COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Laos (26 March Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and residents are allowed to enter. Laos nationals intending to return to Laos must register with the embassy or the consulate in the country of their residence.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• No with exceptions

• Most foreign citizens are not allowed to enter.

• Foreign nationals involved in essential projects, experts, and technicians may obtain permission from the authorities to enter Laos.

• Chinese citizens from COVID-free provinces will now be permitted to enter Laos through fast-track entry.

Is a test required on arrival?

• Yes

• All travellers will undergo a COVID-19 test on arrival at their own expanse. Anyone testing positive will be admitted to the hospital.

Test certificate required?

• Yes

• Travellers must carry a medical certificate for a negative RT-PCR test for COVID-19 issued within 72 hours before departure from the embarkation point.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes with exceptions

• All travellers arriving in Laos will be required to quarantine for 14 days at a designated location at their own expense. Anyone with a positive COVID test result will be admitted to medical facilities. During quarantine, travellers need to wear a tracking device (rental fees apply)

Entry form required?

• Yes

• All foreigners must present a Certificate of Entry (issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs), a completed Health Declaration form, and a ‘Fit to Fly’ certificate issued no more than 72 hours prior to travel. The application form for the health declaration is available on the official website here.

Is a vaccination required?

• No

• A vaccination for COVID-19 is not required for entry into the country.

Insurance required?

• Yes

• Travellers need to purchase or provide proof of medical insurance coverage for COVID-19 treatment and other related expenses.

Airline restrictions

• Significant

• Some domestic flights are operating.

• All international flights to and from Laos remain suspended with the exception of sporadic international flights (often to Seoul, South Korea) and weekly UN humanitarian flights (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia).

Border restrictions

• Significant

• Entry to Laos is allowed only in very limited exceptional cases. Lao authorities may consider granting special entry permission for foreigners (experts, technicians and foreign nationals that are needed for essential projects).

• The government of the Lao PDR has suspended the visa on arrival service at all international entry points, and no visas are being issued to people travelling from a country with COVID-19

• Most land border crossings and airports will remain closed until further notice, except for cargo and those with authorization from the government.

• The Thai government has announced that all Thailand-Laos border crossings are closed until further notice, including the Friendship Bridge between Vientiane and Nong Khai. Only commercial goods can cross. There may be exemptions for medical emergencies.

Curfew restrictions

• Moderate

• The Boten special economic zone and Pheung District are under lockdown.

Social distancing restrictions

• Moderate

• A physical distance of one meter must be maintained.

• Domestic tourism has resumed.

Internal travel restrictions

• Moderate

• There are no national travel restrictions within Laos.

• Taxis and public transportation are operating. Individuals must wear a face mask on public transport.

• When moving from one place to another, temperature checks may be carried out in some locations.

• On 4 December a local travel restriction was introduced on entering or leaving Luang Namtha Province. Check with local authorities before travelling to that area, and confirm any internal flights with the airline.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• Shops, department stores, fish and meat markets, supermarkets, shopping malls, shops (both wholesale and retail), car care centres, ice factories, water factories, and coffee shops are open.

• Night markets are open.

Accommodations open?

• Yes

• Hotels and private rental accommodations are open.

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• Restaurants are open.

Bars and cafes open?

• No with exceptions

• Some venues where the 1-meter social distancing rule cannot be applied, such as karaoke and nightclubs, remain closed.

*Personal care services open? *

• Yes

• Beauty salons are open.

Events allowed?

• Yes

• Events such as weddings, festivals, and cultural or social events are allowed with strict guidelines and social distancing measures.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• Wearing a face mask is mandatory in public.

Other

• Entertainment venues have reopened.

• Training classes, meetings, etc. are allowed to take place with reduced numbers of participants and strict social distancing protocols.

• Private sector businesses and government agencies are open.

• Schools and universities are open.

• Sports activities and competitions have resumed without spectators.

• Physical exercise and fitness activities like jogging, running, biking, aerobics, golf in outdoor spaces are allowed.

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. This information is subject to change as the situation evolves. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Some countries are beginning to remove some restrictions gradually. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country's embassy for information on your specific travel plans.