Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:818 Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Path: world!daemon From: Wally Doerge <76702.1202@compuserve.com> Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Laos Message-ID: <950908125623_76702.1202_CHN41-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: daemon@world.std.com (daemons) Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Fri, 8 Sep 1995 12:56:23 GMT Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 92 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Laos ============================================================ Laos - Consular Information Sheet September 7, 1995 Country Description: Laos is a poor country with a communist government that is pursuing economic reform. Outside of Vientiane, tourist services and facilities are relatively undeveloped. Entry Requirements: A passport and visa are required. Travelers should contact the Embassy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, 2222 S St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel. (202) 332-6416. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities and services are limited and do not meet Western standards. The blood supply is not screened for HIV or AIDS. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including provision for medical evacuation, has proven useful. The international travelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tel. (404) 332-4559, has additional useful health information. Information on Crime: Major crime has not been a problem for travelers, although street crime has been on the increase. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the U.S. Embassy. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad." It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. In-Country Travel: Since April 1994, the Lao government no longer requires permits for travel outside Vientiane except for travel in unspecified "restricted areas." Frequently visited tourist destinations generally are safe. In December 1993, however, one U.S. citizen and four U.S. residents were killed in a fatal Lao aviation airline crash in Xieng Khouang Province, where the Plain of Jars is located. Overland travel in some areas, particularly in the highlands, runs the risk of ambush by insurgents or bandits. Religious Workers: Religious proselytizing or distributing religious material is strictly prohibited. Foreigners caught distributing religious material may be arrested or deported. Marriage to a Lao Citizen: The Lao government imposes requirements on foreigners intending to marry Lao citizens. U.S. citizens may obtain information about these requirements at the U.S Embassy in Vientiane. A marriage certificate will not be issued by the Lao Government if the correct procedures have not been followed. Any attempt to circumvent Lao law governing the marriage of Lao citizens to foreigners may result in deportation of the foreigner and denial of permission to re-enter Laos. Two U.S. citizens cannot marry in Laos. Photography Restrictions: Police and military may confiscate the cameras of persons taking photographs of military installations or vehicles, bridges, airfields and government buildings. Confiscated cameras are seldom returned to the owners. Photographers of such subjects also may be arrested. Drug Penalties: Travelers are subject to the laws and legal practices of the country in which they travel. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located at Rue Bartholomie, B.P. 114, in Vientiane; mail can be addressed to AMEMB Vientiane Box V, APO AP 96546; the telephone numbers are (856) 21-212581, 212582, 212585; duty officer emergency cellular number (856) 21-130-423; fax (856) 21-212584. No. 95-107 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet issued on August 4, 1994 to include additional medical information, to update marriage information and to add the telephone number for the embassy duty officer. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet and BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing the word "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.edu Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL: "http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher: gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories