Laos has announced a full reopening to tourism today that allows vaccinated arrivals to enter the country without any testing requirements.
Government Spokesperson and Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, Madame Thippakone Chanthavongsa, spoke during an announcement broadcast live across social media.
She said that as the number of Covid-19 cases had significantly decreased, and in order to ensure economic recovery, the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control and the government of Laos had coordinated with a number of sectors to determine new entry measures in line with the global situation.
After canvassing public opinion and consulting with experts, the Taskforce has set out the following measures for entry to Laos, effective from 9 May onward:
All international checkpoints will be open for entry and exit by Lao citizens, foreign residents, tourists, and other types of visitors.
Citizens of countries that have bilateral or unilateral visa waiver agreements with Laos may now enter Laos without the need for a visa.
Citizens of countries that do not have a visa waiver agreement with Laos may now apply for a visa at a Lao embassy or consulate abroad or via the e-Visa online system. Visa on arrivals will also be reinstated at certain international checkpoints.
Fully vaccinated foreigners or Lao citizens carrying a vaccination certificate may enter Laos without any screening or testing for Covid-19 when arriving by land, air, or water.
Non-vaccinated citizens of Laos, foreign citizens, or residents aged 12 years and over must take a Rapid Antigen Test (ATK) not more than 48 hours prior to departure and present the results upon arrival.
Foreign arrivals in Laos that become infected with Covid-19 must bear responsibility for any and all medical costs involved in treatment.
Private vehicles may now enter and exit the territory of Laos via checkpoints as prior to the pandemic. Guidelines regarding this measure will be drafted and publicized by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.
Madame Thippakone said that ministries and tourism departments, as well as tourism businesses, must now be fully prepared to welcome foreign tourists.
At the same time, she announced the reopening of entertainment venues and karaoke bars, however, such venues must ensure they fully comply with Covid-19 prevention measures.
Laos is preparing to commence a new phase of reopening to tourism that will require Covid-19 tests prior to departure and on arrival.
Dr. Sisavath Soutthanilaxay said during an announcement by the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control yesterday that the country is now actively preparing for a full reopening.
Under new entry regulations, which will be officially announced at a future press conference, arrivals in Laos will be required to undergo two Covid-19 tests.
According to Dr. Sisavath, tourists will be required to take an RT-PCR test 72 hours before departure, as well as an RDT (Rapid Diagnostic Test) on arrival.
“The wait time for results will depend upon the number of travelers arriving,” said Dr. Sisavath.
Those who have been infected with Covid-19 and recovered will not need to take an RT-PCR test, however, an official medical certificate will be required.
Arrivals with a negative RDT test result may enter the country freely, while those who test positive will need to quarantine at a designated quarantine hotel.
Those with serious symptoms will be hospitalized.
The news comes after Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh agreed to a full reopening of the country to tourism on Tuesday.
The PM said that he agreed “in principle” to the reopening and that relevant sectors should “draw upon lessons from neighboring countries” when drafting new regulations.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Laos-full-reopening-new-entry-regulations-696x364-1.jpg364696Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2022-04-21 10:29:112022-04-21 10:29:33Laos Prepares for Full Tourism Reopening, Testing Still Required
A repository of Buddhist scriptures at Simoungkhoun Temple and an ancient stupa in Salavanh Province are both to be listed for national heritage status.
The two sacred sites will become key tourist attractions for the province as the country reopens to foreign and domestic tourists.
Vientiane Times reports that Deputy Governor of Salavanh Province, Mr. Somchai Ounchit, said Hor Tay Pi Dok [repository] was built in 1784 and is an important, sacred site for people in the province.
He says Salavanh has a wealth of natural and cultural attractions as well as places of historical interest, and visitors will not be disappointed.
The province is home to ten ethnic groups whose colorful way of life can be observed, while there is plenty of local food to be sampled and souvenirs to be bought.
Meanwhile, the That Kadao Theuk stupa in Khongsedon District is also slated for heritage listing after a recent expedition to discover more about the ancient site.
The unique stupa, which is shaped like a pyramid, has a long and complex history that is still being researched.
Laos continues to restore ancient and sacred sites to ensure accessibility and improve facilities for domestic and international tourists.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Hor-Py-Dok-and-That-Kadao-1-696x364-1.jpg364696Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2022-04-04 15:20:402022-04-21 10:25:05Laos Prepares Two New Sites for for National Heritage Listing
Laos Drops Testing For Vaccinated Tourists, Announces Full Reopening
Laos has announced a full reopening to tourism today that allows vaccinated arrivals to enter the country without any testing requirements.
