VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/ANN): The government has approved visa-free entry for tourists from certain countries, and has also increased the number of days that visitors from these countries can remain in Laos.
The move is aimed at attracting more tourists during the remainder of Visit Laos Year 2024, with the new rules to be in force from July 1 to December 31.
Chinese tourists, including those holding passports issued in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan and who are part of a package tour, will not be required to pay for a tourist visa if their stay in Laos does not exceed 15 days and do not need a visa sticker.
They must be part of a group led by a guide employed by a Lao tour company that is registered with the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.
Tourists who hold a Taiwanese passport will be issued with a visa confirmation (visa volant) as before, and do not need a visa sticker.
Tourists holding passports from Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom can apply for a multiple entry visa at the Lao embassy or consulate in their home country.
Visitors from these countries who apply for a visa at a land border crossing or obtain a visa online (e-visa) may enter Laos only once but can stay in the country for up to 60 days.
Those with passports from Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Austria, Belgium, Spain and Greece who intend to remain in Laos for not more than 15 days do not need a tourist visa or a visa sticker, but can enter Laos only once.
Thai nationals may enter Laos on a border pass or temporary border pass and can remain in Laos for up to 10 days, as opposed to the normal three days. They may travel to three adjoining provinces, must leave Laos at their point of entry, and must also use the services of a Lao tour company registered with the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.
The same conditions apply to Vietnamese nationals entering Laos on a border pass or temporary border pass in line with the 15-day stay bilateral agreement between Laos and Vietnam.
Lao tour companies leading visitors on trips in the country must be registered with the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism and must provide a list of guests’ names and the travel itinerary to immigration officials for approval.
Chinese nationals entering Laos on a border pass under the 10-day stay bilateral agreement between Laos and China can travel on the Laos-China Railway from Luang Namtha province to Vientiane, stopping off in Oudomxay, Luang Prabang and Vientiane provinces and the capital if desired.
They must exit Laos at their point of entry and must also use the services of a Lao tour company that is registered with the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism. - Vientiane Times/ANN
