Plan your Laos border crossing as a Polish tourist with our guide for international travelers! Learn about visa exemptions, e-visa applications, border checkpoints, eco-friendly Laos Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Laos Travel. Start your journey today!
Southeast Asia Laos Girl Asian (Source: Internet)Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys, and official sources like laos-visa.gov.la, travel.state.gov, laoembassy.com, culturetrip.com, and laos-guide-999.com. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Laos’s updated travel regulations.
Polish tourists, please note: Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available at major borders and airports for 30 days. Polish citizens can also apply for e-visas online or use visa exemptions if eligible through bilateral agreements. This guide details visa requirements, border crossing procedures, and travel tips for a seamless journey into Laos by land, air, or sea, applicable to Polish and other international travelers.
Laos, a landlocked Southeast Asian gem, is renowned for its serene temples, lush landscapes, and cultural landmarks like Luang Prabang’s UNESCO-listed old town, Vientiane’s Patuxai Monument, and the Plain of Jars in Xieng Khouang culturetrip.com. Understanding visa requirements for border crossings ensures smooth entry for Polish tourists and other international travelers, whether joining guided Laos Tours or traveling independently. Polish citizens benefit from Visa on Arrival at most borders, while e-visas or embassy visas provide alternatives for extended stays. This guide provides practical visa insights, border crossing tips, cultural etiquette, and eco-friendly Laos Travel options for international travelers.
Following Laos’s updated travel regulations, the country is accessible via 15 land borders, 7 international airports, and 2 river ports, including popular land borders like Nong Khai (Thailand) and Savannakhet (Thailand). This guide blends visa requirements, border crossing procedures, and sustainable Laos Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.
Polish tourists and other international travelers from visa-exempt countries (e.g., ASEAN nations, Russia) can enter for up to 15–30 days without a visa, while others require Visa on Arrival ($30–$50 or 1,200,000–2,000,000 LAK) or e-visas ($45 or 1,800,000 LAK). Passports must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. Cultural site entries like Patuxai cost $0.50–$1 (20,000–40,000 LAK); guided tours range from $15–$80 (600,000–3,200,000 LAK). Temporary residence registration is recommended for stays over 30 days. Verify visa requirements and border procedures via laos-visa.gov.la or travel.state.gov.
Visa Exemption:
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for short stays.
Eligibility: Citizens of 14 countries, including ASEAN nations (e.g., Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia), Russia, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, and Luxembourg. Polish citizens are not exempt and must obtain a visa laos-visa.gov.la.
Duration: Up to 30 days (e.g., ASEAN countries, Russia) or 15 days (e.g., Japan, South Korea) laoembassy.com.
Cost: No cost laoembassy.com.
Requirements: Passport valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages; proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight or bus ticket) recommended but not mandatory laos-guide-999.com.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires exit to a neighboring country (e.g., Thailand, Vietnam) and re-entry with a new exemption or visa laos-visa.gov.la.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 7 airports (e.g., Wattay International, Luang Prabang), 15 land borders (e.g., Nong Khai, Savannakhet), and 2 river ports (e.g., Chiang Khong) laos-visa.gov.la.
Visa on Arrival (VOA) for Polish Tourists:
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for stays exceeding exemption periods or for non-exempt nationalities like Poland.
Eligibility: Available to citizens of over 150 countries, including Poland, the US, Canada, Australia, India, and most EU nations (excluding those with visa bans) laos-visa.gov.la.
Duration: Up to 30 days (single entry) laoembassy.com.
Cost: $30–$50 (1,200,000–2,000,000 LAK), depending on nationality; payable in USD, THB, or LAK (USD preferred for better rates) laos-guide-999.com.
Application Process:
Arrive at an eligible entry point (airports, land borders, river ports) laos-visa.gov.la.
Fill out the VOA application form (available at the checkpoint) with personal details (full name, date of birth, nationality), passport details (number, issue/expiry date), and travel details (intended stay, entry/exit points like Nong Khai or Wattay Airport) laos-visa.gov.la.
Submit two passport photos (4x6 cm; if unavailable, pay an extra $1–$2 or 40,000–80,000 LAK) laos-guide-999.com.
Pay the fee ($30–$50); receive visa sticker in passport laos-visa.gov.la.
