AFP – The United States said on 14 January it was suspending the processing of immigrant visas from 75 countries, President Donald Trump’s latest move against foreigners seeking to come to America.
The United States has long rejected visas from people who appear likely to end up needing government welfare, but the State Department said it would now use the same authority for a blanket suspension of immigrant visas based on nationality.
“The Trump administration is bringing an end to the abuse of America’s immigration system by those who would extract wealth from the American people,” State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said.
“Immigrant visa processing from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassesses immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits,” he said.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on X that the countries affected would include Somalia, whose people Trump has attacked in heated terms after immigrants were involved in a funding scandal in Minnesota, as well as Russia and Iran.
A US official said that the other countries affected would include a number of countries with friendly relations with the United States, including Brazil, Egypt and Thailand.
Other countries to face the pause include Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, as well as Iraq and Yemen, the official said.
The State Department did not immediately release a full list of countries.
The freeze will begin on 21 January with no set time for it to end, the US official, who was not authorized to speak to the press, said on condition of anonymity.
Trump has made no secret of his desire to reduce immigration by people who are not of European descent. He has described Somalis as “garbage” who should “go back to where they came from” and instead said he was open to Scandinavians moving to the United States.
The State Department said Monday that it has revoked more than 100,000 visas since Trump’s return, a one-year record.
The Department of Homeland Security last month said that the Trump administration has deported more than 605,000 people, and that 2.5 million others left on their own.
The latest move does not affect tourist, business or other visas, including for soccer fans seeking to visit for this year’s World Cup, although the Trump administration has vowed to vet all applicants’ social media histories.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/01/15/us-suspends-immigrant-visa-processing-for-75-countries-thailand-cambodia-on-the-list/
That Phon Stupa, Heuan Hin Recognized as National Heritage Sites in Savannakhet
Savannakhet Province has added two sites to its national cultural heritage list, with authorities formally recognising That Phon Stupa and Heuan Hin in Xayphouthong district on 30 January.
Both sites received national-level status following earlier local designation, marking a new step toward stronger protection and wider promotion of the province’s historical and spiritual landmarks.
That Phon Stupa ranks among the most revered Buddhist sites in southern Laos. Local legend traces its construction to 118 BE, when builders used laterite stone to form a lotus-bud-shaped stupa believed to be around 2,500 years old.
Located in Phonthat Village, about 65 kilometres from Kaysone Phomvihane City and 12 kilometres from National Road 13 South, the stupa has long served as a spiritual center for surrounding communities. Its annual festival takes place in February, usually on the full moon of the third lunar month.
The other site, Heuan Hin, meaning “Stone House,” lies in the same district near the Mekong River, around 30 kilometres from That Phon.
The unfinished structure is believed to be one of 121 rest houses built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII between 1181 and 1218, linking major routes across the Khmer Empire.
The site shows architectural similarities to Vat Phou in Champasak and Thailand’s Phimai temple, and hosts its annual festival in March, on the full moon of the fourth lunar month.
Provincial authorities said elevating the two sites to national heritage status will support long-term conservation while helping to promote cultural tourism in Xayphouthong district and across Savannakhet Province.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/02/02/that-phon-stupa-heuan-hinh-recognized-as-national-heritage-sites-in-savannakhet/
Vat Phou Festival 2026 Mark 25 Years as UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Vat Phou Festival was held from 31 January to 2 February at the Vat Phou Temple site in Champasak Province, marking the 25th anniversary of the ancient complex’s recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The three-day festival combines religious observances, cultural performances, and large-scale visual displays, drawing both domestic and international visitors to one of Laos’ most important historical sites.
The opening ceremony on 31 January featured a spectacular light and sound show illustrating the history of Vat Phou’s construction. The evening celebration included a drone display using 590 drones accompanied by 250 fireworks. A seminar commemorating the 25th anniversary of Vat Phou’s World Heritage status also took place during the opening events.
On the second day, 1 February, activities focused on religious practices, including ceremonies to pay respect to the Buddha, listening to Dhamma teachings, and an overnight chanting of protective blessings at the temple complex.
The festival concludes 2 February, with an early-morning alms-giving ceremony, where hundreds of monks receive offerings from worshippers.
