Visit Laos
Visit Laos and enjoy this surprisingly beautiful country
Laos Supplement
Exchange Rate guide: 30 June 24 = 22048 Lao Kip for One US$
Use the ex-rate calculator in the sidebar
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New entry requirements for Laos
3 July 24: Further on this, I read that this temporary arrangement will permit those of many different nationalities to stay for 60 days instead of the usual 30. For those doing a border run, this additional time will be of little interest. However, it’s there for the taking for those who wish to travel far and wide in Laos, in what is in fact a really beautiful country.
Looks as though Laos are gearing up for some major changes for next year. Any guesses?
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30 June 24: A temporary arrangement will be in place from 1st July 24 to the end of the year, for tourist visas.
All visitors should make sure that they have suitable photos, documents, and the correct fee in US$. Looks like the fee will be between $30 and $45 depending upon the passport holder’s nationality. Furthermore, I would imagine that those entering from Thailand over the bridge at Nong Khai will still be able to use Thai Baht for the Visa on arrival (VOA) service. However, I suggest that you take US$ bills just in case, and they must be in very good condition.
Apart from applying at an embassy or consulate, use the eVisa facility at this link: https://www.laoevisa.gov.la/index In general, those with an eVisa will pass through immigration faster than those who do not.
As always, it is essential to check requirements before you travel, and not leave it to the last minute.
We would be interested to hear from anyone with firsthand experience of this new entry arrangement.
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Next Holidays in Laos
Saturday 20 July, Laos Womens Unions day. The following Monday is a Public Holiday
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Visit Laos
September 2023: Almost everyone requires a visa to visit Laos. Many nationalities can apply online or obtain a visa on arrival. It is, however, wise to check with your nearest Laos Embassy or Consulate for the latest conditions and fees. In general, there is a form to complete and you may require 2 recent photos with a white background. Furthermore, Fees are usually payable in US dollars and here in Phnom Penh, they will not accept $100 notes. Moreover, because regulations can change, always check before you travel. It is worth noting that not all Laotian cross-border controls, have visa-on-arrival facilities, and some are open, only for local traders etc.
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21 November 23: Lao Kip update
Many shops & restaurants, etc. accept US Dollars & other major currencies & in Vientiane, I have used Thai Baht without any problems, even coins to purchase a newspaper. However, because exchanging Lao Kip (LAK) outside the country can prove difficult, exchange your Kips into an “international” currency before leaving. Use your surplus Kip in shops just before you leave the country.
Remember too, that ATMs will payout in Kip, so you might end up with many banknotes. The exchange rate at 20631 to the dollar(21 Nov. 23) produces 2063100 Kip for your $100. The largest denomination Laos banknote is 100000 Kip. Planning, therefore, might avoid you having wads of Kip banknotes, as souvenirs from your visit to Lao.
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May 2023: Now that COVID is becoming history, I am hoping to be out and about visiting Laos from my home in Phnom Penh, and will therefore be able to update this page. Furthermore, thanks to everyone for your patience.
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Visit Laos
Patuxay Monument renovation, Vientiane
Visitors to Vientiane: Please note that the Patuxay Monument will be closed from the 1st of June 2023, for essential maintenance. There may also be restricted access to the surrounding gardens in connection with the Asean Summit, early next year,. Furthermore, the work is expected to be completed by the end of August.
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Visit Laos in 2022 and prior to Covid
The following pages, pre-covid, are being left for interest and reference only
Forged Thai bank notes
30 Oct. 22: Should you be visiting Thailand, be aware that there are fake banknotes in circulation. Also, should you be changing money in Laos, to Thai Baht, please refer to the Bank of Thailand’s advice and information at the following link:
https://www.bot.or.th/English/Banknotes/Pages/identify.aspx
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Visit Laos
11 August 2022 IMPORTANT: The majority of countries ‘visa entitlement and related entry issues, including health and insurance, are under constant review. Therefore, make quite sure that you have complied with all the requirements, and assume nothing, prior to making any travel arrangements.
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Laos Visa online: https://laoevisa.gov.la/index
The Laotian Embassy for visas is at 15-17 Mao Tse Toung Blvd. Phnom Penh. Tel: 023997931
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Visit Laos
6 July 2022: The Foreign Office, London, have the following advice:
Safety and security, Crime
The local equivalent to the UK ‘999’ emergency lines are 1190 for fire, 1195 for ambulance, and for police: 1191, 241162, 241163, 241164, and 212703. The Tourist Police can be contacted in Vientiane at 021-251-128.
