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 in effect until June 1. The following is a general summary of the regulations that may be of interest to U.S. Citizens:
- All borders will remain closed;
- Entry into Laos is granted only in very limited circumstances;
- All entrants will be subject to COVID-19 testing and a 14-day self-quarantine requirement at their own expense;
- All U.S. Citizens who wish to depart Laos must register at the U.S. Embassy. The Embassy will then formally request permission for departure from the Government of Laos.
In light of these new procedures, the Embassy urges U.S. Citizens who plan to depart Laos before June 1 to inform the Embassy at their earliest possible convenience so that we may assist you in requesting permission from the Government of Laos.
The full text of the announcement can be found here. (PDF 514 KB)
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 the website of 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
Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts.
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