In the evening, a candlelit procession will mark Makha Busa Day, the full moon day of the third lunar month in the Buddhist calendar.
History of Vat Phou
Dating back to the 7th century, Vat Phou is one of the most significant archaeological and architectural sites in Laos. The temple was originally built for Hindu worship, particularly devoted to Lord Shiva, before merging with a Buddhist site from the 13th century onwards as Buddhism spread through the region.
The Lao government and local authorities have undertaken continuous restoration and conservation efforts across various historical periods. Combined with the commitment of local communities and ethnic groups, these preservation efforts led to Vat Phou’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 16 December 2001.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/02/02/vat-phou-festival-2026-mark-25-years-as-unesco-world-heritage-site/
Laos Breaks Ground on 230 kV Transmission Line Project in Northern Laos
Laos launched construction of a new 230-kilovolt (kV) transmission line on 30 January in northern Laos, connecting Luang Prabang and Xieng Khouang provinces.
The 186-kilometer project will connect the Pak Mong 2 substation in Luang Prabang province to the Na Phia substation in Xieng Khouang province, passing through nine districts across the two provinces: Nambak, Pak Ou, Pak Seng, Luang Prabang City, Phonxay, Phou Khoun, Phoukoud, Pek, and Phaxay.
Developed jointly by the Lao government and Chinese private firm China Electric Power Equipment and Technology, the project is part of Laos’ 2024-2030 energy development plan aimed at strengthening the national grid and enhancing regional energy connectivity. It is financed through a loan from China Development Bank.
The USD 91.57 million investment will fund the construction of two 230 kV transmission circuits and expand two bays at both the Pak Mong 2 and Na Phia substations. Line construction accounts for USD 86.02 million, while substation work represents USD 5.55 million, with Pak Mong expansion costing USD 2.73 million and Na Phia USD 2.82 million.
Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
According to Electricité du Laos, the project aims to strengthen the national electricity network by transmitting power from northern hydropower plants and other generation sources to the central region, including Vientiane Capital.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/02/02/laos-breaks-ground-on-230-kv-transmission-line-project-in-northern-laos/
Vientiane Tourism Exceeds 2025 Targets, Generating Over USD 621 Million
Vientiane welcomed more than 2.2 million visitors in 2025, exceeding its annual tourism target and generating over USD 621 million in revenue, Lao authorities reported.
The Department of Culture and Tourism Vientiane Capital on 27 January reported that these figures surpassed the 2025 target of 2 million visitors and USD 600 million in revenue.
Officials said major cultural and heritage sites continued to draw strong interest. Ho Phrakeo Museum, Wat Sisaket, and Pha Thatluang recorded more than 208,500 visits, with international tourists accounting for the majority.
The 2025 performance marks significant growth from 2024, when Vientiane recorded around 1.7 million tourist visits and generated more than USD 490 million in tourism income. In 2024, more than 300,000 visitors traveled to the capital’s main tourist sites, contributing over LAK 9 billion (approximately USD 400,000) to the local economy.
Key attractions include Pha Thatluang, Patuxay, Ho Phrakeo Museum, and Wat Sisaket.
Nationally, Laos welcomed nearly 4.6 million tourists in 2025. In the next five years, the country aims to attract over 43 million total visitors nationwide, 22 million international tourists, 4.4 million each year, generating at least USD 13 billion in revenue.
Looking ahead, the department said it will focus on improving tourism standards, preserving cultural heritage, and strengthening management systems to support sustainable growth and maintain Vientiane’s appeal as a key destination.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/01/28/vientiane-tourism-exceeds-2025-targets-generating-over-usd-621-million/
Laos Advances Preparations to Open Embassy in Timor-Leste, Deputy Minister Says
Laos is moving ahead with plans to open its embassy in Timor-Leste, aiming to boost diplomatic ties with the new ASEAN member.
The initiative was a key focus during a visit by Phongsamouth Anlavan, Laos’ Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, to Dili from 18 to 22 January.
The talks centered on speeding up the embassy’s opening and expanding cooperation in areas such as economic development, agriculture, technical training, and human resources.
Timor-Leste’s Acting Foreign Minister, Agio Pereira, expressed gratitude for Laos’ support throughout Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership journey, which culminated when the nation joined as the bloc’s 11th member in October 2025.