Petty crime can occur, especially in tourist areas and outside banks after customers have withdrawn money. For those withdrawing money from ATMs or across the counter, be aware of who may be watching. Try to have someone with you and avoid carrying passport, debit and credit cards, and cash in the same bag, to prevent a total loss. There has been an increase in reports of random bag snatches in 2020, many being carried out by people on motorcycles. Take sensible precautions, hold your bags on the side away from the road, and do not have valuables on display.
However, be vigilant and keep that phone out of sight
Visit Laos
Safes provided in hotels and guesthouses aren’t necessarily secure. Consider using your own lock where possible. Take care of your possessions if you’re traveling long distances, or overnight, by public transport. Be particularly vigilant traveling at night by bicycle or motorcycle, especially if alone. Stick to well-used, well-lit roads and carry a personal alarm if possible. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid unlit roads, especially if you’re alone.
Do not leave your passport as a deposit or guarantee when hiring motorcycles. There have been reports of rental companies arranging for rented motorcycles to be deliberately stolen or damaged, resulting in the retention of the passport and payment of a heavy fine. Always make sure your travel insurance covers medical and other costs associated with motorcycle rental and accidents.
Be wise before the event
Local law enforcement responses to crimes, even violent crimes, are often limited. Foreigners attempting to report crimes have reported finding police stations closed, emergency telephone numbers unanswered, or police lacking transportation or authorisation to investigate crimes, that occur at night.
Visit the FCO at the following link for additional advice
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/laos/safety-and-security
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Visit Laos
Some timely advice from Fuzzyken
Updated 19 August 22: Be prepared, even if you are a seasoned traveler or perhaps first time getting on a bus.
As COVID-19 appears to be under control & infection rates have dropped, countries in this region are opening up for visitors. Moreover, following the resumption of international flights, many land crossings have opened between Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand, making travel in this region far easier.
Restrictions
However, and inevitably, some restrictions remain, making it vital to check entry & other requirements well in advance of your intended travel. Be aware too, that some land border crossings may not have visa on arrival, VOA, facilities, and some may only be open for limited hours. Moreover, some crossings may be restricted to local people and/or traders.
Nevertheless, check with your local Thai, Cambodian, and/or Laos embassy for travel advice issued by your own government. UK passport holders should check travel advisories issued by the Foreign Office in London, for all the countries you intend visiting or transiting.
Check your passport
Important, check before travel, that your passport is in good condition & has at least six months validity and enough blank pages for visas. Most visas take a whole page. You will not get a visa that expires beyond that of your passport. If you have any doubts, get a replacement before travel. Consider also, getting replacement credit/debit cards if yours are close to expiry. Obtaining replacements, when overseas, can be extremely tiresome and far from easy.
Check this website for further hints & tips including advice on travel insurance, health issues, vaccinations & not just COVID-19, plus various money matters.
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Thank you for arriving at our Visit Laos website page.
This Guide is reviewed & amended frequently, using information from different sources. However, because land crossings may be closed, it is difficult to get around the region as much as we would like. That being the case, we’re happy to hear from anyone who would like to contribute ideas & updates, to improve the overall content.
The emergency helpline for Covid 19 in Laos is 166
Visiting Laos for holidays & business: Keep up-to-date on travel restrictions and all virus measures. Your embassy, however, should be able to help. Moreover, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Vientiane will have the latest information at the following link. http://www.mofa.gov.la/index.php/statements/notices/3997-travel-advisory-for-entry-to-the-lao-pdr-during-the-implementation-of-measures-to-prevent,-control-and-respond-to-covid-19-pandamic
News Updates
12 Oct. 22: Looks like the Lao/China Railway are developing the Nong Khai-Tanalang service ahead of the proposed new bridge. Testing the water, so to speak. Certainly, good news whatever way you look at it. The Friendship Bridge was opened back in 1994, but it was some 14 years later in 2008/9, that the rail line was extended from the mid-point of the bridge, through to Tanalang.
