The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued updated entry and exit guidelines to support the gradual return of Lao nationals and foreigners to the Lao PDR, which are valid until at least 30 June 2020.
Individuals who already have a valid entry visa may use it to enter Lao PDR. Those who do not have one should apply for a visa from a Lao embassy or consulate in their country of origin.
Representative offices of foreign diplomatic missions, international organisations and companies in Lao PDR wanting to bring in diplomats and foreign staff are required to submit a document detailing their intentions to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Taskforce Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control, Ministry of Health (“Taskforce”) for approval.
Individuals or legal entities wanting to bring in foreign investors to explore investment opportunities in Lao PDR also need to seek the approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Taskforce.
All incoming foreigners must be tested for Covid-19 and obtain a certificate indicating they have tested negative for the virus. This must be issued in the country from which they have departed and presented to authorities at the Lao border. The certificate must have been issued no less than 72 hours before the start of their journey.
Upon arrival at the Lao border, all incomers need to have their temperature checked and fill in a health declaration form. Anyone found to have Covid-19-like symptoms will be taken to a hospital where they will be isolated and tested for Covid-19.
People who have no symptoms are required to undergo a 14-day quarantine period at a hotel and provide samples for testing. After the 14-day quarantine period and testing negative for Covid-19, new arrivals will receive a certificate from health authorities enabling them to proceed to a place of residence and start work.
Foreigners wishing to depart Laos are required to submit an application to their embassy in Lao PDR. The embassy will then submit the application along with details of the departure plan and the applicant’s passport to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Please contact our team at enquiries@mpalawyers.com should you require any assistance in relation to entry and exit procedures and visa applications and processing.
