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 the measures in the May 29 announcement that may be of interest to U.S. Citizens:
- Public schools will continue to re-open, with all classes open by June 15;
- Some sport competitions are allowed, but without spectators;
- Night markets, restaurants with permits, and theatres may re-open but must observe standard social distancing and hygiene measures, including provision of a handwashing station;
- Nightclubs, karaoke venues, casinos, and game cafés remain closed;
- Most parties, celebrations, and private gatherings remain prohibited;
- Transportation of goods at international border points is permitted, but all borders remain closed to travel by the general public, with the exception of some individuals;
- Issuance of entry visas to individuals traveling or transiting countries with increasing COVID-19 infections remains suspended, with some exceptions.
Standard social distancing and hygiene measures remain in place. These include keeping one meter distance from one another, hand washing/use of sanitizer, wearing masks, monitoring body temperature, and proper disinfection of areas.
The full text of the announcement in English can be found here.
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
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