The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the risks of traveling to the Xaisomboun province of Laos due to recent shooting attacks and detonations of improvised explosive devices.
The U.S. Embassy in Vientiane has prohibited its personnel from traveling to Xaisomboun province, and encourages U.S. citizens to adopt similar security measures. This Travel Alert expires on April 30, 2016.
Two roadside attacks occurred in Laos in late January 2016, killing three people and injuring a fourth. These attacks underscore the risks associated with travel to Xaisomboun. The bombings come after a series of shooting attacks in November and December 2015 that prompted the U.S. Embassy in Vientiane to restrict official travel to Xaisomboun Province. The Department of State also reminds U.S. citizens that unexploded ordnance continues to be found throughout Laos. While this may not pose a threat in common tourist destinations, including Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and the Plain of Jars, we strongly discourage traveling off well-used roads, tracks, and paths
U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Laos should take precautions, remain vigilant about their personal security, and be alert to local security developments
For further information:
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The U.S. Embassy in Vientiane has prohibited its personnel from traveling to Xaisomboun province, and encourages U.S. citizens to adopt similar security measures. This Travel Alert expires on April 30, 2016.
Two roadside attacks occurred in Laos in late January 2016, killing three people and injuring a fourth. These attacks underscore the risks associated with travel to Xaisomboun. The bombings come after a series of shooting attacks in November and December 2015 that prompted the U.S. Embassy in Vientiane to restrict official travel to Xaisomboun Province. The Department of State also reminds U.S. citizens that unexploded ordnance continues to be found throughout Laos. While this may not pose a threat in common tourist destinations, including Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and the Plain of Jars, we strongly discourage traveling off well-used roads, tracks, and paths
U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Laos should take precautions, remain vigilant about their personal security, and be alert to local security developments
For further information:
- See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information for Laos
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency
- Contact the U.S. Embassy in Laos, located at Thadeua Road Km 9, Ban Somvang Tai, Hatsayfong District, at +856-21-48-7000, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. weekdays, excluding U.S. and Lao holidays. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is also +856-21-48-7000. Non-emergency services are provided by appointment only.
- Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
- Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
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