Laos updates visa policy to attract tourists
The Lao Ministry of Public Security has announced the implementation of the relaxed visa policy to attract international arrivals and unlock the tourism potential through its “Visit Laos 2024” programme.
Lao relaxes its visa policy to attract more international visitors. Photo courtesy of Laotiantimes.
Visa-free travel for 15 days is provided for Chinese tourists travelling in groups organised by agencies that have officially registered and licenced by the Lao Ministry of Tourism.
Citizens from Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Austria, Belgium, Spain and Greece are exempted from visa requirements for their first 15-day visit to Laos.
The country lengthens the stay period of a multiple-entry visa from 30 days to 60 days for those from Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.
As for tourists from Thailand travelling in groups with passports and temporary border passes, they are allowed to stay in Laos for up to 10 days, longer than the previous time limit of three days. Besides, they can visit three provinces adjacent to their original points of arrival.
During January-April, Laos hosted some 1.5 million international tourists, up 35% year-on-year, with Vietnam being the second largest source market.
The country expects to welcome more than 4.6 million foreign arrivals this year, and gain $1.3 billion in tourism revenue.
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