Illustrative photo (Source: laosevisa.com) Vientiane (VNA) – The Lao Ministry of ForeignAffairs officially launched the country’s e-visa system during a ceremony at theWattay International Airport in Vientiane on July 9.
Speaking at the event, Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasithsaid due to the limited number of Lao embassies and consulates overseas, theissuing of Lao visas for foreigners has been costly and time-consuming.
As a result, the Lao government has developed the e-visaservice to facilitate traveling between Laos and other nations, he said, addingthat the move is also part of the country’s policy to develop modern, effectiveand transparent public services.
The minister noted that the new service will run alongside theexisting visa system.
According to the official, the e-visa service will beimplemented at seven international border gates, which are the Wattay, LuangPrabang and Pakse international airports, the Laos-Thailand friendship bridges No1, 2 and 4; and Boten international border gate to China.
However, in the first phase, it will be applied at the WattayInternational Airport and Lao-Thailand friendship bridge No 1 before beingextended to the remaining five locations.
In the second phase, research will be conducted into thefeasibility of allowing the service at all international border gatesnationwide.
The minister hoped the e-visa system will help Laosstrengthen collaboration in all fields, particularly tourism, with countriesthat it shares no visa waiver agreement.
To date, Laos has secured visa exemption agreements, bothbilateral and unilateral, with 46 countries worldwide.-VNA
VNA
