The Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism in Laos, Suanesavan Vignaketh, has announced temporary visa policy facilitations effective from July 1, 2024. These changes are designed to provide international visitors with more flexible travel and stay options.
Laos is taking strategic steps to boost its tourism sector. This year, the country launched the ambitious ‘Visit Laos 2024′ program to attract more international tourists in 2024 and 2025. The program highlights Laos’ unique culture, lifestyle, and business opportunities. In line with this, the country has also eased its visa policy for foreign tourists.
The Lao government’s proactive measures aim to revitalize and strengthen the tourism industry, a crucial part of the country’s economy.
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I. New Visa Policy Attracts European Countries
1. Laos Visa Exemption Countries Following New Visa Policy
Starting July 1, 2024, travelers from eight European countries can enter Laos without a visa. Passport holders from Austria, Spain, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Greece are now exempt from needing a visa for stays up to 15 days.
The Lao Ministry of Public Security introduced this policy to streamline the entry process and make Laos more appealing to European tourists.
Laos loosen visa policy for foreign travellers
2. Laos Extend Visa For Foreign Travellers
Moreover, the duration of stay for multiple-entry visas has been extended from 30 to 60 days. Citizens of 22 countries can apply for these multiple-entry visas through Laos’ diplomatic missions. However, if the visa is obtained on arrival or online, it will be a single-entry visa valid for up to 60 days. This updated visa policy applies to citizens from Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada, Russia, and several European countries, including Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK.
II. Laos Eases Entry Visa Policy To Attract Asia Travellers
Citizens of China, including those from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, can enjoy visa-free travel to Laos for up to 15 days if traveling in groups organized by officially registered and licensed travel agencies approved by the Laotian Ministry of Tourism. Taiwanese nationals, however, still need to obtain a visa upon arrival, which must be returned upon departure.
Most nationalities can acquire a 30-day tourist e-visa or Visa on Arrival. E-visas can be applied for online at the official e-visa website https://www.laoevisa.gov.la/index and are typically approved within three business days, allowing travelers to proceed directly to immigration upon arrival.
Alternatively, most nationalities can obtain a Visa on Arrival at key border checkpoints, including Laos’ international airports. These visas are issued on the spot and valid for stays of up to 30 days without prior authorization.
Source: Lux Travel DMC
Tourists from Thailand with documents such as a “Border Pass” or “Temporary Border Pass” can now stay in Laos for up to 10 days, an increase from the previous maximum of 3 days. Similarly, Vietnamese citizens with comparable documents can stay for up to 15 days. Additionally, tourists from these countries arriving through approved travel agencies can visit three neighboring provinces near their original point of arrival but must exit through the same border crossing they entered.
These visa policy changes reflect Laos’ efforts to solidify its status as a desirable tourist destination. Tourism significantly contributes to the country’s economic growth, and the authorities anticipate a substantial increase in visitors due to these adjustments.
For full guidelines and lists of eligible nationalities, visit the official government website https://www.laoevisa.gov.la/index.
III. Plan a Trip to Laos with Lux Travel DMC
Planning a trip to Laos and Indochina? Connect with Lux Travel DMC’s travel experts for free advice on Laos visas and tours! Lux Travel DMC provides custom-made tour itineraries tailored to your specific needs, premium services that cater to your every requirement, and unique cultural insights and experiences from our seasoned guides.
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