Lao PDR has fully opened to international tourists since May 2022. COVID-19 tests are no longer required for vaccinated visitors while unvaccinated visitors must show negative ATK results taken within 48 hours prior to departure. Masks are still required in public spaces. Visitors can easily apply for an e-visa to Lao PDR (see the list of eligible countries here). The processing time is 3 working days provided that all information supplied by applicants meets the criteria and accepted by the Lao Government Authorities, otherwise the processing time could be longer.
In the first six months of 2022, Lao PDR welcomed 42,197 foreign nationals on tourist visas with the highest number of international arrivals in May and June after COVID-19 entry restrictions were lifted. Most of the international visitors came from Thailand, Vietnam and other ASEAN countries. This has generated total tourism revenues of approximately USD 4.55 million. Domestic tourism continued to soar with more than 600,000 Laotians traveling within the country, spending an average of USD 45 per person over 2.5 days. The government of Lao PDR targeted 900,000 foreign visitors in 2022, which is expected to generate more than USD 218 million in revenue.
The high-speed Laos-China railway connectivity has resulted in the surge of Thai tourists to Lao PDR cities, particularly the town of Luang Prabang – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since the second week of May and until the end of July, around 250,000 people have visited the country from Thailand. However, many issues with the Laos-China railway have been reported regarding poor management and operational unreadiness. The railway system only allows reservations up to 48 hours in advance, causing huge headaches for tour operators and individuals hoping to plan a trip, with only three tickets available for purchase per person. The Laos-China Railway Company recently promised to quickly improve its services and develop an online ticket reservation system.
At the end of August, the President of Lao Airlines State Enterprise – Mr. Khamla Phommavanh, visited Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to evaluate and discuss a potential increase in flights to the city. The President also met with the Managing Director of Vietjet Airlines to exchange perspectives on the restoration of regional aviation in light of the pandemic. Both airlines also discussed mutual cooperation in aircraft maintenance and the possibility of joint commercial marketing efforts to expand the network in the region.
Sources: Tourism Laos and The Laotian Times.
Photo by Ven. Bounhao Panyasouk
