Authorities have clarified a rumor regarding the circulation of counterfeit Covid-19 vaccine certificates and travel documents.
According to a report by Lao National Radio, reports on social media suggest that individuals have been found offering counterfeit Covid-19 test results and vaccination certificates.
Deputy Director of the Vientiane Capital Provincial Health Department, Dr. Bounthavy Detbandith, says only people who have received both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine are allowed to travel domestically or internationally.
Because only a small percentage of the population has received two doses of Covid-19 vaccine, prompting some people to seek illegal counterfeit vaccine certificates in order to travel abroad, says Dr. Bounthavy.
“The Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for the management of travel in and out of the country by Lao citizens. Civil servants in the department are strictly prohibited from issuing travel documents unless the traveler meets all the requirements,” he added.
Laos’s signature green vaccination certificates are issued by hospitals where people have received a second dose of vaccine, but fake vaccination cards are already in circulation.
“Authorities are currently investigating and tracking the source of the counterfeit documents and certificates and legal action will be taken against those involved in production,” said Dr. Bounthavy.
