested for malaria as soon as possible.
How far ahead of departure should I start?
Ideally 6 to 8 weeks before departure, to complete multi-dose schedules. Yellow fever, where it applies, must be given at least 10 days before arrival.
Our sources
Indicative information for a typical traveller, not medical advice. What you need depends on your itinerary, region, season and duration. See an approved travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure: only they can give yellow fever and issue the certificate.
Entry requirements: The polio booster is recommended from age 16 and becomes compulsory if you stay more than four weeks in the country: it must then be given between four weeks and twelve months before you leave the country, and recorded in an international certificate of vaccination. No yellow-fever requirement is published for Laos.