Moving to Laos: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

7,447,296

Population Growth Rate

1.63%

Urban Population

34.300000

Population in Major Urban Areas

VIENTIANE (capital) 810,000

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Age Structure

33.400000

Median Age

21.600000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

25

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

7.86

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

2.98

Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49

38.4%

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49

38.4%

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

1.040000

Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

-1.12

Ethnic Groups

Lao Loum (lowland) 68%, Lao Theung (upland) 22%, Lao Soung (highland) including the Hmong and the Yao 9%, ethnic Vietnamese/Chinese 1%

Language Note

<p>Some ethnic minority languages have never been codified in written form.

A small percentage of older people and those who attended high school prior to 1975 speak French, which has been the language of international commerce in the past.

Some English is spoken.</p><p> The official language is Lao, the native language of the lowland Lao which is used in all official communications and taught in schools.

Other main languages include Thai, Hmong, and midland Lao.</P

Nationality Noun

Lao(s) or Laotian(s)

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Literacy - total population

68.7%

Literacy - male

77.4%

Literacy - female

55.5%

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

2.8%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

10.000000

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Life Expectancy at Birth

63.140000

Infant Mortality Rate

56.130000

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

56.130000

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

470

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

.19

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

.7

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

2.8%

Major Infectious Diseases - degree of risk

very high

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

2.6%

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

83.700000

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

90.400000

Underweight - percent of children under five years

31.6%

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Economic Overview

The government of Laos, one of the few remaining one-party communist states, began decentralizing control and encouraging private enterprise in 1986.

Economic growth averaged more than 6% per year in the period 1988-2008, and Laos' growth has more recently been amongst the fastest in Asia, averaging more than 7% per year for most of the last decade.

Nevertheless, Laos remains a country with an underdeveloped infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.

It has a basic, but improving, road system, and limited external and internal land-line telecommunications.

Electricity is available to 83% of the population.

Agriculture, dominated by rice cultivation in lowland areas, accounts for about 20% of GDP and 73% of total employment.

Recently, the country has faced a persistent current account deficit, falling foreign currency reserves, and growing public debt.

Laos' economy is heavily dependent on capital-intensive natural resource exports.

The economy has benefited from high-profile foreign direct investment in hydropower dams along the Mekong River, copper and gold mining, logging, and construction, although some projects in these industries have drawn criticism for their environmental impacts.

Laos gained Normal Trade Relations status with the US in 2004 and applied for Generalized System of Preferences trade benefits in 2013 after being admitted to the World Trade Organization earlier in the year.

Laos held the chairmanship of ASEAN in 2016.

Laos is in the process of implementing a value-added tax system.

The government appears committed to raising the country's profile among foreign investors and has developed special economic zones replete with generous tax incentives, but a limited labor pool, a small domestic market, and corruption remain impediments to investment.

Laos also has ongoing problems with the business environment, including onerous registration requirements, a gap between legislation and implementation, and unclear or conflicting regulations.

Industries

tin and gypsum mining, timber, electric power, agricultural processing, construction, garments, tourism

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$5,400.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

7.5%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$56,790,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$5,400.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

7.5%

GDP - official exchange rate

$12,550,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 58.2% government
• consumption: 14.4% investment in fixed
• capital: 36.6% investment in
• inventories: 1.6% exports of goods and
• services: 42.9% imports of goods and
• services: -53.7%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

23.1%

GDP by Sector- Industry

33.4%

GDP by Sector- services

43.5%

Industrial Growth Rate

17.7%

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Inflation Rate

6%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

kip (LAK)

Currency Name and Code

Kip (LAK)

Fiscal Year

1 October - 30 September

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

23.2%

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Labor Force

3,690,000

Unemployment Rate

2.5%

Major Industries

tin and gypsum mining, timber, electric power, agricultural processing, construction, garments, tourism

Agriculture Products

sweet potatoes, vegetables, corn, coffee, sugarcane, tobacco, cotton, tea, peanuts, rice, water buffalo, pigs, cattle, poultry

Population Below Poverty Line

26%

Child Labor - # of children ages 5-14

175,138

Child Labor - % of children ages 5-14

11%

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Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

