Greetings from the U.S. Embassy in Vientiane!  This message is for all U.S. Citizens in the Luang Prabang area. On April 28, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., a Consular Officer will be available in the lobby at the Avani Luang Prabang Hotel to answer questions related to American Citizen Services offered at the U.S. Embassy in Vientiane.  All U.S. …

Effective August 31, 2021, under the authority of the previously announced lockdown, the Mayor of Vientiane Capital ordered increased COVID-19 restrictions and imposed a curfew in the nation’s capital.

Location: Laos Event:  U.S. citizens may directly return to the United States with certain expired U.S. passports. If your passport expired on or after January 1, 2020, you may be able to use your expired passport to return directly to the United States until December 31, 2021. You qualify for this exception if all the …

On May 20, the Government of Lao PDR extended the previously announced lockdown through Friday, June 4.  All previously announced restrictions remain in place (see our April 21 MASCOT message). The new order allows for government officials to impose increased movement restrictions in areas affected by COVID-19 and a relaxation of movement restrictions in areas of lowered concern.  …

On April 12, the Government of Laos announced updated regulations to reduce and contain the spread of COVID-19.  These regulations complement measures that the Government of Laos announced on July 29, 2020 and that the Embassy described in an August 5, 2020 travel alert.  The updated regulations will be in effect until April 30, 2021.  The …

The government of Laos’ Ministry of Health (MoH) released a note on April 1, 2021 inviting members of the public, in certain target groups, to register for COVID-19 vaccinations in Vientiane. The government is employing a phased approach that prioritizes health workers, people over 60, and people with underlying health conditions. Foreigners, including U.S. citizens, …

Effective January 26, all airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older must provide either a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three calendar days of travel or provide a positive test result and documentation from a licensed health care provider or public health official of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel. Passengers must also attest, under penalty of law, to having received a negative qualifying …

Commercial Flight from Vientiane to Bangkok on December 15   Private businesses are organizing a special flight from Vientiane to Bangkok, expected to depart 11:40h on Tuesday, December 15 and arrive in Bangkok at approximately 12:55 the same day.  Tickets are still available and cost USD$450 per adult (Taxes are included). Tickets for this flight can be reserved by contacting Oudomsin …

Commercial Flight from Vientiane to Bangkok on November 28 Private businesses are organizing a special flight from Vientiane to Bangkok, expected to depart 16:00h on November 28 and arrive in Bangkok at approximately 17:20 the same day.  Tickets are still available and cost USD$420 per adult. Tickets for this flight can be reserved by contacting All Time Travel Service at +856 …

Private businesses are organizing special flights from Vientiane (VTE) to Seoul (ICN), expected to depart 22:20 on November 14 & 19, and arrive in Seoul at approximately 05:10 the following day. A third flight is expected to depart 12:00 on November 25, and arrive in Seoul at approximately 18:40 the same day. Tickets are still available.  Tickets cost …

Private businesses are organizing a special flight from Vientiane to Kuala Lumpur, expected to depart 8:55 AM on November 15 and arrive in Kuala Lumpur at approximately 12:45 PM the same day.  Tickets are still available.  Tickets cost USD$490. Tickets for this flight can be reserved by contacting Oudomsin Travel at +856 (0)20 55 518 999 or +856 (0)20 55 511 …

Lao Airlines has organized a special flight from Vientiane (VTE) to Seoul (ICN), expected to depart 00:15 on Sunday, November 8, and arrive in Seoul at approximately 07:05 the same day.  Tickets are still available.  Tickets cost USD$750, or $210 /infant under 24 months (on lap). Tickets for this flight can be reserved by contacting travel agency TicketLao at  ticketlao@naver.com , via …

Lao Airlines has organized a special flight from Vientiane (VTE) to Seoul (ICN), expected to depart 00:15 on Tuesday, October 20, and arrive in Seoul at approximately 07:05 the same day.  Tickets are still available.  Tickets cost USD$750 adult/child under 12 years old, and $210 /infant under 24 months (on lap). Tickets for this flight can be reserved by contacting travel …

