Australian Embassy
Lao People's Democratic Republic
Km 4, Thadeua Road, Watnak (P.O. Box 292)

Consular Services

Consular Assistance

Consular assistance is available to Australian citizens living in and travelling through Lao PDR. If you require consular assistance, please email us at [email protected] and we will get back to you.

If you require consular assistance during business hours (8.30am-5pm) Monday to Friday,while in Laos, please call us on +856 21 353 800.

If you require assistance outside of business hours, on a weekend or public holidays, you can contact DFAT’s Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra on +61 2 6261 3305.

The Australian Embassy in Laos does not accept or process applications for visas for entry to Australia, or applications for Australian citizenship. Refer to the Visas and Migration page or call the Home Affairs Global Service Centre number on +61 2 6196 0196 for further information about these services.

The Consular Services Charter - What help we may be able to provide and what we cannot do.

The Australian Government will do what it can to help Australians in difficulty overseas, but there are legal and practical limits to what help we may be able to provide. Information on the services we may be able to provide and information on what we cannot do are outlined in the Consular Services Charter.

We ask that you:

  • take personal responsibility for your travel choices, your safety, finances, and behaviour overseas, including obeying the laws of the country you're visiting
  • take out appropriate travel and medical insurance
  • follow our travel advice at smartraveller.gov.au and the advice of local authorities
  • You can also follow us on Facebook for the latest updates https://www.facebook.com/australiainLao PDR/
  • protect your passport and report promptly if it is lost or stolen
  • treat consular staff with respect and be honest in providing us with all relevant information when seeking our assistance
  • give us feedback to help us to improve our services

What help we may provide:

Each case is unique and our assistance will depend on the circumstances and availability of consular resources. 

We may be able to:

  • issue replacement passports and travel documents for a fee
  • provide details of local doctors and hospitals
  • provide advice and support if you're the victim of a serious assault, or other crime, or you're arrested, including details of local lawyers and interpreters
  • visit or contact you to check on your welfare if you're arrested or detained, and do what we can to ensure you're treated the same as others detained under the laws of the country in which you're arrested
  • provide advice and support in a range of other cases including the death of relatives overseas, missing persons and kidnappings
  • if you agree, contact friends or family on your behalf. In some circumstances we may need to contact your friends or family where we've been unable to get your consent
  • make special arrangements in cases of international terrorism, civil disturbances, and natural disasters (fees may apply)
  • provide some notarial services, including witnessing and authenticating documents and administering oaths and affirmations (fees apply)
  • in some locations, provide voting services for Australian federal and some state elections

What we can’t do:

Some tasks are outside the consular role. For example, we can't:

  • guarantee your safety and security in another country or make your travel arrangements
  • give you legal advice, interpret or translate documents
  • intervene in another country's court proceedings or legal matters including employment disputes, commercial disputes, criminal cases, and family law matters or child custody disputes
  • investigate crimes or deaths overseas, or carry out searches for missing people, which are the responsibility of local authorities
  • get you out of prison or prevent you from being deported
  • get you better treatment in prison than local prisoners
  • post bail or pay your fines or legal expenses
  • enforce an Australian or any other custody agreement overseas or compel a country to decide a custody case
  • pay for medical or psychiatric services or medications
  • pay your pension or social security benefits
  • arrange visas, licences, work or residency permits for other countries
  • intervene in immigration, customs or quarantine matters in other countries
  • store luggage or other personal items
  • receive or send postal items on your behalf

Visas to Lao PDR

Foreigners are required to maintain valid visas for the period of their stay in Lao PDR. Foreigners can obtain visas-on-arrival and e-visas. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Lao PDR for the latest details. You can also contact Lao immigration website (ກົມ​ຕຳຫຼວດກວດ​ຄົນ​ເຂົ້າ-ອອກ​ເມືອງ – Department of Immigration of Lao PDR)  details and advice for visas to Lao PDR and immigration rules and regulations.

