Laos is set to introduce a visa-free policy for Chinese tourists from July as it looks to boost inbound tourism throughout the second half of 2024. The policy will run from 1 July to 31 December.
Lao News Agency revealed this week that the policy will focus primarily on Chinese travelers accompanied by travel agents, however the government is also planning to offer multiple-entry visas and extend the duration of stay for more international visitors from 30 days to 60 days, as per comments from Lao Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Darany Phommavongsa.
According to Darany, the government will look to further facilitate the travel experience for tourists by enhancing road infrastructure in key transit areas and improving access roads to popular attractions.
China is already one of the three main tourism source markets for Laos, accounting for 20% of the 1.5 million international visitors to the country between January and April of this year.
Darany said the Ministry has also been working provincial authorities and tourism stakeholders to improve tourism attractions and signage along the China-Laos Railway, which has transported more than 172,000 people since launching in April 2023.
