Laos: Officials extend domestic COVID-19 restrictions through Sept. 2. /update 31

Event

Officials have extended existing COVID-19 restrictions through Sept. 2 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 continue to ban gatherings. Individuals must wear a facemask in public and observe social distancing protocol. 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 open.

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 in place for people who have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. Foreigners who intend to travel to other provinces must submit a travel itinerary, proof of 14-day quarantine, and approval from the National COVID-19 task force to be exempted from quarantine at the destination province.

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, 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. Travelers must serve a 14-day quarantine at a designated state-level facility and enter another 14-day quarantine at a district-level facility. Foreign nationals leaving Laos must notify their country's embassy in Laos 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 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.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)