A private business, TicketLao, has organized a special Lao Airlines flight from Vientiane (VTE) to Seoul (ICN), expected to depart 00:15 on Sunday, October 11, and arrive in Seoul at approximately 07:05 the same day.  Tickets are still available.  Tickets cost USD$700/adult, $500/child under 12 years old, and $150/infant under 24 months (on lap). Tickets for this flight can be …

The private charter flight organized by Envoy from Vientiane to Frankfurt, originally scheduled to depart on September 30 and then rescheduled for October 1 has been canceled due to a lack of paid bookings.  Please direct any inquiries regarding this flight to Envoy as the Embassy does not have any additional information.   Voting from overseas …

The U.S. Embassy will host a Virtual Town Hall Meeting with Ambassador Peter Haymond at 4:00 p.m. on September 21.  The Ambassador will answer questions from the community and Embassy experts will be on hand to provide guidance on participating in the 2020 General Elections. Participation in the event is limited to 50 people and …

Envoy Air Services, a Dutch charter company, is arranging a flight from Laos. Interested U.S. Citizens can find more information  here . Please note that this flight is arranged by a private business; the Embassy makes no guarantee of quality of service or availability of tickets for U.S. citizens. The Embassy cannot answer questions about the …

Be an Active Voter by taking the necessary steps to vote in the 2020 U.S. elections and participating in Absentee Voting Week! U.S. citizens living overseas are entitled to vote absentee, and the U.S. Embassy in Vientiane can help you submit your ballot this November. If you have never voted while overseas before, it’s not …

Event:  Reconsider travel to Laos due to COVID-19.  Read the Department of State’s  COVID-19 page  before you plan any international travel.  Visit the Embassy’s  website  for more information on COVID-19 in Laos. Information for Voting in U.S. Elections for U.S. Citizens Abroad U.S. Embassy Vientiane is accepting absentee voter registration and ballots to mail to the United States. …

Event: Government of Laos Announces Updated Entry and Exit Regulations The Government of Laos announced new entry and exit regulations to reduce and contain the spread of COVID-19.  These regulations complement the measures that the Government of Laos announced on February 3 and July 29, 2020.  These regulations will be in effect until further notice.  The …

Event: Commercial Flight from Vientiane to Seoul on August 12; Consular Section Open for Limited American Citizen Services (ACS) Appointments; Presidential Proclamations Suspending Entry of Certain Foreign Nationals; Extending Visas in Laos.   Commercial Flight from Vientiane to Seoul on August 12   A private business, TicketLao, has organized a special Lao Airlines flight from Vientiane (VTE) to Seoul …

Event: Commercial Flight from Vientiane to Seoul on August 9; Consular Section Open for Limited American Citizen Services (ACS) Appointments; Presidential Proclamations Suspending Entry of Certain Foreign Nationals; Extending Visas in Laos. Commercial Flight from Vientiane to Seoul on August 9 A private business, TicketLao, has organized a special Lao Airlines flight from Vientiane (VTE) to Seoul (ICN), expected …

Health and Travel Alert:  U.S. Embassy Vientiane, Laos (July 17, 2020)   Event:  Survey of U.S. Citizen Interest in Chartered Flights; Information on Absentee Voting for U.S. Citizens; Phased Resumption of Visa Services; Extending Visas in Laos   Survey of U.S. Citizen Interest in Chartered Flights   A private travel agency, TicketLao, is exploring options to …

Health and Travel Alert:  U.S. Embassy Vientiane, Laos (July 9, 2020) Event: Commercial Flight from Vientiane to Seoul on July 18; Consular Section Open for Limited American Citizen Services (ACS) Appointments; Presidential Proclamations Suspending Entry of Certain Foreign Nationals; Extending Visas in Laos. Commercial Flight from Vientiane to Seoul on July 18 A private business, TicketLao, has organized …

