The advent of COVID meant that a number of restrictions had to be put in place. However, a recently published note now allows passengers to land in Laos without a PCR test. Here's what you need to know about the new provisions for travelling to Laos.
What does Laos require of passengers in relation to COVID?
This nation of Southeast Asia reopened its borders to international visitors and dropped all testing requirements for fully vaccinated travelers. It has also reinstated its visa-on-arrival and visa-on-demand programs. electronic visaNot to mention the removal of all restrictions on travel zones across the country.
This initiative was welcomed by Asia's specialist operator Inside Travel Group. Indeed, its spokesperson James Mundy called the update an excellent decision for the country as well as for travel and Southeast Asia in general. He points out that this area of the continent is back on the map for adventurous holidaymakers.
In addition, the Laos Embassy in Paris has confirmed to Rapide Visa that Laos' borders are reopening to international tourists. This applies regardless of Covid's vaccination status. As a reminder Laos was often neglected (for its neighbors Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand). This decision, including the elimination of most tests and Covid travel restrictions aims to attract tourists to the country.
What are the requirements for travelling to Laos?
Visitors who are fully vaccinated are not required to undergo screening tests before departure or on arrival. To enter Laos, in addition to a passport and visa, those in need of vaccinations must present a EU vaccination certificate with complete vaccination schedule. A booster dose is not necessarily required.
In the case of non-vaccinated persons, they must present a valid negative antigen test less than 48 hours old before departure. However, the Laotian government has taken a number of decisions to regulate border crossings. The first is that passengers requiring a visa must submit their application to an agency acting as a Laotian representation abroad. They can also do so on arrival at border post in Laos.
Passengers aged 12 or over who do not have a complete vaccination schedule must present the result of an ATK rapid antigen test. The test must have been performed less than 48 hours before departure. Passengers with a complete vaccination schedule are not required to present the result of a COVID-19 test. The tests RT-PCR on arrival in Laos have also been abolished.
It should be noted that all these agreements take effect from May 9, 2022. A number of rules have also been laid down for staying in Laos. For example foreign travelers must agree to cover hospitalization and quarantine costs if they contact COVID-19 during their stay. Entertainment venues, bars and karaoke bars are also allowed to reopen.
Laos has therefore lifted most restrictions and is therefore fully prepared to welcome foreign and international tourists.
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