Laos has announced it has cut the required quarantine period for new arrivals from 14 days to just seven days for certain types of visitors.
Government Spokesperson and Vice Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, Madame Thippakone Chanthavongsa, made an announcement this evening confirming the new quarantine measures.
She said that in 2022, with vaccination rates much higher in populations around the world, advances in medical technology, and faster testing systems, as well as high-quality medicines for the treatment of Covid-19, the public health system in Laos is no longer being overrun.
“This has meant that the world is now able to better cope with Covid-19, which has transitioned from a pandemic to endemic disease, or a seasonal disease much like flu,” said Madame Thippakone.
Reduced Quarantine Periods for New Arrivals
According to the announcement, government representatives at every level who work or attend seminars abroad, and Lao nationals who return from abroad, must take an RT-PCR Covid-19 test and await the result within 48 hours at an approved quarantine location. Those who receive a negative result may then continue quarantine for seven days at their own residence.
Ambassadors or embassy staff, representatives or employees of international organizations, and their family members that arrive in or return to Laos must take an RT-PCR Covid-19 test and undertake quarantine at their own residence for seven days.
Investors and businesspeople authorized to conduct business in Laos that will arrive in or return to Laos must take an RT-PCR Covid-19 test and await the result within 48 hours at an approved location. Those who receive a negative result may conduct their business but will be required to wear a wrist monitor for seven days.
Foreign nationals who are technical experts, manual laborers, entrepreneurs, students, overseas Lao (of Lao descent), and spouses/dependents of Lao nationals arriving in or returning to Laos from abroad must take an RT-PCR Covid-19 test and await the result within 48 hours at an approved quarantine location. Those who receive a negative result may then continue quarantine for seven days at their own residence and will be required to wear a wrist monitor.
Group tours that arrive as part of the Green Travel Zone reopening scheme will also be required to test for Covid-19 (RT-PCR) and await the result in an approved hotel within 48 hours before commencing tourism activities. Group tourists will be required to wear a wrist monitor and comply with all Covid-19 prevention measures.
Those who test positive upon arrival in Laos may receive treatment at a hospital or treatment center, or take self-treatment at their own residence for ten days in accordance with the severity of their condition.
All foreign nationals that reside in Laos must download and use the Lao KYC mobile phone application (Lao Su Su service) for the purpose of creating a vaccine ID to be used as digital confirmation of vaccine status. The app is to be used to determine one’s health status upon entry into government offices, restaurants, shops, and other public areas.
Madame Thippakone said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has now been authorized to issue tourist visas for group tourists traveling to Laos under the Green Travel Zone Scheme, with the condition that all tourists must create vaccine IDs with the Lao KYC app.
She said that Laos is now in talks with neighboring countries regarding the reopening of traditional and customary borders, particularly in regard to the transportation of goods.
The Ministry of Health has been asked to consider permitting the private sector to conduct Covid-19 testing.
All indoor and outdoor sports facilities are now permitted to fully open on the condition that they adhere to Covid-19 guidelines.
Nightclubs and karaoke bars are still not permitted to reopen.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/World-Bank-Assists-Laos-with-Covid-19-Recovery-696x364-1.jpg364696Subsin Sinuvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSubsin Sinuvong2022-02-09 10:38:362022-02-09 10:38:43Laos Slashes Quarantine Measures for New Arrivals and Returning Residents
Should Laos fully reopen tourism and allow free independent travelers to enter the country? What might the future hold if group tours fail to arrive?
In 2019, tourism contributed 10% to the world’s GDP; in Laos, the industry made up 12% of the country’s GDP. Tourism and related industries employed nearly 400,000 people and were a sustainable way to improve per-capita income for the population – particularly the poor – when compared with extractive sectors like mining or timber.
But come Covid-19 and all its restrictions, this stream of income has been cut off, directly impacting many of Laos’ most vulnerable for nearly two years.
The economy has been devastated, while the local currency has sunk to an all-time low, with the cost of petrol and other imported goods continuing to rise. Economic disparity has been exacerbated, and tourism workers have lost their livelihoods, adding to the growing number of unemployed.
Although Laos has technically been openfor tourism under the Green Zone Travel Plan for nearly a month, few tourists have arrived in the country. One highly publicized South Korean school group arrived for a golfing tour, with little evidence of anyone else making the trip.
