Airport Overview  

Wattay International Airport, known locally as Wattay Airport, is the main airport in Laos. It provides connections to regional centres as well as international destinations across the Asia Pacific region. Located approximately 3 km outside of the country’s capital city of Vientiane, it is easily linked to the national route 13 that passes two international airports in Laos; Luang Prabang Airport in the north and Pakse Airport in the south. 

Under the supervision of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT), the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) with the head office on the airport property is responsible for policy and planning in civil aviation and for regulatory oversight of technical and safety matters pertaining to aviation. 

The airport is operated by the Airport of Laos (AOL) that provides airport operation and serves as a hub for Lao Airlines and Lao Skyway. AOL operates four international airports and eight domestic airports. The airport has two terminals, which include a new domestic passenger terminal and a new international passenger terminal.  

The airport has various ground transportation options available. Both public and private bus transfer services are available. Car rental service counters are available at international arrival hall. Airport taxi services are also available outside the arrival hall. A car park is located in front of the terminals and offers both covered and uncovered parking spaces. 

 

Airport Location and Contact
Country	Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR or Laos)
Province or District	Vientiane Capital
Nearest Town or City   with Distance from Airport	Vientiane Capital, 3 KM
Airport’s Complete Name	Wattay International Airport
Latitude	17.988322
Longitude	102.563256
Elevation (ft and m)	564 feet  (172 meters)
IATA Code	VTE
ICAO Code	VLVT
Managing Company or Airport Authority	Department of Civil Aviation (DCA)
Management Contact Person	+856 21 513
Open From (hours)	24/7 23: 00
Open To (hours)	24/7 11:00

Airport Picture 

Source: Final Report on the Project for Technical Support on Continuous Improvement of Vientiane International Airport in the Lao PDR (2022) by Japan International Agency (JICA) and Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT). 

The terminal area of the airport is located in the southwest part of the airport. A Lao Airline hangar and office are located at the eastern side of the terminal area. The domestic passenger building is located next to the Lao Airline office, and the international passenger terminal is at the western side of the domestic building. A cargo terminal is located on the western side of the VIP building. There is an area for air traffic control facilities such as a control tower, Lao Air Navigation Service (LANS) office, and power supply substation. A fire station and a small aircraft hangar are located at the western end of the terminal area. Amenities at the terminals include duty-free shops, a post office, banks, ATMs, restaurants, information desks, an internet café, bars and currency exchange counters. 

Description and Contacts of Key Companies 

Lao-Japan Airport Terminal Service (L-JATS) is a key ground handling service provider at the airport. In partnership with AOL as a public-private partnership, L-JATS manages and operates the International Passenger Terminal and provides passenger services, ramp services, and security services by a concession agreement with the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.  

For more information on airport contacts, please see the following link: 4.5 Airport Companies Contact List. 

Information on some aviation service providers can be found at: http://www.azfreight.com/  

 

Passenger and Cargo Performance Indicator 

To accommodate a recorded growth in air passenger traffic, the airport went through an expansion project for passenger terminal that completed in 2018. In 2019, the airport accommodated 1.76 million international passengers and 578,000 domestic passengers. From 2023, the airport expects to and can accommodate as many as 2.3 million passengers a year. 

Performance for 2023
	Per Year	Per Month	Per Day
Total Aircraft Movements	28,433	2,370	79
Total Passengers	2,336,621	194,719	6,490
Total Capacity of the Airport (MT)	2,000	167	6
Current Activity of the Airport (MT)	6,000	500	17
Current use by Humanitarian Flights (UNHAS)	N/A	N/A	None

Air cargo capacity remains small. A handling of both international and domestic cargo including international airmail recorded in 2019 was at 2,000 kg. Air cargo forecast for 2025 is 6,000 kg. 

 

Runways 

The airport has a single 3,000 meter long asphalt-paved runway with 45 m in width. It is capable for the taking and landing off large jets such as Boeing 747-400. The approach and departure routes used the priority runway strategy to prevent flying onto the east side of the runway, which was especially important for Thailand and the Vientiane urban area. According to the controller's knowledge, the landing and takeoff ratio of RW31 is 90% to 95%. 

Runway #1
Runway Dimensions	3,000 m x 45 m
Orientation	13/31
Surface	Asphalt on concrete pavement

 

Helicopter Pad(s) 

There are 20 aprons in the airport. The apron number 20 which located in the Eastern side and opposite to Air Airline hangar is allocated for Helipad. 

Helipad #1
Present	Yes
Largest Helicopter that can Land	No restrictions
Width and Length (m)	dimensions are not available
Surface	Asphalt-paved

 

Airport Infrastructure Details 

Customs	Yes	JET A-1 fuel	Yes
Immigration	Yes	AVGAS 100	Yes
Terminal Building	Yes	Single Point Refueling	No
Passenger Terminal	Yes	Air Starter Units	No
Cargo terminal	Yes	Ground Power (mobile)	Yes
Pax Transport to Airfield	Yes	Ground Handling Services	Yes
Control Tower	Yes	Latrine Servicing	Yes
Weather Facilities	Yes	Fire Fighting Category (ICAO)	Yes
Catering Services	Yes	De-icing Equipment	No
Base Operating Room	Yes	Parking Ramp Lighting	Yes
Airport Radar	Yes	Approach & Runway Lights	Yes
NDB	Yes	VOR	Yes
ILS	Yes

Airport Operating Details 

Operating Details
Maximum Sized Aircraft that can be Offloaded on Bulk Cargo	Boeing 747-400
Maximum Sized Aircraft that can be Offloaded on Pallet	Boeing 747-400
Total Aircraft Parking Area (m²)	1,780
Storage Area (m3 and MT)	4,306 m2
Handling Equipment
Elevators / Hi Loaders	Yes	Max Capacity (MT)	7
		Max Height  (m)	N/A
Loading Ramps	Yes
Other Comments

 

Customs Guidance 

Passenger on arrival: 

A traveller or passenger arriving at one of Lao's international airports or border crossing should bring into Laos any personal belongings that do not exceed the amounts permitted. These amounts are listed below: 

• All types of alcohol: Not exceeding 2 litres 

• All types of beer: Not exceeding 5 litres 

• All types of wine: Not exceeding 3 litres 

• All types of cigarettes: Not exceeding 1 carton (200 cigarettes) 

• All types of cigars: Not exceeding 50 cigars 

• Tobacco leaves: Not exceeding 250 grams 

• Perfume or fragrant oils: Not exceeding one item of each 

• Precious objects: as specified by Bank of Lao 

• Foreign currency: as specified by Bank of Lao 

A traveller or passenger is bound by all regulations and requirements concerning the import of foreign or Lao currency, precious objects, archaeological and cultural objects and any other restricted or prohibited goods. 

Exemptions from Customs Duties: 

Certain categories of goods are exempt from Customs duties.  The imported goods/cargo is handled within three days. Below is a brief list of these exemptions.  

• Humanitarian assistance 

• Goods and vehicles for diplomatic missions 

• Goods and vehicles by approved international organizations or international non-governmental organizations 

• Certain kinds of items when changing residence (moving house) 

• Civil servants completing their mission, students graduated from abroad and foreigners wishing to have permanent residence that import items in addition to vehicles are exempted from Customs duties for the following items: 
  - certain items and in certain quantities that are not of a commercial nature 
  - household items 
  - goods received from inheritance. 

• Gifts of a delegation from overseas on official visits 

• Grant aid from foreign countries, borrowing or debt payment of the government 

• Goods used for religious purposes (e.g. religious ceremonies, construction of religious sites) that  have  certified documents from a Buddhist organization or the Lao Front for Construction or the Ministry of Information and Culture 

• Goods, weapons and special vehicles to be used for national defense and public security 

• Samples and items for scientific research that are not of a commercial nature 

• Under the Law on Investment Promotion the importation of certain categories of goods is subject to exemption or reduction of Customs duties and other obligations. 

• Goods brought into and out of special economic zones and specific economic zones 

• Goods sold to outgoing travellers in duty free shops duly authorized by the Ministry of Finance 

For more information on customs in LAOS, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information.   

 

Storage Facilities   

The airport has a combined storage capacity of 4,306 m2. There are three cargo terminals in the airport. One is dedicated to international cargo and is operated by Lao’s courier company, Hung Huang Logistics Co., Ltd (HHL). The other two terminals are operated by domestic airlines, Lao Airlines and Lao Skyway. 

The International Cargo Terminal Building, which consists of Terminals 1 and 2, and functions as one terminal, is located to the west of the international passenger building (IPTB). The buildings are operated by HHL, who contracts the operation of Terminal 1 with L-JATS and the operation of Terminal 2 with AOL, respectively.  

 

Terminal 1 has the storage area and a two-story cargo agent office. The storage area has floor space of 1,650 m2 and is divided by a metal fence into two areas for import and export cargos. The x-ray room is located in the center of the building, and the x-ray machine is used for scanning the export goods. The weighing scale for export goods can measure up to one ton. The import section has racks for storing goods. The imported cargo is handled within three days. Terminal 2 has 1,600 m2 total floor area and is used mainly for export cargo storage. There are cool room and dangerous goods storage in the building. 

Lao Airlines and Lao Skyway operate their own cargo terminals. Lao Airlines handles international and domestic cargo. The cargo building’s floor area is approximately 840 m2 and there is one x-ray inspection machine. The Lao Skyway cargo terminal handles only domestic cargo. The one-story building is 216 m2 and has one x-ray inspection machine. 

 

Airfield Costs   

NAVIGATION CHARGES 

Charges	Aircraft Weight - MTOW (kg)
	0 - 7,000	7,001 - 136,000	136,001 and over
Navigation (per journey) USD - $	USD 160 to USD 250, depending upon the route used.
Landing USD - $	USD 3 per ton up to 20 tons to USD 370 plus USD 5 per ton for weight above 100 tons
Night Landing USD - $	Day hours charges plus 10% of day hour charges
Night Take-Off USD - $	Day hours charges plus 10% of day hour charges
Parking	10 % of the landing fee for each 24-hour period after the first hour.
Handling Charges	Communications charges of USD 160 for a piston driven aircraft, USD 240 for turboprop, and USD 320 for Jet  engine.

 

FUEL SERVICES CHARGES 

The fuel is transported from Thailand by a special tanker. The fuel facility is operated by Lao State Fuel Company (LSFC), a 100% state-owned company. The fuel is transported by a tanker to the apron. There are three tanks, two of the tanks have a capacity of 600,000 liters and one tank has a capacity of 750,000 liters. Total capacity of the fuel tank is 1,950,000 liters.  

The fuel market is regulated by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) that takes decisions on fuel prices based on the fluctuation of world oil price. LSFC is delegated by MOIC to adjust (increase or decrease) oil price in form of writing and disseminate it to all oil companied throughout the country. 

The fuel price is updated weekly; please visit the website of Lao State fuel company https://laostatefuel.com/en/jet-fuel.html 

	Price per Litre USD - $
Jet A-1	As per mentioned above
Avgas	As per mentioned above

 

CARGO TERMINAL CHARGES 

Information not available 

 

AIR-BRIDGE CHARGES 

Information not available 

 

Security 

Laos is generally a peaceful country. Although there is no threat from international terrorism, airport security is strong. There is a police presence and the airport authorities have also engaged a private security company. The airport enforces and maintains strict international security checking standards. 

