Southeast Asia
🇱🇦 Vaccines for Laos
Entry requirements & recommendations for travel to Laos
Laos requires no specific travel vaccines for entry from most countries, though Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, and Rabies are all recommended given the country's largely rural character and the prevalence of street dogs. Malaria risk exists in rural areas, generally lower in Vientiane and the well-trodden Luang Prabang tourist circuit, but present in more remote regions. Laos remains one of the less-developed Southeast Asian destinations for tourism infrastructure, with a slower pace and significant rural and river-based travel often part of itineraries (including boat trips on the Mekong). Healthcare in Vientiane is basic; serious issues typically require evacuation to Thailand.
Medical disclaimer: This is general information only — not personal medical advice. Requirements and risks change. Always consult a qualified travel health clinic before departure.
Required for entry
No vaccines required for entry to this destination.
Recommended by WHO & CDC
Hepatitis A
Food and water contamination risk.
💉 2 doses
📅 Book at least 4 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after 1st dose. Full protection after 2nd dose (6–12 months later).
🛡 Protects for: 1st dose ~1 yr. 2nd dose: lifetime.
Recommended
Typhoid
Contaminated food and water.
💉 1 dose
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after vaccination.
🛡 Protects for: 3–5 years. Booster recommended if re-exposure.
Recommended
Hepatitis B
Blood and sexual contact.
💉 3 doses
📅 Book at least 26 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: After full 3-dose course. Accelerated 3-week schedule available — ask your clinic.
🛡 Protects for: Lifetime after full course.
Recommended
Japanese Encephalitis
Risk in rural areas, especially during monsoon.
💉 2 doses
📅 Book at least 7 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: After 2nd dose (28 days after the 1st).
🛡 Protects for: Booster after 1 year if ongoing exposure.
Recommended
Rabies
Animal bites risk.
💉 3 doses
📅 Book at least 5 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: After 3rd dose. 2nd dose 7 days after 1st, 3rd dose 21 days after 1st.
🛡 Protects for: Pre-exposure reduces post-bite treatment needed. Boosters based on blood tests.
Recommended
Disease risks
- ⚠Malaria (widespread in rural areas — lower in Vientiane)
- ⚠Dengue (endemic)
- ⚠Japanese Encephalitis
Notes: Hepatitis A and Typhoid strongly recommended. Malaria prophylaxis for rural areas. Lower malaria risk in Vientiane city.
Approximate cost per person
Required vaccines
—
None required for entry
Recommended vaccines
~€975
(~$1063)
per person · full courses
Hepatitis A (2 doses)€140 ($152)
Typhoid (1 dose)€45 ($49)
Hepatitis B (3 doses)€189 ($207)
Japanese Encephalitis (2 doses)€264 ($288)
Rabies (3 doses)€273 ($297)
Malaria tablets (4 weeks) (1 dose)€64 ($70)
💡 Approximate figures based on private European travel clinic rates (April 2026). Actual costs vary by clinic and country. Not all recommended vaccines will apply to every trip — discuss your specific itinerary with a travel health clinic.