This is likely because the barriers to entry remain restrictively high, with rules and regulations unclear and uncommunicated. From enigmatic visa procedures, unclear rules for individual or group travel, to irregular flights: it is little wonder that tourists have given Laos a miss.
Compared to its neighbors, limited and expensive regional flights to Laos have made it a difficult country for tourists to reach, while a lack of clear communication with the global travel market means those abroad do not feel confident promoting Laos as a destination.
Ideally, tourism policy should be tourist-centric and promote growth in this vital sector of the economy. In light of that, here are five concrete steps Laos could take to get back on the path to a real reopening:
Bring Back the Flights Regular commercial air, land, and rail transport links should be broadly reinstated with Laos’ neighbors to support the flow of travelers. New flight routes and airport slots need to be negotiated now while many airports in the region are underutilized. This could potentially open up new markets like The Philippines, Hong Kong, and Indonesia.
Empower Decisionmakers Decisions should be supported by experts who understand the intricacies of the tourist experience and are empowered to coordinate reopening policy across multiple sectors, move quickly, and take responsibility.
Allow Individual Travel and Reduce Quarantine Allow vaccinated, individual travelers from any nationality to enter Laos without proscribed itineraries. With everyone fully vaccinated (visitors and locals alike) there is no reason to keep tourists at arm’s length, but rather, they should be treated as important guests.
People want to explore Laos at their own pace and in accordance with their own interests, and they absolutely do not want to languish in a lengthy quarantine. With the national vaccination rate now above 50%, decision-makers must cut through the bureaucracy governing tourism and reduce discouraging quarantine requirements, which affect even returning Lao nationals.
Communicate If a tourist is interested in coming to Laos, where might they find up-to-date entry information? Some clear, concise communication on how tourists can travel to Laos and what they can do when they arrive is vitally important to reopening. The Tourism Laos website lacks updated information about the current situation, while social media remains equally silent.
Targeted Marketing Traditionally, proximity tourism supplied Laos with 95% of its tourists. National marketing needs to be targeted and refined to attract new segments of this low-hanging fruit. But also, serious effort needs to go into reconnecting with the long-haul segments willing to spend more in the country.
Laos has navigated the Covid-19 crisis with a minimal loss of life, but the prolonged devastation to the livelihoods of those who remain can go on no longer. It’s time to get connected, reduce restrictions, and reopen our beautiful country to the world.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Empty-streets-of-Luang-Prabang-696x364-1.jpg364696Subsin Sinuvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSubsin Sinuvong2022-01-25 14:38:292022-01-25 14:38:33Why Laos Should Fully Reopen to Tourism (and Save the Economy)
ASEAN tourism ministers announced the reopening of tourism in the region at the close of the ASEAN Tourism Forum held in Sihanoukville, Cambodia.
During the forum, tourism ministers from each ASEAN nation revealed their shared strategy to boost regional tourism recovery.
The region has seen a decline in tourism of over 200%, with the Covid-19 pandemic causing the loss of millions of jobs and business closures due to stringent travel restrictions, TTR Weekly reports.
At the forum, ministers highlighted the need to quickly launch domestic tourism campaigns in each of the ten countries, as well as easing border controls to encourage regional tourism among ASEAN member states.
Tourism ministers and representatives at the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2022.
Member countries proposed the establishment of dedicated ASEAN travel gates at border checkpoints as well as shared digital vaccination cards in a format recognized by all ten countries.
At the same time, ministers emphasized the need to ensure tourism operators are compliant with ASEAN hygiene and safety guidelines.
Meanwhile, Cambodian Minister of Tourism, Thong Khon, announced the adoption of the New ASEAN Tourism Logo and ASEAN Safe Travel Stamp “Safe and Warm” as part of the plans to support tourism recovery.
Despite optimistic reopening declarations, however, experts say strict travel restrictions continue to hinder the revival of tourism in several ASEAN nations, including Laos, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
While tourism ministers have counted on a resumption of travel from China, Japan, and Korea in the next six months, China has yet to make a move signaling it will allow outbound travel in the near future.
According to the World Tourism Organization, tourism arrivals around the world are not expected to return to their pre-pandemic levels until 2024 at the earliest.
“The pace of recovery remains slow and uneven across world regions due to varying degrees of mobility restrictions, vaccination rates, and traveler confidence,” the UNWTO said in a press release.
