Laos plans to fully reopen the country in May.

Recently, the Lao Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism discussed the planned full reopening of the country in May. The procedures for allowing tourists to enter will be similar to those before the Covid-19 pandemic, with the addition of a certificate of complete Covid-19 vaccination and a negative test result before entry to avoid quarantine.

Specifically, from May 15th, international tourists, including those from Vietnam, arriving in Laos must have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to entry, or provide a certificate proving recovery from COVID-19. All tourists, including children under 5 years old, do not need a PCR test before entering Laos. Those who have not been vaccinated are required to have a PCR test result within 72 hours and a rapid test upon arrival in Laos.

Upon arrival in Laos, travelers must take a rapid test, but the waiting time for results is no more than one hour. In case of a positive result, they must comply with the prescribed disease prevention measures. Those who have not been fully vaccinated, even with a negative result, must quarantine for 7 days.

Tourists must purchase health or life insurance with a minimum coverage of USD 10,000. In addition, they must comply with pandemic prevention regulations, including wearing masks in public, maintaining social distancing, and frequently washing hands with soap and hand sanitizer. They should also monitor their health and get tested immediately if they experience any symptoms of Covid-19. If they test positive, they must inform their accommodation so that the hotel can notify the local health department.

According to Ms. Phonepaserd Xayyamuongkhoun, Deputy Director of the Department of Infectious Disease Control, Ministry of Health of Laos, the number of Covid-19 cases in Laos has shown a sharp decline. This is due to the good cooperation of the people in implementing Covid-19 prevention and control measures; at the same time, the rate of people accessing Covid-19 vaccines is high. This is a positive sign for the second phase of the tourism reopening plan and towards the goal of a full reopening in the near future.

The decision to fully reopen is one of the policies aimed at attracting tourists to Laos, addressing national economic difficulties, creating jobs, and improving incomes for local people after they were severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Phuong Thao is an editor at Travellive magazine. She is passionate about traveling and enjoys capturing moments with her camera in every place she visits. Travel, art, and lifestyle are Phuong Thao's favorite writing topics.

Phuong Thao