 

Airport Overview 

Luang Prabang International Airport is located 4 kilometers from the center of Luang Prabang province in northern Laos. It serves as the main gateway for visitors to the country’s tourist attraction in the province which is a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site. 

As the country’s second busiest airport, it is an international entry point to the Southeast Asian city and offers regular flights to Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Hanoi and Siem Reap. 

The airport has one terminal, used for both domestic and international flights, so getting to and from flights is an easy process. It provides various services, shopping, restaurant, information, currency exchange, ATM and transportation options. 

 

Airport Location and Contact
Country	Laos
Province or District	Luangprabang
Nearest Town or City   with Distance from Airport	Luangprabang capital
Airport’s Complete Name	Luangprabang International Airport
Latitude	19.897222
Longitude	102.160833
Elevation (ft and m)	963 feet  293.6 meters
IATA Code	LPQ
ICAO Code	VLLB
Managing Company or Airport Authority	Department of Civil Aviation
Management Contact Person	+856 21 513 163
Open From (hours)	24/7 8:00
Open To (hours)	24/7 21:00

 

Description and Contacts of Key Companies 

Ground handling service provider is Lao Airlines. The airline handles the loadings and off-loadings of passengers’ belongings from the aircraft to conveyor belt loader by manpower. 

For more information on airport contacts, please see the following link: HQ staff will input a link to section 4.5 Airport Companies Contact List here. 

Information on some aviation service providers can be found at: http://www.azfreight.com/  

Passenger and Cargo Performance Indicator 

The airport handles annual air passenger traffic of around 1 million. International passengers are around 700,000 and domestic travellers account for around 300,000. To cope with a huge potential for rapid air passenger traffic, the Lao Ministry of Planning and Investment selected Korea Airports Corporation (KAC) to conduct the feasibility study on the expansion of Luang Prabang International Airport in 2021. If selected for the expansion, KAC plans to build a 55,000-square-meter terminal to separate domestic and international passengers and boost efficiency. The planned expansion would allow the airport to accommodate over 4.61 million passengers per year from the current capacity of 1.2 million passengers. The company also plans to remodel and expand the airport's terminals and runways. 

Note: the figures of aircraft movements represent only domestic aircraft movements in the year 2019. 

Performance for 2019
	Per Year	Per Month	Per Day
Total Aircraft Movements	4,238	353	12
Total Passengers	1,000,000	83,333	2,777
Total Capacity of the Airport (MT)	N/A
Current Activity of the Airport (MT)	N/A
Current use by Humanitarian Flights (UNHAS)	N/A

No information is available on the airport’s cargo capacity. 

 

Runways 

The airport has a single 2,900 meter long asphalt-paved runway with 45 m in width. It is capable for the taking and landing off large jets such as ATR 42/72, Airbus A31X/32X. 

Runway #1
Runway Dimensions	2,900 (m) x 45 (m)
Orientation	05/23
Surface	Asphalt

 

Runway #2
Runway Dimensions	Length (m) X Width (m)
Orientation
Surface

 

Helicopter Pad(s) 

Helipad #1
Present	Yes
Largest Helicopter that can Land	No restriction
Width and Length (m)	80 m x 300 m (est.)
Surface	Asphalt

 

Airport Infrastructure Details 

The airport is equipped with infrastructure that is required for operation of airports and air navigation services. Installation and maintenance is under the supervision of Department of Civil Aviation. 

Customs	Yes	JET A-1 fuel	Yes
Immigration	Yes	AVGAS 100	No
Terminal Building	Yes	Single Point Refueling	Yes
Passenger Terminal	Yes	Air Starter Units	N/A
Cargo terminal	Yes	Ground Power (mobile)	N/A
Pax Transport to Airfield	Yes	Ground Handling Services	Yes
Control Tower	Yes	Latrine Servicing	Yes
Weather Facilities	Yes	Fire Fighting Category (ICAO)	Yes
Catering Services	Yes	De-icing Equipment	No
Base Operating Room	Yes	Parking Ramp Lighting	Yes
Airport Radar	Yes	Approach & Runway Lights	Yes
NDB	No	VOR	Yes
ILS	Yes

 

Airport Operating Details 

Operating Details
Maximum Sized Aircraft that can be Offloaded on Bulk Cargo	ATR 42/72, Airbus A31X/32X
Maximum Sized Aircraft that can be Offloaded on Pallet	ATR 42/72, Airbus A31X/32X
Total Aircraft Parking Area (m²)	24,000 m2 (est.)
Storage Area (m3 and MT)	N/A
Handling Equipment
Elevators / Hi Loaders	No	Max Capacity (MT)
		Max Height  (m)
Loading Ramps	Yes
Other Comments	The Lao Airlines, the ground handling service provider, uses manpower for the handling of loadings and off-loadings of passengers’ belongings from the aircraft to conveyor belt loader by hands.

Customs Guidance 

Customs Department, which is under Ministry of Finance, imposts requirements and regulations for imports and exports. It takes about three days for import and export clearance. 

Passenger on arrival: 

A traveller or passenger arriving at one of Lao's international airports or border crossing should bring into Laos any personal belongings that do not exceed the amounts permitted. These amounts are listed below: 

• All types of alcohol: Not exceeding 2 litres 

• All types of beer: Not exceeding 5 litres 

• All types of wine: Not exceeding 3 litres 

• All types of cigarettes: Not exceeding 1 carton (200 cigarettes) 

• All types of cigars: Not exceeding 50 cigars 

• Tobacco leaves: Not exceeding 250 grams 

• Perfume or fragrant oils: Not exceeding one item of each 

• Precious objects: as specified by Bank of Lao 

• Foreign currency: as specified by Bank of Lao 

A traveller or passenger is bound by all regulations and requirements concerning the import of foreign or Lao currency, precious objects, archaeological and cultural objects and any other restricted or prohibited goods. 

Exemptions from Customs Duties: 

Certain categories of goods are exempt from Customs duties.  The imported goods/cargo is handled within three days. Below is a brief list of these exemptions.  

• Humanitarian assistance 

• Goods and vehicles for diplomatic missions 

• Goods and vehicles by approved international organizations or international non-governmental organizations 

• Certain kinds of items when changing residence (moving house) 

• Civil servants completing their mission, students graduated from abroad and foreigners wishing to have permanent residence that import items in addition to vehicles are exempted from Customs duties for the following items: 

- certain items and in certain quantities that are not of a commercial nature 

- household items 

- goods received from inheritance. 

• Gifts of a delegation from overseas on official visits 

• Grant aid from foreign countries, borrowing or debt payment of the government 

• Goods used for religious purposes (e.g. religious ceremonies, construction of religious sites) that  have  certified documents from a Buddhist organization or the Lao Front for Construction or the Ministry of Information and Culture 

• Goods, weapons and special vehicles to be used for national defense and public security 

• Samples and items for scientific research that are not of a commercial nature 

• Under the Law on Investment Promotion the importation of certain categories of goods is subject to exemption or reduction of Customs duties and other obligations. 

• Goods brought into and out of special economic zones and specific economic zones 

• Goods sold to outgoing travellers in duty free shops duly authorized by the Ministry of Finance 

 

For more information on customs in Laos, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information.

Storage Facilities 

No information is available on storage facilities 

Airfield Costs 

NAVIGATION CHARGES 

Navigation charges indicated below are for international flights. A part from the figures indicated in the table, other handling charges per flight include USD 0.5 for refuelling, USD 50 for aircraft docking service and USD 100 for electricity. 

Charges	Aircraft Weight - MTOW (kg)
	0 - 7,000  (0 – 7 mt)	7,001 - 136,000  (7.1-150 mt)	136,001 and over  (150.1 mt and over)
Navigation (per journey) USD - $	70	110 (7 mt to 20 mt)  160 (20 mt to 50 mt)  230 (50 mt to 100 mt)  260 (100 mt to 150 mt)	300 (150 mt to 200 mt)  350 (200 mt to 250 mt)  357 (250 mt to 300 mt)  410 ( above 300 mt)
Landing USD - $	50	100 (7 mt to 20 mt)  250 (20 mt to 50 mt)  300 (50 mt to 100 mt)  400 (100 mt to 150 mt)	500 (150 mt to 200 mt)  600 (200 mt to 250 mt)  700 (250 mt to 300 mt)  800 ( above 300 mt)
Night Landing USD - $	N/A
Night Take-Off USD - $	N/A
Parking	4	12 (7 mt to 20 mt)  30 (20 mt to 50 mt)  60 (50 mt to 100 mt)	120 (100 mt to 200 mt)  180 (200 mt to 300 mt)  270 ( above 300 mt)
Handling Charges	See above

Note: overnight parking charge is multiplied by 2 per night. 

FUEL SERVICES CHARGES 

Fuel prices in Laos are regulated by Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) that makes decisions on fuel (all types) prices based on fluctuation of world fuel prices. Lao State Fuel Company (LSFC), a 100% state-owned company, is delegated by MOIC to adjust (increase or decrease) the fuel prices. 

Jet A-1 fuel is transported from Thailand by a special tanker that is operated by LSFC. The company does not, however, import Avgas at the time being. LSFC has a jet fuel depot located behind the airport. It serves jet fuel refuel for both domestic and international flights. 

Source : https://jet-a1-fuel.com/price/laos, September 16, 2023. 

	Price per Litre USD - $
Jet A-1	0.547
Avgas	N/A

 

CARGO TERMINAL CHARGES 

No information is available on the cargo terminal charges.  

AIR-BRIDGE CHARGES 

No information is available for the air bridge charge. 

 

Security 

Laos is generally a peaceful country. Although there is no threat from international terrorism, airport security is strong. There is a police presence and the airport authorities have also engaged a private security company. The airport enforces and maintains strict international security checking standards. 

Laos is recorded in the 46th rank in the 2023 Global Peace Index. It scores 1.770 points in the peace index. In comparison, Iceland is in the 1st rank for most peaceful country with 1.124 points while Afghanistan stands at the last 163th rank receiving 3.448 points.     

Airport Overview 

This airport, also known as Boun Neua Airport, located in Phôngsali, Laos. There is only one runway at the airport. This airport does not have an ICAO code. Other nearby airfields are Luang Namtha Airport and Oudomxai Airport. This airport serves only Lao Skyway flights to Vientiane, though the schedule may not be listed on their website. Because the desk at Phongsali Airport opens only two hours prior to flights, it is preferable to schedule directly with their offices. Please be aware that flights are frequently canceled due to inclement weather or smog. In this case, the alternative option of land transfer can be considered. 

