Laos: Officials allow entry of tourists from additional international locations as of Jan. 3 /update 40

Event

The government has allowed tourist arrivals from additional locations as of Jan. 3 in the first phase of reopening amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The countries include Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, and Switzerland. Authorities already allowed tourists to enter from Australia, Cambodia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, the US, the UK, Thailand, and Vietnam. Travelers must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before arrival, have a health insurance policy with a coverage of at least USD 50,000, obtain a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours before departure, download the LaoKYC and LaoStaySafe applications before arrival, and undergo an on-arrival PCR test and remain at their accommodation until they receive a negative result.

In the first phase through March 31, officials will allow tourists to visit the Green Travel Zones of Vientiane Capital, Luang Prabang Province, and Vang Vieng District of Vientiane Province, as well as the Green Travel Trails of Champasack, Khammouane, Oudomxay, Xayaboury, and Xieng Khouang provinces. Green Travel Zones and Green Travel Trails are areas with vaccination rates of at least 70 percent and below 70 percent respectively. Authorities permit tourists to enter only through Wattay International Airport (VTE) and the First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge in Vientiane Prefecture. Officials plan to categorize other localities, including Savannakhet Province, as Green Travel Zones and Green Travel Trails areas, and announce additional points of entry in the second phase of reopening from April 1 to June 30.

Domestic Measures
Various measures remain in place until further notice. Goods transport is permitted nationwide and across national borders. People may travel between provinces without obtaining official approval and undergoing quarantine, though passengers must be fully vaccinated. Transport along roadways between the capital, Vientiane, and high-risk provinces, is banned 23:30-05:00, with exceptions 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 facemasks in public and observe social distancing rules. Factories manufacturing products like consumer and pharmaceutical goods may operate with protocols in place. Shopping malls, retail establishments, and supermarkets must close by 21:00. In provinces without community spread, eateries 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, in decreasing order of strictness. Officials 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 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 between most major cities with health protocols, which reportedly include allowing only fully vaccinated passengers.

International Travel Restrictions
Tourist visas, visas-on-arrival, and standing visa exemptions remain suspended for arrivals from most international locations. 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. Authorities require international arrivals to provide a valid entry visa, proof of entry authorization from the National COVID-19 Task Force (NTF), a negative result from a PCR test result taken within 72 hours before departure, 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. 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.

Charter flights from locations with active COVID-19 outbreaks are banned. Laos continues to ban nationals from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, and Zimbabwe due to concerns over the Omicron COVID-19 variant; it is unclear whether any exemptions are in place.

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.