In 2020, that is , since the beginning of the pandemic, the number of international travelers in Laos has declined catastrophically — by 80 percent. At the same time, a year earlier, in 2019, 4.7 million foreigners rested at local resorts.
Recall that since January, all foreigners arriving in Laos had to undergo a seven-day quarantine, after which they also negative test for COVID-19. Even if these requirements were successfully met, tourists were not allowed to move freely around the country. Travel was limited to certain areas, and even then, as part of officially registered tourist groups.
Now it is officially announced that the new rules for entering the Lao People's Democratic Republic have been approved, international checkpoints have reopened for citizens of Laos and foreigners, provided that they are fully vaccinated.
Unvaccinated guests of the country must present a rapid antigen test upon arrival, issued no earlier than 48 hours ago. If the result for COVID-19 is positive, tourists will have to pay for their own treatment.