Airport Location and Contact
Country	Laos
Province or District	Boun Neua, Phongsaly Province
Nearest Town or City   with Distance from Airport	Oudomxai Airport (197km)  Luang Namtha Airport (198km)
Airport’s Complete Name	Boun Neua National Airport
Latitude	21.647500
Longitude	101.900000
Elevation (ft and m)	2953 ft/900 m
IATA Code	PCQ
ICAO Code	VLFL
Managing Company or Airport Authority	Department of Civil Aviation , LAO PDR
Management Contact Person	+856 21 513163
NGO and/or UN Presence at Airport?	No

Runway(s) 

Runway #1
Runway Dimensions	887 (m)
Runway Orientation	2/20
Runway Surface	Concrete
Runway Condition	Good

Airport Infrastructure Details 

Infrastructure
Passenger / Cargo Security Screening	Yes	Runway Lighting	No
Refueling Capacity	Yes	Ground Handling Services	Yes
Air Traffic Control	Yes	Fire Fighting Equipment	Yes
Weather Information	Yes	Aircraft Parking Space	Yes
Navigation Aids	No	Perimeter Fencing	Yes
Windsock	Yes

Fuel Services Charges 

The LSFC operates jet fuel depots at four airports: Wattay International Airport, Savannakhet Airport, Pakse International Airport, and Luang Prabang International Airport. They provide jet fuel refilling for domestic and international aircraft. 

The fuel price is updated weekly; please visit the website of Lao State fuel company https://laostatefuel.com/en/jet-fuel.html 

 

	Price per Litre USD - $
Jet A-1	As per mentioned above
Avgas	As per mentioned above

 

Royalties / Non Objection Fees (NOFs) 

N/A 

 

 

Overview 

Boten International Checkpoint is located in Laos’ Namtha district in Luang Namtha province that shares a border with China in the North West. The checkpoint is about 56 km away from Namtha district, the nearest large town and a capital city of Luang Namtha province with a population of 195,753 persons. It is opposite to Mohan Port in Mengla County, Yunnan Province in the South of China. The checkpoints have permanent offices, which are about 500 metres a part, at both sides of the borders where immigration offices are located. 

  

Border Crossing Location and Contact
Name of Border Crossing	Boten International Checkpoint (  Luang Namtha Pro. Laos –Yunnan Pro. China)  Country #1: Laos  Country #2: China
Province or District	Luang namtha
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing	Namtha district  Distance: 56 km
Latitude	21.1877629
Longitude	101.6774777
Managing Authority / Agency	Customs Department
Contact Person	856 20 8850 2108, 20 8850 2109, 20 8850 2201

 

Travel Times
Nearest International Airport	Luang Prabang International Airport   Distance: 290 km  Truck Travel Time: 5 hrs  Car Travel time: 4 hrs
Nearest Port	Name: Bangkok Port, Thailand  Distance: 1,319 km (est.)  Truck Travel Time: 20 hrs (est.)  Car Travel time: 15 hrs (est.)
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity	Name: Luang Namtha province  Distance 56 km  Truck Travel Time: 1.50 hrs  Car Travel time: 1.20 hrs
Other Information	For this route there are fuelling stations and weighing bridges.

 

Hours of Operation
Mondays	7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Tuesdays	7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Wednesdays	7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Thursdays	7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Fridays	7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Saturdays	7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Sundays	7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
National Holidays	01 January, 20 January, 08 March, 14-16 April, 01 May, 02 December
Seasonal Constraints	Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration (between January and February) is reported to have cause delay in movements of trucks cross the border, rainy season causes occasional landslide blocking the road transport.

 

Daily Capacity 

There are more than 300 freight trucks crossing Boten border checkpoint each day to China from Laos. However, during Covid-19 pandemic from 2021 to 2022, Chinese authorities restricted freight trucks that allowed only 150 vehicles to cross into China per day. The restriction was lifted in January 2023. 

Customs Clearance 

The Ministry of Finance’s Customs Division, a regulatory authority for imports, requires submission online of tax exemption certificate (in case of humanitarian goods) including supporting documents on NSWA+, a computerized platform of the Lao National Single Window (LNSW) which recently is integrated into Lao customs clearance for import (ASYCUDA) that became known as the NSWA+. The platform can be accessed at https://www.laonsw.net/ 

Charge for NSWA+ is USD14 (or 291,000 Kip) for one transaction, which excludes customs, duties, tax, fees and service fees of relevant agencies. 

Charges per time for importing truck include:   

Truck Wheels/length	Charge in USD	Charge in Local Currency (Kip)
6	5	100,000
10 to 12	6	120.000
More than 12 and trailer	9	180.000
20 foot	0.8	15.000
40 foot	1.5	30.000

 

Remark: charges (round up) in USD are based on BCEL exchange rate USD 1 = 20.752 kip as of 16 October 2023. 

 

Payment channels and methods: Importers and exporters can pay the service fee electronically at service units of the Bank Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao (BCEL) and the Lao Development Bank (LDB) which includes BCEL i-Banking, BCEL One, LDB Corporate Banking by cash, money transfer, and cheque. 

For more information on customs in Laos, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information.   

Other Relevant Information 

Under Ministry of Finance, Laos’ Customs Clearance for Imports (ASYCUDA) is implementing smart customs project that the digitalization of imports and exports at international border crossing is being modernized. The ministry adopts the Lao National Single Window (LNSW) and integrates it into the ASYCUDA that became known as the NSWA+.  

The NSWA+ is a computerized platform used to manage the import and export of all types of goods including tax exempted ones. From May 2023, the system is formally deployed at Boten International Checkpoint. 

Documents that are typically required for customs clearance for non-foods and food items are: 

Tax exemption document from relevant partner government ministry, Commercial Invoice, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, Analysis Certificate, Phytosanitary Certificate, Fumigation Certificate, Import Permit for Food (issued by Laos’ Food and Drug Department, Ministry of Public Health) 

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.

 

 

Overview 

Lanetoui Border Checkpoint is located in Laos’ North most district of Yot Ou in Phongsaly province. It is an international border crossing that is opposite to Mengkang Port on the south of China’s Jiangcheng Hani and Yi Autonomous County in Yunnan province, China. The checkpoint is located 52 km away from Yot Ou district, the nearest large town and 77 km from Boun Neua district, a capital city of Phongsaly with a population of 197,989 persons. The checkpoints have permanent offices at both sides of the borders where immigration offices are located.  

  

Border Crossing Location and Contact
Name of Border Crossing	Lanetoui International Border Checkpoint (Phongsaly Pro. Laos-Yunnan Pro. China)  Country #1: Laos  Country #2: China
Province or District	Phongsaly
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing	Town Name: Yot Ou district  Distance: 52 km
Latitude	22.47803
Longitude	101.71499
Managing Authority / Agency	Customs Department
Contact Person	856 20 8850 2108, 20 8850 2109, 20 8850 2201

 

Travel Times
Nearest International Airport	Luang Prabang International Airport  Distance: 402 km  Truck Travel Time: 7 hrs  Car Travel time: 5 hrs
Nearest Port	Name: Bangkok Port (Thailand)  Distance: 1,516 km  Truck Travel Time: 25 hrs  Car Travel time: 19 hrs
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity	Name: Boun Neua district, Phongsaly  Distance: 129 km  Truck Travel Time: 3 hrs  Car Travel time: 2 hrs
Other Information	For this route there are fuelling stations and weighing bridges.

 

Hours of Operation
Mondays	7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Tuesdays	7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Wednesdays	7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Thursdays	7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Fridays	7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Saturdays	7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Sundays	7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
National Holidays	01 January, 20 January, 08 March, 14-16 April, 01 May, 02 December
Seasonal Constraints	Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration (between January and February) is reported to have cause delay in movements of trucks cross the border. Rainy season causes occasional landslide blocking the road transport.

 

Daily Capacity 

In 2020, the border gates saw 157,500 tons of goods flowing between China and Laos. In the first two months of 2023, there are approximately 66 vehicles crossing the checkpoint daily that are equivalent 1,980 vehicles entered and exited the checkpoint monthly, with 32,400 tons of inbound and outbound goods.  

Customs Clearance 

The Ministry of Finance’s Customs Department, a regulatory authority for imports, requires tax exemption certificate (in case of humanitarian goods) including supporting documents to manage the import of goods and equipment at checkpoint. 

Charges per time for importing truck include:   

Truck Wheels/length	Charge in USD	Charge in Local Currency (Kip)
6	5	100,000
10 to 12	6	120.000
More than 12 and trailer	9	180.000
20 foot	0.8	15.000
40 foot	1.5	30.000

 

Remark: charges (round up) in USD are based on BCEL exchange rate USD 1 = 20.752 kip as of 16 October 2023. 

Payment channels and methods: Importers and exporters can pay the service fee electronically at service units of the Bank Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao (BCEL) and the Lao Development Bank (LDB) which includes BCEL i-Banking, BCEL One, LDB Corporate Banking by cash, money transfer, and cheque. 

For more information on customs in Laos, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information.   

Other Relevant Information 

Under Ministry of Finance, Laos’ Customs Clearance for Imports (ASYCUDA) is implementing smart customs project that the digitalization of imports and exports at international border crossing is being modernized. The ministry adopts the Lao National Single Window (LNSW) and integrates it into the ASYCUDA that became known as the NSWA+.  

However, Lanetoui International Border Checkpoint has not yet been integrated into the project. In other words, the customs clearance is still a paper-based system.  

Documents that are typically required for the customs clearance for non-foods and food items are: 

Tax exemption document from relevant partner government ministry, Commercial Invoice, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, Analysis Certificate, Phytosanitary Certificate, Fumigation Certificate, Import Permit for Food (issued by Laos’ Food and Drug Department, Ministry of Public Health) 

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.

 

 

Overview 

Panghok International Checkpoint is located in Laos’ Eastern side of Mai district in Phongsaly province. The checkpoint is about 23 km away from Mai district, the nearest large town and 206 km from Boun Neua district, a capital city of Phongsaly with a population of 197,989 persons. It is opposite to Tay Trang Border Crossing Station (known as Sop Hun in Vietnamese side), Dien Bien district, Dien Bien province, Vietnam. The checkpoints have permanent offices at both sides of the borders where immigration offices are located about 5 km apart.  

Major inbound commodities are construction materials such as stone, cement and steel for 

China’s hydropower and road construction projects inside Laos. Since early 2019, there are newly imported agricultural commodities, namely durians and sweet potatoes from southern provinces of Vietnam that are transited via the checkpoint to China.  

 

Border Crossing Location and Contact
Name of Border Crossing	Panghok International Checkpoint (Phongsaly Pro. Laos-Dien Bien Pro. Vietnam)  Country #1: Laos  Country #2: Vietnam
Province or District	Mai District, Pongsaly province
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing	Mai District   Distance: 23 km
Latitude	21.21432
Longitude	102.88984
Managing Authority / Agency	Customs Department
Contact Person	856 20 8850 2108, 20 8850 2109, 20 8850 2201

 

Travel Times
Nearest International Airport	Luang Prabang International Airport  Distance: 350 km  Truck Travel Time:  6 hrs  Car Travel time:  4.5 hrs
Nearest Port	Name: Bangkok Port, Thailand  Distance: 1,387 km  Truck Travel Time:  23 hrs  Car Travel time:  17 hrs
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity	Name: Oudomxay province  Distance: 166 km  Truck Travel Time: 3 hrs  Car Travel time: 2 hrs
Other Information	For this route there are fuelling stations and weighing bridges.

