What are the requirements for entering Laos from Thailand?

Laos entry requirements visa for Laos vaccine requirements COVID-19 travel rules Taiwan ferry crossing Thai-Lao border Chaing Khon travel insurance for Laos

Jun 3, 2022

2 years ago

Jack ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Okay here is the flip side of my question from the other day.  What do I need to do to be able to enter Laos?  Is it a whole application process like for coming here? I would assume so but the locals act like I am crazy for not just walking down to the ferry to go across.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

To enter Laos from Thailand, travelers need to present proof of vaccination or an ATK antigen rapid test taken within 48 hours. A visa may be obtained beforehand or on arrival, depending on the traveler's nationality. Additionally, returning to Thailand may require COVID insurance and registration on ThaiPass. Note that ferry crossings may have specific limitations, so verify the location and services available.

Paul *******

Quite straightforward now. Only vaccine proof OR an ATK antigen rapid test within 48 hours for travelers aged 12 and above. That's all you need.

2 years ago

Terary **********

@Paul ******

No Thai Pass?

2 years ago

Reply to

Terary **********

Jack ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

I am in Chaing Khon.

2 years ago

Paul *******

It is also strange that locals in a border town haven't crossed over before. Totally bizarre. Anyway, if you have any more questions let me know.

2 years ago

Paul *******

Actually, pre Covid Chiang Khong was quite busy. It was busier before Chinese cars were banned in June 2016 (since then they need to arrive on a tour) but there are still plenty of backpacking farang who cross to Huay Xai and take the boat down to Luang Prabang.

2 years ago

Paul *******

@Jack ***************

That ferry ceased to be used by foreigners in 2013. It's now only allowed for Thai and Lao citizens on border passes for local travel ONLY. All motor vehicles and anyone using a passport intending on traveling further than the border area needs to use the bridge. It's nothing new, has been in operation since December 2013. Very strange that you don't know this already or that locals wouldn't be aware of its existence and talking about the ferry.

It's been almost 9 years now since the bridge was opened to traffic that's where foreigners go.

2 years ago

Jack ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Paul ******

the locals in question don’t go over but for some reason think I should want to? Don’t ever be surprised by what I don’t know- I am dumb as they come. And even pre Covid I don’t think they had a lot of farang here.

2 years ago

Reply to

Jack ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

There is also, I think, a driveable bridge- but the local folks I've been chatting with keep talking about the ferry. Sorry guys- the whole thing is goofy because I don't NOT WANT TO GO, but its not on my radar as a thing I am interested in at the moment- just drove a scooter almost 2k km. But I am being henpecked and life has taught me it is best to just comply with militant police and thai women.

2 years ago

Sam *********

@Jack ***************

, there the Friendship bridge 4 which connects Huay Xai Lao with Chiang Khong.

2 years ago

Reply to

Sam *********

well first of all. What ferry are you talking about? the only ferry that I know of that crosses the Mekong (and in turn, the Thai/Lao border) I believe is in Bueng Kan and crosses to Paxsan and Non-Lao and Non Thai cannot cross there. I was in Vientiane last week. All I needed was my vaccine card, I got a visa beforehand, but they were issuing them on arrival when I got there...To return back to Thailand, I had to buy insurance for COVID (it was like 2,000 baht) and I had to sign up for ThaiPass, which was almost instantaneously approved.

2 years ago

Paul *******

Foreigners can most certainly cross the Beung Kan border. Has been an international crossing for years. A bridge is under construction to replace the ferry but it won't be ready for around 2 years.

2 years ago

Sam *********

yes you could be right, it might be available to foreigners but no visa on arrival. Thanks for that

2 years ago

Reply to

Sam *********

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