Laos: Officials continue to enforce COVID-19 restrictions as of Feb. 3 /update 41

Event

The government continues to implement various domestic and international travel measures as of Feb. 3 to stem the spread of COVID-19.

Domestic Measures
People may travel between provinces without obtaining official approval and undergoing quarantine, though passengers must be fully vaccinated. Schools have partially reopened with protocols, like mandating teachers and students to wear facemasks. Factories manufacturing products like consumer and pharmaceutical goods, shopping malls, retail establishments, and supermarkets can operate with restrictions, like opening hour limits. In provinces without community spread, eateries may provide dine-in services with at least a 1-meter (3-feet) distance between tables. Entertainment establishments, conferences of more than 50 people, and other types of gatherings are suspended. People must wear facemasks and observe social distancing rules when in public.

Authorities continue to categorize districts into red, yellow, and green zones, in decreasing order of strictness. Officials typically limit the entry and exit of people into red zones, though exemptions are possible with official clearance. Stay-home rules are likely in red zones, with exceptions 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
The government continues to suspend tourist visas, visas on arrival, and standing visa exemptions from most international locations. Government agencies or other entities may apply for an entry approval for foreign essential workers, technical experts, and investors. International entrants must obtain prior permission from Laotian authorities at least seven days before arrival; provide a valid entry visa if applicable, a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure, and a completed health declaration form; and download the LaoKYC application. Foreign nationals must also have insurance coverage for COVID-19 treatment and other related expenses from international or local providers.

Authorities allow tourist arrivals from several locations in the first phase of international travel reopening through March 31. The locations include Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, 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, undergo an on-arrival PCR test, and remain at their accommodation until they receive a negative result from the on-arrival test.

In the first phase of reopening, officials 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.

Officials allow some border checkpoints, including those with Thailand, to open. Border checkpoints with China are closed due to the Chinese authorities' COVID-19 concerns.

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.