Border Run Danang to Lao Bao & Return

Last activity 17 July 2022 by Aidan in HCMC

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OceanBeach92107VIP Member18 April 2022 18:52:34

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Conflicting information online as to whether or not the border crossing into Laos is open for border runs.

Anyone have certain knowledge as to the status there?

stumpyLaos Expert18 April 2022 20:18:57

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From what I find out all entry points to Laos are closed.

As at 15th April the PM approved tourist reopening but in principle only with no firm dates as yet.

There is a green travel scheme which has a list of countries allowed to enter when dates are announced.

Also a list of requirements necessary regarding Covid-19. Check out the site below.

https://southeastasiabackpacker.com/cov … trictions/

This was updated 17th April.

snikrep65Member19 April 2022 02:50:52

@OceanBeach92107

I understand why it is confusing, because the government has said what it will do in the future, but not when the new rules will apply. So we are still on the old rules, which means you have to get a COF, plus tests so, simple answer is yes you could, but lots of expense and paperwork.

So long story short, no you can't do simple visa runs yet, but will be soon, however Lao makes changes slowly so probably not this month.

stumpyLaos Expert13 May 2022 20:38:02

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The latest news is that Laos is now open for tourists from May 9th.

Check out www.visalaos.com/laos-reopen-2022/

Aidan in HCMCVietnam Expert19 May 2022 00:17:05

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The latest news is that Laos is now open for tourists from May 9th.

Check out www.visalaos.com/laos-reopen-2022/
- @stumpy

Thank you, Stumpy. I have a friend who has just arrived here in VN from Canada. He wants to do a border run before June 8. He is unvaccinated.

From the link you provided, can the "Rapid ATK test" for nonvaccinated tourists be self-administered, or must it be through a hospital/clinic? In lieu of an ATK test would a PCR test, with an English results paper, be acceptable?

stumpyLaos Expert19 May 2022 19:58:48

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Any tests done must be backed up with the relevant paperwork. From information I found online a PCR test is acceptable.

I suggest that your friend flies into Vientiane as the authorities there, rather than border crossing staff, are easier to deal with as it is the main entrance point for the country.

stumpyLaos Expert21 May 2022 21:20:46

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@Aidin in HCMC

Can you please let us know how things go with your friend as others may benefit from any information

Aidan in HCMCVietnam Expert22 May 2022 05:43:38

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@stumpy

Will do, post June 8 upon his return.

Aidan in HCMCVietnam Expert27 May 2022 17:36:26

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@stumpy

Change of plans. He'll be flying to BKK-return.

stumpyLaos Expert27 May 2022 20:46:03

#10

17935

Thanks Aidan

Aidan in HCMCVietnam Expert20 June 2022 07:02:09

#11

3445

The latest news is that Laos is now open for tourists from May 9th.

Check out www.visalaos.com/laos-reopen-2022/
- @stumpy

Thank you, Stumpy. I have a friend who has just arrived here in VN from Canada. He wants to do a border run before June 8. He is unvaccinated.

From the link you provided, can the "Rapid ATK test" for nonvaccinated tourists be self-administered, or must it be through a hospital/clinic? In lieu of an ATK test would a PCR test, with an English results paper, be acceptable?
- @Aidan in HCMC

I had written to the Lao Visa Support staff asking whether a PCR test would be acceptable. My friend from Canada is not able to get an ATK test (official test with English results certificate) here in Phu Quoc, VN, but is able to get a PCR test.

The Lao Visa Support staff wrote back advising that they will check and write us back. I'll post their response here once (if?) received.

stumpyLaos Expert20 June 2022 20:07:00

#12

17935

A bit of a grey area. Cannot find any definitive answer.

Please let us know how you get on.

PeakyMember21 June 2022 04:47:02

#13

Of course you can you can do a border run when having a visa (only vac certificate and passport needed). No Öao visa on arrival available at Vietnamese-Lao borders. Use e-Visa.

Aidan in HCMCVietnam Expert21 June 2022 10:07:47

#14

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Of course you can you can do a border run when having a visa (only vac certificate and passport needed). No Öao visa on arrival available at Vietnamese-Lao borders. Use e-Visa.
- @Peaky

E-Visas are not accepted at Vietnam-Lao borders.

Lao e-Visa are accepted at only 5 entry points, being three int'l airports, and two land crossings (both of which are on the Thai-Lao border). https://laoevisa.gov.la/assets/images/P … essage.png

Further, and as stated in my original post above, my friend is not vaccinated.

