Public Conduct — Laos
What travelers need to know about public conduct in Laos. What is legal at home can be a serious crime here — each rule links to its official source.
Public Conduct in Laos: prohibited — what is legal at home can be a serious crime here.
Protests and demonstrations are illegal in Laos; foreigners arrested for unruly conduct or property damage are typically held without charge until they pay an indemnity to the injured party, usually a minimum of two to three weeks.
Detention without charge; indemnity payment usually required.
§ Australian DFAT Smartraveller — LaosVerified Jun 26, 2026
Lao law prohibits sexual relationships between foreign and Lao nationals unless the couple is married under Lao family law, and marriage or engagement to a Lao national requires a formal application to the Lao authorities.
Fines of up to USD 5,000 and possible imprisonment; authorities have been known to demand entry to hotel rooms and guesthouses where they suspect a breach.
§ UK FCDO — LaosVerified Jul 30, 2026