Information for Australians in Lao PDR

Information (A-Z)

 

Australian Citizenship Certificates

Australian citizenship certificates are issued by the Department of Home Affairs. To apply for Australian citizenship, or to replace a certificate that is damaged, destroyed or lost, please visit https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/certificate

 

Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM)

The Embassy does not issue Australian birth, death or marriage certificates.  If you wish to register a birth, death or marriage in Australia, or obtain a copy of your existing Australian birth, death or marriage certificate, you may apply through the official web site of the relevant State or Territory Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

 

International Driving Permits

If you do not hold a Lao driving permit and wish to drive in Lao PDR, you need an international driving permit (IDP), as well as your Australian licence. If you drive without the correct license, you could be arrested or jailed.

Many rental companies won’t let you hire a vehicle without a valid IDP. Some insurance policies won’t cover you for an accident if you're driving a vehicle without an authorised licence.

We strongly recommend you get a valid IDP before leaving Australia. You can apply for an IDP online (Australian Automobile Association, AAA). Or, through your state or territory motoring club.

Learn more about International Driving Permits and how to get one (Australian Automobile Association, AAA).

 

Lao Driving Licences

Lao driving licenses are issued by the Ministry of Public Work and Transportation. Contact the Ministry of Public Work and Transportation directly to confirm eligibility and required documentation to apply for a Lao driving license.

Ministry of Public Work and Transportation
Lanxang Avenue, Vientiane Capital
Tel: +85621412255, Hotline 1518 

 

Legal Representation: Local Lawyers

The Embassy is unable to provide legal advice.  If you require legal advice or assistance, please refer to our List of Lawyers in Lao PDR.

*** Disclaimer - The Australian Embassy, Vientiane has prepared this list from information publicly available regarding lawyers practising in Lao PDR.  By providing this information, the Australian Embassy is not endorsing any of the lawyers named in the list or making any representation as to their willingness or ability to carry out legal work.  The Australian Embassy does not accept any responsibility for the quality of work performed by any lawyer on this list.

 

Medication

If you have queries about bringing particular types of medication into Lao PDR, you should contact the nearest Lao Embassy to seek advice on customs and importation restrictions. Contact information for Lao PDR’s Australian mission is available at Foreign Embassies and Consulates in Australia - Protocol (dfat.gov.au)

 

Police Clearance and Criminal History Checks

How to obtain a police and character clearance report from Australia

Under the Australian Privacy Act, the Australian Embassy cannot obtain confidential information about Australian citizens or residents of Australia from any Australian police force. Only the person him/herself may obtain this information directly from the relevant state, territory or federal police force.

Australians living abroad often need police or character certificates for such purposes as court requirements, residence permission or securing employment. Australian citizens requiring such certificates should contact the appropriate Australian Federal, State or Territory Police Force.

The type, cost and application forms required for clearance certificates vary from state to state. Any State or Territory in Australia will be able to provide at least one of the following certificates:

•Certificate issued on the basis of fingerprints;

•Certificate issued on the basis of a name check; and

•National Police Clearance Certificate.

Australian citizens seeking to obtain any form of clearance certificate are advised that the Australian Federal Police in Canberra can issue a National Police Clearance Certificate that covers criminal records in all states and territories, except Queensland. The AFP has advised that this certificate is acceptable in all countries. You should confirm that the requesting local authority will accept this certificate.

Australian Federal Police
Criminal Records Branch
Locked Bag 1
Weston ACT 2611

AUSTRALIA

Tel: 00 61 2 6256 7777
Fax: 00 61 2 6287 0603

https://www.afp.gov.au/what-we-do/services/criminal-records/national-police-checks

Please note an application for a National Police Clearance Certificate contains various options. It would be in your interest to make direct contact with the police force that you will be applying for the certificate. This will ensure that your application meets the necessary requirements and that delays in processing can be minimised.

If you require a certificate based on fingerprints, you should make your own arrangements with the local police force to have your fingerprints taken. Please note that these certificates will only be issued on the basis of original fingerprint records being provided to the supplying police force in Australia. Photocopies and faxes of fingerprint records are not acceptable.