Health and Travel Alert – U.S. Embassy Vientiane, Laos (June 24, 2020)   Event:  Survey of U.S. Citizen Interest in Chartered Flight   The July 5 Lao Airlines flight from Vientiane (VTE) to Seoul (ICN) referenced in the Embassy’s June 22 Health and Travel Alert is sold out.   The organizer, TicketLao, is exploring options to arrange additional flights from VTE to ICN in the …

Event:  Commercial Flight from Vientiane to Seoul on July 5 A private business, TicketLao, has organized a special Lao Airlines flight from Vientiane (VTE) to Seoul (ICN), expected to depart 00:15 on Sunday, July 5, and arrive in Seoul at approximately 07:05 the same day.  Tickets are still available.  Tickets cost USD$700/adult, $500/child under 12 years old, and $150/infant under 24 months (on …

U.S. Embassy Vientiane is accepting absentee voter registration and ballots to mail to the United States. All U.S. citizens can receive their blank ballots electronically. Depending on the state in which you are eligible to vote, you may get your ballot by email, fax, or internet download.

Health and Travel Alert – U.S. Embassy Vientiane, Laos (June 12, 2020)  Location:  Laos Private Charter Company Organizing Flight Envoy Air Services, a Dutch charter company, is arranging a flight from Laos.  Interested U.S. Citizens can find more information here .  There are still a few seats left; booking closes on June 13 at 18:00 Vientiane time. …

Location:  Laos Event: Government of Laos Announces Updated Entry and Exit Regulations On June 1, the Government of Laos announced new entry and exit regulations to reduce and contain the spread of COVID-19.  These regulations complement the measures that the Government of Laos announced on May 29 and that the Embassy described in a  June 1 Health and Travel Alert . These regulations will be in effect until June …

Location:  Laos Government of Laos Announces New Measures to Reduce Spread of COVID-19 On May 29, the Government of Laos announced new measures to reduce and contain the spread of COVID-19.  The measures, which will be in effect from June 2 to 30, 2020, relax some of the restrictions announced by the Government of Laos on May 15 .  The following is a general summary of …

Health and Travel Alert – U.S. Embassy Vientiane, Laos (May 28, 2020)   Location:  Laos   Event:  Thailand Extends Ban on Incoming International Flights Until June 30   On May 16, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) announced the extension until June 30 of the ban on incoming international flights.  You can find more information on …

May 21, 2020 Event:  Commercial Flight from Vientiane to Seoul on May 30 A private business, TicketLao, has organized a special Lao Airlines flight from Vientiane (VTE) to Seoul (ICN), expected to depart 00:15 on Saturday, May 30, and arrive in Seoul at approximately 07:05 the same day. Tickets are still available. Tickets cost USD$700/adult, USD$500/child …

Location:  Laos Event: Government of Laos Announces New Entry and Exit Regulations On May 15, the Government of Laos announced new entry and exit regulations to reduce and contain the spread of COVID-19.  These regulations complement the measures that the Government of Laos announced concurrently and that the Embassy described in a May 17 Travel Alert .  These regulations will be …

On May 16, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) announced the extension until June 30 of the ban on incoming international flights.  You can find more information on the website of the  CAAT . Government of Laos Announces New Measures to Reduce Spread of COVID-19  On May 15, the Government of Laos announced new measures to reduce and contain the spread of COVID-19.  These measures will be in …

Travel Alert and Travel Alert – U.S. Embassy Vientiane, Laos (May 17, 2020) Location:  Laos Event: Government of Laos Announces New Measures to Reduce Spread of COVID-19 On May 15, the Government of Laos announced new measures to reduce and contain the spread of COVID-19.  These measures will be in effect from May 18 to June 1, …

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 …

Location:  Laos Event: Government of Laos Announces New Measures to Reduce Spread of COVID-19 On May 1, the Government of Laos announced new enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.  Government offices and certain businesses will be allowed to operate again with preventative measures and limitations in place.  However, inter-provincial travel and large social gatherings remain prohibited.  …

