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. 

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:   

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.  

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:   

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.  

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:   

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. 

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:   

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.  

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:   

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. 

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:   

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.  

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:   

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. 

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:   

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.  

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:   

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.  

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:   

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.  

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:   

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. 

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:   

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.  

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:   

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. 

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:   

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.  

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:   

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.

Overview 

Connected by Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge over Namheung River, Namheuang International Border Checkpoint is located in Laos’ Kenethao district in Sayaboury province that shares a border with Thailand in the West. The checkpoint is about 5 km away from Kenethao district, the nearest large town and 220 km from Sayaboury district, a capital city of Sayaboury province with a population of 401,376 persons. It is opposite to Ban Nakaseng International Border Checkpoint in Tha Li district, Loei province, Thailand. The checkpoints have permanent offices at both sides of the borders where immigration offices are located.  

Daily Capacity 

There are at least between 40 and 50 18-wheel freight trucks entering and exiting the checkpoints daily. 

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:   

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, Namheuang 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 

Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge No. 4 (Chiang Kong-Huay Xai Bridge) is an International Border Checkpoint. It is located in Huay Xai district, Bokeo province that shares border with Thailand to the West. The checkpoint is about 15 km away from Huay Xai district, a capital city of Bokeo province with a population of 200,243 persons. It is opposite to Chiang Rai province, Thailand. The checkpoints have permanent offices at both sides of the borders where immigration offices are located. 

Daily Capacity 

There are approximately 200 freight transport vehicles entering and exiting the checkpoint daily. On average, clearance process per one import shipment at the checkpoint takes 2 hours and 56 minutes. 

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:   

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, 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, Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge No. 4 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 

Upgraded from Local Border Crossing, Dakta Ok was made International Border Checkpoint on August 14, 2021. Dakta Ok Checkpoint is located in Laos’ Dakcheung district in Sekong province that shares a border with Vietnam in the East. The checkpoint is about 17 km away from Dakcheung district, the nearest large town and 120 km from Lamam district, a capital city of Sekong province with a population of 133,045 persons. It is opposite to Nam Giang International Border Gate in Quang Nam province, Vietnam. The checkpoints have permanent offices at both sides of the borders where immigration offices are located.  

Previously, goods were transported from southern Laos and northern Thailand mainly through Phukeua (Attapue) - Bo Y (Kon Tum) International Border Checkpoints at Lao-Vietnam border. However, Dokta Ok-Nam Giang Border Checkpoints make transport distance 170 km shorter compared to Phukeua-Bo Y border. In addition, Chu Lai Port with a depth of 8.1 m to 10 m in Vietnam, which was recently upgraded to ensure the reception of the large ships, is just over 200 km from the checkpoints. 

Daily Capacity 

In 2021, there were 4,500 vehicles crossing the checkpoint that were about 13 vehicles entered and exited the checkpoint daily. In 2022, 7,850 vehicles entered and exited the checkpoints or about 22 vehicles per day.  

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:   

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 November 2, 2023, the system is formally deployed at Dakta Ok 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 

Upgraded from local border crossing in February 2020, Pangmone International Border Checkpoint is located in Laos’ Khop district in Sayabouly province that shares a border with Thailand in the West. The checkpoint is about 16 km away from Khop district, the nearest large town and 240 km from Sayabouly district, a capital city of Sayabouly province with a population of 401,376 persons. It is opposite to Ban Huak International Border Checkpoint in Phu Sang district, Phayao province, Thailand. The checkpoints have permanent offices at both sides of the borders where immigration offices are located.  

Daily Capacity 

There are at least between 50 and 100 vehicles entering and exiting the checkpoints daily. 

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:   

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, 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 Mone 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 

Vangtao International Border Checkpoint is located in Laos’ Phonthong district in Champasack province that shares a border with Thailand in the West. The checkpoint is about 24 km away from Phonthong district, the nearest large town and 44 km from Pakse district, a capital city of Champasack province with a population of 704,023 persons. It is opposite to Chongmek international border checkpoint in Ubon Rathchathani province, Thailand. The checkpoints have permanent offices at both sides of the borders where immigration offices are located.  

Daily Capacity 

There are at least 311 freight transport vehicles enter and exit the checkpoint daily. On average, clearance process per one import shipment at the checkpoint takes 3 hours and 27 minutes. 

There is a warehouse located within the customs checkpoint, and all physical Inspections happen at that 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:   

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 September 23, 2023, the system is formally deployed force at Vangtao 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 

Named after Phoudu Mountain Ranges—natural barrier between Thailand and Laos, Phoudu International Border Checkpoint, which was upgraded from local border crossing and opened in 2015, is located in Laos’ Phaklay district in Sayabouly province that shares a border with Thailand in the West. The checkpoint is about 37 km away from Phaklay district, the nearest large town and 190 km from Sayabouly district, a capital city of Sayabouly province with a population of 401,376 persons. It is opposite to Phou Doo (same name as Lao side) International Point of Entry in Ban Khok district, Uttaradit province, Thailand. The checkpoints have permanent offices at both sides of the borders where immigration offices are located.  

Daily Capacity 

There are at least between 50 and 60 trucks entering and exiting the checkpoints daily. 

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:   

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, Phoudu 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 

Namngeun International Border Checkpoint is located in Laos’ Ngeun district in Sayabouly province that shares a border with Thailand in the West. The checkpoint is about 4 km away from Ngeun district, the nearest large town and 129 km from Sayabouly district, a capital city of Sayabouly province with a population of 401,376 persons. It is opposite to Huaikon Boundary Post in Huaikon village, Chaloem Phrakiat district, Nan province, Thailand. The checkpoints have permanent offices at both sides of the borders where immigration offices are located.   

It takes 3 hours by private car from a recently completed route 4B with 114 km in length from Namngeun checkpoint to Luang Prabang province in comparison to route 4A that take 6 hours. However, there are two challenges. First, the route 4B is, in many parts, built on tops and shoulders of mountain ranges that influence speed for safety. Second, there is a ferry crossing Mekong River at Chiang Man village, which is opposite to Luang Prabang city. 

Daily Capacity 

In 2019, there were at least 80 vehicles entering and exiting the checkpoints daily or around 29,100 vehicles per year. 

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:   

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, 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, Namngeun 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 

In 2018, the Lao - Myanmar Friendship Bridge (Meung Mon-Wan Pong) became an international border crossing site for Laos and Myanmar following an upgrade and international recognition. Prior to the upgrade, it was difficult for citizens of both nations to traverse the Myanmar-Laos border. When COVID began, the bridge was temporarily closed as a means of crossing the border; passengers and cargo wished to cross the border via the boat located near the bridge area 

Daily Capacity 

There are approximately 50 freight transport vehicles entering and exiting the checkpoint daily. On average, clearance process per one import shipment at the checkpoint takes around 2-3 hours  

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:   

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, 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, Lao-Mynmar Friendship Bridge 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.