Obtaining a Police Clearance from Lao PDR

Australian citizens requiring a police clearance from Lao PDR should contact the Lao People’s Court  for advice: 

Ban Beungkha Yong

Sisattanak District, Vientiane

Tha Deua Road

Tel: +856 21 353586; +8562055897974 (phone and WhatsApp)

It is best to visit this office in person.

 

Renewal of Australian Drivers’ Licences

The renewal of Australian drivers’ licences is handled by the various State and Territory Authorities.  The Embassy does not issue or renew drivers’ licences and can only assist with the witnessing and certifying of documents if required.  For further questions, or to obtain the relevant documentation for renewing your licence, please contact the transport office in the relevant Australian State or Territory.

 

Services Australia (Centrelink, Pensions, Social Security and Medicare)

Consular staff are unable to provide information on Centrelink, pensions, social security or Medicare. Please directly contact Services Australia if you wish to discuss their range of payments and services.

Tel: 001 800 611 4136 (international free call number) or +61 3 6222 3455 - Monday to Friday 8 am to 5 pm Australian Eastern Standard Time

Website: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au

 

Taxation

Understanding your obligations and ensuring that you have appropriate taxation arrangements in place is your responsibility.  Consular staff cannot advise you on taxation matters and cannot provide ‘Tax Packs’.

All queries relating to Australian taxation, including how to lodge your tax return from Laos, should be directed to the Australian Taxation Office (www.ato.gov.au, tel. +61 2 6216 1111).

 

Translators and Interpreters

The Embassy does not provide translation and interpreting services.  If you need to to locate a translator or interpreter, please visit the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) or refer to our List of Translation Services in Lao PDR.

*** Disclaimer - The Australian Embassy, Vientiane has prepared this list from information publicly available regarding lawyers practising in Lao PDR.  By providing this information, the Australian Embassy is not endorsing any of the lawyers named in the list or making any representation as to their willingness or ability to carry out legal work.  The Australian Embassy does not accept any responsibility for the quality of work performed by any lawyer on this list.

 

Travelling to Lao PDR

Australian citizens are required to maintain valid visas for the period of their stay in Lao PDR. You can obtain visas-on-arrival and e-visas. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Lao PDR for the latest details. You can also contact Lao immigration authorities at ກົມ​ຕຳຫຼວດກວດ​ຄົນ​ເຂົ້າ-ອອກ​ເມືອງ – Department of Immigration of Lao PDR for details, advice for visas, immigration rules and regulations in Lao PDR.

The Australian Embassy is not able to advise on Lao visa or immigration matters.

If you are in Australia and require information on entering Lao PDR, please contact the Lao embassy in Canberra.

 

Visas for Lao PDR (including visa extensions)

If you are in Lao PDR and require further information on Lao visas, including questions regarding the visa extension process or your own visa circumstances, please contact the Lao Immigration authorities directly. This applies to all visa types.

(ກົມ​ຕຳຫຼວດກວດ​ຄົນ​ເຂົ້າ-ອອກ​ເມືອງ – Department of Immigration of Lao PDR)

The Australian Embassy does not issue visa support letters.

You must apply for an extension of your stay directly to Lao Immigration authorities.

 

When Someone Dies in Lao PDR

When someone passes away in Lao PDR, the Australian Embassy Vientiane is normally notified by the police or the hospital (depending on location of death and circumstances around it), or a family member or friend.

Arrangements

The Embassy recommends that next of kin (NOK) engage a funeral director/representative in Lao PDR to assist with arrangements. Funeral arrangements and costs are the responsibility of NOK. If NOK appoints a funeral director, the funeral director will make the arrangements (a cremation and ceremony in Lao PDR or the repatriation of the remains to Australia) in accordance with the wishes of the NOK.