Both sides committed to strengthening ties through institutional partnerships and regional cooperation.
Timor-Leste has allocated land and property in Dili for the future Lao Embassy, following a land exchange agreement both countries signed in October 2024.
In August 2025, they also completed visa exemption arrangements that now allow diplomatic, official, and ordinary passport holders to travel visa-free for up to 30 days.
The two nations established diplomatic relations in July 2002. Timor-Leste opened its resident embassy in Vientiane in July 2014, and Laos’ planned embassy opening in Dili will complete the bilateral diplomatic presence.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/01/27/laos-advances-preparations-to-open-embassy-in-timor-leste-deputy-minister-says/
Lao-Vietnam Naphao International Border Checkpoint Exceeds 2025 Customs Revenue Target by 159 Percent
The Naphao International Border Checkpoint that connects Laos’ Khammouane Province and Vietnam’s Quang Binh Province generated LAK 634.65 billion (USD 29.20 million) in customs tax revenue in 2025, significantly surpassing its annual target set by the Ministry of Finance.
According to Souphat Sousengthai, Head of the Tax Department, the checkpoint was assigned a customs revenue target of LAK 398 billion (approximately USD 18.31 million) for 2025. The final collection reached 159 percent of the annual plan, exceeding the target by LAK 236.652 billion (about USD 10.89 million).
Compared to 2024, when revenue stood at LAK 357.161 billion (USD 16.43 million), the 2025 figure represents an increase of LAK 277.491 billion (approximately USD 12.76 million), equivalent to a 77.69 percent year-on-year growth.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Finance has set a customs revenue target of LAK 643.21 billion (about USD 29.61 million) for the Naphao International Border Checkpoint in 2026.
To meet this goal, authorities plan to further enhance efficiency by streamlining customs procedures, reducing operational backlogs, and strengthening coordination among relevant agencies.
The border serves as the most active trade gateway between Laos and Vietnam, with most of the revenue coming from exports of various minerals, petroleum, equipment and machinery, service fees, and other commodities.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/01/27/lao-vietnam-naphao-international-border-checkpoint-exceeds-2025-customs-revenue-target-by-159-percent/
Lao Food Festival 2026 Showcases the Flavors of Laos at Chao Anouvong Park
On 26 to 30 January, the 21st Lao Food Festival celebrates the richness of Lao cuisine at Chao Anouvong Park under the theme “Discover Laos Through Its Taste.”
One of the country’s most anticipated cultural events, the festival brings together more than 180 shops featuring regional specialties, local products, and traditional culinary practices from across Laos.
Visitors can experience the diversity of Lao food, local agricultural products, handicrafts, and community brands from north to south while enjoying the lively atmosphere along the Mekong River.
Lao Brewery Company (LBC) continues its long-standing role as a main strategic partner, sponsoring this year’s festival and reaffirming its commitment to Lao food culture and local communities. LBC’s flagship drink, deeply rooted in Lao dining culture, complements a wide range of dishes and enhances the shared experience around the table, making it a central feature of the festival.
The festival highlights the role of women in Lao cuisine, promoting local ingredients, and encouraging new businesses, making it a celebration of national and cultural identity.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/01/27/lao-food-festival-2026-showcases-the-flavors-of-laos-at-chao-anouvong-park/
Laos Welcomes Nearly 4.6 Million Tourists in 2025, Surpassing Annual Target
Laos welcomed 4,580,709 tourists in 2025, an 11 percent increase year-on-year that surpassed the government’s target of 4.3 million visitors, according to the Tourism Development Department.
The growth continues a strong post-pandemic recovery trend. In 2024, Laos attracted over 4.1 million visitors, nearly one million more than in 2023, with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) ranking the country 13th globally among the world’s fastest-growing tourism destinations.
Most visitors came from Thailand, Vietnam, and China.
Laos has also earned recognition as one of the world’s most economical travel destinations for 2026, according to Indie Traveller magazine. Featured in “26 Amazing Cheap Places You Should Travel to in 2026,” the country offers exceptional value, with budget-conscious travelers able to explore for approximately USD 25 daily.