73.1%

Labor Force By Occupation- industry

6.1%

Labor Force By Occupation- services

20.6%

Annual Budget

$1,137,000,000 (USD)

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

-1.6%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

24.6%

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Full Country Name

Lao People's Democratic Republic

Country Name

Laos

Local - Long

Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao

Local - Short

Mueang Lao (unofficial)

Abbreviation

Lao PDR

Etymology- history of name

name means "Land of the Lao [people]"

Independence

19 July 1949 (from France by the Franco-Lao General Convention); 22 October 1953 (Franco-Lao Treaty recognizes full independence)

National Holiday

Republic Day (National Day), 2 December (1975)

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Government Type

communist state

Constitution

• history: previous 1947 (preindependence); latest promulgated 13-15 August 1991
• amendments: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly membership and promulgation by the president of the republic; amended 2003, 2015

Legal System:

civil law system similar in form to the French system

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: President THONGLOUN Sisoulith (since 22 March 2021); Vice Presidents PANY Yathotou and BOUNTHONG Chitmany (since 22 March 2021)
• head of government: Prime Minister SONEXAY Siphandon (since 30 December 2022)
• cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president and approved by the National Assembly
• elections/appointments: president and vice president indirectly elected by the National Assembly for a 5-year term (no term limits); election last held on 22 March 2021 (next to be held in March 2026); prime minister nominated by the president, elected by the National Assembly for a 5-year term
• election results: 2021: THONGLOUN Sisoulith elected president; National Assembly vote - THONGLOUN Sisoulith (LPRP) 161-1; PANY Yathotou and BOUNTHONG Chitmany (LPRP) elected vice presidents; National Assembly vote - NA; PHANKHAM Viphavanh (LPRP) elected prime minister; National Assembly vote - 158-3 2016: BOUNNHANG Vorachit (LPRP) elected president; PHANKHAM Viphavanh (LPRP) elected vice president; percent of National Assembly vote - NA; THONGLOUN Sisoulith (LPRP) elected prime minister; percent of National Assembly vote - NA

Legislative Branch:

• Description: unicameral National Assembly or Sapha Heng Xat (164 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by simple majority vote from candidate lists provided by the Lao People's Revolutionary Party; members serve 5-year terms)
• Elections: last held on 21 February 2021 (next to be held in 2026)
• Election Results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - LPRP 158, independent 6;
• Composition: men 128, women 36, percent of women 21.9%

Judicial Branch:

• office: president of People's Supreme Court appointed by the National Assembly upon the recommendation of the president of the republic for a 5-year term; vice presidents of the People's Supreme Court appointed by the president of the republic upon the recommendation of the National Assembly; appointment of chamber judges NA; tenure of court vice presidents and chamber judges NA
• subordinate courts: appellate courts; provincial, municipal, district, and military courts

Regions or States:

17 provinces (khoueng, singular and plural) and 1 prefecture* (kampheng nakhon); Attapu, Bokeo, Bolikhamxay, Champasak, Houaphanh, Khammouan, Louangnamtha, Louangphabang (Luang Prabang), Oudomxai, Phongsali, Salavan, Savannakhet, Viangchan (Vientiane)*, Viangchan, Xaignabouli, Xaisomboun, Xekong, Xiangkhouang

Political Parties and Leaders:

• Lao People's Revolutionary Party or LPRP [THONGLOUN Sisoulith]
• Note: other parties proscribed

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: no citizenship by descent
• only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Laos dual citizenship
• recognized: no residency requirement for
• naturalization: 10 years

Capital Name

Vientiane (Viangchan)

Capital - geographic coordinate

17 58 N, 102 36 E

Capital Time Difference

UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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International Organization Participation:

• ADB
• ARF
• ASEAN
• CP
• EAS
• FAO
• G-77
• IAEA
• IBRD
• ICAO
• ICRM
• IDA
• IFAD
• IFC
• IFRCS
• ILO
• IMF
• Interpol
• IOC
• IPU
• ISO (subscriber)
• ITU
• MIGA
• NAM
• OIF
• OPCW
• PCA
• UN
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• UNIDO
• UNWTO
• UPU
• WCO
• WFTU (NGOs)
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO

