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April 13, 2020

Laos Announces Exemptions from Visa Overstay Fines

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On April 7, 2020, the Immigration Department of the Lao Ministry of Public Security issued Notification No. 740 announcing updated regulations relating to the renewal of permits and visas which may expire during the lockdown period. The notification came into effect on the same date.

As the Immigration Department has suspended visa renewal services until April 20 (subject to any further extensions), the USD 10 per day overstay fine that is usually imposed on those who do not renew their visas on time will be suspended for the period from April 4 to April 20, 2020. However, for those whose visas expire during this period, the normal visa extension fee of approximately USD 2.3 per day will continue to accrue. The notification is applicable to all persons, regardless of whether they are in Laos for business or tourism.

Although the Immigration Office is closed, they may extend stay permits and visas in specific circumstances where it is necessary for the holder to provide them to a third party (e.g., where required by a hospital to continue providing treatment, or by a bank to execute a transfer).

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