Aidan in HCMCVietnam Expert21 June 2022 10:30:55

#15

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A bit of a grey area. Cannot find any definitive answer.
Please let us know how you get on.
- @stumpy

Hi Stumpy. I received a response from eVisa support.

Yes, an rt-PCR is acceptable, though why this is not stated on the official Lao gov't site, your guess is as good as mine.

See bottom section of the pop-up at https://laoevisa.gov.la/index ,

here https://laoevisa.gov.la/assets/images/P … essage.png

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(I wrote)

06/18/2022 16:42 *******@gmail.com wrote:

Hello, and thank you for taking my question.

I see here https://laoevisa.gov.la/assets/images/P … essage.png that a

"Non-Vaccinated Traveller- Must present: Proof of antigen test kit (ATK) examination with a negative test result of COVID-19 ...Lao PDR".

I have a nonvaccinated friend who is unable to locate a facility here in Phu Quoc, Vietnam, which can perform an ATK exam. He can, however, have an rt-PCR test performed. Is a negative PCR test acceptable?

Thank you, again, for your assistance.

Kind regards,
Aidan

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(response)

eVisa Support <support@laoevisa.gov.la>
20 Jun 2022, 16:09
to *******@gmail.com

Dear Aidan,
Thank you for your request.
Yes, you can use rt-PCR test or ATK

Best regards,
Your Support Team
--Consular Department,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lao PDR

Email: support@laoevisa.gov.la - Web: https://www.laoevisa.gov.la
--

plegroveMember21 June 2022 15:08:25

#16

Hi has anybody done the Hanoi Laos Border visa run lately like 2022

I'm just trying to find out now to do it.

Most of the info on the internet is pre-covid days

Where do you get an Antigen test in Hanoi?

Cheers peter

Aidan in HCMCVietnam Expert21 June 2022 20:05:01

#17

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@plegrove

Hi again, Peter.

If you intend to use a Lao e-Visa, see

[link under review]

If you are unable to get an ATK test, a PCR is acceptable

https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 10#5440104

Aidan in HCMCVietnam Expert21 June 2022 20:06:38

#18

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@plegrove

https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 10#5440089

stumpyLaos Expert21 June 2022 23:42:56

#19

17935

Thanks for the updates.

toufasMember22 June 2022 09:09:23

#20

Me and my girlfriend did Lao Bao visa ran on 3-6-2022 alone no tour , no test no jab certificate no mask no problems . you need 1) vietnam e-visa 25 usd 2) 45 usd (better in us dollars) for Lao visa 3) 2 pas photos . and valid passport for 6 months . if you stay overnight is a home stay in Lao Bao for 180.000 vnd per night for 2 p.

stumpyLaos Expert22 June 2022 20:04:00

#21

17935

Sounds like things are slowly but surely getting back to somewhere near normal.

Aidan in HCMCVietnam Expert23 June 2022 00:21:52

#22

3445

Me and my girlfriend did Lao Bao visa ran on 3-6-2022 alone no tour , no test no jab certificate no mask no problems . you need 1) vietnam e-visa 25 usd 2) 45 usd (better in us dollars) for Lao visa 3) 2 pas photos . and valid passport for 6 months . if you stay overnight is a home stay in Lao Bao for 180.000 vnd per night for 2 p.
- @toufas

WOW! Thank you, Toufas!

I will write the Lao e-Visa support team again. I'm hoping, as Stumpy said, that things are returning to normal and that you weren't just lucky.

Thank you again for that report!

I'll post their response once received.

plegroveMember23 June 2022 01:10:12

#23

@toufas Hi

I have to do a run from Hanoi Next month

Can you speak Viet I can't even get a coffee without pointing

I think I might have to get a tour

Cheers

Aidan in HCMCVietnam Expert23 June 2022 02:46:05

#24

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@plegrove

Two suggestions that work well for me.

1) Install the Google Translate app onto your phone. It does not work well for full sentences, idioms or colloquialisms, but will do okay with single words and/or (very) short sentences.

2) Download an image of what you will want onto your phone and show it at the shop you visit. I once needed a plunger to clear a clogged sink. The look of non-comprehension on the shop keeper's face when I tried to have Google translate "plunger" was comical (it translated "plunger", as "thợ lặn" (diver) HAR!).

