02 Sep 2021 | 07:42 PM UTC
Laos: Officials extend domestic COVID-19 restrictions until at least Sept. 15 /update 32
Laos extends domestic COVID-19 controls until at least Sept. 15. International travel protocols remain in effect.
Event
Officials have marginally tightened and extended existing COVID-19 restrictions until at least Sept. 15. Gyms and sports facilities must suspend operations. Other previously imposed nationwide measures remain in effect. Officials continue to ban nonessential gatherings. Individuals must wear a facemask in public and observe social distancing protocols. Shopping malls and supermarkets can operate with health measures in place.
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-foot) distance between tables.
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. Authorities limit the entry of nonresidents 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.
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 taken 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. Travelers must serve a 14-day quarantine period at a designated state-level facility and enter another 14-day quarantine period eat 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.
