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Laos hopes 1 million tourists after reopening to international tourists


Tapatusay Monument in Vientiane city center

Laos partially reopened its borders to international tourists on January 1, and at least 1 million fully vaccinated tourists are now expected to visit the country this year.

To ensure safety, the country’s Ministry of Tourism has designated “green tourism areas” and “green tourism trails” – certain destinations within Laos that can be visited. So far, the number of destinations has been limited to Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng districts and some travel routes until March 30, but will be increased in stages after that.

Popular tourist spots in Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng appear to be filled with activity by “thousands of Laotian and foreign tourists” following the opening of the Laos-China railway, Vientiane Times famous.

“Improving infrastructure and hotel quality”

To welcome the return of tourists, regional authorities have improved infrastructure, created new tourism products and took steps to regulate the prices of services and food. The paper wrote that the quality of hotels and guesthouses is being checked, and those deemed substandard will not be allowed to reopen.

People are also returning to Luang Prabang, especially on weekends, when most arrive by train. Tickets to the town are sold out every day, according to the Lao National News Agency.

Overall, the reopening of tourist destinations coupled with opportunities brought by new railways will further attract at least 1.9 million domestic tourists in 2022, Lao Deputy Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone told the National Assembly.

Entry Rules and Requirements

Currently, fully vaccinated tourists from 31 countries can enter Laos for tourism purposes.

These countries are: China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, Philippines, France, United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Norway, Switzerland, Finland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Poland, Denmark , Belgium, Israel, USA, Canada, South Korea, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

Entry requirements are very similar to Thailand’s previous “Test & Go” programmes:

  • Travellers must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 at least 14 days prior to arrival.
  • Negative RT-PCR test must be performed within the past 72 hours.
  • A health insurance policy with coverage of at least $50,000 is mandatory.
  • Travellers must download and register via the “LaoKYC” and “LaoStaySafe” mobile apps before arriving in the country, and upload their relevant vaccination certificates and Covid-19 test results.
  • Upon arrival, travelers must undergo a Covid-19 test and undergo a 24-hour quarantine at the hotel while awaiting results.
  • All visitors to Laos must book in advance travel allowed in one of the designated green tourist areas.
  • All tourists must enter the country at Vientiane International Airport or via the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge on the Nong Khai border. Additional entry points will be added later.
  • Everyone must follow standard health and safety requirements when traveling in Laos.
  • Services such as restaurants, hotels, guesthouses and coffee shops are currently allowed to operate, subject to strict social distancing instructions. Entertainment venues such as karaoke bars, casinos, gaming shops and nightclubs remain closed across the country.


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Like many news organizations, we are trying to survive in an age of reduced advertising and biased journalism. Our mission is to transcend today’s challenges and map the world of tomorrow through clear, reliable reporting.

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Tapatusay Monument in Vientiane city center Laos partially reopened its borders to international tourists on January 1, and at least 1 million fully vaccinated tourists are now expected to visit the country this year. To ensure safety, the country’s Ministry of Tourism has designated “green tourism areas” and “green tourism trails” – certain destinations within Laos that can be visited. So far, the number of destinations has been limited to Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng districts and some travel routes until March 30, but will increase in stages after that. Popular tourist attractions…

Tapatusay Monument in Vientiane city center

Laos partially reopened its borders to international tourists on January 1, and at least 1 million fully vaccinated tourists are now expected to visit the country this year.

To ensure safety, the country’s Ministry of Tourism has designated “green tourism areas” and “green tourism trails” – certain destinations within Laos that can be visited. So far, the number of destinations has been limited to Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng districts and some travel routes until March 30, but will be increased in stages after that.

Popular tourist spots in Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng appear to be filled with activity by “thousands of Laotian and foreign tourists” following the opening of the Laos-China railway, Vientiane Times famous.

“Improving infrastructure and hotel quality”

To welcome the return of tourists, regional authorities have improved infrastructure, created new tourism products and took steps to regulate the prices of services and food. The paper wrote that the quality of hotels and guesthouses is being checked and those deemed substandard will not be allowed to reopen.

People are also returning to Luang Prabang, especially on weekends, when most arrive by train. Tickets to the town are sold out every day, according to the Lao National News Agency.

Overall, the reopening of tourist destinations coupled with opportunities brought by new railways will further attract at least 1.9 million domestic tourists in 2022, Lao Deputy Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone told the National Assembly.

Entry Rules and Requirements

Currently, fully vaccinated tourists from 31 countries can enter Laos for tourism purposes.

These countries are: China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, Philippines, France, United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Norway, Switzerland, Finland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Poland, Denmark , Belgium, Israel, USA, Canada, South Korea, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

Entry requirements are very similar to Thailand’s previous “Test & Go” programmes:

  • Travellers must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 at least 14 days prior to arrival.
  • Negative RT-PCR test must be performed within the past 72 hours.
  • A health insurance policy with coverage of at least $50,000 is mandatory.
  • Travellers must download and register via the “LaoKYC” and “LaoStaySafe” mobile apps before arriving in the country, and upload their relevant vaccination certificates and Covid-19 test results.
  • Upon arrival, travelers must undergo a Covid-19 test and undergo a 24-hour quarantine at the hotel while awaiting results.
  • All visitors to Laos must book in advance travel allowed in one of the designated green tourist areas.
  • All tourists must enter the country at Vientiane International Airport or via the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge on the Nong Khai border. Additional entry points will be added later.
  • Everyone must follow standard health and safety requirements when traveling in Laos.
  • Services such as restaurants, hotels, guesthouses and coffee shops are currently allowed to operate, subject to strict social distancing instructions. Entertainment venues such as karaoke bars, casinos, gaming shops and nightclubs remain closed across the country.


Support ASEAN News

Investvine has been the unanimous voice of ASEAN news for over a decade. From breaking news to exclusive interviews with key ASEAN leaders, we bring you real and engaging coverage for free – the stories that matter.

Like many news organizations, we are trying to survive in an age of reduced advertising and biased journalism. Our mission is to transcend today’s challenges and map the world of tomorrow through clear, reliable reporting.

Support us now with a donation of your choice. Your contribution will help us understand important ASEAN stories, reach more people, and elevate the diverse voices of this dynamic and influential region.



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