May 5, 2020
Location: Laos
Event: Government of Laos Announces New Measures to Reduce Spread of COVID-19
On May 4, the Government of Laos (GOL) announced new enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. According to these new measures, U.S. Citizens who have a work permit or who have been granted permission from the GOL to work in Laos are required to present at the port of embarkation a Certificate of Entry into Laos issued by the Lao Embassy or Lao Consulate General in their country of departure. U.S. Citizens must also furnish a completed Declaration Form and Fit to Fly Health Certificate issued no more than 72 hours before traveling. Upon entry into Laos, U.S. Citizens will be required to take a COVID-19 test and spend 14 days in self-quarantine at a government-designated facility at their own expense. These measures will be in effect until at least May 17. Please direct questions about these new measures to the Lao Embassy or Lao Consulate General nearest you.
On May 1, the GOL announced that GOL offices and certain businesses will be allowed to operate again with preventative measures and limitations in place. Inter-provincial travel and large social gatherings remain prohibited. The new order will be in effect from May 4 to 17, 2020. Please see this link (PDF 156 KB) for the full text of the announcement.
Thailand Extends Ban on Incoming International Flights Until May 31
On April 27, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) announced the extension until May 31 of the ban on incoming international flights. You can find more information on the websites of the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand and the CAAT.
Extending Visas in Laos
According to the Lao Department of Immigration, U.S. Citizens seeking to extend visas that have expired due to unforeseen circumstances related to COVID-19 can do so at the Department of Immigration Office in Vientiane. U.S. Citizens outside Vientiane can request extension at provincial Public Security Offices. Extension can be requested in one-month increments, at a rate of 20,000 kip (around USD $2.50) per day of extension. Thus, one month of extension should cost around USD $75, plus a nominal administrative fee. Though not required, some Immigration Officers may request a letter from the U.S. Embassy in support of visa extension requests. The Embassy can provide such a letter if necessary; please direct requests to conslao@state.gov.
Actions to Take:
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
- For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Laos.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the U.S.
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Vientiane, Laos
+856 (0)21 487 000
conslao@state.gov
la.usembassy.gov - State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444 - Laos Country Information
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts.
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