Laos has reopened its borders and removed all restrictions for tourists
For most of the pandemic, Laos maintained a strict immigration policy and, since the borders [...]
For most of the pandemic, Laos has maintained a strict immigration policy and, since the borders were closed at the end of March 2020, very few foreigners have been allowed to enter the country.
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The "lucky" few were still required to have a Covid-19 PCR test before departure and one upon arrival, as well as a period of isolation in a government facility, at their own expense, for 14 days.
It was then necessary to equip oneself with a contact tracing device, which cost 200$, and to pay on arrival for compulsory medical insurance, another 100$.
Going to Laos today
Thanks to the declining number of cases, however, Lao government has now announced the reopening of all international borders and restoration of pre-Covid visa-on-arrival and electronic visa policies.
In addition, following when decided by neighboring Vietnam recently, fully vaccinated travelers Should not take any tests before departure or upon arrival in the country. These new directives went into effect on May 9, and all borders are open to all foreign citizens and residents. This means that it is again possible to cross borders by land as well.
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With the restoration of pre-Covid immigration regulations, visa-free entry is now allowed for Italian travelers who can obtain visas upon arrival for the duration of 30 days, as it can be extended twice, not exceeding a total of 90 days in Laos.
Your passport must have at least six months of validity remaining and to travel you must have two blank pages in your passport, otherwise your airline may refuse to allow you to board.
In summary, these are the rules for traveling to Laos:
- Fully vaccinated travelers can travel as before.
- Unvaccinated travelers 12 years of age and older will be required to undergo a pre-departure antigen test (ART) administered a maximum of 48 hours before their trip to Laos (based on departure from the first point of embarkation).
- There are no quarantine requirements.
- The final dose of vaccine must have been administered at least 14 days before travel.
- A booster dose is not required to be considered fully vaccinated.
Laos does not require travelers to hold an insurance policy to enter the country as tourists. But, since in case of positivity, visitors with Covid-19 will be responsible for all treatment costs, even if they contract the virus after arrival, my advice is to have insurance or Take advantage of the free one included in the credit card held.
Current situation in laos
Life in Laos has largely returned to normal in recent months, allowing tourists to enjoy travel as they did before the pandemic. There are no longer any restrictions on domestic travel, and no permission is required to travel between provinces, for fully vaccinated travelers.
All public places and utilities reopened on May 9, 2022, so shutters up for restaurants, entertainment venues, and karaoke bars.
