Immigration officials reported a quiet day at international border checkpoints on the first day of Laos’ full reopening to tourism.
Colonel Saysaming Sivilay, Chief of the Immigration Police Department, Ministry of Public Security, told the media on 9 May that 32 international checkpoints had been opened following the announcement that the country would fully reopen to tourism.
Officials went to inspect immigration work at Wattay International Airport and the Friendship Bridge linking Vientiane Capital with Nong Khai, Thailand.
Immigration officials stationed at the Friendship Bridge reported a small number of arrivals, including a Thai tour group and a few foreigners receiving visa-on-arrival services.
Wattay International Airport reported no arrivals by air at all yesterday, however, three flights are expected today.
Col. Saysaming added that the Immigration Police Department had carefully appointed the relevant authorities at each international checkpoint to facilitate the arrival of tourists in line with new measures.
Laos announced a full reopening to tourism on Saturday that allows vaccinated arrivals to enter the country without any testing requirements.
Fully vaccinated foreigners or Lao citizens carrying a vaccination certificate may enter Laos without any screening or testing for Covid-19 when arriving by land, air, or water, while those who have not been fully vaccinated must take a Rapid Antigen Test (ATK) 48 hours prior to departure.
