Laos is set to reopen its borders for tourists starting January 2022. The reopening will take place in three phases, gradually allowing visitors from specific countries to enter. Fully vaccinated tourists will be required to meet certain conditions, including pre-booking tours and having medical insurance.

Laos Reopening Phases and Eligible Countries

Laos will reopen its borders in three phases starting from January 2022, allowing tourists from specific countries to enter. 

Phase 1: January 1 to March 30, 2022

• Tourists from 17 countries, including Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, South Korea, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, and Vietnam, can visit Laos during this phase.
  
  
• Visitors must meet Laos visa requirements and fulfill special COVID-19 measures.
  
  
• Laos plans to gradually add more countries of origin and destinations in subsequent phases.

Phase 2: April 1 to June 30, 2022

• Additional borders will open, including Luang Prabang International Airport, the Second Friendship Bridge in Savannakhet, the Third Friendship Bridge in Thakhek, and the Lao border with Vietnam in Savannakhet.
  
  
• More countries may be added to the list of eligible nations.

Phase 3: July 1, 2022, onwards

• Laos aims to further expand its reopening and potentially include tourists from more countries.

Conditions for Tourists Visiting Laos from January

Tourists visiting Laos will need to fulfill several conditions, these include:

Full Vaccination

• Proof of full vaccination is mandatory for foreign visitors, with the vaccine certificate uploaded to the LaoStaySafe mobile application.
  
  
• All required vaccine doses must be received at least 14 days before arrival.

Pre-Departure COVID-19 Test

• All international arrivals must present a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours before departure.
  
  
• The test result should be uploaded to the LaoStaySafe mobile application.

Arrival Testing and Quarantine

• Travelers will be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival and must quarantine for 24 hours until receiving a negative test result.

Pre-Booked Tour Requirement

• During the initial phases, foreign visitors must be booked on a tour in Laos, organized by tour companies registered with the Laos National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
  
  
• Tours will take place in designated Green Travel Zones.

Mandatory Medical Insurance

• Visitors must obtain medical insurance with a minimum coverage of USD 50,000.

Laos' Green Travel Zones and Green Travel Trails

• Green Travel Zones, such as Luang Prabang, Vientiane Capital, and Vang Vieng, have achieved a vaccination rate of at least 70% among the adult population.
  
  
• Green Travel Trails, including Oudomxay, Xayaboury, Xieng Khouang, Khammouane, and Champasak, are yet to reach the vaccination rate but are expected to become Green Travel Zones from April 2022.
  
  
• Residents in Green Travel Zones are now eligible for COVID-19 booster shots.

Laos Tourism Industry Health and Safety Measures

• The LaoSafe scheme sets health and hygiene standards for tourism businesses, including accommodation providers, restaurants, tourist attractions, and tour guides.
  
  
• LaoSafe certification is required for these establishments.
  
  
• At least 95% of staff in tourism establishments will be fully vaccinated.

Laos International Borders Open for Tourists

Laos will open its international borders for tourists starting January 2022. The reopening will occur in phases, allowing visitors from specific countries to enter gradually. 

Borders Opened in Phase 1

• Wattay International Airport (VTE)
  
  
• The First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge

Borders Opening in Phase 2

• Luang Prabang International Airport
  
  
• The Second Friendship Bridge in Savannakhet
  
  
• The Third Friendship Bridge in Thakhek
  
  
• Lao border with Vietnam in Savannakhet

Laos Tourism Industry Health and Safety Measures

Laos has implemented health and safety measures in its tourism industry to ensure the well-being of visitors. 

LaoSafe Scheme for Tourism Businesses

• LaoSafe scheme sets health and hygiene standards for tourism businesses
  
  
• LaoSafe certification is required for accommodation providers, restaurants, tourist attractions, and tour guides.
  
  
• At least 95% of staff in tourism establishments must be fully vaccinated.

Ongoing Review of Travel Restrictions

• Laos travel restrictions are subject to change with short notice.
  
  
• Measures will be continuously reviewed during the initial stages of reopening.