The Lao government has unveiled measures to bolster its tourism
industry, effective from 1 July to 31 December 2024, with the aim to
provide international visitors with more flexible travel planning and
stay options.
Visa-free travel for Chinese tourists
Citizens of China, including those from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan,
can now enjoy visa-free travel to Laos for up to 15 days. This
exemption is available to travellers in groups organised by officially
registered and licensed travel agencies approved by the Laotian Ministry
of Tourism.
Laos and China have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to
promote tourism in Laos, focusing on joint marketing strategies, the use
of live streaming, and the creation of diverse tourism programmes.
These initiatives support the Visit Laos Year 2024,
aiming to increase Chinese tourism numbers. In the first three months
of 2024, Laos welcomed over 242,000 Chinese tourists, making China the
third-largest source of foreign tourist arrivals. Last year, Laos
recorded over 641,000 tourists from China visited Laos, making them a
significant portion of tourist arrivals after Thailand and Vietnam.
Extended visa duration and multiple-entry visas
The duration of stay for a multiple-entry visa has been increased
from 30 to 60 days. Citizens of 22 countries, including Australia, New
Zealand, the USA, Canada, Russia, and several European countries, can
apply for multiple-entry visas through Laos' diplomatic missions. If the
visa is applied for on arrival or online, visitors will be allowed a
single entry for up to 60 days.
Visa-free travel for select European citizens
Citizens from Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Austria, Belgium,
Spain, and Greece can visit Laos visa-free for up to 15 days for tourism
purposes.