Laos is set to implement a visa-free policy for Chinese visitors to boost tourism, starting next Monday in July.
According to Chinese state-owned media CCTV, the Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism of Laos signed Document No. 29, titled “Implementation Details of the Visa Policy for Specific Tourists for Laos Tourism Year 2024.” The document states that tourists from mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan can obtain a 15-day visa exemption through organized tour groups.
The trips must be organized by Laotian travel companies and approved by the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism. The policy will be in effect from July 1st, 2024, to December 31st, 2024.
China has become one of the top three sources of foreign tourists to Laos since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the Laos-China railway has made it easier and more affordable for Chinese tourists to travel to Laos compared to road and air travel.
Since its launch in April last year, the Laos-China cross-border tourist train has transported over 172,000 passengers. In the first four months of this year, Laos welcomed more than 1.5 million foreign tourists, with Chinese visitors accounting for about 20%, equivalent to at least 351,000 visitors.
Furthermore, the Lao government plans to offer multiple-entry visas and extend the duration of stay for visitors from other target markets from 30 days to 60 days.
