Laos Visa Guide

Travelers to Laos must obtain a visa before entering the country. The following Laos Visa Guide will assist you in preparing for a seamless and enjoyable Laos tour experience.

Laos Visa exemptions:

Citizens of the following countries do not require a visa to visit Laos for a specified period:

- Visa-free for 14 days: Myanmar (Burma).

- Visa-free for 15 days: Luxemburg, Japan and Switzerland

- Visa-free for 30 days: Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei.

If you are not from one of the countries with a visa exemption for Laos or if you plan to stay longer, you will need to apply for a visa. 30-day visas are now available on arrival at most international borders.

How to apply for a visa to Laos?

Visitors to Laos have three main options for obtaining a visa:

1. Laos Visa On Arrival:

Obtaining a Laos Visa On Arrival is the most convenient, inexpensive, and efficient way to secure a visa. It's ideal for travelers who are short on time or those who do not have easy access to Lao embassies or consulates.

1.1. Where to Get a Visa On Arrival in Laos?

- International Airports:

Vientiane Wattay International Airport

Luang Prabang International Airport

Pakse International Airport

Savannakhet International Airport

Border Checkpoints and Border Crossings:

- Thailand-Laos Borders:

Chiangkhong – Houixay, Chiang Rai to Bokeo Province

Houi Koln – Nam Ngeun, Nan to Sayabouly Province

Nakaxeng – Kaenthao, Loei to Sayabouly Province

Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I, Nongkhai-Vientiane Capital

Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II, Moukdahan-Savannakhet Province

Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge III, Nakorn Phanom-Khammouane Province

Chongmek – Vangtao, Ubol Ratchathani to Champasack Province

- Cambodia-Laos Borders:

Dong Calor – Veun Kham, Cambodia to Champasack Province

- Vietnam-Laos Borders:

Nameo – Banleui, Thanh Hoa to Huaphanh Province

Namkan – Namkan, Nghe An to Xieng Khouang Province

Keoneua – Nampao (Lak Sao), Ha Tinh to Bolikhamxay Province

Laobao – Dansavanh, Quang Tri to Savannakhet Province

- China-Laos Borders:

Mohan – Botene, Yunnan to Luang Namtha Province

For a detailed list of all checkpoints, visit: Laos Immigration Checkpoints

1.2. Visa on Arrival Stamp Fee

The cost of a Laos Visa On Arrival varies depending on your nationality. A price list is displayed at the visa counter.

- USA, UK: USD $35

- Canada: USD $42

- India: USD $40

- Sweden: USD $31

- China: USD $20

- Australia and other countries: USD $30

1.3. Requirements for a Laos Visa On Arrival

- Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date, with at least 2 blank pages.

- Photos: 2 passport-sized photos (5 cm high x 4 cm wide, white background, no glasses, no facial expression).

- Visa Application Form: Completed and signed by the applicant (forms are available at the visa window at Lao ports of entry or distributed before landing if arriving by plane).

- Cash for Visa Fee: All visa fees must be paid in cash (Laos Kip, US dollars, or Thai baht).

For further information, please contact our consultant for the best support.

1.4. Lists of countries CANNOT get Laos Visas on Arrival?

The passport holders of the following (29) countries are Not eligible for Laos Visas on Arrival. 

* How Can The Citizens Of The Countries In The List Get Lao Visa?

Citizens of countries that are not eligible for a Laos Visa on Arrival must apply for a visa through local Lao Embassies or Consulates. Here’s how you can obtain a Laos visa if you’re from one of these countries:

- Apply at a Lao Embassy or Consulate:

Visit the nearest Lao Embassy or Consulate in your country. You can find the address and contact information for Lao diplomatic missions on the official Laos Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or through your local embassy's website.

- Travel via Neighboring Countries:

If there is no Lao Embassy or Consulate in your country, you can apply for a visa at a Lao diplomatic mission located in one of Laos' neighboring countries: Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Thailand, or Vietnam.

Please ensure you have the necessary documents and visa application form before visiting the embassy or consulate in these neighboring countries.

For both methods, you will need to provide the required documents, such as a valid passport, completed visa application form, passport-sized photos, and the visa fee. Always check the specific requirements and processing times with the respective embassy or consulate to ensure a smooth application process.

2. Visa in Advance:

2.1. Apply at a Lao Embassy or Consulate:

If you prefer to secure your visa before traveling, or if you are entering Laos through a border that does not offer Visa on Arrival, you can apply in advance.

2.2. Required Documents:

To apply for a Laos visa, you will typically need to prepare the following documents:

If you prefer to secure your visa before traveling, or if you are entering Laos through a border that does not offer Visa on Arrival, you can apply in advance.

- Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond your travel date and have at least 2 blank pages.

Completed Visa Application Form: Fill out and sign the visa application form. Forms are available at the Lao Embassy or Consulate or can often be downloaded from their website.

- Passport-Sized Photos: Two recent photos that meet the required specifications (usually 5 cm x 4 cm, white background).

- Visa Fee: The fee varies depending on your nationality and is payable in cash (USD or local currency).

Note: Processing times can vary depending on the embassy or consulate. It’s advisable to check with the specific Lao mission for the most accurate information and any additional requirements. This option is ideal for those who plan to stay longer or have specific travel requirements.

The Laos government offers an e-visa that allows citizens of 150 countries to apply for a tourist visa online. For a full list of eligible countries, visit: Who Can Apply.

3. Apply for E-VISA

The Laos government offers an e-visa that allows citizens of 150 countries to apply for a tourist visa online. For a full list of eligible countries, visit: Who Can Apply E-Visa to Laos.

3.1. E-Visa Details:

- Validity: The e-visa approval letter is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance.

- Length of Stay: Allows a stay of up to 30 days from the date of arrival in Laos.

- Entry: E-visas are valid for a single entry only.

3.2. Application Process:

- Apply Online: Submit your application at Lao eVisa Application.

- Receive E-Visa: After processing, you will receive your e-visa approval letter via email.

- Print and Present: Print a hard copy of the e-visa approval letter and present it at flight check-in.

3.3. Important Notes:

- Border Acceptance: Not all border crossings in Laos accept e-visas. Please check the list of accepted ports of entry and exit before applying.

- For more information and to verify accepted entry points, visit the eVisa to Laos FAQ.

By following these guidelines and preparing the necessary documents, you can ensure a hassle-free entry into Laos and enjoy your visit to the country.