Location:  Laos Event:  Ban on International Flights into Thailand, Commercial Flights Available to U.S. Citizens in Laos 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 …

Location:  Laos Event:  UPDATE: Commercial Flights Available to U.S. Citizens in Laos Domestic Commercial Flights Resume May 8 Lao Airlines announced that it would resume its domestic routes on Friday, May 8.  Passengers can start to reserve tickets starting May 4.  Tickets can be reserved by contacting Lao Airlines at +856 (0)21 510 040 or 1626. UPDATE: Commercial …

Location:  Laos Event:  Commercial Flight from Vientiane to Seoul A private business, TicketLao, has organized a special Lao Airlines flight from Vientiane (VTE) to Seoul (ICN), expected to depart 00:45 on Friday, May 8, and arrive in Seoul at approximately 07:00 the same day.  A number of tickets are still available.  Tickets cost USD$775/adult, USD$500/child under 12, and …

Safety and Security during Lao New Year     The Government of Laos has instituted checkpoints on many roads in Vientiane during the New Year (Pi Mai) holiday, and these travel restrictions will remain in place until May 3 by order of the Prime Minister.   The Embassy urges private U.S. Citizens to comply with law enforcement …

This message is to inform all U.S. Citizens who intend to depart Laos on the special chartered flight organized by the U.S. Department of State that the estimated departure time of the flight has changed.  It is now expected to depart at 5:30 a.m. tomorrow, April 12.  It is scheduled to arrive in San Francisco, CA at 7:00 p.m. on …

The Department of State has arranged a special chartered flight for U.S. citizens and U.S. Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs) currently expected to depart Vientiane around 5:00 p.m. this Saturday, April 11, for San Francisco, CA.  Exact departure time and routing are subject to change.   Please note that seats on this flight are limited, but …

Subject: Embassy Walk-In Hours to Assist with Completion of Form DS-5528 Evacuee Manifest and Promissory Note The Department of State has arranged a special chartered flight for U.S. citizens and U.S. Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs) currently expected to depart Vientiane around 5:00 p.m. on April 11 for San Francisco, CA.  Exact departure time and routing …

Location: Laos  Event: 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 …

Health and Travel Alert – U.S. Embassy Vientiane, Laos (April 3, 2020)   Location:Laos   Event: 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. …

Health and Travel Alert – U.S. Embassy Vientiane, Laos (April 2, 2020) April 2, 2020 Location: Laos Event: Closure of Private Hospitals and Clinics in Laos   On March 29 the Lao Prime Minister decreed that private hospitals and clinics in Laos will close in order to contain COVID 19.  The Lao Ministry of Health …

April 1, 2020 Location: Laos Event: Possible Evacuation Flights for United States Citizens The Department of State is preparing a potential evacuation flight with capacity for private U.S. citizens on a reimbursable basis, leaving Wattay International Airport in early April 2020, and proceeding to a destination in the United States TBD. Estimated cost per passenger …

Travel Alert – U.S. Embassy Vientiane, Laos (March 31, 2020)  Location:  Laos  Event:  Commercial flight from Vientiane to Seoul  A special Lao Airlines flight from Vientiane (VTE) to Seoul (ICN) will depart 00:15 on Friday, April 3, and arriving in Seoul at 07:30 the same day.  A number of tickets were still available as of this evening.  Tickets cost US$775/adult …

March 31, 2020 Location: Laos Event: Possible Evacuation Flights for United States Citizens The Department of State is preparing a potential evacuation flight with capacity for private U.S. citizens on a reimbursable basis, leaving Wattay International Airport in early April 2020, and proceeding to a destination in the United States TBD.  Estimated cost per passenger …

March 30, 2020 Location: Laos Event: Possible Evacuation Flights for United States Citizens The Department of State is preparing potential evacuation flights with capacity for private U.S. citizens on a reimbursable basis, leaving Wattay International Airport in early April 2020, and proceeding to a destination in the United States TBD. Estimated cost per passenger will …