International Law Organization Participation:

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargée d’Affaires Michelle OUTLAW (since August 2023)
• Embassy: Ban Somvang Tai, Thadeua Road, Km 9, Hatsayfong District, Vientiane
• Mailing Address: 4350 Vientiane Place, Washington DC 20521-4350
• Telephone: [856] 21-48-7000
• FAX: [856] 21-48-7040
• Email: CONSLAO@state.gov
• Website: https://la.usembassy.gov/

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Sisavath INPHACHANH (since 7 June 2022)
• Chancery: 2222 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
• Telephone: [1] (202) 332-6416
• FAX: [1] (202) 332-4923
• Email: embasslao@gmail.com
• Website: https://laoembassy.com/

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Geographic Location

Southeast Asia

Geographic Coordinates

18 00 N, 105 00 E

Total Area

91,428 Square Miles 236,800 Square Kilometers

Land Area

89,112 Square Miles 230,800 Square Kilometers

Water Area

2,317 Square Miles 6,000 Square Kilometers

Land Boundaries

3,158 Miles 5,083 Kilometers

Border Countries

Burma 235 km, Cambodia 541 km, China 423 km, Thailand 1,754 km, Vietnam 2,130 km

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Terrain

mostly rugged mountains; some plains and plateaus

Highest Point

2,817 Meters

Highest Point Location

Phou Bia 2,817 m

Lowest Point

70 Meters

Lowest Point Location

Mekong River 70 m

Natural Resources

timber, hydropower, gypsum, tin, gold, gemstones

Irrigated Land

1,197 Square Miles 3,100 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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Climate

Laos has a monsoon climate with three overlapping seasons.

The rainy season is about 5 months, June-September.

In October, rains start to taper off, and the cool season begins in November, lasting through February.

In March "mango rains" occur.

March, April, and May are hot and humid.

In April, the hottest month, temperatures in Vientiane range from 72°F to 93°F, and in January, the coolest month, 52°F to 83°F.

Temperature extremes of 103°F (April) and 39°F (January) have been recorded.

Terrain

mostly rugged mountains; some plains and plateaus

Location

Southeastern Asia, northeast of Thailand, west of Vietnam

Total Area

91,428 Square Miles 236,800 Square Kilometers

Border Countries

Burma 235 km, Cambodia 541 km, China 423 km, Thailand 1,754 km, Vietnam 2,130 km

Environment - Current Issues

• unexploded ordnance
• deforestation
• soil erosion
• most of the population does not have access to potable water

Environment - International Agreements

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

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Exports

$1,950,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$1,504,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

garments, wood products, coffee, electricity, tin

Major Imports

machinery and equipment, vehicles, fuel, consumer goods

Top Export Partners

Thailand 21.5%, Vietnam 16.9%, France 8.6%, Germany 5.6%

Top Import Partners

Thailand 60.7%, Vietnam 10.5%, China 8.2%, Singapore 4%

Export Partners

Thailand 21.5%, Vietnam 16.9%, France 8.6%, Germany 5.6%

Import Partners

Thailand 60.7%, Vietnam 10.5%, China 8.2%, Singapore 4%

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Country Description

The Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos) is a developing country ruled by a one-party, Communist government.

Political power is centralized in the Lao People's Revolutionary Party.

Services and facilities for tourists are adequate in the capital, Vientiane, and in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, but are extremely limited in other parts of the country.

Safety & Security

here have been reports in the past of violent incidents carried out by anti-government forces.

The Department of State recommends that if you travel to or reside in Laos, exercise caution and be alert to your surroundings at all times.

The Lao government security forces often stop and check all transport on main roads, particularly at night.

You must comply with requests to stop at checkpoints and roadblocks.

Especially if you are considering travel outside urban centers, please contact relevant Lao government offices, such as Lao Immigration Police Headquarters in Vientiane, the Lao Tourist Police, local police and customs offices, or the U.S.

Embassy for the most current security information.