The Laotian Times has an interesting article at this link: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/10/12/laos-thailand-meet-to-discuss-railway-project-connecting-vientiane-and-nong-khai/
23 Sept. 22: Looks like some common sense regarding the Lao/China Railway. There is a proposal for a 4 track bridge to be constructed parallel to the Nong Khai Friendship bridge. This will be for freight only, with a connection to the freight depot at Tanalang, in Laos. No idea when construction might begin but The Laotian Times has some details at this link: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/09/22/laos-thailand-and-china-plan-to-construct-new-railway-bridge-for-freight/
Visit Laos
15 Sept. 22: Traveling by train in Laos
The Laos-China Railway Company announced earlier this week, that all those purchasing tickets must present ID. Foreigners must show their passport. It would appear that, additionally, ID is required for anyone entering stations, whether traveling or not. The Laotian Times has the details at this link: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/09/13/laos-china-railway-requests-real-names-on-train-tickets/
We understand that there is now a charge to use parking facilities at the station in Vientiane
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The Laotian Embassy for visas is at 15-17 Mao Tse Toung Blvd. Phnom Penh. Tel: 023997931
Laos Visa online: https://laoevisa.gov.la/index
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28 August 2022: Bus services between Udon Thani and Vientiane Bus stations are operating again. Same as pre-Covid, a Laos visa is required to use the service to Laos. Moreover, it would appear that a Thai visa is not required for the return service to Udon. However, sensible to check entry requirements for both countries and be aware that you may need to show proof of Covid vaccination, in either direction.
Moreover, hearing from anyone who has used this service during the last month or so, would be very much appreciated.
Laos visa fees
22 June 2022: The Laos Embassy here in Phnom Penh advise that, with some exceptions, the tourist visa is currently $40. They checked my passport and said nothing was required apart from a photo and fee. Three working days to process. I am a UK citizen, but appears to apply to almost all nationalities. However, sensible to check the situation, including evidence of vaccination, well in advance. Be aware too, that according to a notice at the visa office, they do not accept 100 dollar bills.
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20 June 22: Hey big spender!
Those going to or living in Laos should note that the Laos government is now imposing limits on exchanging money to 15 million Kip per day. Moreover, this is about $1000 or 35000 Baht. Read more at this article in the Laotian Times: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/06/20/bank-of-laos-limits-daily-foreign-exchange-transactions/
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International bus services
31 May 2022: Long-awaited, long-distance bus services between Thailand, Cambodia and Laos.
The resumption of international bus services, expected soon, will be a real boon to the traveling public, apart from benefiting the countries involved. However, as this will obviously involve crossing international borders, will the bus companies be required to check passengers’ documents as they purchase their tickets? Or will a check be made as passenger’s board? Perhaps more likely, it will be left entirely up to the passengers.
Nonetheless, it is obvious that all concerned must have a clear understanding of exactly what is required, to avoid travelers being stranded at borders and bus services being delayed. The traveling public and bus companies have a right to know what is expected of them.
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Laos visa update
25 May 22: It has been announced that visa-on-arrival (VOA) facilities are now available at all entry points. Alternatively, get an eVisa online.
New fee is $40 for all nationalities. However, Chinese and Vietnamese nationals will pay $20.
Make sure that your dollar banknotes are in very good condition and that your passport has at least one blank page for the visa.
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9 May 22: Laos borders have opened. Here is the latest entry advice from the UK Foreign Office in London: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel…/laos/entry-requirements
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30 March 22: It would appear that due to the spread of the Omicron virus, there will be some schedule changes to rail services in Laos. Obviously, therefore, travelers are advised to check at their intended departure station for details.
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30 March 22: Due to Omicron, the authorities have warned that the Laos New Year celebrations in April, may have to be revised, and possibly canceled. The matter is under review and we shall await further formal notice from the authorities.
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Lao New Year
25 March 22, Laos New Year: It has been announced that the new year will be celebrated on 13 April. As predicted, it will be a somewhat watered-down affair, forgive the pun, with an emphasis on traditional activities at Buddhist Wats, instead of water being propelled at all and sundry. I’m sure that more details will be announced, in due course.
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3 March 22 As Part of the new entry arrangements, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Vientiane has introduced an online portal for foreign residents and Laotians living overseas to apply for a visa online. Those eligible can register at the following site: www.laogreenpass.gov.la
March 2022
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23 February 22 It has been announced that “conventional” rail services are now available in Laos, to compliment the high speed services. The Laotian times has the details at this link:
https://laotiantimes.com/2022/02/21/laos-china-railway-to-launch-conventional-train-service/
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17 February 22 For those intending to travel on the Laos/China trains in Laos, a new ticket office has been proposed. It will be in the Vientiane shopping center. Book and pay for journeys to Botun and Luang Prabang. More details to follow.