 

Hours of Operation
Mondays	7:00 AM to 7:30 PM
Tuesdays	7:00 AM to 7:30 PM
Wednesdays	7:00 AM to 7:30 PM
Thursdays	7:00 AM to 7:30 PM
Fridays	7:00 AM to 7:30 PM
Saturdays	7:00 AM to 7:30 PM
Sundays	7:00 AM to 7:30 PM
National Holidays	01 January, 20 January, 08 March, 14-16 April, 01 May, 02 December
Seasonal Constraints	Rainy season (June to September) may cause occasional landslide blocking the road transport.

 

Daily Capacity 

In 2018, there were approximately 63 vehicles crossing the checkpoint daily that was equivalent to 22,850 vehicles entered and exited the checkpoint yearly, with 126,986 tons of inbound and outbound goods. In 2019, the inbound goods increased to 257, 557 tons or about 700 tons per day.  

Customs Clearance 

The Ministry of Finance’s Customs Division, a regulatory authority for imports, requires tax exemption certificate (in case of humanitarian goods) including supporting documents that typically are an Analysis Certificate, Phytosanitary Certificate, Fumigation certificate, certificates of origin, invoices and packing list (if any). 

Charges per time for importing truck include:   

Truck Wheels/length	Charge in USD	Charge in Local Currency (Kip)
6	5	100,000
10 to 12	6	120.000
More than 12 and trailer	9	180.000
20 foot	0.8	15.000
40 foot	1.5	30.000

 

Remark: charges (round up) in USD are based on BCEL exchange rate USD 1 = 20.752 kip as of 16 October 2023. 

Payment channels and methods: Importers and exporters can pay the service fee electronically at service units of the Bank Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao (BCEL) and the Lao Development Bank (LDB) which includes BCEL i-Banking, BCEL One, LDB Corporate Banking by cash, money transfer, and cheque. 

For more information on customs in Laos, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information.   

Other Relevant Information 

Under Ministry of Finance, Laos’ Customs Clearance for Imports (ASYCUDA) is implementing smart customs project that the digitalization of imports and exports at international border crossing is being modernized. The ministry adopts the Lao National Single Window (LNSW) and integrates it into the ASYCUDA that became known as the NSWA+.  

However, Pang Hok International Checkpoint has not yet been integrated into the project. In other words, the customs clearance is still a paper-based system.  

Documents that are typically required for the customs clearance for non-foods and food items are: 

Tax exemption document from relevant partner government ministry, Commercial Invoice, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, Analysis Certificate, Phytosanitary Certificate, Fumigation Certificate, Import Permit for Food (issued by Laos’ Food and Drug Department, Ministry of Public Health)  

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List. 

 

 

Overview 

Nam Soi International Border Checkpoint is located in Laos’ Northern district of Viengxay in Houaphan province. The checkpoint is 55 km away from Viengxay district, the nearest large town and 85 km from Xam Neua district, a capital city of Houaphan with a population of 309,393 persons. It is opposite to Na Meo International Border Gate locating on the land of Quan Son district, Thanh Hoa province, Vietnam. The checkpoints have permanent offices at both sides of the borders where immigration offices are located.  

As of November 2023, a feasibility study on the construction of an expressway from Vientiane Capital to Houaphan province is underway. The 80-kilometer section would run from Huamuang District in Houaphan province to the Nam Soi – Na Meo International Border Checkpoint at the border between Laos and Vietnam. It is expected that the construction of the section linking Houaphan to Vietnam would take up to four years to complete. The schedule is, however, not yet given. 

 

Border Crossing Location and Contact
Name of Border Crossing	Nam Soi International Border Checkpoint (Huaphan Pro. Laos-Thanh Hoa Pro. Vietnam)  Country #1: Laos  Country #2: Vietnam
Province or District	Houaphan province
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing	Viengxay district  Distance: 55 km
Latitude	20.2961094
Longitude	104.6219833
Managing Authority / Agency	Customs Department
Contact Person	856 20 8850 2108, 20 8850 2109, 20 8850 2201

 

Travel Times
Nearest International Airport	Luang Prabang International Airport   Distance: 500 km  Truck Travel Time: 8 hrs  Car Travel time: 6 hrs
Nearest Port	Name: Bangkok Port, Thailand  Distance: 1,354 km  Truck Travel Time: 23 hrs  Car Travel time: 17 hrs
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity	Name: Xam Neua  Distance: 85 km  Truck Travel Time: 1.5 hrs  Car Travel time: 1 hr
Other Information	For this route there are fuelling stations and weighing bridges.

 

Hours of Operation
Mondays	7:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Tuesdays	7:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Wednesdays	7:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Thursdays	7:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Fridays	7:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Saturdays	7:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Sundays	7:30 AM to 7:00 PM
National Holidays	01 January, 20 January, 08 March, 14-16 April, 01 May, 02 December
Seasonal Constraints	High risk of landslide in rainy season between June and September

 

Daily Capacity 

In the first nine months of 2023, the border gates saw 107,333 tons of goods flowing between the Nam Soi and Na Meo border checkpoints. Export goods to Vietnam from Laos are 39,333 tons and import of goods from Vietnam is 68,000 tons. On average, there are 8,000 to 10,000 travellers crossing the borders annually.  

Customs Clearance 

The Ministry of Finance’s Customs Department, a regulatory authority for imports, requires tax exemption certificate (in case of humanitarian goods) including supporting documents to manage the import of goods and equipment at checkpoint. 

Charges per time for importing truck include:   

Truck Wheels/length	Charge in USD	Charge in Local Currency (Kip)
6	5	100,000
10 to 12	6	120.000
More than 12 and trailer	9	180.000
20 foot	0.8	15.000
40 foot	1.5	30.000

 

Remark: charges (round up) in USD are based on BCEL exchange rate USD 1 = 20.752 kip as of 16 October 2023. 

Payment channels and methods: Importers and exporters can pay the service fee electronically at service units of the Bank Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao (BCEL) and the Lao Development Bank (LDB) which includes BCEL i-Banking, BCEL One, LDB Corporate Banking by cash, money transfer, and cheque. 

For more information on customs in Laos, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information.   

Other Relevant Information 

Under Ministry of Finance, Laos’ Customs Clearance for Imports (ASYCUDA) is implementing smart customs project that the digitalization of imports and exports at international border crossing is being modernized. The ministry adopts the Lao National Single Window (LNSW) and integrates it into the ASYCUDA that became known as the NSWA+.  

However, Nam Soi International Checkpoint has not yet been integrated into the project. In other words, the customs clearance is still a paper-based system.  

Documents that are typically required for the customs clearance for non-foods and food items are: 

Tax exemption document from relevant partner government ministry, Commercial Invoice, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, Analysis Certificate, Phytosanitary Certificate, Fumigation Certificate, Import Permit for Food (issued by Laos’ Food and Drug Department, Ministry of Public Health) 

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List. 

 

 

Overview 

Nam Can Border Checkpoint is located in Laos’ Nonghed district of Xiengkhouang province that shares a border with Vietnam on the East. It is an international border crossing that is opposite to Ky Son district of Nge An province in Vietnam. The checkpoint is 13 km away from Nonghed district, the nearest large town and 132 km from Phonsavan district, a capital city of Xiengkhouang with a population of 278,776 persons. The checkpoints have permanent offices at both sides of the borders where immigration offices are located.  

 

Border Crossing Location and Contact
Name of Border Crossing	NamCan - Namkan (Xiengkhuang Pro. Laos- Nge An Pro. Vietnam)   Country #1: Laos  Country #2: Vietnam
Province or District	Nonghed district, Xiengkhouang Province
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing	Nonghed district   Distance: 13 km
Latitude	19.4691486
Longitude	104.0869973
Managing Authority / Agency	Customs Department
Contact Person	856 20 8850 2108, 20 8850 2109, 20 8850 2201

 

Travel Times
Nearest International Airport	Luang Prabang International Airport   Distance: 438 km  Truck Travel Time: 7.3 hrs   Car Travel time: 5.5 hrs
Nearest Port	Name: Bangkok Port, Thailand  Distance: 1,207 km  Truck Travel Time: 20 hrs  Car Travel time: 15 hrs
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity	Name: Phonsavan district  Distance: 132 km  Truck Travel Time: 2.3 hrs  Car Travel time: 1.6 hrs
Other Information	For this route there are fuelling stations and weighing bridges.

 

Hours of Operation
Mondays	7:00 AM- 4:30 PM
Tuesdays	7:00 AM- 4:30 PM
Wednesdays	7:00 AM- 4:30 PM
Thursdays	7:00 AM- 4:30 PM
Fridays	7:00 AM- 4:30 PM
Saturdays	7:00 AM- 4:30 PM
Sundays	7:00 AM- 4:30 PM
National Holidays	01 January, 20 January, 08 March, 14-16 April, 01 May, 02 December
Seasonal Constraints	In the rainy season (between June and September), there is a risk of occasional landslide blocking the road transport

 

Daily Capacity 

In 2022, there were approximately 46 vehicles crossing the checkpoint daily that were equivalent to 1,400 vehicles entered and exited the checkpoint monthly. 

Customs Clearance 

The Ministry of Finance’s Customs Department, a regulatory authority for imports, requires tax exemption certificate (in case of humanitarian goods) including supporting documents to manage the import of goods and equipment at checkpoint. 

Charges per time for importing truck include:   

Truck Wheels/length	Charge in USD	Charge in Local Currency (Kip)
6	5	100,000
10 to 12	6	120.000
More than 12 and trailer	9	180.000
20 foot	0.8	15.000
40 foot	1.5	30.000

 

Remark: charges (round up) in USD are based on BCEL exchange rate USD 1 = 20.752 kip as of 16 October 2023. 

Payment channels and methods: Importers and exporters can pay the service fee electronically at service units of the Bank Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao (BCEL) and the Lao Development Bank (LDB) which includes BCEL i-Banking, BCEL One, LDB Corporate Banking by cash, money transfer, and cheque. 

For more information on customs in Laos, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information.   

Other Relevant Information 

Under Ministry of Finance, Laos’ Customs Clearance for Imports (ASYCUDA) is implementing smart customs project that the digitalization of imports and exports at international border crossing is being modernized. The ministry adopts the Lao National Single Window (LNSW) and integrates it into the ASYCUDA that became known as the NSWA+.  

However, NamCan International Checkpoint has not yet been integrated into the project. In other words, the customs clearance is still a paper-based system.  

Documents that are typically required for the customs clearance for non-foods and food items are: 

Tax exemption document from relevant partner government ministry, Commercial Invoice, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, Analysis Certificate, Phytosanitary Certificate, Fumigation Certificate, Import Permit for Food (issued by Laos’ Food and Drug Department, Ministry of Public Health) 

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List. 

