Message to U.S. Citizens: U.S. Embassy Vientiane, Laos (September 19, 2021)
Location: Laos
Alert: Government Announces Lockdown of Vientiane Capital Province & Additional COVID-19 Measures
Effective September 19, 2021, under the authority of the previously announced lockdown, the Mayor’s Office of Vientiane Capital issued a new order which will be effective from 12 P.M. on Sunday, September 19 until midnight on Thursday, September 30. The order includes the following points of interest to U.S. citizens:
· Travel is prohibited from the Vientiane Capital district to the provinces. Travel into the Vientiane Capital district is also prohibited except for returning residents, those who work in the capital, or have obtained special permission from the COVID-19 Task Force. Transportation to and from the capital district will be suspended and the police will set up checkpoints to enforce the order.
· Vientiane residents are not permitted to leave their homes except for necessary activities such as buying food, for medical emergencies, or if they are essential government workers (medical, police, military, and other critical infrastructure workers).
· Gatherings, conferences, and other activities such as religious festivals or weddings are prohibited except for funerals and certain religious activities such as alms offerings. Such exempted events still must adhere to all previously announced COVID-19 prevention measures including conducting temperature checks, maintaining social distancing of at least one meter, wearing masks, and using hand sanitizer.
· All ground-based border crossings will remain closed except those authorized by the COVID Taskforce.
· Entertainment venues such as karaoke or beer bars, pubs, and restaurants for in-person dining (food preparation for delivery or take away is allowed), night markets, tourist sites, internet cafes, spas and massage places, fitness venues and all indoor sports facilities are ordered closed.
· Garment factories and other types of factories must close. However, if the factory can guarantee that there is no risk of COVID-19, consideration for continuing operations will be made.
· The following entities are allowed to continue operation: banks and other financial institutions, the stock exchange, hospitals and medical centers, pharmacies, medical emergency services, postal service, telecommunication, electricity providers, water supply facilities, waste collectors, agricultural markets, convenience stores, supermarkets, and gas stations. Retailers and food vendors may also open for the sale and delivery of food and daily necessities, provided they abide by the COVID-19 prevention measures.
· Individuals who violate lockdown regulations in Vientiane Capital will face fines of 3,000,00 Lao kip (lak) (about $280) per offense. Entities or organizations who violate lockdown measures will face fines of 10,000,000 lak (about $930) per offense.
Suspension of Embassy Consular Services
To comply with the above order, the U.S. Embassy in Vientiane will suspend all visa and routine U.S. citizen services except for emergencies. All current non-immigrant and immigrant visa
appointments are canceled until further notice. The U.S. Embassy in Vientiane will provide notification on the Embassy website (https://la.usembassy.gov/) once we resume consular services.
If you are an American citizen and require emergency assistance, please contact us by phone at +856 (0)21 487 000 or via email at CONSLao@state.gov.
Actions to Take:
· All U.S. citizens should enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and ensure you can be located during an emergency. · Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Laos. · Refer to our website for the latest Alerts and Messages for U.S. citizens. · Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information related to COVID-19.
· For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations. · Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
· Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions. · Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States.
Assistance
U.S. Embassy Vientiane, Laos +856 (0)21 487 000 conslao@state.gov la.usembassy.gov
State Department – Consular Affairs 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444 Laos Country Information Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts. Follow us on Facebook.
