New FCDO warning issued for Laos

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has urged UK travellers to Laos to remain vigilant, warning that “there is a risk of harassment when travelling alone”. British nationals in the country were advised to use a trusted taxi service, either booked through their accommodation or through one of the local taxi apps. Using official transport services arranged through accommodations or trusted apps offers extra security, especially for solo travellers.

The FCDO specified further safety guidelines for those using taxis in Laos. “You should confirm the driver’s identity and license plate matches when the vehicle arrives,” the guidance stated. Travellers were also advised to “share their journey details with a friend or use the app’s sharing feature if available”.

The Foreign Office also cautioned travellers to “be wary of drivers claiming to be registered with app companies and trying to pick up passengers on the street”.

Further to this, it advised UK citizens against all but essential travel to Xaisomboun Province, where there are “intermittent attacks on infrastructure and armed clashes with anti-government groups”. It also recommended being “extremely cautious” in Bokeo Province, particularly near the borders with Myanmar and Thailand, and around the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone, due to armed groups carrying out employment scams and drug trafficking in this area. 

This follows the recent FCDO travel advice update for Laos after six tourists died from methanol poisoning.