Aidan in HCMCVietnam Expert23 June 2022 09:35:16

#25

3445

Me and my girlfriend did Lao Bao visa ran on 3-6-2022 alone no tour , no test no jab certificate no mask no problems . you need 1) vietnam e-visa 25 usd 2) 45 usd (better in us dollars) for Lao visa 3) 2 pas photos . and valid passport for 6 months . if you stay overnight is a home stay in Lao Bao for 180.000 vnd per night for 2 p.
- @toufas

WOW! Thank you, Toufas!
I will write the Lao e-Visa support team again. I'm hoping, as Stumpy said, that things are returning to normal and that you weren't just lucky.
Thank you again for that report!

I'll post their response once received.
- @Aidan in HCMC

I received a response (lickety split) from Lao e-Visa.

According to the email, Toufas, it looks as though you did indeed get lucky, sir.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(I wrote)

06/23/2022 09:49 *******@gmail.com wrote:

Hello again.

An expat friend of mine advised me that he was able to use his Lao e-Visa at a land border crossing from Vietnam (near Lao Bao), but at https://laoevisa.gov.la/assets/images/P … essage.png it states that the Lao e-Visa can be used at only 5 entry points, being your 3 international airports, and two land crossings on the Thai-Lao border.

Can the Lao e-Visa be used at any/all of your land border crossings?

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.

Kind regards,
Aidan

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(response)

eVisa Support <support@laoevisa.gov.la>
23 Jun 2022, 14:52

to *******@gmail.com

Dear Aidan,

Thank you for your request.

Lao eVisa can be used to enter 5 international ports:

1. Wattay International Airport (Vientiane Capital).
2. Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I (Vientiane Capital) .
3. Luang Prabang International Airport (Luang Prabang Province).
4. Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II (Savannakhet Province) .
5. Pakse International Airport (Champasack Province).

Your Support Team
--
Consular Department,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lao PDR
Email: support@laoevisa.gov.la - Web: https://www.laoevisa.gov.la

snikrep65Member23 June 2022 11:05:19

#26

Hi All my understanding is that you can apply for a visa at all international crossing points. The visa price was raised to US$40 for all except Chinese and Vietnamese. I also understand all Covid restrictions have now been cancelled. I am not a 100% sure so it would be worth checking with government .

OceanBeach92107VIP Member23 June 2022 12:44:30

#27

6947

Hi All my understanding is that you can apply for a visa at all international crossing points. The visa price was raised to US$40 for all except Chinese and Vietnamese. I also understand all Covid restrictions have now been cancelled. I am not a 100% sure so it would be worth checking with government .
- @snikrep65

Are you talking about going from Laos to Vietnam or from Vietnam to Laos?

On the Face.book Vietnam visa advice group a few days ago, a woman posted about the nightmare she encountered when she and her children were turned away at the Lao Bao crossing when attempting to use a copy of her Lao eVisa to enter Laos on a border run.

She had to go back to Danang and get an actual visa stamp in her passport from the Lao consulate there.

Only the friendship bridges with Thailand and the airports allow use of the evisa, according to many reports.

Did you miss reading the government reply in the comment prior to yours?

stumpyLaos Expert23 June 2022 21:07:32

#28

17935

Post #25 has the latest correct information as to border crossings with E-Visa.

plegroveMember24 June 2022 02:26:07

#29

@Aidan in HCMC

Thanks I downloaded the translator it makes a difference;

Also if I do a border run form Hanoi to Laos I need to get a physical visa from the Laos embassy here in Hanoi

And an official ATK test or a PCR test plus my Vietnam evisa to get back into Vietnam.

Anything I missed Thanks

plegroveMember24 June 2022 03:12:29

#30

Hi Something else that cropped up.

Can I renew my Vietnam evisa with an entry date before my old visa has expired or do i have to put in a date older than the expiry date of my original visa.

Example My evisa expires on July 10 so when i apply for a new evisa I can use July 10 or later as my date of entry.

Now what i want to know is can i apply say for July 8 before my old evisa has expired.

Thanks

Aidan in HCMCVietnam Expert24 June 2022 12:01:47

#31

3445

@Aidan in HCMC
Thanks I downloaded the translator it makes a difference;
Also if I do a border run form Hanoi to Laos I need to get a physical visa from the Laos embassy here in Hanoi
And an official ATK test or a PCR test plus my Vietnam evisa to get back into Vietnam.
Anything I missed Thanks
- @plegrove

You're good to go.

Hi Something else that cropped up.Can I renew my Vietnam evisa with an entry date before my old visa has expired or do i have to put in a date older than the expiry date of my original visa. Example My evisa expires on July 10 so when i apply for a new evisa I can use July 10 or later as my date of entry.Now what i want to know is can i apply say for July 8 before my old evisa has expired. Thanks- @plegrove

Yes sir, July 8 will work fine