Laos Slashes Quarantine Measures for New Arrivals and Returning Residents
Laos has announced it has cut the required quarantine period for new arrivals from 14 days to just seven days for certain types of visitors.
Government Spokesperson and Vice Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, Madame Thippakone Chanthavongsa, made an announcement this evening confirming the new quarantine measures.
She said that in 2022, with vaccination rates much higher in populations around the world, advances in medical technology, and faster testing systems, as well as high-quality medicines for the treatment of Covid-19, the public health system in Laos is no longer being overrun.
“This has meant that the world is now able to better cope with Covid-19, which has transitioned from a pandemic to endemic disease, or a seasonal disease much like flu,” said Madame Thippakone.
Reduced Quarantine Periods for New Arrivals
According to the announcement, government representatives at every level who work or attend seminars abroad, and Lao nationals who return from abroad, must take an RT-PCR Covid-19 test and await the result within 48 hours at an approved quarantine location. Those who receive a negative result may then continue quarantine for seven days at their own residence.
Ambassadors or embassy staff, representatives or employees of international organizations, and their family members that arrive in or return to Laos must take an RT-PCR Covid-19 test and undertake quarantine at their own residence for seven days.
Investors and businesspeople authorized to conduct business in Laos that will arrive in or return to Laos must take an RT-PCR Covid-19 test and await the result within 48 hours at an approved location. Those who receive a negative result may conduct their business but will be required to wear a wrist monitor for seven days.
Foreign nationals who are technical experts, manual laborers, entrepreneurs, students, overseas Lao (of Lao descent), and spouses/dependents of Lao nationals arriving in or returning to Laos from abroad must take an RT-PCR Covid-19 test and await the result within 48 hours at an approved quarantine location. Those who receive a negative result may then continue quarantine for seven days at their own residence and will be required to wear a wrist monitor.
Group tours that arrive as part of the Green Travel Zone reopening scheme will also be required to test for Covid-19 (RT-PCR) and await the result in an approved hotel within 48 hours before commencing tourism activities. Group tourists will be required to wear a wrist monitor and comply with all Covid-19 prevention measures.
Those who test positive upon arrival in Laos may receive treatment at a hospital or treatment center, or take self-treatment at their own residence for ten days in accordance with the severity of their condition.
All foreign nationals that reside in Laos must download and use the Lao KYC mobile phone application (Lao Su Su service) for the purpose of creating a vaccine ID to be used as digital confirmation of vaccine status. The app is to be used to determine one’s health status upon entry into government offices, restaurants, shops, and other public areas.
Madame Thippakone said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has now been authorized to issue tourist visas for group tourists traveling to Laos under the Green Travel Zone Scheme, with the condition that all tourists must create vaccine IDs with the Lao KYC app.
She said that Laos is now in talks with neighboring countries regarding the reopening of traditional and customary borders, particularly in regard to the transportation of goods.
The Ministry of Health has been asked to consider permitting the private sector to conduct Covid-19 testing.
All indoor and outdoor sports facilities are now permitted to fully open on the condition that they adhere to Covid-19 guidelines.
Nightclubs and karaoke bars are still not permitted to reopen.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/02/03/laos-slashes-quarantine-measures-for-new-arrivals-and-returning-residents/
Why Laos Should Fully Reopen to Tourism (and Save the Economy)
Should Laos fully reopen tourism and allow free independent travelers to enter the country? What might the future hold if group tours fail to arrive?
In 2019, tourism contributed 10% to the world’s GDP; in Laos, the industry made up 12% of the country’s GDP. Tourism and related industries employed nearly 400,000 people and were a sustainable way to improve per-capita income for the population – particularly the poor – when compared with extractive sectors like mining or timber.
But come Covid-19 and all its restrictions, this stream of income has been cut off, directly impacting many of Laos’ most vulnerable for nearly two years.
The economy has been devastated, while the local currency has sunk to an all-time low, with the cost of petrol and other imported goods continuing to rise. Economic disparity has been exacerbated, and tourism workers have lost their livelihoods, adding to the growing number of unemployed.
Although Laos has technically been open for tourism under the Green Zone Travel Plan for nearly a month, few tourists have arrived in the country. One highly publicized South Korean school group arrived for a golfing tour, with little evidence of anyone else making the trip.
