Laos Police Number: 1191
+856 · National Police Control
The police emergency number in Laos is 1191. Operated by Lao National Tourism Department. Free to call. Works from mobile phones.
National Police Control
Laos · Police
📝 Direct line for law enforcement, criminal offenses, and urgent citizen security requirements.
🔢 Dedicated Number Pages
📍 Find Nearest Emergency Services
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🗣️ Emergency Phrases in Laos
Use these phrases to communicate in an emergency when language is a barrier. Tap the speaker to play pronunciation.
⚠️ When NOT to Call Police
- • To verify regional cross-border Mekong river slow-boat transit timetables.
- • To report simple administrative retail transaction disputes with local market merchants.
- • To seek basic currency translation updates or track tourist attraction opening metrics.
✈️ Travel Notes — Laos
No response details available.
🛡️ Traveling to Laos? Protect Yourself
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Police Emergency Service in Laos — Complete Guide
When traveling to Laos or living there as an expat, knowing the correct police number in Laos is critical for emergency preparedness. The official emergency contact line for police services in Laos is 1191, which is operated and monitored by Lao National Tourism Department. Direct line for law enforcement, criminal offenses, and urgent citizen security requirements.
How to Dial 1191 in Laos
To reach the National Police Control in Laos, dial 1191 from any local fixed line, cellular phone, or public payphone. Dialing from mobile devices is fully supported across local mobile operators and international roaming SIM cards. A SIM card is typically required by mobile operators in Laos. If you lack a SIM card, dial the universal emergency number 112. Calls to this emergency service are 100% free of charge — no prepaid airtime credit or active subscription plan is required.
Calling from International Roaming or Abroad
If you are within Laos using an international roaming SIM card, you can dial 1191 directly without any country code prefix. If you need to contact emergency dispatch in Laos from an international location, the country calling code is +856.
Language & Communication with Dispatchers
Emergency operators in Laos communicate primarily in lo. If you do not speak lo, remain calm and state your language immediately (e.g. "English, please"). Most national dispatch centers have access to telephonic interpretation services or English-speaking officers to ensure rapid dispatch.
What to Expect When You Dial 1191
When you call the police number in Laos, you will be connected to a trained dispatcher at Lao National Tourism Department. These operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. When connected, clearly state:
- Your exact location (city, neighborhood, landmark, or GPS coordinates)
- The nature of the emergency (police assistance)
- Number of individuals involved or needing immediate medical/police/fire assistance
- Your contact number for callback if disconnected
All Emergency Numbers in Laos
Please note that Laos utilizes dedicated emergency lines for different agencies. Besides the Police (1191), the following emergency services can also be reached directly: National Police Control (1191), Public Emergency Ambulance (1195), Fire Department (1190). Additionally, the universal emergency contact number 112 is active across Laos and will redirect calls to the appropriate local agency.
Official Regulatory & Government Source
The emergency number 1191 is verified against official directories published by Lao National Tourism Department. Last verified on 2026-06. If you notice any outdated information or changed hotline details, please contact our editorial team so we can update the platform for traveler safety.
Frequently Asked Questions — Police in Laos
What is the Police number in Laos? ▼
The Police emergency number in Laos is 1191. Direct line for law enforcement, criminal offenses, and urgent citizen security requirements.
Does 1191 work from mobile in Laos? ▼
Yes, 1191 works from all mobile phones in Laos.
Can I call 1191 without a SIM card? ▼
A SIM card is typically required. Try 112, the universal number, which works without a SIM on most networks.
Is calling 1191 free in Laos? ▼
Yes, calling 1191 is free in Laos. No airtime credit needed.
Who operates Police in Laos? ▼
The Police service in Laos is operated by Lao National Tourism Department. Source: https://www.tourismlaos.org/
What is Vientiane Rescue and how do I contact them? ▼
Vientiane Rescue is a highly efficient volunteer first-responder network operating within the capital. Dialing 1623 directly connects you to their rescue, fire extraction, and ambulance teams free of charge.
Does 911 work from an international roaming mobile device inside Laos? ▼
International routing can be unstable across local cellular nodes; travelers should always punch in the specific Lao direct numbers (1191, 1623) directly.
Are public hospital care systems free for international visitors in Laos? ▼
No, medical treatments and emergency interventions require cash clearance or valid travel insurance authorization. Securing medical evacuation insurance is strongly advised.