Adopting from Laos
Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating international adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry Universal Accreditation Act.
The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed and qualified professional. While the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.
Contents
About Laos
Modern-day Laos has its roots in the ancient Lao kingdom of Lan Xang, established in the 14th century under King FA NGUM. For 300 years Lan Xang had influence reaching into present-day Cambodia and Thailand, as well as over all of what is now Laos. To learn more please read About Laos.
Laos Adoption Alert
Alert: Government of Laos Announces Suspension of Intercountry Adoption (March 30, 2012)
The Office of the Government of Laos announced on February 20, 2012, that the authorization to allow foreigners to adopt Lao children is suspended until appropriate regulations and procedures are established on intercountry adoption. Updated information will be provided as it becomes available on adoption.state.gov.
Hague Convention Information
Laos is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption(Hague Adoption Convention). To learn more please read about Laos and the Hague Convention.
Contact Information
U.S. Embassy in Laos
Rue Bartholonie That Dam P.O. Box 114 Vientiane, Lao PDR Tel: 856-2126-7000 Fax: 856-2126-7040 Email: Conslao@state.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy Laos
Ministry of Justice Department of Judicial Administration System Nationality Division Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR Tel: 856-21-412-053
Office of the Government of Laos
Information Division Vientiane, Laos
NOTE: The Ministry of Justice is the appropriate point of contact for questions about adoptions.
Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic
2222 S Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20008 Tel: 202-332-6416 Fax: 202-332-4923 Email: laoemb@verizon.net Internet: Embassy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic
Office of Children’s Issues
U.S. Department of State 2201 C Street, N.W. (SA-29) Washington, D.C. 20520 Tel: 1-888-407-4747 Email: AskCI@state.gov Internet: U.S. Department of State
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
For questions about filing a Form I-600A application, Form I-600 petition, Form I-800A application or Form I-800 petition: National Benefits Center Tel: 1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-816-251-2770 (local) Email: NBC.Adoptions@DHS.gov Internet: USCIS
SOURCE
Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=laos