Proceed to immigration for passport stamp laos-visa.gov.la.
Processing Time: 15–30 minutes at the checkpoint; queues during peak seasons laos-guide-999.com.
Extension: Extendable for up to 30 days at the Immigration Department in Vientiane; fees vary ($2/day or 80,000 LAK/day) laos-visa.gov.la.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 7 airports (e.g., Wattay, Luang Prabang), 15 land borders (e.g., Nong Khai, Savannakhet), and 2 river ports laos-visa.gov.la.
E-Visa (For Pre-Planned Travel):
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for stays up to 30 days for non-exempt nationalities like Poland.
Eligibility: Available to citizens of over 80 countries, including Poland, the US, Canada, Australia, India, and most EU nations laos-visa.gov.la.
Duration: Up to 30 days (single entry) laos-visa.gov.la.
Cost: $45 (1,800,000 LAK); non-refundable laos-visa.gov.la.
Application Process:
Visit laos-visa.gov.la, select language, and click “Apply E-Visa” laos-visa.gov.la.
Enter personal details (full name, date of birth, nationality), passport details (number, issue/expiry date), travel details (intended entry/exit dates, entry/exit checkpoints like Wattay Airport or Nong Khai border), and temporary address in Laos (e.g., hotel address) laos-visa.gov.la.
Upload a digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses, straight view) and a scan of the passport data page in .jpg format, max 2MB laos-visa.gov.la.
Pay the fee ($45) via credit/debit card; note the reference code laos-visa.gov.la.
Check status at laos-visa.gov.la/status using reference code, email, and passport number; download and print the e-visa PDF laos-visa.gov.la.
Present printed e-visa and passport at the border checkpoint; ensure details match exactly to avoid entry issues laos-visa.gov.la.
Processing Time: 3 working days; no expedited option laos-visa.gov.la.
Extension: Extendable for up to 30 days at the Immigration Department; fees vary ($2/day or 80,000 LAK/day) laos-visa.gov.la.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 7 airports (e.g., Wattay, Luang Prabang), 15 land borders, and 2 river ports laos-visa.gov.la.
Embassy/Consulate Visa:
Purpose: Tourism, business, work, or study for those preferring traditional applications or needing longer stays.
Eligibility: Available to all nationalities laoembassy.com.
Duration: Typically 30–60 days (single or multiple entry); longer for work/study visas laoembassy.com.
Cost: $30–$100 (1,200,000–4,000,000 LAK), depending on visa type and processing time laoembassy.com.
Requirements: Passport, application form, two passport photos (4x6 cm), and fees; apply in person or by mail at a Laotian embassy (e.g., in Warsaw for Polish citizens: +48 22 848 58 81) laoembassy.com.
Extension: Extendable for up to 30 days at the Immigration Department; fees vary ($2/day or 80,000 LAK/day) laos-visa.gov.la.
Key Restrictions:
Travelers must not fall under suspension categories (e.g., security risks) as per Laos’s immigration laws laos-visa.gov.la.
Overstay penalties: $10/day (400,000 LAK/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Temporary residence registration is recommended for stays over 30 days travel.state.gov.
Land Borders (15): Popular checkpoints include Nong Khai (Thailand, near Vientiane), Savannakhet (Thailand, near Savannakhet), and Pakse (Thailand, near Pakse). Open 6:00 AM–10:00 PM (some 24/7); expect immigration queues during peak seasons laos-guide-999.com.
Airports (7): Major entry points include Wattay International (Vientiane), Luang Prabang International, and Pakse International; immigration open 24/7 laos-visa.gov.la.
River Ports (2): Key ports include Chiang Khong (Thailand, near Huay Xai) and Nakasang (near Pakse); used for Mekong River crossings laos-guide-999.com.