 

 

Overview 

Namphao International Border Checkpoint is located in Laos’ Khamkeud district in Borlikhamxai province that shares a border with Vietnam in the East. The checkpoint is about 34 km away from Khamkeud district, the nearest large town and 211 km from Paksan district, a capital city of Borlikhamxai province with a population of 293,691 persons. It is opposite to Cau Treo International Border Gate in Ha Tinh province, Vietnam. The checkpoints have permanent offices at both sides of the borders where immigration offices are located.  

Namphao-Cau Treo border crossing is the busiest amongst eight international border checkpoints between Laos and Vietnam whereas the second most vibrant gate in terms of import and export activities is Dansavan-Lao Bao International Border Checkpoints. 

 

Border Crossing Location and Contact
Name of Border Crossing	Nam phao- Cau Treo (Borlikhamxai Prov. Laos – Hatinh Prov. Vietnam)  Country #1: Laos   Country #2: Vietnam
Province or District	Khamkeud district, Bolikhamxay, Laos
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing	Khamkeud district   Distance: 34 km
Latitude	18.38207
Longitude	105.15732
Managing Authority / Agency	Customs Department
Contact Person	856 20 8850 2108, 20 8850 2109, 20 8850 2201

 

Travel Times
Nearest International Airport	Wattay International Airport   Distance: 365 km  Truck Travel Time: 6 hrs  Car Travel time: 4.5 hrs
Nearest Port	Name: Bangkok Port (Thailand)  Distance: 1,005 km  Truck Travel Time: 17 hrs  Car Travel time: 13 hrs
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity	Name: Paksan district, Borlikhamxai province  Distance: 211 km  Truck Travel Time: 3.5 hrs  Car Travel time: 2.7 hrs
Other Information	For this route there are fuelling stations and weighing bridges.

 

Hours of Operation
Mondays	7:00 AM- 7:00 PM
Tuesdays	7:00 AM- 7:00 PM
Wednesdays	7:00 AM- 7:00 PM
Thursdays	7:00 AM- 7:00 PM
Fridays	7:00 AM- 7:00 PM
Saturdays	7:00 AM- 7:00 PM
Sundays	7:00 AM- 7:00 PM
National Holidays	01 January, 20 January, 08 March, 14-16 April, 01 May, 02 December
Seasonal Constraints	Rainy season (June to September) may cause occasional landslide blocking the road transport. For example; heavy downpours from July to August in 2023 triggered several landslides on the National Highway No.8, which connects Laos with Vietnam through the Namphao - Cau Treo international border gate.

 

Daily Capacity 

In 2018, there were approximately 309 vehicles crossing the checkpoint daily that was equivalent to 111,224 vehicles entered and exited the checkpoint yearly. In the same year, there were 560,367 travellers crossing the checkpoints.  

Customs Clearance 

The Ministry of Finance’s Customs Department, a regulatory authority for imports, requires tax exemption certificate (in case of humanitarian goods) including supporting documents to manage the import of goods and equipment at checkpoint. 

Charges per time for importing truck include:   

Truck Wheels/length	Charge in USD	Charge in Local Currency (Kip)
6	5	100,000
10 to 12	6	120.000
More than 12 and trailer	9	180.000
20 foot	0.8	15.000
40 foot	1.5	30.000

Remark: charges (round up) in USD are based on BCEL exchange rate USD 1 = 20.752 kip as of 16 October 2023 

Payment channels and methods: Importers and exporters can pay the service fee electronically at service units of the Bank Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao (BCEL) and the Lao Development Bank (LDB) which includes BCEL i-Banking, BCEL One, LDB Corporate Banking by cash, money transfer, and cheque. 

For more information on customs in Laos, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information.   

Other Relevant Information 

Under Ministry of Finance, Laos’ Customs Clearance for Imports (ASYCUDA) is implementing smart customs project that the digitalization of imports and exports at international border crossing is being modernized. The ministry adopts the Lao National Single Window (LNSW) and integrates it into the ASYCUDA that became known as the NSWA+.  

However, Namphao International Checkpoint has not yet been integrated into the project. In other words, the customs clearance is still a paper-based system.  

Documents that are typically required for the customs clearance for non-foods and food items are: 

Tax exemption document from relevant partner government ministry, Commercial Invoice, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, Analysis Certificate, Phytosanitary Certificate, Fumigation Certificate, Import Permit for Food (issued by Laos’ Food and Drug Department, Ministry of Public Health). 

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List. 

 

Overview 

Naphao International Checkpoint is located in Laos’ Bualapha district in Khammouane province that shares a border with Vietnam in the East. The checkpoint is 50 km away from Bualapha district, the nearest large town and 146 km from Thakkek district, a capital city of Khammouane province with a population of 412,052 persons. It is opposite to Cha Lo International Border Gate in Quang Binh province, Vietnam. The checkpoints have permanent offices at both sides of the borders where immigration offices are located.  

 

Border Crossing Location and Contact
Name of Border Crossing	Napao-Chalo (Khammoune Prov. Laos-Quang Binh Prov. Vietnam).   Country #1: Laos  Country #2: Name
Province or District	Boulapha, Khammouane
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing	Boulapha district   Distance: 50 km
Latitude	17.67979
Longitude	105.76526
Managing Authority / Agency	Customs Department
Contact Person	856 20 8850 2108, 20 8850 2109, 20 8850 2201

 

Travel Times
Nearest International Airport	Savannakhet International Airport  Distance: 283 km  Truck Travel Time: 4.7 hrs   Car Travel time: 3.5 hrs
Nearest Port	Name: Bangkok Port, Thailand  Distance: 1,140 km  Truck Travel Time: 19 hrs  Car Travel time: 14 hrs
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity	Name: Thakkek district, Khammoune province  Distance: 146 km  Truck Travel Time: 2.4 hrs  Car Travel time: 1.8 hrs
Other Information	For this route there are fuelling stations and weighing bridges.

 

Hours of Operation
Mondays	6:00 AM- 4:00 PM
Tuesdays	6:00 AM- 4:00 PM
Wednesdays	6:00 AM- 4:00 PM
Thursdays	6:00 AM- 4:00 PM
Fridays	6:00 AM- 4:00 PM
Saturdays	6:00 AM- 4:00 PM
Sundays	6:00 AM- 4:00 PM
National Holidays	01 January, 20 January, 08 March, 14-16 April, 01 May, 02 December
Seasonal Constraints	Rainy season (June to September) has a high risk of landslide blocking the road transport.

 

Daily Capacity 

In 2018, there were approximately 273 vehicles crossing the checkpoint daily that was equivalent to 98,000 vehicles entered and exited the checkpoint yearly. In the same year, there were 195,000 travellers crossing the checkpoints.  

Customs Clearance 

The Ministry of Finance’s Customs Division, a regulatory authority for imports, requires submission online of tax exemption certificate (in case of humanitarian goods) including supporting documents on NSWA+, a computerized platform of the Lao National Single Window (LNSW) which recently is integrated into Lao customs clearance for import (ASYCUDA) that became known as the NSWA+. The platform can be accessed at https://www.laonsw.net/ 

Charge for NSWA+ is USD14 (or 291,000 Kip) for one transaction, which excludes customs, duties, tax, fees and service fees of relevant agencies. 

Charges per time for importing truck include:   

Truck Wheels/length	Charge in USD	Charge in Local Currency (Kip)
6	5	100,000
10 to 12	6	120.000
More than 12 and trailer	9	180.000
20 foot	0.8	15.000
40 foot	1.5	30.000

 

Remark: charges (round up) in USD are based on BCEL exchange rate USD 1 = 20.752 kip as of 16 October 2023. 

Payment channels and methods: Importers and exporters can pay the service fee electronically at service units of the Bank Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao (BCEL) and the Lao Development Bank (LDB) which includes BCEL i-Banking, BCEL One, LDB Corporate Banking by cash, money transfer, and cheque. 

For more information on customs in Laos, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information.   

Other Relevant Information 

Under Ministry of Finance, Laos’ Customs Clearance for Imports (ASYCUDA) is implementing smart customs project that the digitalization of imports and exports at international border crossing is being modernized. The ministry adopts the Lao National Single Window (LNSW) and integrates it into the ASYCUDA that became known as the NSWA+.  

The NSWA+ is a computerized platform used to manage the import and export of all types of goods including tax exempted ones. From October 4, 2023, the system is formally deployed at Na Phao International Checkpoint. 

Documents that are typically required for customs clearance for non-foods and food items are: 

Tax exemption document from relevant partner government ministry, Commercial Invoice, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, Analysis Certificate, Phytosanitary Certificate, Fumigation Certificate, Import Permit for Food (issued by Laos’ Food and Drug Department, Ministry of Public Health). 

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.

 

 

Overview 

Dansavanh International Checkpoint is located in Laos’ Sepon district in Savannakhet province that shares a border with Vietnam in the East. The checkpoint is about 43 km away from Sepon district, the nearest large town and 240 km from Kaysone Phomvihane district, a capital city of Savannakhet province with a population of 989,700 persons. It is opposite to Lao Bao International Border Gate in Quang Tri province, Vietnam. The checkpoints have permanent offices at both sides of the borders where immigration offices are located.  

The National Road Number 9 (242 km) from the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge in Savannakhet province to the Laos-Vietnam border at Dansavanh-Lao Bao is a designated Asia Highway number 16 (AH16) that is part of 1,450 km East-West Economic Corridor linking the West end at sea port city of Mawlamyine in Myanmar to Vietnam’s Da Nang sea port in the East. 

The AH 16 is listed as Class III grade under Asean standard that can carry loads of 11 tonnes per axle. At Class IV grade, the road can only bear loads up to 8.2 tonnes to 9.1 tonnes per axle. 

The goods inspection at Vietnam’s Lao Bao side by scanners has speeded up the customs clearance time for imports, exports, and transit goods. It only takes from 8-10 minutes for analysis and about 20-30 minutes for some complex cases. Before applying the scanner, the manual inspection took about 2 to 5 hours for any shipment, even from 1 to 2 working days. 

Border Crossing Location and Contact
Name of Border Crossing	Dansavanh-Lao Bao (Savannakhet Prov.Laos-Quang Tri Prov. Vietnam).   Country #1: Laos  Country #2: Vietnam
Province or District	Sepon District, Savannakhet, Laos
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing	Sepon district   Distance: 43 km
Latitude	16.624115
Longitude	106.576843
Managing Authority / Agency	Customs Department
Contact Person	856 20 8850 2108, 20 8850 2109, 20 8850 2201

 

Travel Times
Nearest International Airport	Savannaket International Airport   Distance: 240 km  Truck Travel Time: 4 hrs  Car Travel time: 3 hrs
Nearest Port	Name: Da Nang Port, Vietnam  Distance: 249 km  Truck Travel Time: 4 hrs  Car Travel time: 3 hrs
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity	Name: Kaysone Phomvihane district  Distance 240 km  Truck Travel Time: 4 hrs  Car Travel time: 3 hrs
Other Information	For this route there are fuelling stations and weighing bridges.

