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: Laotiantimes)
Vientiane (VNA) – 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.
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 𓃲more than 4.6 million foreign arrivals this year, and gain 1.3 billion USD in tourism revenue./.
Laos is about to introduce a visa-free policy for Chinese visitors to promote tourism in late June, which will be applied in the second half of 2024 only for tourist groups accompanied by travel agents, local media reported.
The 23rd Lao Handicraft Festival will be held in Vientiane to promote traditional handicraft products as well as to create a festive atmosphere in the city for tourists during the Visit Laos Year 2024.
The Lao Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism’s Office recently issue a notice warning foreign tourists against unlawful foreign currency trade at unauthorised establishments.
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