Location: Laos Event: Stay-at-Home Decree and CDC Global COVID-19 Outbreak Notice On March 24, The Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Laos.  Stay-at-Home Decree On March 29, The Lao Prime Minister issued a decree instructing all people in Laos, both Lao and foreign, to stay indoors between March 30 and April 19, …

Location: Laos and China Event: On March 24, The Lao Ministry of Health confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Laos. On March 26, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) announced that as of 11:59 p.m. on March 27, it would temporarily suspend visa-free transit policies for foreign nationals, including U.S. Citizens.  Entry into the PRC by …

March 26, 2020 On March 26, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) announced that it would grant an exemption to the enhanced COVID-19 screening measures described in  the March 22 Travel Alert  to U.S. Citizen passengers transiting Thailand, provided transit time is no longer than 24 hours. In order to qualify for this exemption, travelers must also have a …

On March 24, the Embassy of Thailand in Vientiane announced enhanced measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.  All commercial flights between Vientiane and Bangkok will be discontinued after March 27 until further notice.  Thai Airways will operate one flight on March 25 and another on March 27.  U.S. Citizens interested in these flights should contact Thai Airways and consult …

March 22, 2020 Location: Laos Event:  On March 22, the Royal Thai Government (RTG) announced that all border checkpoints and crossings between Thailand and Laos, including Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge 1 at Nongkhai-Vientiane, will close effective 11:59 p.m. on March 22 until further notice.  Vehicles transporting goods with customs permits are still permitted to cross at some border …

Location:  Thailand and Laos Event:  Border Closures and COVID-19 Screening and Quarantine Measures in Thailand On March 20, the Royal Thai Government (RTG) announced the closure of land border entry points throughout Thailand, as well as a list of entry points that will remain open.  The following entry points on the Thailand-Laos border are still open: …

Location:  Laos Event:  There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in Laos. On March 14, the Department of State authorized the departure from any diplomatic or consular post in the world of US personnel and family members who have been medically determined to be at higher risk of a poor outcome if exposed to …

Location:  Laos Event:  On March 17, the Government of Laos declared that individuals not exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms entering Laos from a country without a common border with Laos but with more than 100 confirmed cases of COVID-19 are required to undertake 14 days of self-quarantine after entering Laos. Individuals not exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms who enter …

Location:  Laos Event:  There is an ongoing outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) first identified in Wuhan, China. The global public health threat posed by COVID-19 is high, with more than 80,000 reported cases worldwide. The government of Laos has implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. At present, these restrictions apply …

COVID-19 Information Last updated:  May 25, 2023 The CDC’s Order requiring proof of vaccination for non-U.S. citizen nonimmigrants to travel to the United States is no longer in effect.  For more information see Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers . Check the CDC website for additional information and  Frequently Asked Questions . Entry and Exit Requirements Are there COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens? …

U.S. Embassy Vientiane, Laos Do not travel to China due to novel coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, China.  On January 30, the World Health Organization determined the rapidly spreading outbreak constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.  Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance …

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Vientiane, Laos (January 25, 2020) Location:  Laos Event:  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a  Level 3 Travel Notice  recommending against all nonessential travel to Wuhan, China due to an ongoing outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus, which can be spread from person to person.  Symptoms of this illness …

Location: Laos Event: Heightened Middle East Tensions There is heightened tension in the Middle East that may result in security risks to U.S. citizens abroad.   The Embassy will continue to review the security situation and will provide additional information as needed.     Actions to Take:   Keep a low profile. Be aware of your surroundings. …

Location: Countrywide Event: Dengue is endemic throughout Southeast Asia, including Laos, and is a leading cause of febrile illness among travelers.  Risk of Dengue in Laos is present nationally and year-round.  Peak transmission occurs during warmer and wetter months, usually from May to October. Actions to Take: Visit the CDC’s website for health information on Dengue and on …