He/she has diplomatic status or works for a registered foreign company.

He/she obtains a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs verifying his/her diplomatic status; or in the case of a non-diplomat, obtains a valid Laos work permit. Copies of the employer’s investment license and business license will also be required for non-diplomats. If the above criteria are met, only one sea and one air shipment are permitted duty free, and the shipper can only import one each of any electrical appliance duty free.

All other foreigners, who do not meet the above criteria, may import household goods and personal effects into Laos but they will be subject to duty. The duty amount varies and is often subject to negotiation with the customs department. While the shipper does not have to be physically present at the port or airport during customs clearance, the original passport and original work permit (or diplomatic certificate) must be presented to the Lao authorities at the time of clearance. Thus, he/she must be in Laos for the shipment to clear through customs.

Firearms

Ammunition

Pornographic material

Reactionary publications

MOTOR VEHICLES

Only a diplomat may import a vehicle into Laos duty free. He or she must obtain a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs verifying his/her status and requesting that customs permit duty free import. For all other foreigners, it is almost impossible to import a vehicle into Laos. The procedures for a non-diplomat to import a vehicle into Laos are time consuming and tedious. The duty assessed can be as high as 300% of the new purchase value of the vehicle.

PETS

Many pets, including dogs, cats and birds, can be brought into Laos with no quarantine period required. The documents necessary at the time of import are a current health certificate, not more than 7 days old, and a current vaccination card.