Requirements at Borders: Present a valid passport and printed e-visa (if required); Visa on Arrival available at most borders; have proof of onward travel for exemptions; ensure details match passport to avoid delays laos-visa.gov.la.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth border crossing and travel experience during Laos Tours. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer a “sabaidee” (hello) with a slight nod or nop (palms pressed together); use both hands for transactions at border checkpoints or markets culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees, especially for temple visits after crossing (e.g., Wat Xieng Thong in Luang Prabang); carry a lightweight scarf ($1 or 40,000 LAK) culturetrip.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor at border checkpoints; avoid loud behavior or disputes; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry passport or e-visa securely to verify status. Avoid public criticism of the Lao government (penalties apply). A guest shared: “Respecting Lao customs eased our border crossing and trip.” culturetrip.com
Customs: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 8,000–40,000 LAK); avoid littering at cultural sites like Luang Prabang or Vientiane; complete residence registration if required for longer stays travel.state.gov.
Tip: Say “khob jai” (thank you) to officers or guides; use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($2 or 80,000 LAK) to support sustainable Laos Travel; keep passport handy for checks. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen respectful travelers thrive at Laos’s borders and cultural sites.”
General Tips:
Language: Carry a phrase card ($1 or 40,000 LAK) for Lao basics like “khob jai”; English is spoken at major borders and tourist areas culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow border rules (no photography in immigration areas); respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for border areas like Nong Khai or cities like Vientiane; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Opt for bicycles ($1–$3 or 40,000–120,000 LAK/day) or tuk-tuks ($0.50–$2 or 20,000–80,000 LAK) after crossing to reduce emissions.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your visa-prepared journey after crossing into Laos, based on the latest data from laos-visa.gov.la, laoembassy.com, travel.state.gov, culturetrip.com, and laos-guide-999.com. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Explore Luang Prabang’s old town, Vientiane’s Patuxai Monument, or Vang Vieng’s caves independently after crossing at Nong Khai, Savannakhet, or Wattay Airport; suitable for travelers with valid Visa on Arrival or e-visas; low to moderate difficulty laos-guide-999.com.
Visa Tips: Use Visa on Arrival ($30–$50) or e-visas ($45); carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; register residence if staying over 30 days laos-visa.gov.la.
Schedule: Daily; Luang Prabang old town accessible anytime (temples open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM); Patuxai open 8:00 AM–4:30 PM; Vang Vieng caves open 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Cost: Entry: free (markets); Luang Prabang temples: $0.50–$1 (20,000–40,000 LAK); Patuxai: $0.50 (20,000 LAK); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 40,000–120,000 LAK/day; tuk-tuk: $0.50–$2 or 20,000–80,000 LAK); local purchases: $0.20–$10 (8,000–400,000 LAK).
Location: Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Laos.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Confirm VOA availability at borders like Nong Khai; check laos-visa.gov.la; a guest from Poland noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless after Nong Khai crossing.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Luang Prabang’s temples and markets after crossing at Luang Prabang Airport; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Luang Prabang hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Ensure valid VOA or e-visa; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; guides assist with residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs 8:00 AM from Luang Prabang hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $25–$40/person (1,000,000–1,600,000 LAK, includes transport and entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Luang Prabang.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group transport with fuel-efficient vehicles minimizes impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest from Poland noted: “Legend’s tour ensured visa compliance and cultural immersion after airport entry.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Vientiane’s Patuxai and a Mekong River cruise after crossing at Nong Khai; includes English-speaking guide, tuk-tuk transport, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use VOA at land borders like Nong Khai; carry a printed passport photocopy; confirm eligibility laos-visa.gov.la.
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:30 AM from Vientiane hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $30–$50/person (1,200,000–2,000,000 LAK, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Vientiane.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups and river cruises reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com (Laos partner sites); a guest from Poland noted: “The combo tour was visa-ready and enriching after Nong Khai.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Vang Vieng after crossing at Luang Prabang Airport or Nong Khai; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use e-visas for multi-city travel; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm temporary residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs from Luang Prabang hotels; returns after 2–3 days.
Cost: $80–$200/person (3,200,000–8,000,000 LAK, includes entries).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels or custom locations in Luang Prabang.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses eco-lodges and fuel-efficient transport; supports local communities.
Tip: Book Laos Tours via legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+84 825862222); a guest from Poland noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for travelers with visa exemptions or e-visas.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for visa-compliant cultural insights.
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend cultural visits with eco-friendly activities for a comprehensive journey.
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: Offer in-depth exploration with visa-smart itineraries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Laos’s green tourism goals.
