- Also see: Southeast Asia Travel COVID-19 Overview
- Also see: South America Travel COVID-19 Overview
LATEST LAOS COVID-19 NEWS:
- 21st June 2022 – Flights Resume Between Laos and Thailand operating between Luang Prabang and Bangkok. Source.
- 9th May 2022 – Laos fully reopens to international tourists. Land borders have also reopened. Source.
- 8th May 2022 – Laos decides to drop entry testing for fully vaccinated international tourists. Source.
Disclaimer: COVID-19 travel restrictions are changing every day and the following information reflects South East Asia’s Backpacker’s understanding of the current rules for entry. While we update this article regularly to ensure the information is as current as it can be, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.
Laos Travel Restrictions
Can you travel to Laos right now?
Yes, Laos has now reopened to international travellers.
Vaccinated travellers:
Vaccinated travellers can travel to Laos quarantine and test free.
Unvaccinated travellers:
Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travellers will need to adhere to testing requirements. There is no longer a quarantine in place.
Please see here for Laos’ list of recognised vaccines.
Entry Requirements
Before you enter Laos, you will need:
Required Entry Documents
- Certificate of vaccination (if fully vaccinated)
- VOA, visa exemptions and E-visas now available
- Required ATK test result (see below) if unvaccinated or partially vaccinated
Insurance
Travel insurance is always recommended for travellers, however, there is no longer a COVID-19 requirement. If you contract the virus, you will be expected to pay for your own treatment.
SafetyWing is the travel insurance of choice for scores of backpackers!
- Subscription style insurance
- Offers COVID-19 cover
- Available after your trip has started
COVID-19 Tests Required
- You will be required to take an ATK COVID-19 test within 48 hours of leaving your own country. This only applies to unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travellers.
Partially vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers over the age of 12 will need to provide proof of a negative test result taken no earlier than 48 hours before their departure. Source.
Upon Arrival
Quarantine Period
There is no longer a quarantine period in place for international travellers. However, those suspected of having COVID-19 will be sent to a hospital in Vientiane for a mandatory quarantine period. You may not be able to leave the country during this time.
Local COVID-19 Rules and Regulations
The rules and regulations below are only meant to serve as a guide and the situation is prone to change rapidly without warning. For more information on local rules and restrictions visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lao PDR.
- FACE COVERINGS – Recommended for all. Also see: Best face masks for travel.
- SOCIAL DISTANCING – 1m social distancing in place.
- CURFEWS – Curfews can be introduced without notice. Keep an eye on local media.
- PUBLIC TRANSPORT – Masks advisable.
- VENUES AND GATHERINGS – COVID-19 preventative measures are in place in venues. You should carry proof of your vaccination status at all times.
- MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE – Travel restrictions in Laos have ended for fully vaccinated travellers.
Land Borders
All border crossings are now open. If you want to travel to Thailand via land, you will need to apply for permission here.
Resources:
- Laos in the time of COVID (Facebook group)
- UK Foreign Advice to Laos
- US Embassy of Laos
- OSAC Travel Advisories
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lao PDR
- The Humanitarian Data Exchange
Nikki Scott | Founder & Editor
Nikki is the founding editor of South East Asia Backpacker and The Backpacker Network. In her early twenties, she left her home in the North of England on a solo backpacking adventure and never returned! After six months on the road, she founded a print magazine that became legendary on the Banana Pancake Trail. The rest is history.
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Are people in Laos able to fly to the US right now?
Hi Kim! You can find the latest info here: https://la.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/
I’d like to travel to Laos as soon as possible. What are the options to getting a Visa for Laos at the moment?
-Kevin
Hi Kevin!
At present, visas on arrival are still suspended. However, depending on where you are from, you may be able to enter on Laos’ Green Travel Scheme. See this website for more details: laogreenpass.gov.la. Here you can register for a QR code. You will then need to apply for permission to enter from the appropriate ministry.
Hi, I heard that the govenment has update new guildlines for traveler to laos, if it is for sure, could you please update it so we know about it.
I like you to update the restriction in laos daily or weekly, so those who like to travel to Laos can be prepare to come to Laos when it lift restrictions. Please updates for outside travelers.
Hi Lobert, we update these restrictions guides every week and also add in news as we see it. It can be very difficult to keep up with all of the changes! Please check the website regularly for the latest updates. Alternatively, you can ask questions in our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SEABackpackerCommunity
Hello Sheree,
Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. I’m still a little confused; but if the latest requirement is a 7-day quarantine as opposed to double that, that’s great. (Even better is that now you’re now saying a person can self-quarantine in one’s residence). Cheers
Hello Nicki,
I’m an expat having lived in Vientiane for four years. I currently have a work visa and proof of a studio apartment. If I were to make a mostly medical trip to Cambodia for a week, is there some lenience on the quarantine and other requirements upon returning to Laos? And if not, I’m a little confused by the information above. The first main part talks about a 14-day quarantine, and yet further down, in the section called “On Arrival” (quarantine period), it says seven days. Lastly, upon arrival, would I be allowed to go my apartment and retrieve some items before starting the quarantine? Thanks for any help you can give me. Cheers, Eric
The current quarantine duration is 7 days for travellers. To my knowledge, the only exception to this is for business travel. I am not sure that a medical trip would qualify for any reduction in quarantine. According to the gov.uk website, ‘all negative cases have to complete 48 hours quarantine at designated locations and after a negative result, complete 7 days isolation at their own residence (with all expenses covered by individuals or their organisations/companies).’
I like to travel to Laos to visit my family in Vietiane. but I like to processes my visa in Thailand before going to Laos. Can we do all process steps in Thailand of Laos Embassy. I like to travel on April the 8th. Please let me know if i could do all my papers and visa in Thailand before going to Laos?
Hi Lobert,
I’d recommend asking the embassy to get clarification on this. You can also ask the question in our Facebook community to see whether anyone else has a similar experience. https://www.facebook.com/groups/SEABackpackerCommunity