 

Hours of Operation
Mondays	7:00 AM-10:00 PM
Tuesdays	7:00 AM-10:00 PM
Wednesdays	7:00 AM-10:00 PM
Thursdays	7:00 AM-10:00 PM
Fridays	7:00 AM-10:00 PM
Saturdays	7:00 AM-10:00 PM
Sundays	7:00 AM-10:00 PM
National Holidays	01 January, 20 January, 08 March, 14-16 April, 01 May, 02 December
Seasonal Constraints	Rainy season (June to September) may cause occasional landslide blocking the road transport.

 

Daily Capacity 

In 2018, on average, 334 vehicles crossed the checkpoint daily. In 2023, there are approximately 521 vehicles crossing the checkpoint daily that are equivalent to 156,309 vehicles entered and exited the checkpoint yearly. In 2018, 539,220 travellers crossed the border to Laos from Vietnam.  

Customs Clearance 

The Ministry of Finance’s Customs Division, a regulatory authority for imports, requires submission online of tax exemption certificate (in case of humanitarian goods) including supporting documents on NSWA+, a computerized platform of the Lao National Single Window (LNSW) which recently is integrated into Lao customs clearance for import (ASYCUDA) that became known as the NSWA+. The platform can be accessed at https://www.laonsw.net/ 

 

Charge for NSWA+ is USD14 (or 291,000 Kip) for one transaction, which excludes customs, duties, tax, fees and service fees of relevant agencies. 

Charges per time for importing truck include:   

Truck Wheels/length	Charge in USD	Charge in Local Currency (Kip)
6	5	100,000
10 to 12	6	120.000
More than 12 and trailer	9	180.000
20 foot	0.8	15.000
40 foot	1.5	30.000

 

Remark: charges (round up) in USD are based on BCEL exchange rate USD 1 = 20.752 kip as of 16 October 2023. 

Payment channels and methods: Importers and exporters can pay the service fee electronically at service units of the Bank Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao (BCEL) and the Lao Development Bank (LDB) which includes BCEL i-Banking, BCEL One, LDB Corporate Banking by cash, money transfer, and cheque. 

For more information on customs in Laos, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information.   

Other Relevant Information 

Under Ministry of Finance, Laos’ Customs Clearance for Imports (ASYCUDA) is implementing smart customs project that the digitalization of imports and exports at international border crossing is being modernized. The ministry adopts the Lao National Single Window (LNSW) and integrates it into the ASYCUDA that became known as the NSWA+.  

The NSWA+ is a computerized platform used to manage the import and export of all types of goods including tax exempted ones. From August 19, 2022, the system is formally deployed at Dansavanh International Checkpoint. 

Documents that are typically required for customs clearance for non-foods and food items are: 

Tax exemption document from relevant partner government ministry, Commercial Invoice, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, Analysis Certificate, Phytosanitary Certificate, Fumigation Certificate, Import Permit for Food (issued by Laos’ Food and Drug Department, Ministry of Public Health) 

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List. 

 

Overview 

Phukeua International Border Checkpoint is located in Laos’ Phouvong district in Attapue province that shares a border with Vietnam in the East. The checkpoint is about 106 km away from Phouvong district, the nearest large town and 114 km from Samakkisay district, a capital city of Attapue province with a population of 159,628 persons. It is opposite to Bo Y International Border Gate in Kon Tum province, Vietnam. The checkpoints have permanent offices at both sides of the borders where immigration offices are located.  

 

Border Crossing Location and Contact
Name of Border Crossing	Phukeua- Bo Y (Attapue Prov. Laos - Kon Tum Prov. Vietnam)   Country #1: Laos   Country #2: Vietnam
Province or District	Phouvong district, Attapeu Province
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing	Phouvong district   Distance: 106 km
Latitude	14.70789
Longitude	107.55304
Managing Authority / Agency	Customs Department
Contact Person	856 20 8850 2108, 20 8850 2109, 20 8850 2201

 

Travel Times
Nearest International Airport	Attapue International Airport  Distance: 114 km  Truck Travel Time: 1.9 hrs  Car Travel time: 1.4 hrs
Nearest Port	Name: Da Nang Port, Vietnam  Distance: 248 km  Truck Travel Time:  4.1 hrs  Car Travel time: 3.1 hrs
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity	Name: Samakkisay district  Distance: 114 km  Truck Travel Time: 1.9 hrs  Car Travel time: 1.4 hrs
Other Information	For this route there are fuelling stations and weighing bridges.

 

Hours of Operation
Mondays	7:00 AM- 7:00 PM
Tuesdays	7:00 AM- 7:00 PM
Wednesdays	7:00 AM- 7:00 PM
Thursdays	7:00 AM- 7:00 PM
Fridays	7:00 AM- 7:00 PM
Saturdays	7:00 AM- 7:00 PM
Sundays	7:00 AM- 7:00 PM
National Holidays	01 January, 20 January, 08 March, 14-16 April, 01 May, 02 December.
Seasonal Constraints	Rainy season (June to September) may cause occasional landslide blocking the road transport.

 

Daily Capacity 

In 2018, there were 33,060 vehicles crossing the checkpoint that were equivalent to 92 vehicles entered and exited the checkpoint daily. In the same year, there were 251,530 travellers crossing the checkpoint.  

 

Customs Clearance 

The Ministry of Finance’s Customs Division, a regulatory authority for imports, requires submission online of tax exemption certificate (in case of humanitarian goods) including supporting documents on NSWA+, a computerized platform of the Lao National Single Window (LNSW) which recently is integrated into Lao customs clearance for import (ASYCUDA) that became known as the NSWA+. The platform can be accessed at https://www.laonsw.net/ 

Charge for NSWA+ is USD14 (or 291,000 Kip) for one transaction, which excludes customs, duties, tax, fees and service fees of relevant agencies. 

Charges per time for importing truck include:   

Truck Wheels/length	Charge in USD	Charge in Local Currency (Kip)
6	5	100,000
10 to 12	6	120.000
More than 12 and trailer	9	180.000
20 foot	0.8	15.000
40 foot	1.5	30.000

 

Remark: charges (round up) in USD are based on BCEL exchange rate USD 1 = 20.752 kip as of 16 October 2023. 

 

Payment channels and methods: Importers and exporters can pay the service fee electronically at service units of the Bank Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao (BCEL) and the Lao Development Bank (LDB) which includes BCEL i-Banking, BCEL One, LDB Corporate Banking by cash, money transfer, and cheque. 

For more information on customs in Laos, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information.   

Other Relevant Information 

Under Ministry of Finance, Laos’ Customs Clearance for Imports (ASYCUDA) is implementing smart customs project that the digitalization of imports and exports at international border crossing is being modernized. The ministry adopts the Lao National Single Window (LNSW) and integrates it into the ASYCUDA that became known as the NSWA+.  

The NSWA+ is a computerized platform used to manage the import and export of all types of goods including tax exempted ones. From October 25, 2023, the system is formally deployed at Phukeua International Checkpoint. 

Documents that are typically required for customs clearance for non-foods and food items are: 

Tax exemption document from relevant partner government ministry, Commercial Invoice, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, Analysis Certificate, Phytosanitary Certificate, Fumigation Certificate, Import Permit for Food (issued by Laos’ Food and Drug Department, Ministry of Public Health). 

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.

 

 

Overview 

La Lay was made International Border Checkpoint in 2014. The Checkpoint is located in Laos’ Samuay district in Saravan province that shares a border with Vietnam in the East. The checkpoint is about 8 km away from Samuay district, the nearest large town and 150 km from Saravan district, a capital city of the province with a population of 416,942 persons. It is opposite to La Lay (Same name as in Lao side) International Border Gate in Quang Tri province, Vietnam. The checkpoints have permanent offices at both sides of the borders where immigration offices are located.  

 

Border Crossing Location and Contact
Name of Border Crossing	La Lay – La Lay (Saravan Prov. Laos – Quang Tri. Pro. Vietnam).  Country #1: Laos  Country #2: Vietnam
Province or District	Samuay district, Saravan, Laos.
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing	Samuay district   Distance: 8 km
Latitude	16.300276
Longitude	107.020966
Managing Authority / Agency	Customs Department
Contact Person	856 20 9763 8337, 20 8850 2108, 20 8850 2109

 

Travel Times
Nearest International Airport	Savannakhet International Airport  Distance: 338 km  Truck Travel Time: 5.6 hrs   Car Travel time: 4.5 hrs
Nearest Port	Name: Da Nang Port, Vietnam  Distance: 194 km  Truck Travel Time: 3.5 hrs  Car Travel time: 2.5 hrs
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity	Name: Salavan district  Distance: 150 km  Truck Travel Time: 2.5 hrs  Car Travel time: 2 hrs
Other Information	For this route there are fuelling stations and weighing bridges.

 

Hours of Operation
Mondays	7:00 AM- 5:30 PM
Tuesdays	7:00 AM- 5:30 PM
Wednesdays	7:00 AM- 5:30 PM
Thursdays	7:00 AM- 5:30 PM
Fridays	7:00 AM- 5:30 PM
Saturdays	7:00 AM- 5:30 PM
Sundays	7:00 AM- 5:30 PM
National Holidays	01 January, 20 January, 08 March, 14-16 April, 01 May, 02 December.
Seasonal Constraints	Rainy season (June to September) may cause occasional landslide blocking the road transport.

 

Daily Capacity 

From January to October 2022, 92,000 vehicles entered and exited the checkpoints or about 307 vehicles per day.  

Customs Clearance 

The Ministry of Finance’s Customs Department, a regulatory authority for imports, requires tax exemption certificate (in case of humanitarian goods) including supporting documents to manage the import of goods and equipment at checkpoint. 

Charges per time for importing truck include:   

Truck Wheels/length	Charge in USD	Charge in Local Currency (Kip)
6	5	100,000
10 to 12	6	120.000
More than 12 and trailer	9	180.000
20 foot	0.8	15.000
40 foot	1.5	30.000

Remark: charges (round up) in USD are based on BCEL exchange rate USD 1 = 20.752 kip as of 16 October 2023 

For more information on customs in Laos, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information.   

Other Relevant Information 

Under Ministry of Finance, Laos’ Customs Clearance for Imports (ASYCUDA) is implementing smart customs project that the digitalization of imports and exports at international border crossing is being modernized. The ministry adopts the Lao National Single Window (LNSW) and integrates it into the ASYCUDA that became known as the NSWA+.  

However, La Lay International Border Checkpoint has not yet been integrated into the project. In other words, the customs clearance is still a paper-based system.  

Documents that are typically required for the customs clearance for non-foods and food items are: 

Tax exemption document from relevant partner government ministry, Commercial Invoice, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, Analysis Certificate, Phytosanitary Certificate, Fumigation Certificate, Import Permit for Food (issued by Laos’ Food and Drug Department, Ministry of Public Health). 

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List. 

 

 

Overview 

Veunkham-Dong Kralor border between Laos and Cambodia was updated its services and became the first international border checkpoints between the two countries in January 10, 2017 after being recognized as a local crossing point for almost 30 years. Located in Veunkham village about five kilometres away, new site of border checkpoints links Nongnokheane in Champassak province, Laos to Trapeang Kriel in Stung Treng province, Cambodia. 

