Laos reopens tourism in 2022 to initial list of countries

The tourism and hospitality sectors are ensured with health and hygiene certification 

At the Lao National Convention Center, the country announced it will reopen for tourism on 1 January 2022, reported The Laotian Times.  

According to the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism (MICT), the reopening will be implemented in three phases. 

The first phase (1 January to 30 March 2022) will allow tourists from an initial list of countries including China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore, and more. 

Tourists are required to be fully vaccinated no less than 14 days prior to arrival. Other conditions include a health insurance policy with coverage of no less than USD50,000, as well as a negative RT-PCR test taken within the last 72 hours. 

Under the reopening scheme, tourists will be authorised to travel within two zones, namely Green Travel Zones and Green Travel Trails. 

Green travel zones opened for visiting during Phase 1 are Vientiane Capital, Luang Prabang Province, and Vang Vieng District in Vientiane Province.  

Meanwhile, the five provinces approved for Green Travel Trails are Oudomxay, Xayaboury, Xieng Khouang, Khammouane, and Champasack. 

The Ministry of Health (MoH) also added that tourism-related establishments such as tourism sites, hotels, and restaurants in the zones must ensure that at least 95 percent of their staff are fully vaccinated. 

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All tourism establishments must also be certified with the LaoSafe certification, a health and hygiene program for the tourism and hospitality sector approved by MoH and MICT. 

Moreover, the Ministry has not yet provided information on requirements for Lao nationals or foreign residents returning to Laos.