To avoid trouble with the authorities, if you are traveling outside of normal tourist areas or contemplating any unusual activity (including, but not limited to, engaging in business, extensive photography, or scientific research of any kind), be sure to seek advance permission from the Village Chief, District Head, Provincial Governor, or National Tourism Authority, as appropriate.

The large amount of unexploded ordnance (UXO) left over from the Indochina War causes more than 200 casualties a year.

UXO can be found in some parts of Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Saravane, Khammouane, Sekong, Champassak, Houaphan, Attapeu, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane Provinces.

In addition, numerous mine fields are left over from the Indochina war along Route 7 (from Route 13 to the Vietnam border), Route 9 (Savannakhet to the Vietnam border), and Route 20 (Pakse to Saravane).

Never pick up unknown metal objects and avoid traveling off well-used roads, tracks, and paths.

You should also exercise caution in remote areas along the Lao border with Burma.

Bandits, drug traffickers, and other people pursuing illegal activities operate in these border areas, as do armed insurgent groups opposed to the Government of Burma.

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Crime

Laos generally has a low rate of violent crime, but you should remain aware of your surroundings and exercise appropriate security precautions.

Residential burglary is commonplace.

The number of thefts and assaults in Laos has increased, and some have turned violent.

Sexual assaults do occur in Laos.

You should exercise caution, particularly after dark, at roadside restaurants, bars, and stalls.

Foreigners are often victims of purse snatchings while they are dining or riding bicycles or motorcycles.

Please be careful when carrying purses, bags, and other personal items.

Local law enforcement responses to crimes, even violent crimes, are often limited.

Foreigners attempting to report crimes have reported finding police stations closed, emergency telephone numbers unanswered, or policemen lacking transportation or authorization to investigate crimes that occur at night.

If you move to Laos, please contact the U.S.

Embassy Vientiane for security information.

If you travel to Vang Vieng, be aware that some tourists have been robbed and sexually assaulted in that area.

Many restaurants in the Vang Vieng area offer menu items, particularly “pizzas,” “shakes,” or “teas,” that may contain unknown substances or opiates.

These products are often advertised as “happy” or “special” items.

These unknown substances or opiates can be dangerous, causing serious illness or even death.

Travelers in Vang Vieng have been fined and detained for purchasing, possessing, or using illegal substances.

In recent years, foreigners, including U.S. citizens, have died in Laos after using illegal drugs, such as methamphetamines, opium, or heroin.

The potency of some of these drugs can be several times that of similar substances found in the United States.

Please exercise caution on overnight bus trips, particularly on buses travelling to/from Vietnam.

The Embassy has received reports of scams and thefts of personal belongings on these trips.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available.

Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them, you may also be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Laos, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own.

Driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail.

There are also some things that might be legal in Laos, but still illegal in the United States.

For example, you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods.

Engaging in sexual conduct with minors or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.

If you break local laws in Laos, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going.

Arrest notifications in Laos: If you are arrested in Laos, you have the option to request that the police, prison officials, or other authorities alert the U.S.

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Medical Facilities

Medical facilities and services in Laos are limited and do not meet Western standards.

In Vientiane, U.S. citizens may wish to contact the Primary Care Center, also known as the Centre medical de L’Ambassade de France (CMAF), which is supported by the French Embassy.

The CMAF is located on Khou Vieng Road across the street from the Green Park Hotel, tel. 856-21-214-150, or 856-20-5558-4617, or email.

The Australian government also supports a fee-for-service clinic located at the Australian Embassy, which is located at Kilometer 4 on Thadeua Road, tel. 21-353-840.

Both facilities have well-trained physicians who can handle routine and urgent health problems and provide travel medicine services.

The Alliance Clinic, operated by the Wattana Hospital group from Thailand, is located in the Honda building near the airport.

It has basic clinical services provided by Thai physicians.

U.S. citizens in Laos often seek medical care in Thailand.

The Friendship Bridge linking Vientiane, Laos, to Nong Khai, Thailand, is open daily 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Officials generally will allow travelers to cross after hours in cases of medical emergency.

AEK International Hospital (tel: 66-42-342-555) and North Eastern Wattana General Hospital, both in Udorn, Thailand (tel: 66-1-833-4262), have English-speaking staff accustomed to dealing with foreign patients.

