Vientiane (VNA) – Foreign experts and students willbe allowed to enter Laos as the country is further lifting social distancingmeasures after no new COVID-19 cases have been reported for 52 consecutivedays.
In its latest announcement which provides updates on entryand exit rules, the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Lao nationals inforeign countries who wish to come back home are required to register with the Lao embassy or consulate in the country of their residence to determine howtheir return can be facilitated.
Lao state agencies wishing to bring in foreign experts orstudents for essential reasons must also submit a document to the Secretariat ofthe National Taskforce Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control.
Individuals or legal entities wanting to bring in foreigninvestors or business people to explore investment opportunities need to followthe procedures outlined by relevant bodies before submitting an applicationto the Secretariat.
The representative offices of foreign diplomatic missionsand international organisations in Laos wanting to bring in diplomats andforeign staff are required to submit a document detailing their intentions tothe Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
All incoming foreigners must be tested for COVID-19 andobtain a certificate indicating they have tested negative for the virus. Thismust be issued in the country from which they have departed and presented toauthorities at the Lao border. The certificate must have been issued no lessthan 72 hours before the start of their journey.
Anyone found to have COVID-19-like symptoms will be taken toa hospital where they will be isolated and tested for the virus.
People who have no symptoms are required to undergo a 14-dayquarantine period at a special centre or hotel and provide samples fortesting./.