The BOL Updates its Regulations on Carrying Cash Into and Out of the Lao PDR

On 10 March 2026, the Decision on the Management of Lao PDR Cash Inflows and Outflows No. 140/BOL dated 18 February 2026, which was issued by the Bank of the Lao PDR (“BOL”), was published in the Lao Official Gazette. This decision replaces the provisions on cash transactions into and out of the Lao PDR under Decision No. 454/BOL dated 30 May 2019 and supersedes Official Notice No. 14/BOL dated 13 July 2023.

The decision raises the threshold of cash individuals may bring into or take out of the Lao PDR without having to notify or obtain approval from the authorities. It also updates the notification and approval procedures, approval timelines, authorities involved, and penalty levels.

Cash brought into the Lao PDR

• Individuals are permitted to carry cash into the Lao PDR of up to US$10,000, an increase of LAK150 million threshold provided in the 2023 Official Notice, or its equivalent without notifying the Customs Control Authority.
• Where the amount exceeds US$10,000 or its equivalent, or where the cash is brought in for foreign direct investment by foreign investors, the individual must notify the Customs Control Authority by submitting the official declaration form issued by the Ministry of Finance.

Cash taken out of the Lao PDR

• Individuals may carry cash out of the Lao PDR of up to US$10,000, an increase of LAK150 million threshold provided in the 2023 Official Notice, or its equivalent without approval.
• For amounts exceeding US$10,000, approval must be obtained from the Foreign Exchange Management Department of the BOL or the relevant BOL regional office.
• Where a person holds documentation from the Customs Control Authority confirming the entry of cash into the Lao PDR, they may carry cash out up to the amount specified in that document without further approval.
• Within three working days after receiving a complete application requesting approval to carry out cash exceeding US$10,000, the BOL must issue a decision to approve or reject such application. The BOL may grant approval where the applicant satisfies the following conditions:
  • The funds belong to the applicant, or the applicant has lawfully obtained the right to carry such cash out of the Lao PDR in accordance with applicable laws;
  • The source of funds is lawful;
  • The purpose of carrying cash out of the Lao PDR is lawful; and
• Once the decision of approval is issued, the approval must be collected within 10 working days, otherwise it will be revoked. The approval may be used only once by the applicant and it must be used within 30 days from its issuance date.
• The official application fee is LAK200,000 per application.

Overview

The table below provides a quick overview of the adjustment of thresholds for carrying cash into and out of the Lao PDR without approval or notification, and how these thresholds have changed over time:

Date of adjustment	Threshold value
19 May 2015	LAK 100 million or its equivalent
13 July 2023	LAK 150 million or its equivalent
18 February 2026	US$10,000 or its equivalent (approximately LAK 213,090,000 based on the exchange rate published by Banque Pour Le Commerce Exterior Lao as of 10 March)

Penalties

• Using an approval in a way that is inconsistent with the decision: A fine of 10% of the approved amount.
• Providing false information, concealing facts, or submitting forged documents when applying for approval: A fine of LAK10 million to 20 million and revocation of the approval.
• Other violations: Will be handled in accordance with the relevant Lao laws and regulations.

For more information on this alert, or any other queries on foreign currency-related policies, please contact the undersigned or your usual VDB Loi adviser.