For 2026-2030, Laos targets to attract over 43 million total visitors, 21 million domestic and 22 million international tourists, averaging about 4.4 million annually, generating at least USD 13 billion in revenue, said Minister of Culture and Tourism Suansavanh Viyaket.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/01/16/laos-welcomes-nearly-4-6-million-tourists-in-2025-surpassing-annual-target/
US Suspends Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries, Thailand, Cambodia on the List
AFP – The United States said on 14 January it was suspending the processing of immigrant visas from 75 countries, President Donald Trump’s latest move against foreigners seeking to come to America.
The United States has long rejected visas from people who appear likely to end up needing government welfare, but the State Department said it would now use the same authority for a blanket suspension of immigrant visas based on nationality.
“The Trump administration is bringing an end to the abuse of America’s immigration system by those who would extract wealth from the American people,” State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said.
“Immigrant visa processing from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassesses immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits,” he said.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on X that the countries affected would include Somalia, whose people Trump has attacked in heated terms after immigrants were involved in a funding scandal in Minnesota, as well as Russia and Iran.
A US official said that the other countries affected would include a number of countries with friendly relations with the United States, including Brazil, Egypt and Thailand.
Other countries to face the pause include Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, as well as Iraq and Yemen, the official said.
The State Department did not immediately release a full list of countries.
The freeze will begin on 21 January with no set time for it to end, the US official, who was not authorized to speak to the press, said on condition of anonymity.
Trump has made no secret of his desire to reduce immigration by people who are not of European descent. He has described Somalis as “garbage” who should “go back to where they came from” and instead said he was open to Scandinavians moving to the United States.
The State Department said Monday that it has revoked more than 100,000 visas since Trump’s return, a one-year record.
The Department of Homeland Security last month said that the Trump administration has deported more than 605,000 people, and that 2.5 million others left on their own.
The latest move does not affect tourist, business or other visas, including for soccer fans seeking to visit for this year’s World Cup, although the Trump administration has vowed to vet all applicants’ social media histories.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/01/15/us-suspends-immigrant-visa-processing-for-75-countries-thailand-cambodia-on-the-list/
Laos-China Railway Enables Record-Breaking Journey from Singapore to Portugal
The world’s longest train journey now runs from Singapore to Portugal, covering nearly 19,000 kilometers across 13 countries and linking Southeast Asia to Western Europe entirely by rail.
The Laos-China Railway (LCR) is a key player in this achievement, linking Southeast Asia and China’s extensive rail network.
The Route in a Nutshell
The journey begins in Singapore and travels north through Malaysia and Thailand before entering Laos.
From Laos’ Vientiane, passengers board the LCR to Kunming, China, passing through the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang.
The route then continues across China to Beijing, follows the Trans-Siberian Railway through Mongolia and Russia, to Moscow, and proceeds westward through Europe, passing through Belarus, Poland, Germany, France, and Spain, before reaching the final destination of Lisbon, Portugal.
Traveling back-to-back, the entire journey takes approximately 21 days, with the longest single leg being the seven-day, 7,622-kilometer Moscow-Beijing segment.
Laos-China Railway: The Crucial Connection
Inaugurated in December 2021, the 420-kilometer Laos-China Railway has transformed Laos from a “landlocked” to a “land-linked” nation. The railway has already carried over 62 million passengers on the Vientiane-Kunming route and more than 12 million passengers within Laos.
Most significantly, the LCR provides the critical overland connection between Southeast Asia and China’s extensive rail network, enabling seamless travel from Singapore all the way to Europe.
Without this railway linking Vientiane to Kunming, the Singapore-to-Portugal route would not be possible.
Currently, a 15-kilometer bus connection near Vientiane links the LCR with the Laos-Thailand Railway. However, construction of a new railway bridge across the Mekong River between Vientiane and Nong Khai will soon create a direct rail link, further enhancing connectivity as part of Laos’ transformation into a regional transportation hub under China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Challenges and the Future
While this route represents a unique route in global rail connectivity, geopolitical tensions present challenges. Since 2022, the suspension of rail services has blocked direct train travel across Russia’s western borders, requiring travelers to make alternative arrangements.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/01/12/laos-china-railway-enables-record-breaking-journey-from-singapore-to-portugal/