Key visa-prepared travel opportunities include:
Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao): Typically April, festive with temple ceremonies; warm and dry (24–34°C); check dates at tourismcambodia.com (similar festivals in region).
Boun That Luang Festival: Typically November, spiritual with temple offerings; cool and dry (20–30°C); check dates at tourismcambodia.com (regional reference).
Year-Round Opportunities: Dry season (November–April, 20–34°C) is best for border crossings; wet season (May–October) suits budget travelers but expect rain at land borders.
Dry season (November–April, 20–34°C) is ideal for border crossings and cultural visits. Hot period (March–April, 24–34°C) suits early morning outings. Wet season (May–October, 24–32°C) is best for indoor experiences; expect rain at land borders like Nong Khai. Morning crossings (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid crowds and heat. Verify forecasts via accuweather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Check eligibility for visa exemptions (14 countries) or apply for e-visas at laos-visa.gov.la; use embassy visas for non-exempt nationalities; VOA at borders for Polish citizens laos-visa.gov.la.
Border Crossing Tips: Choose major borders like Nong Khai (Thailand) or Savannakhet (Thailand) for smoother immigration; cross early (6:00 AM) to avoid queues; carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy; have proof of onward travel for exemptions laos-guide-999.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry a digital or printed e-visa copy or passport photocopy; keep a photocopy of passport bio page separately; provide proof of onward travel for VOA or exemptions travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Confirm hotels or hosts register your stay for longer visits travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital e-visa copies to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or tuk-tuks after crossing for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for e-visas 3–7 days early; double-check details to match passport; carry small LAK notes for local purchases; check visa status at laos-visa.gov.la/status. For embassy visas, contact the nearest Laotian embassy (e.g., in Warsaw: +48 22 848 58 81).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($45 or 1,800,000 LAK if required), passport photocopy, proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight or bus ticket for exemptions or VOA), wallet ($2 or 80,000 LAK), tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits; lightweight scarf ($1 or 40,000 LAK); quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($2 or 80,000 LAK) for wet season; lightweight clothing like cotton or linen and light jacket ($3 or 120,000 LAK) for dry season; waterproof shoes ($3 or 120,000 LAK); hat ($2 or 80,000 LAK).
Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($2 or 80,000 LAK); snacks ($0.20–$1 or 8,000–40,000 LAK, e.g., sticky rice); small backpack ($2 or 80,000 LAK); sunscreen ($1 or 40,000 LAK); insect repellent ($1 or 40,000 LAK).
Tech: Phone with translation apps (e.g., Google Translate); charger ($3–$5 or 120,000–200,000 LAK); local SIM ($2–$3 or 80,000–120,000 LAK); waterproof camera ($6 or 240,000 LAK) for photos.
Eco Items: Reusable tote ($1 or 40,000 LAK) for purchases; phrase card ($1 or 40,000 LAK) with Lao basics.
Extras: Small LAK notes for donations or purchases; small first aid kit ($2 or 80,000 LAK); umbrella ($2 or 80,000 LAK) for wet season; money belt ($2 or 80,000 LAK) for valuables. Tip: Pack light (1 small bag, max 5 kg); reusable items support sustainability.
Visa and Travel Costs
Visa on Arrival Costs: $30–$50 (1,200,000–2,000,000 LAK); extra $1–$2 (40,000–80,000 LAK) for photos if needed laos-visa.gov.la.
E-Visa Costs: $45 (1,800,000 LAK); non-refundable laos-visa.gov.la.
Exemption Costs: No cost for visa exemptions (15–30 days) laoembassy.com.
Embassy Visa Costs: $30–$100 (1,200,000–4,000,000 LAK), depending on visa type and processing time laoembassy.com.
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: free (markets); Luang Prabang temples: $0.50–$1 (20,000–40,000 LAK); Patuxai: $0.50 (20,000 LAK); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 40,000–120,000 LAK/day; tuk-tuk: $0.50–$2 or 20,000–80,000 LAK); local purchases: $0.20–$10 (8,000–400,000 LAK).
Group Cultural Tours: $25–$40 (1,000,000–1,600,000 LAK, includes transport and entry).
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: $30–$50 (1,200,000–2,000,000 LAK, includes entry).
