Consular Registration

Consular Registration and Warden System

The Embassy encourages all American citizens residing in Laos or visiting Laos for more than a few days to register with the Consular Section. Registration forms contain emergency contact and next-of-kin information that the Embassy will use to locate U. S. citizens in an emergency, to disseminate information about threats that might affect U. S. citizens in Laos, and to contact family members in case of death, medical emergency, or similar circumstances.

American citizens may register in either of two ways:

• Via the Internet through the Department of State’s Registration Home Page at https://travelregistration.state.gov
• In person with forms available at the Embassy (or by picking up the forms and returning them by mail or fax later). U.S. citizens living in Laos should provide a map showing the location of their home and place of work (or school) along with the Long-Term Registration form. Tourists and short-term visitors who do not wish to participate in the Consular Warden System, may complete a Short-Term Registration form. Either form should also have a photocopy of the registrant’s U.S. passport.

The Privacy Act of 1974 prohibits the U.S. Government from disseminating information about any U.S. citizen to third parties without the U.S. citizen's explicit consent. The consular registration form contain a Privacy Act waiver that allows citizens to designate in advance which persons (family, friends, employer, doctor, lawyer, etc.) they would want the Embassy to communicate with in case they were unable to do so (e.g., in a medical emergency or an unexplained disappearance).

Should you become concerned about the welfare of a U.S. citizen family member in Laos, the Consular Section may be able to assist you in your attempts to locate the person. Keep in mind that Laos is a developing third-world country. The number one reason that travelers in Laos fail to contact friends and family is because they are traveling in areas with no phone or e-mail access. Additionally, if the Embassy locates the individual you are looking for, you will be notified of this ONLY if he/she has signed a Privacy Act Waiver or given verbal permission to waive the Privacy Act.

When contacting the Consular Section regarding the welfare and whereabouts of a U.S. citizen believed to be in Laos, please provide the following information regarding the person you are looking for:

• Complete name and any nicknames
• U.S. passport number
• Social Security number
• Date and Place of birth
• Detailed travel plans
• Date, location, and mode of transport used to enter Laos.

Please also forward any recent letters or e-mail received from the U.S. citizen regarding their travel plans.

Every U.S. Embassy in the world has a Consular Warden System for U.S. citizens. The Consular Warden System provides a robust mechanism for communication to and from U.S. citizens during a crisis or emergency. In many counties Consular Warden Systems have proved invaluable in responding to crisis as varied as earthquakes, floods, civil insurrection, and military coups. Consular wardens are volunteer members of the American community who agree to assist the Embassy in caring for the American community in case of an emergency. The Consular Warden System in Laos in organized geographically.