Laos Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Laos
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated November 21, 2024
Detailed homicide statistics are not currently available for Laos. For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Laos at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
N/A
Safety Rank
N/A
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
N/A
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Laos:
Reissued after periodic review with minor changes. Exercise increased caution to Laos due to civil unrest . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Reconsider travel to: Xaisomboun Province due to civil unrest. Exercise increased caution in: Remote areas along the border with Burma due to crime.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Laos
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated November 22, 2024).
There are large amounts of unexploded ordnance (UXO)
in Laos left over from the Indochina War. UXO is found in some parts of Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Salavan, Khammouane, Sekong, Champassak, Houaphan, Attapeu, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane provinces. In particular, UXO is found along Route 7 (from Route 13 to the Vietnam border), Route 9 (Savannakhet to the Vietnam border), and Route 20 (Pakse to Salavan). Never pick up unknown metal objects and avoid traveling off well-used roads, tracks, and paths.
Crime
Petty thieves target foreigners for pickpocketing (especially in tourist hubs) and theft of unattended property, including in vehicles. Thieves on passing motorcycles snatch purses. Petty theft increases during major Lao holidays. Residential break-ins also occur. Scams: In tourist areas, shop owners may rent motorbikes to tourists, have someone “steal” the motorbike, and charge the tourist for the cost of the “stolen” motorbike. Be cautious of rental arrangements and never provide your passport as collateral. See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.
Victims of Crime
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to police in the place where the incident took place. You may also contact the Tourist Police at 021-251-128. Tourist Police generally speak English. Contact the U.S. Embassy at 856-21-48-7000; after hours call 856-21-48-7600. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We can: Help you find appropriate medical care Assist you in reporting a crime to the police Contact relatives or friends with your written consent Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms Provide a list of local attorneys Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism
Laos’ tourism industry infrastructure is very limited, especially outside major cities. Tourists participate in activities at their own risk. Emergency response and subsequent appropriate medical treatment is not available in-country. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Laos Population & Demographics
Population of 7,769,819, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Laos safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Laos at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution).
What is the crime rate in Laos?
Reliable homicide statistics are not currently available for Laos.
What is the US travel advisory level for Laos?
Laos is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).