Laos

Laos has a zero-tolerance drug policy that expressly includes cannabis: possessing even a very small amount brings arrest and a long jail sentence, and drug trafficking can carry the death penalty.

Arrest and detention, a long jail sentence on conviction, and a possible death penalty for trafficking.

Cannabis is illegal in Laos. The US State Department states that cannabis and cannabis-related products are illegal there and that possession or consumption is punishable by law, and the UK Foreign Office says the Lao authorities have a zero-tolerance policy to drug offences, with possession of even very small quantities carrying arrest, detention and a long jail sentence on conviction. Despite the country's relaxed reputation, the State Department warns that foods and drinks labelled happy or special, particularly pizzas and shakes, are illegal to consume, and the Foreign Office warns that police often raid venues popular with foreigners and may require a urine or blood test - you will be arrested if it is positive, so carrying nothing is not protection.

The UK Foreign Office states that possessing drugs in Laos, even in very small quantities, carries severe penalties including arrest and detention, a long jail sentence if charged and convicted, and a possible death penalty for drug trafficking. It adds that airport scanners screen transiting passengers' baggage for cannabis, that British nationals have been caught carrying cannabis in transit, and that you may be given a urine or blood test at a raided venue and will be arrested if it is positive. Laos's Penal Code 2017 sets prison terms and kip fines for marijuana possession under its narcotics chapter, but only an unofficial draft English translation of that Code is publicly available, so no specific figures are published here. Expect detention before any court date: the Foreign Office notes it can take many months for a case to come to trial.

Carry prescription medication in original packaging with your prescription, verify it is legal in Laos before traveling, and bring enough for the whole trip.

Lao kip may not be imported or exported at all, and USD 2,500 or more (or the equivalent in other foreign currency) must be declared both entering and leaving Laos.

To drive in Laos you must carry both your home licence and a 1949-version International Driving Permit (get it before you travel), and if you are in an accident you are liable for third-party damage and injury even when you are not at fault.

You must pay compensation for third-party property damage and injury even if you are not at fault; Lao authorities generally find in favour of Lao citizens.

There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations in Laos.

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.

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.