Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – The Lao Ministry of Public Security has issued a notice regarding visa-free entry and extended visa periods for citizens of many countries, effective from early July until 2024. This aims to attract international tourists and effectively develop tourism potential for the 2024 tourism year.
According to the notice from the Lao Ministry of Public Security, starting July 1st, Laos will implement a 15-day visa-free policy for Chinese tourists holding ordinary passports and organized through Lao travel agencies. The tour itinerary must be organized by a Lao travel agency registered and licensed by the Lao Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.
In addition, tourists from eight other countries, including Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Austria, Belgium, Spain, and Greece, can enter Laos visa-free for a stay of 15 days, without going through a travel agency. If tourists wish to stay in Laos for more than 15 days, they need to apply for a tourist visa (T-B3).
Laos has extended the stay period for tourist visas from Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom from 30 days to 60 days. In addition, Thai tourists traveling in groups through Lao tourism companies with passports and temporary travel documents will have their stay in Laos extended from 3 days to 10 days, and can visit three neighboring provinces.
In the first four months of 2024, Laos received approximately 1.5 million international tourists, a year-on-year increase of 35%. Vietnam ranked second in terms of tourist arrivals. ASEAN tourists also increased to over 862,000, a 18% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
With positive signs in Laos' smokeless industry, it is projected that Laos will receive over 4.6 million international tourists from now until the end of 2024, generating $1.3 billion in revenue. (End)
