Moving overseas requires much more planning and research than moving locally--customs regulations can be complicated. Don't let the excitement of your move to Laos distract you from proper preparation and research--find out the required documents, regulations and restrictions for importing goods into your new home country!
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
When relocating to Laos, there are
important documents necessary to gain entry and establish permanent residency. Since these documents are essential for your international move, it is a good idea to enlist customs brokering services from your international moving company. This will eliminate any confusion and ensure you have all the essential paperwork to clear customs and successfully enter the country.
When moving to Laos, you will need:
- Passport (original)
- Residence permit or work permit
- Bill of Lading/Air Waybill (original)
- Comprehensive valued inventory (dated and signed by owner)
- Packing list
- Power of attorney (providing authority for Destination Agent to arrange customs clearance)
- Employer’s business and investment licenses (copies)
SHIPPING REGULATIONS
If you are moving to Laos permanently, the regulations for the importation of personal effects (clothing, jewelry, toiletries) and household effects (furniture, rugs, linens, bedding, dishes, other furnishings) include:
- While you are not required to be present for customs clearance, you must be present in Laos at the time of import
- You may import personal effects and used household goods duty free if:
- You have diplomat status or work for a registered foreign company
- You obtain a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs verifying diplomatic status, or present a valid Laos work permit (in case of non-diplomat)
- Copies of the employer's investment license and business license are also required for non-diplomats
- Only one sea and one air shipment will be permitted duty free
- Only one of each electrical appliance will be permitted duty free
- Foreigners employed with private companies in Laos will have to pay duty on personal effects
- Foreigners not employed in Laos are prohibited from importing personal effects
- Returning Lao nationals who have lived abroad are required to pay duty on personal effects
PROHIBITED ITEMS
In Laos, the following articles are prohibited for importation under any circumstances:
- Illegal drugs and narcotics
- Explosives
- Chemicals and fertilizers
- Plants and plant products
- Anti-communist literature and publications
- Pornography and subversive materials
RESTRICTED ITEMS
Some articles are limited to certain quantities or require special authorization/ payments of duties and taxes to clear customs in Laos. These items include, but are not limited to:
- Weapons, firearms and ammunition
- Electronics and appliances (one of each permitted)
- Medications (prescription required)
- New items (less than six months old, require invoices/receipts)
- Alcohol (two bottles of wine and one bottle of spirits permitted duty free)
- Tobacco (500 cigarettes or 500 grams of loose tobacco permitted duty free)
- Religious materials and statues of Buddha
- Receivers and transmitters through satellites, internet, and broadcasting equipment
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
If you are planning to ship your automobile to Laos, you'll require professional and reliable international vehicle shippers with knowledge of overseas automobile shipping laws and customs regulations to transport your car for you without mishap. Unfortunately, the import of vehicles into Laos is described as a tedious and lengthy process that is often discouraged.
The regulations for importing your vehicle into Laos are:
- Vehicles are subject to high import taxes and duties of up to 300 percent of the new purchase value for non-diplomats and returning Lao nationals
- Diplomats may import one vehicle duty free with a letter from the Laos Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Bill of lading must include chassis number, engine number, cubic capacity, year of manufacture, brand and model
You will need the following documents:
- Original title and registration
- Original commercial/purchase invoice
- Driver's license
- International insurance policy (green card)
- Bill of Lading
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
Your pet is part of the family, so you want to ensure that he or she will clear customs for your move to Laos. To
successfully cross Laos borders with your furry friend, you must be aware of the following:
- Quarantine is usually not required
- Health certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian within seven days of import
- Vaccination certificate (including rabies) must be issued within six months of import
INTERNATIONAL MOVES
International moving is a complex process, requiring research, preparation, and the services of professional, trustworthy international movers. Before choosing a company for hire, be sure to ask these important questions to ensure they are qualified for the job and well-versed in the customs process. Staying informed and always conducting a thorough background check on any potential overseas movers will prevent you from making a
common moving mistake.
Need help finding reputable international moving companies in your area? Get started here at Movers.com by simply filling out our fast and easy free quote form to receive estimates from up to seven qualified movers in your area.
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