I still remember during the mid-80s to early 90s, many Laotian people could not get VISAs to travel outside of Laos and for those who got approvals to visit families in the West; many had failed to return home.Due to the length and the strict regulations at the time, some people bribed the officials for speedy process of their requests; otherwise, it could take years to have their VISAs issued. Does Lao government lift the restriction yet? Can Laotian people travel to any Western countries if they so wished?
It's no longer an issue with the Lao Government. It is a big issue getting a visa from the Western embassies in Vientiane, though. A Lao citizen going to neighboring Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia for a short trip near the border and don't even required a passport. All they need is a border pass book.
The Lao Ministry of Foreign affairs can process your passport within a day. Provide you have all the required documents.
Your friendly Lao People's Army.
BruceLao wrote:
I still remember during the mid-80s to early 90s, many Laotian people could not get VISAs to travel outside of Laos and for those who got approvals to visit families in the West; many had failed to return home.Due to the length and the strict regulations at the time, some people bribed the officials for speedy process of their requests; otherwise, it could take years to have their VISAs issued. Does Lao government lift the restriction yet? Can Laotian people travel to any Western countries if they so wished?
It's no longer an issue with the Lao Government. It is a big issue getting a visa from the Western embassies in Vientiane, though. A Lao citizen goingto neighboring Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia for a short trip near the border and don't even required a passport. All they need is a border pass book.
The Lao Ministry of Foreign affairs can process your passport within a day. Provide you have all the required documents. Thanks for clarification. Do you know why it is now a big issue with Western embassies in Vientiane? I also assumed that you meant to say Lao citizens go to neighboring Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. And what do you mean by a short trip? Are you referring to the time it takes to go there and return? Or you are referring to the close proximity and therefore, no VISA is required? Read my revisions below and tell me if it is indeed what you intended to say: (It’s no longer an issue with the Lao government. It is a big issue to get a VISA from Western embassies in Vientiane Laos. Presently, Lao citizens go to neighboring countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia are not even required a passport for a short trip less than 3 to 4 weeks due to its close proximity. All they need is a border pass book.)
I'm sorry but I have no inclination to speculate on the internal matters of Western embassies in Vientiane. However, I can assure you that the current Lao Government are not restricting Lao citizens from traveling abroad.
The Border Pass Book are good for a short & quick trip (1-3 days) to border towns/provinces (such as Udon/Nongkai). At the present, the Border Pass Book only work with Cambodia, Myamar, Thailand and Vietnam. We're currently negotiating with the People' Republic of China for the similar deal.
Your friendly Lao People's Army (LPA).
BruceLao wrote: Thanks for clarification. Do you know why it is now a big issue with Western embassies in Vientiane? I also assumed that you meant to say Lao citizens go to neighboring Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. And what do you mean by a short trip? Are you referring to the time it takes to go there and return? Or you are referring to the close proximity and therefore, no VISA is required? Read my revisions below and tell me if it is indeed what you intended to say: (It’s no longer an issue with the Lao government. It is a big issue to get a VISA from Western embassies in Vientiane Laos. Presently, Lao citizens go to neighboring countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia are not even required a passport for a short trip less than 3 to 4 weeks due to its close proximity. All they need is a border pass book.)
I'm sorry but I have no inclination to speculate on the internal matters of Western embassies in Vientiane. However, I can assure you that the current Lao Government are not restricting Lao citizens from traveling abroad.
The Border Pass Book are good for a short & quick trip (1-3 days) to border towns/provinces (such as Udon/Nongkai). At the present, the Border Pass Book only work with Cambodia, Myamar, Thailand and Vietnam. We're currently negotiating with the People' Republic of China for the similar deal.
Your friendly Lao People's Army (LPA). ----------------------------------------------
I am glad to hear that. Though our people are poor but at least basic freedoms are granted for them. It’s better than being poor and no freedom at all. I have high respect for democracy, liberty, and the right to expression. I can claim now that Laos is even though still a communist state but it is a moderate communism opted for capitalistic economic policy and that’s the right thing to do. North Korea, Cuba for example, is very conservative socialist communists rule with iron fist. Their people have no right to even visit a nearby town without prior approval by their communist officials. Laos too, after 1975 could not even sing in public unless the lyrics had to do with praising the state; as a result, many of our people turned to worship Thai singers. But now, I have seen our talents on YouTube videos freely express themselves and I like many of their modern or traditional music especially morlum.