Government Spokesperson and Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, Madame Thippakone Chanthavongsa, spoke during an announcement broadcast live across social media.
She said that as the number of Covid-19 cases had significantly decreased, and in order to ensure economic recovery, the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control and the government of Laos had coordinated with a number of sectors to determine new entry measures in line with the global situation.
After canvassing public opinion and consulting with experts, the Taskforce has set out the following measures for entry to Laos, effective from 9 May onward:
All international checkpoints will be open for entry and exit by Lao citizens, foreign residents, tourists, and other types of visitors.
Citizens of countries that have bilateral or unilateral visa waiver agreements with Laos may now enter Laos without the need for a visa.
Citizens of countries that do not have a visa waiver agreement with Laos may now apply for a visa at a Lao embassy or consulate abroad or via the e-Visa online system. Visa on arrivals will also be reinstated at certain international checkpoints.
Fully vaccinated foreigners or Lao citizens carrying a vaccination certificate may enter Laos without any screening or testing for Covid-19 when arriving by land, air, or water.
Non-vaccinated citizens of Laos, foreign citizens, or residents aged 12 years and over must take a Rapid Antigen Test (ATK) not more than 48 hours prior to departure and present the results upon arrival.
Foreign arrivals in Laos that become infected with Covid-19 must bear responsibility for any and all medical costs involved in treatment.
Private vehicles may now enter and exit the territory of Laos via checkpoints as prior to the pandemic. Guidelines regarding this measure will be drafted and publicized by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.
Madame Thippakone said that ministries and tourism departments, as well as tourism businesses, must now be fully prepared to welcome foreign tourists.
At the same time, she announced the reopening of entertainment venues and karaoke bars, however, such venues must ensure they fully comply with Covid-19 prevention measures.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/05/07/laos-drops-testing-for-vaccinated-tourists-announces-full-reopening/
Laos Prepares for Full Tourism Reopening, Testing Still Required
Laos is preparing to commence a new phase of reopening to tourism that will require Covid-19 tests prior to departure and on arrival.
Dr. Sisavath Soutthanilaxay said during an announcement by the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control yesterday that the country is now actively preparing for a full reopening.
Under new entry regulations, which will be officially announced at a future press conference, arrivals in Laos will be required to undergo two Covid-19 tests.
According to Dr. Sisavath, tourists will be required to take an RT-PCR test 72 hours before departure, as well as an RDT (Rapid Diagnostic Test) on arrival.
“The wait time for results will depend upon the number of travelers arriving,” said Dr. Sisavath.
Those who have been infected with Covid-19 and recovered will not need to take an RT-PCR test, however, an official medical certificate will be required.
Arrivals with a negative RDT test result may enter the country freely, while those who test positive will need to quarantine at a designated quarantine hotel.
Those with serious symptoms will be hospitalized.
The news comes after Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh agreed to a full reopening of the country to tourism on Tuesday.
The PM said that he agreed “in principle” to the reopening and that relevant sectors should “draw upon lessons from neighboring countries” when drafting new regulations.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/04/15/laos-prepares-for-full-reopening-testing-still-required/
Laos Prepares Two New Sites for for National Heritage Listing
A repository of Buddhist scriptures at Simoungkhoun Temple and an ancient stupa in Salavanh Province are both to be listed for national heritage status.
The two sacred sites will become key tourist attractions for the province as the country reopens to foreign and domestic tourists.
Vientiane Times reports that Deputy Governor of Salavanh Province, Mr. Somchai Ounchit, said Hor Tay Pi Dok [repository] was built in 1784 and is an important, sacred site for people in the province.
He says Salavanh has a wealth of natural and cultural attractions as well as places of historical interest, and visitors will not be disappointed.
The province is home to ten ethnic groups whose colorful way of life can be observed, while there is plenty of local food to be sampled and souvenirs to be bought.
Meanwhile, the That Kadao Theuk stupa in Khongsedon District is also slated for heritage listing after a recent expedition to discover more about the ancient site.
The unique stupa, which is shaped like a pyramid, has a long and complex history that is still being researched.
Laos continues to restore ancient and sacred sites to ensure accessibility and improve facilities for domestic and international tourists.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/03/17/laos-prepares-two-new-sites-for-for-national-heritage-listing/