This is likely because the barriers to entry remain restrictively high, with rules and regulations unclear and uncommunicated. From enigmatic visa procedures, unclear rules for individual or group travel, to irregular flights: it is little wonder that tourists have given Laos a miss.
Compared to its neighbors, limited and expensive regional flights to Laos have made it a difficult country for tourists to reach, while a lack of clear communication with the global travel market means those abroad do not feel confident promoting Laos as a destination.
Ideally, tourism policy should be tourist-centric and promote growth in this vital sector of the economy. In light of that, here are five concrete steps Laos could take to get back on the path to a real reopening:
Bring Back the Flights
Regular commercial air, land, and rail transport links should be broadly reinstated with Laos’ neighbors to support the flow of travelers. New flight routes and airport slots need to be negotiated now while many airports in the region are underutilized. This could potentially open up new markets like The Philippines, Hong Kong, and Indonesia.
Empower Decisionmakers
Decisions should be supported by experts who understand the intricacies of the tourist experience and are empowered to coordinate reopening policy across multiple sectors, move quickly, and take responsibility.
Allow Individual Travel and Reduce Quarantine
Allow vaccinated, individual travelers from any nationality to enter Laos without proscribed itineraries. With everyone fully vaccinated (visitors and locals alike) there is no reason to keep tourists at arm’s length, but rather, they should be treated as important guests.
People want to explore Laos at their own pace and in accordance with their own interests, and they absolutely do not want to languish in a lengthy quarantine. With the national vaccination rate now above 50%, decision-makers must cut through the bureaucracy governing tourism and reduce discouraging quarantine requirements, which affect even returning Lao nationals.
Communicate
If a tourist is interested in coming to Laos, where might they find up-to-date entry information? Some clear, concise communication on how tourists can travel to Laos and what they can do when they arrive is vitally important to reopening. The Tourism Laos website lacks updated information about the current situation, while social media remains equally silent.
Targeted Marketing
Traditionally, proximity tourism supplied Laos with 95% of its tourists. National marketing needs to be targeted and refined to attract new segments of this low-hanging fruit. But also, serious effort needs to go into reconnecting with the long-haul segments willing to spend more in the country.
Laos has navigated the Covid-19 crisis with a minimal loss of life, but the prolonged devastation to the livelihoods of those who remain can go on no longer. It’s time to get connected, reduce restrictions, and reopen our beautiful country to the world.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/01/24/why-laos-should-fully-reopen-to-tourism-and-save-the-economy/
ASEAN Tourism Reopens Amid Renewed Challenges
ASEAN tourism ministers announced the reopening of tourism in the region at the close of the ASEAN Tourism Forum held in Sihanoukville, Cambodia.
During the forum, tourism ministers from each ASEAN nation revealed their shared strategy to boost regional tourism recovery.
The region has seen a decline in tourism of over 200%, with the Covid-19 pandemic causing the loss of millions of jobs and business closures due to stringent travel restrictions, TTR Weekly reports.
At the forum, ministers highlighted the need to quickly launch domestic tourism campaigns in each of the ten countries, as well as easing border controls to encourage regional tourism among ASEAN member states.
Member countries proposed the establishment of dedicated ASEAN travel gates at border checkpoints as well as shared digital vaccination cards in a format recognized by all ten countries.
At the same time, ministers emphasized the need to ensure tourism operators are compliant with ASEAN hygiene and safety guidelines.
Meanwhile, Cambodian Minister of Tourism, Thong Khon, announced the adoption of the New ASEAN Tourism Logo and ASEAN Safe Travel Stamp “Safe and Warm” as part of the plans to support tourism recovery.
Despite optimistic reopening declarations, however, experts say strict travel restrictions continue to hinder the revival of tourism in several ASEAN nations, including Laos, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
While tourism ministers have counted on a resumption of travel from China, Japan, and Korea in the next six months, China has yet to make a move signaling it will allow outbound travel in the near future.
According to the World Tourism Organization, tourism arrivals around the world are not expected to return to their pre-pandemic levels until 2024 at the earliest.
“The pace of recovery remains slow and uneven across world regions due to varying degrees of mobility restrictions, vaccination rates, and traveler confidence,” the UNWTO said in a press release.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/01/22/asean-tourism-reopens-amid-renewed-challenges/