Laos open again for tourists on 9 May | Vaccinated, no more testing

TRAVEL NEWS – May 09, 2022: Laos announced a full tourism reopening today. Anyone who has been vaccinated can now enter the country without any testing requirements.

Official announcement

Government spokesman and minister of the Prime Minister's Office, Ms Thippakone Chanthavongsa, spoke during an announcement broadcast live on social media.

She said the number of Covid-19 cases had decreased significantly. Laos will reopen fully to tourists to ensure economic recovery.

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Laos open again as of May 9th

After polling public opinion and consulting with experts, the Task Force identified the following measures. Access to Laos is possible from May 9 under the following conditions:

All international checkpoints will be open for entry and exit by Lao citizens. Foreign residents, tourists and other types of visitors are also welcome again.

Citizens of countries that have bilateral or unilateral visa waiver agreements with Laos are now allowed to enter Laos. They also no longer need a visa.

Citizens of countries that do not have a visa waiver agreement with Laos can now apply for a visa at a Laotian embassy or consulate abroad. Via the online e-Visa system is also possible. Visas on arrival will also be recovered at certain international checkpoints. That is a very welcome addition for backpackers.

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No more testing needed when vaccinated

Fully vaccinated foreigners or Laotian citizens with a vaccination certificate are allowed to enter Laos without screening or testing for Covid-19 when arriving by land, air or water.

Unvaccinated residents of Laos, foreign nationals or residents aged 12 years and older must undergo a Rapid Antigen Test (ATK) no later than 48 hours prior to departure and present the results upon arrival.

Your insurance must cover medical expenses

Foreign arrivals in Laos who become infected with Covid-19 must bear responsibility for all medical costs associated with the treatment. Travel insurance with medical costs coverage is therefore recommended.

Including covid-19 coverage

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Private vehicles are now allowed to enter and leave the territory of Laos through checkpoints as they were before the pandemic. Guidelines regarding this measure will be drawn up and published by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

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Tourism sector must prepare

Ms Thippakone said ministries and tourism departments, as well as tourism companies, should now be fully prepared to welcome foreign tourists.

At the same time, she announced the reopening of entertainment venues and karaoke bars, but such venues must ensure that they are fully compliant with Covid-19 prevention measures.