Nongnokheane International Border Checkpoint is located in Laos’ Kong district in Champasack province that shares a border with Cambodia in the South. The checkpoint is about 42 km away from Kong district, the nearest large town and 153 km from Pakse district, a capital city of Champasack province with a population of 704,023 persons. It is opposite to Trapeang Kriel international Border Checkpoint in Strung Treng province, Cambodia. The checkpoints have permanent offices at both sides of the borders where immigration offices are located.  

  

Border Crossing Location and Contact
Name of Border Crossing	Nongnokheane-Trapeang Kriel (Champasack Prov. Laos – Stung Treng Pro. Cambodia).   Country #1: Laos  Country #2: Cambodia
Province or District	Khong district, Champasak Provinc, Laos.
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing	Khong District   Distance in 35.1 km
Latitude	13.9212601
Longitude	106.0292476
Managing Authority / Agency	Customs Department
Contact Person	856 20 8850 2108, 20 8850 2109, 20 8850 2201

 

Travel Times
Nearest International Airport	Pakse International Airport   Distance: 153 km  Truck Travel Time: 3 hrs  Car Travel time: 2 hrs
Nearest Port	Name: Bangkok Port, Thailand  Distance: 792 km  Truck Travel Time: 13 hrs  Car Travel time: 10 hrs
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity	Name: Pakse district  Distance: 153 km  Truck Travel Time: 3 hrs  Car Travel time: 2 hrs
Other Information	For this route there are fuelling stations and weighing bridges.

 

Hours of Operation
Mondays	7:00 AM-5:00 PM
Tuesdays	7:00 AM-5:00 PM
Wednesdays	7:00 AM-5:00 PM
Thursdays	7:00 AM-5:00 PM
Fridays	7:00 AM-5:00 PM
Saturdays	7:00 AM-5:00 PM
Sundays	7:00 AM-5:00 PM
National Holidays	01 January, 20 January, 08 March, 14-16 April, 01 May, 02 December
Seasonal Constraints	No seasonal constraints

 

Daily Capacity 

Cargo transport traffic, as suggested by the Cross Border Transport Facilitation Agreement (CBTA) signed between Cambodia and Laos, is limited. CBTA allows 40 registered commercial vehicles (150 for Thailand and 500 for Vietnam) to enter and exit the checkpoint from Laos to Cambodia. These exclude passenger-transport, private vehicles.  

Customs Clearance 

The Ministry of Finance’s Customs Division, a regulatory authority for imports, requires submission online of tax exemption certificate (in case of humanitarian goods) including supporting documents on NSWA+, a computerized platform of the Lao National Single Window (LNSW) which recently is integrated into Lao customs clearance for import (ASYCUDA) that became known as the NSWA+. The platform can be accessed at https://www.laonsw.net/ 

Charge for NSWA+ is USD14 (or 291,000 Kip) for one transaction, which excludes customs, duties, tax, fees and service fees of relevant agencies. 

Charges per time for importing truck include:   

Truck Wheels/length	Charge in USD	Charge in Local Currency (Kip)
6	5	100,000
10 to 12	6	120.000
More than 12 and trailer	9	180.000
20 foot	0.8	15.000
40 foot	1.5	30.000

 

Remark: charges (round up) in USD are based on BCEL exchange rate USD 1 = 20.752 kip as of 16 October 2023. 

Payment channels and methods: Importers and exporters can pay the service fee electronically at service units of the Bank Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao (BCEL) and the Lao Development Bank (LDB) which includes BCEL i-Banking, BCEL One, LDB Corporate Banking by cash, money transfer, and cheque. 

For more information on customs, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information.   

Other Relevant Information 

Under Ministry of Finance, Laos’ Customs Clearance for Imports (ASYCUDA) is implementing smart customs project that the digitalization of imports and exports at international border crossing is being modernized. The ministry adopts the Lao National Single Window (LNSW) and integrates it into the ASYCUDA that became known as the NSWA+.  

The NSWA+ is a computerized platform used to manage the import and export of all types of goods including tax exempted ones. From October 18 2023, the system is formally deployed force at Nongnokheane International Checkpoint. 

Documents that are typically required for customs clearance for non-foods and food items are: 

Tax exemption document from relevant partner government ministry, Commercial Invoice, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, Analysis Certificate, Phytosanitary Certificate, Fumigation Certificate, Import Permit for Food (issued by Laos’ Food and Drug Department, Ministry of Public Health) 

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List. 

 

 

Overview 

Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge No. 2 is an International Border Checkpoint. It is located in the West of Laos’ Kaysone Phomvihane district in Savannakhet province that shares a border with Thailand. The checkpoint is about 12 km away from Kaysone Phomvihane district, a capital city of Savannakhet province with a population of 989,700 persons. It is opposite to Mukdahan International Border Checkpoint in Mukdahan province, Thailand. The checkpoints have permanent offices at both sides of the borders where immigration offices are located. 

The Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge No. 2 in Savannakhet province is part of 1,450 km East-West Economic Corridor that links the West end at sea port city of Mawlamyine in Myanmar to Vietnam’s Da Nang sea port in the East via Thailand and Laos. 

 

Border Crossing Location and Contact
Name of Border Crossing	Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge No.02 (Savannakhet Prov. Laos- Mukdahan Prov. Thailand).   Country #1: Laos   Country #2: Thailand
Province or District	Kaysone Phomvihane, Savannakhet.
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing	Kaysone Phomvihane district   Distance: 12 km
Latitude	16.601111
Longitude	104.735833
Managing Authority / Agency	Customs Department
Contact Person	856 20 8850 2108, 20 8850 2109, 20 8850 2201

 

Travel Times
Nearest International Airport	Savannakhet International Airport   Distance: 12 km  Truck Travel Time: 35 min   Car Travel time: 20 min
Nearest Port	Name: Bangkok Port, Thailand  Distance: 645 km  Truck Travel Time: 10 hrs  Car Travel time: 8 hrs
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity	Name: Kaysone Phomvihane district  Distance: 12 km  Truck Travel Time: 35 min  Car Travel time: 20 min
Other Information	For this route there are fuelling stations and weighing bridges.

 

Hours of Operation
Mondays	6:00 AM- 10:00 PM
Tuesdays	6:00 AM- 10:00 PM
Wednesdays	6:00 AM- 10:00 PM
Thursdays	6:00 AM- 10:00 PM
Fridays	6:00 AM- 10:00 PM
Saturdays	6:00 AM- 10:00 PM
Sundays	6:00 AM- 10:00 PM
National Holidays	01 January, 20 January, 08 March, 14-16 April, 01 May, 02 December.
Seasonal Constraints	No seasonal constraints.

Daily Capacity 

There are at least 203 freight transport vehicles enter and exit the checkpoint daily. On average, clearance process per one import shipment at the checkpoint takes 2 hours and 28 minutes. 

There is a warehouse located next to the customs checkpoint, and so that all Inspections happen in one location. 

Customs Clearance 

The Ministry of Finance’s Customs Division, a regulatory authority for imports, requires submission online of tax exemption certificate (in case of humanitarian goods) including supporting documents on NSWA+, a computerized platform of the Lao National Single Window (LNSW) which recently is integrated into Lao customs clearance for import (ASYCUDA) that became known as the NSWA+. The platform can be accessed at https://www.laonsw.net/ 

Charge for NSWA+ is USD14 (or 291,000 Kip) for one transaction, which excludes customs, duties, tax, fees and service fees of relevant agencies. 

Charges per time for importing truck include:   

Truck Wheels/length	Charge in USD	Charge in Local Currency (Kip)
6	5	100,000
10 to 12	6	120.000
More than 12 and trailer	9	180.000
20 foot	0.8	15.000
40 foot	1.5	30.000

 

Remark: charges (round up) in USD are based on BCEL exchange rate USD 1 = 20.752 kip as of 16 October 2023. 

Payment channels and methods: Importers and exporters can pay the service fee electronically at service units of the Bank Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao (BCEL) and the Lao Development Bank (LDB) which includes BCEL i-Banking, BCEL One, LDB Corporate Banking by cash, money transfer, and cheque. 

For more information on customs, please see the following link: HQ staff will input a link to section 1.3 Customs Information.

Other Relevant Information 

Under Ministry of Finance, Laos’ Customs Clearance for Imports (ASYCUDA) is implementing smart customs project that the digitalization of imports and exports at international border crossing is being modernized. The ministry adopts the Lao National Single Window (LNSW) and integrates it into the ASYCUDA that became known as the NSWA+.  

The NSWA+ is a computerized platform used to manage the import and export of all types of goods including tax exempted ones. From October 10, 2023, the system is put into force at Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge No.02. 

Documents that are typically required for customs clearance for non-foods and food items are: 

Tax exemption document from relevant partner government ministry, Commercial Invoice, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, Analysis Certificate, Phytosanitary Certificate, Fumigation Certificate, Import Permit for Food (issued by Laos’ Food and Drug Department, Ministry of Public Health) 

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.

 

 

Overview 

Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge No. 3 is an International Border Checkpoint. It is located in the West of Laos’ Thakkek district in Khammoune province that shares a border with Thailand. The checkpoint is about 13 km away from Thakkek district, a capital city of Khammoune province with a population of 412,052 persons. It is opposite to Nakhon Phanom International Border Checkpoint in Nakhon Phanom province, Thailand. The checkpoints have permanent offices at both sides of the borders where immigration offices are located. 

The Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge No. 3 in Khammouane province is linked to Na Phao-Cha Lo International Border Checkpoints at Lao-Vietnam to the East in 146 km.  

 

Border Crossing Location and Contact
Name of Border Crossing	Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge No.03 (Khammouane Prov. Laos – Nakhon Phanom Prov. Thailand).   Country #1: Laos   Country #2: Thailand
Province or District	Thakhek district, Khammouan
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing	Thakhek district   Distance: 13 km
Latitude	17.48497
Longitude	104.72980
Managing Authority / Agency	Customs Division
Contact Person	856 20 8850 2108, 20 8850 2109, 20 8850 2201

 

Travel Times
Nearest International Airport	Savannakhet International Airport   Distance: 137 km  Truck Travel Time: 2.30 hrs  Car Travel time: 1.8 hrs
Nearest Port	Name: Bangkok Port, Thailand  Distance: 752 km  Truck Travel Time: 13 hrs  Car Travel time: 10 hrs
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity	Name: Thakkek district  Distance: 13 km  Truck Travel Time: 25 min  Car Travel time: 18 min
Other Information	For this route there are fuelling stations and weighing bridges.

 

Hours of Operation
Mondays	6:00 AM- 10:00 PM
Tuesdays	6:00 AM- 10:00 PM
Wednesdays	6:00 AM- 10:00 PM
Thursdays	6:00 AM- 10:00 PM
Fridays	6:00 AM- 10:00 PM
Saturdays	6:00 AM- 10:00 PM
Sundays	6:00 AM- 10:00 PM
National Holidays	01 January, 20 January, 08 March, 14-16 April, 01 May, 02 December.
Seasonal Constraints	No seasonal constraints.

