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Southeast Asia

🇱🇦 Vaccines for Laos

Entry requirements & recommendations for travel to Laos

Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended. Malaria risk exists in rural and forested areas — Vientiane and popular tourist spots like Luang Prabang are lower risk but not zero. Japanese Encephalitis worth discussing for rural travel. Rabies is present.

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.

Often combined with
ThailandVietnamIndonesiaCambodia
When to book

Book 6–8 weeks before travel. Rabies requires 3 doses over 5 weeks. Japanese Encephalitis 2 doses over 4 weeks. Hepatitis A and Typhoid can be done closer to departure.

Common questions
Do I need vaccines for Laos?
No vaccines are required for entry. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Rabies are recommended. Japanese Encephalitis is worth discussing for rural travel. Yellow Fever is required if arriving from endemic countries.
Is there malaria in Laos?
Malaria risk exists in rural and forested areas of Laos. Vientiane and Luang Prabang are lower risk but antimalarials may be recommended depending on your itinerary, particularly for adventure travel or rural areas.
Is Rabies a risk in Laos?
Yes. Rabies is present in Laos. Dog bites are a real risk, particularly in rural areas where post-exposure treatment may not be readily available. Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended.
Is tap water safe in Laos?
No. Do not drink tap water in Laos. Use bottled water throughout. This supports the case for Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccination.

Data based on WHO International Travel and Health and CDC Yellow Book 2026. Last verified: April 2026. Always verify current requirements with a travel health clinic before departure.