Laos Reopens Borders for foreign tourists [UPDATED MARCH 2022]
In March, Laos allows fully vaccinated travelers of 30 countries on a pre-booked tour to enter with Lao “Travel Green Zone Plan”.
Laos’ latest policy to open tourism post Covid-19
Laos began reopening from January 2022 following the three phases “Laos Travel Green Zone Plan” post 2 years Covid-19 and now is currently the end of the first period. From that time, Laos only planned for 30 countries mainly in the European Union, USA and Asia to enter by air landing only Vietiane with some restrictions. Not only being fully vaccinated and had a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test result no more than 72 hours before arrival but also they must pre-book a tour via a local travel agent, install a mobile app`LaoStaySafe’, and test upon arrival at the airport then transfer to a ‘LaoSafe’ certified hotel and wait up to 48h for results from the PCR test. Children under 6 do not need to be vaccinated and do not make a PCR test on arrival.
Fortunately, from the 1st April Laos expands entry points, green zone areas and changes some green trail destinations. The amelioration of this solution is due to the second stage program, tourists are fully immunized with the Covid-19 vaccine and having negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test result no more than 72 hours before arrival can have more options of green zone areas for staying and visiting despite remaining the old requirements as the first phase.
NOTE: Open tourism policy will change day by day.
We will continue updating this news as details arise.
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3 phases “Lao Travel Green Zone Plan”
As mentioned, Laos has followed the three phases "Lao Travel Green Zone Plan". This is the overview of each period in Lao's reopening lastest solution for tourism
Phase | Countries Eligible | Entry Points | Green Zone Areas | Green Trail Areas |
1 (1 Jan 2022 – 31 Mar 2022)
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2 (1 Apr 2022 – 30 Jun 2022) |
to be determined |
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3 (1 Jul 2022 – Onwards) | Forthcoming information | Forthcoming information | Forthcoming information | Forthcoming information |
Document requirements for entering Laos [Update in March 2022]
- Passport
- Fully vaccinated with the last dose no less than 14 days and no more than 1 year before arrival at the airport in Laos.
- Health / Travel insurance with the coverage of at least $50,000 and must cover the treatment cost in case of being infected by Covid in Laos.
- Negative covid test by RT-PCR no more than 72 hours before arriving in Laos
- Tour package voucher
Scheme for entering Laos from March 2022
| Travelers positive with Covid - 19 | Travelers negative with Covid - 19 |
Registered tour | Book a tour via a travel agency | |
Testing | PCR test on arrival at airport: $65/person | |
Quarantine | Quarantine at ‘Lao Safe’ certified hotel and wait up to 48h for results from the PCR test | |
Quarantine and treatment at Health Facilities | Free explore Green Zones and Green Trails destinations | |
Vaccination | Full vaccinated with the last dose no less than 14 days before arrival | Full vaccinated with the last dose no less than 14 days before arrival |
Medical Insurance | Health/Travel insurance of no less than USD 50,000 | Health/Travel insurance of no less than USD 50,000 |
COVID-19 Tests Result Before Departure | Have negative RT-PCR test result issued within 72 hours before traveling | Have negative RT-PCR test result issued within 72 hours before traveling |
Hence, we can see that Laos steps by steps open tourism carefully to keep safe for both domestic and international travelers from epidemic. The solution is better and better which helps foreign visitors also can enter Laos easier.
Linh Pham
Image source: Internet