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15 Feb 22:
Thankfully, many countries are beginning to open for tourism but with different entry requirements. UK citizens intending visiting Laos should refer to Foreign Office advice at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/laos
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10 Feb 22:
Visit Laos: A bridge too far, into the future
The Chinese and Laos partnership has completed the construction of the railway from Kunming to Vientiane, which is already operating freight services. This is producing great interest in countries both near and far, wishing to take advantage of import and export opportunities. Interestingly though, it appears that only now, that the Thai Government has approved the project of building a bridge to bring the trains into Thailand, and will undertake a study of what will be required.
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Looking forward !
Since it is perfectly obvious, that some form of crossing, bridge or tunnel, is required, I am however, left wondering why it is only now that the Thai authorities have decided to undertake a study, that may take a year to complete, let alone the time it will take to construct the proposed bridge. More about this at the following link to Vietnam Plus, which has the story: https://en.vietnamplus.vn/thailand-plans-to…/221703.vnp
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7 Feb. 22: Those wishing to use the new railway in Laos will find this article in the Laotian Times to be of interest: https://laotiantimes.com/…/laos-china-railway-confirms…/
Visit Laos: February 2022
28 January 22: According to an article in the Laotian Times, cross-border bus services between Thailand & Laos are scheduled to return quite soon. Details at this link: https://laotiantimes.com/…/thailand-to-resume-bus…/
New year 2022
December 21: The China-Laos Railway is now operating. Much has been said about the economics of the project, which will affect both countries for many years to come. However, it is without dispute, an incredible engineering achievement, some thought almost impossible, is now carrying passengers and freight between southern China and Vientiane. You may be interested in this short video: https://youtu.be/E7240YsqFJM
6 August 2021 Foreigners in Laos can register for Covid vaccination at this site: https://vaccinatelaos.la/#/cvr
3 August 2021 Resumption of Interprovincial travel and promotion of tourism in this interesting article from the Laotian times, at this link: https://laotiantimes.com/2021/07/28/laos-prepares-for-reopening-of-tourism-under-new-normal-conditions/
24 July 2021 Good progress with the Laos Railway project! https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2021/07/24/laos-china-railway-makes-debut-show-for-first-completed-station
16 July 2021 Latest Covid news from the Laotian Times at this link: https://laotiantimes.com/2021/07/16/laos-confirms-95-new-cases-of-covid-19/
29 June 2021 Update on Covid 19 from the Laotian Times at this link: https://laotiantimes.com/2021/06/29/new-cluster-in-vientiane-province-as-laos-records-25-cases-of-covid-19/
12 June 2021 Covid vaccination: Ask your Laos employer about vaccinations. However, those not working, such as retirees, etc., can ask at their accommodation for advice. Otherwise, support & guidance will be available from your embassy or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Vientiane. Please let us know your experiences in this regard.
Visit Laos for holidays & business
Up to date travel advice, for UK citizens, including entry requirements, issued by the UK Foreign Office in London is available at this link: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/laos
Visit Laos for holidays & business
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Where to Stay: With so many places on offer, in and around Vientiane, it would be pointless to list them all here. We prefer to leave that to the experts at any of the hotel booking sites. You will discover super luxury hotels, guesthouses & backpacker dormitories, etc. Additionally, you may also find serviced apartments for longer stays. Moreover, from very expensive to budget-wise accommodation, its all here in Laos.
21/8/2021 With so many hotel booking companies, we suggest checking out various sites to find the one that best suits your needs.
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Lao Kip
A cautionary note about currencies prior to Covid, but likely to still apply:
Nonetheless, many shops & restaurants, etc. accept US Dollars & other major currencies & in Vientiane, I have used Thai Baht without any problems, even coins to purchase a newspaper. However, because exchanging Lao Kip (LAK) outside the country can prove difficult, exchange your Kips into an “international” currency before leaving. Use your surplus Kip in shops just before you leave the country. Remember too, that ATMs will payout in Kip, so you might end up with many banknotes. The exchange rate at 20631 to the dollar(21 Nov. 23) produces 2063100 Kip for your $100. The largest denomination Laos banknote is 100000 Kip. Planning, therefore, might avoid you having wads of Kip banknotes as souvenirs from your visit to Lao.
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Those wishing to return to the UK, will find this of interest, from the Foreign Office in London, at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/laos/return-to-the-uk
Nevertheless, for anyone visiting the UK. Entry requirements and the traffic light system are explained and regularly updated
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/red-amber-and-green-list-rules-for-entering-england
Moreover, as entry requirements for the UK are under constant review. refer to this link for the latest information: https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control
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Visit Laos for holidays & business
English language daily news is available online from the following
https://www.vientianetimes.org.la/
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