Ambulances for both AEK International Hospital and Nong Khai Wattana Hospital have permission to cross the Friendship Bridge to collect patients from Vientiane.

In Vientiane, the Setthatirat Hospital ambulance (tel: 021-413-720) can take patients to Thailand.

The Department of State assumes no responsibility for the professional ability or reputation of these hospitals.

Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are a problem throughout Southeast Asia.

Please be aware of this problem and purchase pharmaceuticals only through the most reputable pharmacies and with a physician’s prescription.

Avian influenza (H5N1) continues to be a concern in Laos.

In Laos and other Southeast Asian countries affected by avian influenza, you should avoid poultry farms, contact with animals in live food markets, and any surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces from poultry or other animals.

Traffic Safety

While in Laos, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

The information below concerning Laos is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

The number of road accidents and fatalities in Laos has risen sharply in the last decade as the number of motor vehicles has increased.

U.S. citizens involved in traffic accidents have been barred from leaving Laos before paying compensation for property damage or injuries, regardless of who was at fault.

A driver involved in a traffic accident should remain at the scene and attempt to contact the police or wait for them to arrive to prepare an accident report.

If renting a car or motorcycle, contact the rental company and its insurance agent.

If there is major damage, injury or death, contact the Consular Section or the Duty Officer at the U.S.

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Airports - total

41

Airports with Paved Runways

8

Roadways- total

24,586 Miles 39,568 Kilometers

Roadways- paved

329 Miles 530 Kilometers

Waterways

2,858 Miles 4,600 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

none

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Pipelines: Liquid Petroleum Gas

336 Miles 540 Kilometers

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Telephones

132,200

Cell Phones

1,478,000

Internet Users

100,000

Internet Country Code

.la

Internet Hosts

1,468

Broadcast Media

• 6 TV stations operating out of Vientiane - 3 government-operated and the others commercial
• 17 provincial stations operating with nearly all programming relayed via satellite from the government-operated stations in Vientiane
• Chinese and Vietnamese programming relayed via satellite from Lao National TV
• broadcasts available from stations in Thailand and Vietnam in border areas
• multi-channel satellite and cable TV systems provide access to a wide range of foreign stations
• state-controlled radio with state-operated Lao National Radio (LNR) broadcasting on 5 frequencies - 1 AM, 1 SW, and 3 FM
• LNR's AM and FM programs are relayed via satellite constituting a large part of the programming schedules of the provincial radio stations
• Thai radio broadcasts available in border areas and transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are also accessible

Telephone System

• assessment: service to general public is improving; the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas
• domestic: 4 service providers with mobile cellular usage growing very rapidly
• international: country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) and a second to be developed by China

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Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

2,230,000,000

Electricity Exports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

341,000,000

Electricity Imports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

999,000,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

1,553,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

3,391

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Anthem History

"Pheng Xat Lao" was composed by Dr. Thongdy Sounthonevichit (1905-1968) in 1941 and adopted as the national anthem of the Kingdom of Laos in 1947. The original lyrics were replaced when the Lao People's Democratic Republic was established in 1975.

Anthem Lyrics

Pheng Xat Lao Xatlao tangtae dayma lao thookthuana xeutxoo sootchay, Huamhaeng huamchit huamchay samakkhikan pen kamlang diao.

Detdiao phomkan kaona booxa xukiat khong lao, Songseum xaysit pen chao laothook xonphao sameu pabkan.

Bo hay foong chackkaphat lae phuak khayxat khaomalob kuan, Lao thangmuan xoo ekkalat itsalaphab khong xatlao vay, Tatsin chay soo xing ao xay phaxat kaopay soo khuam vatthana.

Anthem Lyrics English

For all time the Lao people have glorified their Fatherland, United in heart, spirit and vigour as one.

Resolutely moving forwards, Respecting and increasing the dignity of the Lao people And proclaiming the right to be their own masters.

The Lao people of all origins are equal And will no longer allow imperialists and traitors to harm them.

The entire people will safeguard the independence And the freedom of the Lao nation.

They are resolved to struggle for victory In order to lead the nation to prosperity.