As part of its ambitiousVisit Laos 2024"Laos recently announced a significant easing of its visa policyaimed at attracting more international tourists. This initiative is part of a wider strategy to revitalizing the tourism industry essential to the country's economy.
A strategic effort to boost tourism
In response to the need for relaunch its tourism sectorseverely affected by the global pandemic, Laos has launched several attractive reforms under its "Visit Laos 2024". These measures, active since last July 1These include visa facilitation to encourage foreign visitors to discover the country's cultural and natural riches.
Visa exemptions for Chinese tourists
From now on, Chinese tourists traveling in groups organized by registered agencies can benefit from a visa exemption for stays of up to 15 days. This measure also includes citizens of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan.
- Tourist groups must be supervised by qualified officially recognized agencies by the Lao Ministry of Tourism.
- The exemption applies only to stays not exceeding 15 days.
- For longer stays, a visa must be requested on arrival or onlinevalid for a single 60-day entry.
Extended stays for certain European countries
Citizens of eight European countries can now benefit from thevisa exemption during their first 15-day visit to Laos. This change concerns :
- Denmark
- Norway
- Finland
- Suede
- Austria
- Belgium
- Spain
- Greece
These facilities are designed to make Laos even more attractive to Europeans, thereby building loyalty among those discovering the country for the first time, potential ambassadors for future visitors.
Visa extensions for other nationalities
Multiple entry visas for Australia, New Zealand and other countries
Laos has also created the multiple-entry visas for tourists from Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Russia and the UK. The initial 30-day single-entry visa period is now extended to 60 days.
This allows tourists to explore the various regions of Laos in greater depth, stimulating the local economy through longer stays.
Thai tourist groups
Laos is continuing to open up, and is also improving conditions for its immediate neighbors. Thai tourists in groups with temporary passports or border passes are allowed to stay for up to 10 days, compared with 3 previously. They also have access to three adjacent provinces from their point of entry.
Visit Laos 2024" objectives
The "Visit Laos 2024" program not only highlights the potential of tourism, but also aims to promote Laos as a tourist destination.local entrepreneurship and the main cultural wealth of Laos. The government is counting on these initiatives to strengthen the country's global profile as a destination of choice for travellers in search of authentic discovery.
By promoting a policy of openness and simplified entry procedures, Laos hopes to attract over 4.6 million foreign tourists this year, generating around $1.3 billion in tourism revenues. The 35 % increase already recorded in international arrivals between January and April suggests a promising future for the sector.
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