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: $80–$200 (3,200,000–8,000,000 LAK, includes entries). Safety-Related Costs
Money Belt: $2 (80,000 LAK).
Local SIM for Emergency Calls: $2–$3 (80,000–120,000 LAK).
Travel Insurance (Recommended): $10–$30 (400,000–1,200,000 LAK). Other Costs
Local Snacks (e.g., sticky rice, khao piak sen): $0.20–$1 (8,000–40,000 LAK).
Souvenirs (e.g., textiles, handicrafts): $0.20–$10 (8,000–400,000 LAK).
Donations: $0.20–$1 (8,000–40,000 LAK). Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $15–$40 (self-guided, snacks, transport, entry).
Mid-range: $40–$70 (group tour, purchases).
Luxury: $70–$120 (private tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $15–$120 for tours, visa costs (if applicable), and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; use visa exemptions to save on costs.
Visa Tips: Check eligibility for visa exemptions (14 countries) or apply for e-visas at laos-visa.gov.la; use embassy visas for non-exempt nationalities; VOA at borders for Polish citizens; double-check details to match passport laos-visa.gov.la.
Border Crossing Tips: Choose major borders like Nong Khai or Savannakhet for smoother immigration; cross early (6:00 AM) to avoid queues; carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy; have proof of onward travel for exemptions laos-guide-999.com.
Etiquette: Use “sabaidee”; dress modestly for temples; respect border and local customs; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility, group tours for visa-compliant insights, or multi-day tours for immersion.
Schedules: Borders open 6:00 AM–10:00 PM (some 24/7); cultural sites open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; peak crowds in dry season (November–April); book early for festivals.
Sustainability: Use bicycles or tuk-tuks; carry reusable items; support local vendors with fair purchases.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for border areas or cities like Vientiane.
Weather: Dry season (Nov–Apr, 20–34°C) ideal; hot period (Mar–Apr, 24–34°C) suits early mornings; wet season (May–Oct, 24–32°C) requires rain gear; check forecasts via accuweather.com.
Safety Note: Secure valuables with a money belt ($2 or 80,000 LAK); beware of pickpocketing in markets or nightlife areas; carry emergency numbers (Police: 191, Medical: 195, nearest embassy).
Who needs a visa to cross into Laos? Citizens of 14 countries (e.g., ASEAN, Russia) are exempt for 15–30 days; others require VOA or e-visas laos-visa.gov.la.
Which borders accept VOA or e-visas? All 7 airports, 15 land borders (e.g., Nong Khai, Savannakhet), and 2 river ports accept VOA and e-visas laos-visa.gov.la.
How much does a Laos visa cost? VOA: $30–$50 (1,200,000–2,000,000 LAK); e-visa: $45 (1,800,000 LAK); exemptions: no cost laos-visa.gov.la.
Can visas be extended at the border? VOA and e-visas extendable for 30 days at Immigration Department; fees $2/day (80,000 LAK/day); exemptions non-extendable laos-visa.gov.la.
What are the penalties for overstaying? $10/day (400,000 LAK/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Is Visa on Arrival available? Yes, at most borders for Polish tourists; e-visas recommended for faster processing laos-visa.gov.la.
Enhance your visa-prepared Laos journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Laos Cultural Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, 1 day): Guided temple and market tour with sustainable practices.
Laos Heritage Trail ($80–$150/person, 2 days): Explore cultural sites and eco-friendly activities.
Laos Explorer ($150–$250/person, 3 days): Multi-site adventure with eco-lodges and community-focused activities. Prices include guides, transport, and entry fees; group discounts available. Explore options at legendtravelgroup.com or contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84825862222) for your Laos Travel plans.
Mastering Laos Visa for Polish Tourists with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “sabaidee,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly journey through this Southeast Asian gem. With tour costs from $15–$200, sustainable Laos Tours, and attractions like Luang Prabang and Patuxai, this trip offers adventure and sustainability for international travelers. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Laos travel, leverage VOA or apply for e-visas early via laos-visa.gov.la, and respect local customs for the best experience. Safe travels!
Sources:
laos-visa.gov.la
travel.state.gov
laoembassy.com
culturetrip.com
laos-guide-999.com
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