03 Aug 2021 | 07:58 AM UTC
Laos: Officials extend domestic COVID-19 restrictions through Aug. 18. /update 30
Laos extends domestic COVID-19 controls through Aug. 18. International travel protocols remain in effect.
Event
Officials have extended existing COVID-19 restrictions through Aug. 18 due to COVID-19 activity. Authorities continue to categorize districts into red, yellow, and green zones in decreasing order of strictness of measures. Red and yellow zones are districts with at least one active COVID-19 case without and with successful contact tracing, respectively, while green zones are districts with no known active cases. Stay-home rules are likely in effect in red zones, except for essential reasons, such as purchasing groceries, working in essential workplaces, or seeking medical care.
Nationwide measures remain in effect. Officials have banned gatherings, and individuals must wear a facemask in public and observe social distancing of at least 1 meter (3 feet). Shopping malls and supermarkets can operate with health protocols in place. Authorities limit the entry of nonresidents into red zones unless they have official clearance. Some nonessential businesses, like bars and some tourist sites, remain closed. Interprovincial goods shipments are allowed. Food establishments in provinces without community spread may provide dine-in services with at least a 1 meter (3 feet) distance between tables. Business conferences and meetings may take place in areas that are not designated as red zones. Fitness centers in Vientiane Capital and provinces without community spread of COVID-19 may reopen.
Officials allow quarantine-free travel between provinces with no community spread of COVID-19. Individuals may travel between Vientiane Capital or provinces with community spread but must quarantine for 14 days and obtain permission from their destination province; exemptions are likely in place for people who have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Lao Airlines (QV) has resumed domestic flights with health protocols in place. The controls reportedly include allowing only fully vaccinated passengers.
International Travel Restrictions
Tourist visas, visas-on-arrival, and standing visa exemptions remain suspended. All entrants require prior permission from the nearest Lao diplomatic mission at least seven days before arrival. Approved foreign travelers, such as diplomats, officials, essential workers, technical experts, and tourists from locations with low COVID-19 activity, may enter Laos. The government requires international arrivals to produce a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test issued no more than 72 hours before departure for Laos and a completed health declaration form. International arrivals must also have insurance coverage for COVID-19 treatment and other related expenses; travelers can obtain insurance coverage from international or local providers. Arrivals are subject to COVID-19 testing upon entry and a 14-day quarantine period at a designated facility. Land border restrictions remain in place, except for cargo transport.
Officials continue to bar Lao citizens and residents from nonessential international travel. Lao citizens departing the country must obtain approval from their employer and the authorities; foreign nationals leaving Laos must notify their country's embassy in Laos to get permission from the local authorities on their behalf. Passengers exiting Laos may be required to provide a negative result from a COVID-19 test issued within 72 hours before departure, complete a health declaration form, and carry USD 3,000 in cash.
International flights are mostly limited to emergencies and repatriation. Authorities have banned charter flights from locations with ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.