The funeral director’s services normally include:

  • Liaising with the Embassy to obtain the letter to release the remains from the hospital into the care of the funeral director (if the Australian died in hospital);
  • Liaising with local authorities and obtaining the death certificate, and other documentations/other documents on NOK’s behalf;
  • Providing the Australian passport to the Embassy so it can be physically cancelled as well as cancelled in the passport system; and
  • Arrange personal belongings to be collected and returned to family (an extra fee will apply).

The death certificate, passport, and ashes (if cremated) are provided to the NOK by the funeral director if requested. If NOK wishes to take the ashes with them to Australia (after an in-country cremation), the Embassy recommends they discuss this with their funeral director.

If the Australian who has passed away has a Lao family in Lao PDR, then they will often make the arrangements themselves rather than appoint a funeral director. If the Australian died in hospital, hospital management may require a letter of release issued by the Embassy to NOK (or in some cases, directly to the hospital), so that NOK can proceed in making the arrangements (cremation and ceremony) with their local temple.

Funeral homes representative offices in Lao PDR:

Representative of (AIR) AsiaOne International Repatriation & Funeral Services in Lao PDR

PT Translation Service

Phothong Chanthanakhone (Liaison)

Phone: +856 21 262 387

Mobile: +856 20 2812 5345

Email: [email protected]

 

AMAR International Asia Co., Ltd. in Lao PDR

Representative office in Lao PDR

All Time Travel Service Sole Co., Ltd

172-3 Unit 16, Ban Fai, Dongpalane Rd, Xaysetha District.

Phone: +85621 453333-5; +856 21 453906

Fax: +856 21 415000

Email: [email protected]

 

Siam Funeral Co.,Ltd

30/21 Village No.6

Klongsi Subdristrict , Klongluang District , Pathumthani Province.

Postcode: 12120, Thailand.

Phone : (662) 902 7907

Fax : (662) 902 7906

Mobile : (6686) 777 0214

Email : [email protected] , [email protected]

Website : www.siamfuneral.com

 

Autopsies and registration of death

In Lao PDR there are no autopsy services regardless where the death occurs (at a hospital, home or hotel). When death occurs, usually a group of local Lao police (immigration, tourist, forensic and other relevant authorities) get involved in death scene investigation and examination and provide examination/police report and death certificate. If an autopsy is requested by NOK, the body will need to be sent to Bangkok for an autopsy at NOK’s expenses.

The Embassy does not become involved in investigations of deaths or in the autopsy process which is the responsibility of local authorities. 

The Embassy will request a copy of the death certificate from NOK and will cancel the passport, but there is no requirement for the Embassy to receive a translation of the death certificate.

 Legal matters

If NOK has queries in relation to estate or compensation matters, they should discuss these with a lawyer or directly with the authorities concerned as these matters are of a private legal nature. (List of Lawyers in Lao PDR)

The Australian Embassy cannot investigate deaths overseas. This is the responsibility of local authorities. We are unable to become involved in family disputes or locate wills or insurance policy details.

 Translation of documents

If a death certificate is required for legal purposes in Australia (for example, closing a bank account in Australia), the certificate will need to be professionally translated by a translator accredited to the National Association of Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).

Locate a NAATI-accredited translator: National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) 

In Lao PDR, NOK may choose to have the document translated for personal use or reference via a (local) commercial translation service agency.  The Australian Embassy Vientiane does not provide translation services and cannot certify or verify the accuracy of translations. However, we do maintain a list of translators and interpreters. (List of Translation Services in Lao PDR)

Registration of death in Australia

Deaths of Australian citizens that occur overseas do not necessarily need to be registered in Australia. You should seek independent legal advice as to whether the death needs to be registered or contact the State or Territory Registrar of Births Deaths and Marriages where the deceased was a resident. Most jurisdictions can register a death that occurred overseas where the person was normally a resident of that jurisdiction.

Australian State Coroner referral

Some Australian state coroners will consider undertaking a coronial inquest into deaths of their citizens overseas.  If NOK wish to pursue this, you may consider contacting your home state coronial authority for more information.