We officially held our first day of work in the new British Embassy building on Monday! After months of preparing for this occasion, everyone was very happy to move into the new building with nearly all of the staff in place just days before the official opening of the Embassy on 2 April.
After a 27-year absence, the Embassy will re-open with a week of celebrations beginning with a garden party and baci to thank those individuals and organisations who have been so influential in helping the Embassy in its start up stages. Following the opening day event, the Embassy is very happy to host the first gathering of the British Business Club to bring together those individuals and companies working for and operating businesses in Laos. This event will be open to any UK citizens or individuals with strong ties to the UK who are working for or concerning British businesses in Laos. To compliment the meeting of these key business leaders, Thursday 4 April will see Chevening Scholarship Alumni and Lao students who have studied in the UK welcomed to the Embassy for afternoon tea. After an exciting week of events for individuals and organisations spanning a wide range of British interests in Laos, the Embassy will officially open to British citizens for ‘An Evening at the Embassy’ with traditional British snacks and drinks as well as iconic images from the UK and introductions from myself and other key Embassy staff.
Just a reminder that the Embassy is now open for British citizens in distress. We provide advice, assistance and support to British nationals if and when things go wrong during their time in Laos. We also provide certain notarial and documentary as well as up-to-date travel advice for Laos.
And to reiterate further, the current arrangements for passport and visas remain in place. See the newly renovated website for further information at https://www.gov.uk/government/world/laos.
Check back here often for updates about the progress of the Embassy, the exciting events to mark the UK’s official return to Laos, and other relevant and interesting information regarding British interests in the region.
Check out the photo story of the British Embassy’s renovation over the past 9 months.