Daily Capacity 

There are at least between 100 and 200 freight transport vehicles entering and exiting the checkpoint daily. On average, clearance process per one import shipment at the checkpoint takes 5 hours and 4 minutes. 

There is a warehouse located next to the customs checkpoint where all Inspections take place. 

Customs Clearance 

The Ministry of Finance’s Customs Division, a regulatory authority for imports, requires submission online of tax exemption certificate (in case of humanitarian goods) including supporting documents on NSWA+, a computerized platform of the Lao National Single Window (LNSW) which recently is integrated into Lao customs clearance for import (ASYCUDA) that became known as the NSWA+. The platform can be accessed at https://www.laonsw.net/ 

Charge for NSWA+ is USD14 (or 291,000 Kip) for one transaction, which excludes customs, duties, tax, fees and service fees of relevant agencies. 

Charges per time for importing truck include:   

Truck Wheels/length	Charge in USD	Charge in Local Currency (Kip)
6	5	100,000
10 to 12	6	120.000
More than 12 and trailer	9	180.000
20 foot	0.8	15.000
40 foot	1.5	30.000

 

Remark: charges (round up) in USD are based on BCEL exchange rate USD 1 = 20.752 kip as of 16 October 2023. 

Payment channels and methods: Importers and exporters can pay the service fee electronically at service units of the Bank Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao (BCEL) and the Lao Development Bank (LDB) which includes BCEL i-Banking, BCEL One, LDB Corporate Banking by cash, money transfer, and cheque. 

For more information on customs, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information.   

Other Relevant Information 

Under Ministry of Finance, Laos’ Customs Clearance for Imports (ASYCUDA) is implementing smart customs project that the digitalization of imports and exports at international border crossing is being modernized. The ministry adopts the Lao National Single Window (LNSW) and integrates it into the ASYCUDA that became known as the NSWA+.  

The NSWA+ is a computerized platform used to manage the import and export of all types of goods including tax exempted ones. From October 4, 2023, the system is put into force at Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge No.03. 

Documents that are typically required for customs clearance for non-foods and food items are: 

Tax exemption document from relevant partner government ministry, Commercial Invoice, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, Analysis Certificate, Phytosanitary Certificate, Fumigation Certificate, Import Permit for Food (issued by Laos’ Food and Drug Department, Ministry of Public Health). 

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List. 

 

 

Overview 

Paksan Ferry Border Crossing is an International Border Checkpoint between Laos and Thailand. It is located on left bank of Mekong River in Anousonxay village, Paksan district, Bolikhamxay province. The checkpoint is about 4 km away from Paksan district, the nearest large town and a capital city of Bolikhamxay province with a population of 293,691 persons. It is opposite to Bungkan Boundary Post in Bungkan district, Bungkan province, Thailand on the right bank of the river. The checkpoints have permanent offices at both sides of the borders where immigration offices are located.   

Primary means of cargo transport cross the Mekong River is 300 ton-capacity ferries that can carry up to five 50-ton-trailer trucks at a time.   

The fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, which links Laos’ Bolikhamxay province to Bungkan province in Thailand, is now 90% completed and expected to be open by the end of 2024. 

  

Border Crossing Location and Contact
Name of Border Crossing	Paksan – Bungkan (Bolikhamxay Pro. Laos- Bungkan Pro. Thailand).   Country #1: Laos  Country #2: Thailand
Province or District	Paksan district, Bolikhamxay province
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing	Paksan district   Distance: 3 km
Latitude	18.395227
Longitude	103.635449
Managing Authority / Agency	Customs Department
Contact Person	856 20 8850 2108, 20 8850 2109, 20 8850 2201

 

Travel Times
Nearest International Airport	Wattay International Airport   Distance: 154 km  Truck Travel Time:  3 hrs  Car Travel time:  2 hrs
Nearest Port	Name: Bangkok Port, Thailand  Distance: 758 km  Truck Travel Time: 13 hrs  Car Travel time: 10 hrs
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity	Name: Paksan  Distance: 3 km  Truck Travel Time: 15 min  Car Travel time: 10 min
Other Information	For this route there are fuelling stations

 

Hours of Operation
Mondays	8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesdays	8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesdays	8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursdays	8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Fridays	8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturdays	8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sundays	8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
National Holidays	01 January, 20 January, 08 March, 14-16 April, 01 May, 02 December.
Seasonal Constraints	No seasonal constraint

 

Customs Clearance 

The Ministry of Finance’s Customs Department, a regulatory authority for imports, requires tax exemption certificate (in case of humanitarian goods) including supporting documents to manage the import of goods and equipment at checkpoint. 

Charges per time for importing truck include:   

Truck Wheels/length	Charge in USD	Charge in Local Currency (Kip)
6	5	100,000
10 to 12	6	120.000
More than 12 and trailer	9	180.000
20 foot	0.8	15.000
40 foot	1.5	30.000

Remark: charges (round up) in USD are based on BCEL exchange rate USD 1 = 20.752 kip as of 16 October 2023 

 

Payment channels and methods: Importers and exporters can pay the service fee electronically at service units of the Bank Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao (BCEL) and the Lao Development Bank (LDB) which includes BCEL i-Banking, BCEL One, LDB Corporate Banking by cash, money transfer, and cheque. 

For more information on customs, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information.   

Other Relevant Information 

Under Ministry of Finance, Laos’ Customs Clearance for Imports (ASYCUDA) is implementing smart customs project that the digitalization of imports and exports at international border crossing is being modernized. The ministry adopts the Lao National Single Window (LNSW) and integrates it into the ASYCUDA that became known as the NSWA+.  

However, Paksan Ferry Crossing has not yet been integrated into the project. In other words, the customs clearance is still a paper-based system.  

Documents that are typically required for the customs clearance for non-foods and food items are: 

Tax exemption document from relevant partner government ministry, Commercial Invoice, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, Analysis Certificate, Phytosanitary Certificate, Fumigation Certificate, Import Permit for Food (issued by Laos’ Food and Drug Department, Ministry of Public Health)    

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.

 

 

Overview 

Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge No. 1 is an International Border Checkpoint. It is located in Hadsayfong district, Vientiane Capital that shares border with Thailand to the South. The checkpoint is about 6 km away from Hadsayfong district, the nearest large town and 20 km from Vientiane Capital with a population of 840,940 persons. It is opposite to Nong Khai International Border Checkpoint in Nong Khai province, Thailand. The checkpoints have permanent offices at both sides of the borders where immigration offices are located. 

The bridge serves as the shortest corridor between Vientiane Capital and Thailand’s Bangkok and Laem Chabang ports in 640 km and 696 km respectively. Travel time by truck approximates 12 hours.  

Since it opened in 1994, the traffic across the bridge has been steadily increasing. On weekends and official holidays, traffic congestion at the checkpoint is highly likely that there could be over 2,000 vehicles including freight trucks, passenger-carrying buses and private cars etc and 15,000 travellers crossing the checkpoints daily.  

 

Border Crossing Location and Contact
Name of Border Crossing	Lao – Thai Friendship Bridge No. 01 (Vientiane Cap. Laos – Nong Khai Prov. Thailand).   Country #1: Laos  Country #2: Thailand
Province or District	Hadsayfong district, Vientiane, Laos.
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing	Hadsayfong district.  Distance: 5.5 km
Latitude	17.88729
Longitude	102.70962
Managing Authority / Agency	Customs Department
Contact Person	856 20 8850 2108, 20 8850 2109, 20 8850 2201

 

Travel Times
Nearest International Airport	Wattay International Airport   Distance: 20 km  Truck Travel Time: 30 min   Car Travel time: 20 min
Nearest Port	Name: Bangkok Port, Thailand  Distance: 640 km  Truck Travel Time: 12 hrs  Car Travel time: 8 hrs
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity	Name: Vientiane Capital  Distance: 20 km  Truck Travel Time: 30 min  Car Travel time: 20 min
Other Information	For this route there are fuelling stations.

 

Hours of Operation
Mondays	6:00 AM- 10:00 PM
Tuesdays	6:00 AM- 10:00 PM
Wednesdays	6:00 AM- 10:00 PM
Thursdays	6:00 AM- 10:00 PM
Fridays	6:00 AM- 10:00 PM
Saturdays	6:00 AM- 10:00 PM
Sundays	6:00 AM- 10:00 PM
National Holidays	01 January, 20 January, 08 March, 14-16 April, 01 May, 02 December.
Seasonal Constraints	No seasonal constraints

 

Daily Capacity 

There are at least between 200 and 300 freight transport vehicles entering and exiting the checkpoint daily. On average, clearance process per one import shipment at the checkpoint takes 8 hours and 52 minutes. 

There are three inspection sites, one at the checkpoint itself, the second one at Thanaleng warehouse nearby the Friendship Bridge 1 and the third one at the Container Yard close to the train station. The customs declaration can be entered and submitted prior to the arrival of the shipment. 

Unlike other customs checkpoints, there is Standard Authority conduct the physical examination on electronic products and fuel prior to the customs declaration. This operation was just newly introduced as a pilot at the Friendship Bridge 1, which has led to longer cargo clearance time at this checkpoint. 

Customs Clearance 

The Ministry of Finance’s Customs Division, a regulatory authority for imports, requires submission online of tax exemption certificate (in case of humanitarian goods) including supporting documents on NSWA+, a computerized platform of the Lao National Single Window (LNSW) which recently is integrated into Lao customs clearance for import (ASYCUDA) that became known as the NSWA+. The platform can be accessed at https://www.laonsw.net/ 

Charge for NSWA+ is USD14 (or 291,000 Kip) for one transaction, which excludes customs, duties, tax, fees and service fees of relevant agencies. 

Charges per time for importing truck include:   

 

Truck Wheels/length	Charge in USD	Charge in Local Currency (Kip)
6	5	100,000
10 to 12	6	120.000
More than 12 and trailer	9	180.000
20 foot	0.8	15.000
40 foot	1.5	30.000

 

Remark: charges (round up) in USD are based on BCEL exchange rate USD 1 = 20.752 kip as of 16 October 2023. 

Payment channels and methods: Importers and exporters can pay the service fee electronically at service units of the Bank Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao (BCEL) and the Lao Development Bank (LDB) which includes BCEL i-Banking, BCEL One, LDB Corporate Banking by cash, money transfer, and cheque. 

For more information on customs, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information.   

Other Relevant Information 

Under Ministry of Finance, Laos’ Customs Clearance for Imports (ASYCUDA) is implementing smart customs project that the digitalization of imports and exports at international border crossing is being modernized. The ministry adopts the Lao National Single Window (LNSW) and integrates it into the ASYCUDA that became known as the NSWA+.  

The NSWA+ is a computerized platform used to manage the import and export of all types of goods including tax exempted ones. From June 2019, the system is put into force at Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge No.01. 

Documents that are typically required for customs clearance for non-foods and food items are: 

Tax exemption document from relevant partner government ministry, Commercial Invoice, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, Analysis Certificate, Phytosanitary Certificate, Fumigation Certificate, Import Permit for Food (issued by Laos’ Food and Drug Department, Ministry of Public Health). 

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.