Laos Tourism Ministry Proposes "Full" Reopening

[sigmoid]

This is just in the *proposal phase*, so as usual, we'll have to wait and see what happens eventually at some point in the future.


The Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism has sent a proposal for a full reopening of the country to the Prime Minister of Laos for consideration.

https://laotiantimes.com/2022/04/04/lao ... reopening/

Option One:
Under Option One, the country would continue with its initial plan to allow fully vaccinated tourists to enter the country as free, independent travelers or through organized tours. Tourists could visit a limited number of provinces and enter via nine border checkpoints.

They would be required to take an RT-PCR test 72 hours prior to departure, and then a rapid test (ATK) upon arrival in Laos without quarantine.

In place of the Lao Green Pass system, Option One would see tourists use the Lao KYC application, while E-visas and visa on arrival services would resume.

Option Two:
Under Option Two, the country would be fully reopened to all types of fully vaccinated tourists, although an RT-PCR test prior to departure and an ATK test on arrival would still be required.

Unvaccinated arrivals, however, would be required to undergo a seven-day quarantine.

Ministry Makes its Choice
In its proposal, the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism (MICT) has given its full support to a full reopening (Option Two) and strongly suggests the resumption of free, independent travel to all areas of Laos.

[armchairlawyer]

Oh dear, although an RT-PCR test prior to departure and an ATK test on arrival would still be required.

iLke the Thai authorities, they struggle with the meaning of the phrase "full reopening".

Imagine testing positive on arrival in Lao and the delightful experiences one could then enjoy as an adventure tourist.

Cambodia leads the region in science-based and common sense policy, and is reaping the rewards with rapidly growing numbers of tourist arrivals.

[cautious colin]

Oh dear, although an RT-PCR test prior to departure and an ATK test on arrival would still be required.

iLke the Thai authorities, they struggle with the meaning of the phrase "full reopening".

Imagine testing positive on arrival in Lao and the delightful experiences one could then enjoy as an adventure tourist.

Cambodia leads the region in science-based and common sense policy, and is reaping the rewards with rapidly growing numbers of tourist arrivals.

Agreed, full reopening means no pre-test, no post-test and no vaccination requirements. Anything less than that is more restrictive than what it was pre-covid and therefore not a full reopening

[cabron]

Oh dear, although an RT-PCR test prior to departure and an ATK test on arrival would still be required.

iLke the Thai authorities, they struggle with the meaning of the phrase "full reopening".

Imagine testing positive on arrival in Lao and the delightful experiences one could then enjoy as an adventure tourist.

Cambodia leads the region in science-based and common sense policy, and is reaping the rewards with rapidly growing numbers of tourist arrivals.

Cambodia is definitely the leader when it comes to reopening.
Agreed, full reopening means no pre-test, no post-test and no vaccination requirements. Anything less than that is more restrictive than what it was pre-covid and therefore not a full reopening

[Alex]

Oh dear, although an RT-PCR test prior to departure and an ATK test on arrival would still be required.

iLke the Thai authorities, they struggle with the meaning of the phrase "full reopening".

Imagine testing positive on arrival in Lao and the delightful experiences one could then enjoy as an adventure tourist.

Cambodia leads the region in science-based and common sense policy, and is reaping the rewards with rapidly growing numbers of tourist arrivals.

Agreed, full reopening means no pre-test, no post-test and no vaccination requirements. Anything less than that is more restrictive than what it was pre-covid and therefore not a full reopening

Vaccination requirements have existed before (yellow fever comes to mind), and I could live with that. Granted, it now seems a bit nonsensical, as vaccinated people can still spread Covid and get infected with ease. It's just less likely that they will become a burden on the health system, so there's that.

I could also live with a pre-flight test, as you'd just cancel your trip if you test positive. But I'd prefer if they did away with them. Tests upon and after arrival, on the other hand, are pure evil any way you look at them.