Laos: Officials ban entry of nationals from several African countries as of Dec. 2 due to COVID-19 variant concerns /update 38

Event

Laos will reportedly ban the entry of nationals from several African countries as of Dec. 2 due to concerns over a new COVID-19 variant; it is unclear if there are any exemptions in place. The affected countries include Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Officials may amend restrictions on short notice in the coming weeks as new cases of the COVID-19 variant emerge in other locations.

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 investors, may enter Laos. The government requires international arrivals to provide a valid entry visa, proof of entry authorization from the National COVID-19 Task Force (NTF), a negative result COVID-19 PCR test result taken no more than 72 hours before departure for Laos, a completed health declaration form, and booking confirmation of a designated quarantine facility.

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 14-day quarantine at a designated facility. Individuals who intend to travel to another province must serve a 14-day quarantine period at a designated state-level facility and enter another 14-day quarantine period at a district-level facility. Foreign nationals leaving Laos must notify their country's embassy in the country to get permission from the local authorities on their behalf. Land border restrictions remain in place, except for cargo transport.

International flights are mostly limited to emergencies and repatriation. Authorities have banned charter flights from locations with active COVID-19 outbreaks.

Domestic Restrictions
Laos continues to impose nationwide COVID-19 restrictions until further notice. Goods transport is permitted nationwide and across national borders. People may travel between provinces without authorization and do not need to undergo quarantine, though passengers must be fully vaccinated. Transport along roadways between the capital, Vientiane, and high-risk provinces, is banned 23:30-05:00; exceptions are in place for essential services and goods transport. Entertainment establishments remain closed. Officials prohibit conferences of more than 50 people and other types of gatherings.

Individuals must wear a facemask in public and observe social distancing protocols. Factories producing products like consumer and pharmaceutical goods may operate with health protocols in place. Shopping malls, retail establishments, and supermarkets can operate with health measures and must close by 21:00. In provinces without community spread, food establishments may provide dine-in services with at least a 1-meter (3-feet) distance between tables.

Authorities continue to categorize districts into red, yellow, and green zones, with officials enforcing the strictest measures in red zones and the most lenient measures in green zones. Authorities limit the entry and exit of people into red zones unless they have official clearance. 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. Business conferences and meetings may occur in locations not designated as red zones; participants must be fully vaccinated.

Lao Airlines (QV) is operating limited domestic flights to most major cities with health protocols in place. The controls reportedly include allowing only fully vaccinated passengers.

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.