Laos Entry Requirements for American Citizens

Travelers from the United States need to obtain a visa before being allowed entrance into Laos. A visa to Laos from America can be obtained in a number of different ways. These options include:

laos requirements us citizens

Of the three, the online eVisa offers one of the easiest and fastest ways to get ready to visit Laos for American citizens. This page explains how to smoothly register for an eVisa in just a few simple steps.

Do US Citizens Need a Visa to Travel to Laos?

It is obligatory for US citizens to hold a valid visa before entering Laos. Only 15 nationalities may travel to the country visa free. Most Americans visiting the country travel with a Laos tourist visa.

One form of the, tourist visa is the eVisa Approval Letter allows US citizens entry into the southeast Asian nation for a total of 30 days . This time can be extended whilst in the country if the applicant contacts the relevant authorities before the visa’s expiry.

The online visa for tourists Laos can be acquired in about 3 business days. Travelers just need to make sure they have the necessary documents to enter Lqao PDR upon arrival and that all the correct requirements are met.

laos entry requirements us citizens

Laos eVisa Application Requirements for Americans

The Laos eVisa allows Americans to apply online for a permit of entry into the country from anywhere in the world . To do so, applicants must send the following documents in order to complete and submit the Laos eVisa online application form .

During this process they will need to complete the following steps:

  • Fill out the Laos visa application form : this can be downloaded online
  • Provide data from a United States passport with a minimum of 6 months’ validity from the chosen arrival date
  • Submit 1 passport photograph sized 1.6x2.4 inches (4x6cm) that meets the following requirements , taken within the last 6 months

Applying online for an eVisa saves applicants the stress of travelling to an embassy or queuing to get the visa on arrival in Laos . The passport used during the process should come with two blank pages, allowing enough room for the arrival stamp in the country.

If all requirements are met, it could take as little as 3 working days but travelers should apply at least 7 days before their intended date of departure in case of any delays in processing.

Information for Americans Arriving in Laos with a Valid eVisa

Once processed, the eVisa will be sent to the email address given during the order process. From there American tourists can print off the Approval Letter eVisa document in preparation for their arrival in Laos.

Be aware that at the present time the eVisa can only be used at the following Laotian border crossing points which include:

  • Wattay International Airport
  • Pakse International Airport
  • Luang Prabang International Airport
  • Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I
  • Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II

When crossing the border into the country Americans will need to present their valid passport used during the registration . They will also need to provide the printed copy of their Lao eVisa. This will then be checked by the attending border guard who will grant the visa-holder entry into the country.

Laos Online Visa Benefits for Americans

Applying for the Laos visa online is more advantageous than applying for a visa upon arrival or applying at an embassy beforehand. With the online visa for Laos, travelers can receive an approved visa in advance and apply using a mobile device or desktop computer.

The online application form for the Laos visa also takes less time to complete and less time to process. making the online application system a smoother process for Laos visa applicants.

How To Visit Laos as a US Business Traveler

American business travelers will instead need a Laos business visa . This process usually takes longer to complete. Individuals are advised to apply for this category of visa at least 3 months before their intended date of travel. Like the eVisa these can also be extended once in Laos.

Register with the US Embassy in Laos

Citizens of the United States can now register with the US Embassy during their stay in Laos .

Enrolling with the US Embassy in Laos has several safety and security benefits.

By registering, travelers can:

  • Receive safety and security updates for Laos
  • Get important information before and during a natural disaster or other emergency
  • Be contacted easily if there is an emergency back home in the United States

US citizens can complete embassy registration when applying for a Laos eVisa through this website. To opt-in for the service, eVisa applicants should select the US Embassy Registration option on the payment page .

FAQ’s about Laos Visa for US Citizens

Can us citizens travel to laos.

Yes, citizens of the United States can travel to Laos . They must follow Laos’s entry policies, which include having the correct travel documents.

Americans must have an approved Laotian visa to cross the border into the country . This is part of the nation’s visa policy, which states that a travel permit is mandatory for certain nationalities.

Conveniently, US travelers can apply for an Laos online visa . This is the fastest way to gain entry into Laos with a US passport.

What documents do I need to obtain a Laos visa for Americans?

United States nationals can apply for the Laos eVisa with just a few items :

  • US passport : must be valid for at least 6 months (180 days) from the expected date of arrival in Laos
  • Email address: should be an email address which is checked regularly
  • Debit or credit card: the Laos eVisa fee must be paid using a card which is authorized for online payments

Applicants can start the eVisa process providing they have everything listed above.

What types of Laos visa can US citizens apply for?

US citizens are eligible to apply for the Laos eVisa . This electronic visa gives the holder single entry access into Laos, and permission to stay of up to 30 days.

For those who wish to stay for longer than 30 days, or who do not meet the eVisa requirements, there are 2 other options available: visa on arrival and an embassy visa .

US travelers can obtain a visa on arrival at the Laos border, however this can be a lengthy process and does not guarantee an approved visa . Embassy visas involve going in person to a Laotian embassy or consulate.

Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution.

  • Travel Advisories |
  • Contact Us |
  • MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Before You Go

Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

Share this page:

Travel Advisory July 24, 2023

Laos - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution to Laos due to  civil unrest . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Reconsider travel to:

  • Xaisomboun Province due to  civil unrest.

Exercise increased caution in:

  • Remote areas along the border with Burma due to  crime.
  • Areas of Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Saravane, Khammouane, Sekong, Champassak, Houaphan, Attapeu, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane provinces, as well as along Route 7 (from Route 13 to the Vietnam border), Route 9 (Savannakhet to the Vietnam border), and Route 20 (Pakse to Saravane) due to  unexploded bombs.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Laos.

If you decide to travel to Laos:    

  • Do not touch unknown metal objects and avoid traveling off well-used roads, tracks, and paths due to risk of unexploded ordnance.
  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter.
  • Review the  Country Security Report  for Laos.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Xaisomboun Province – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

There is a continued threat of violence in Xaisomboun Province.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Xiasomboun Province as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel there.

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Areas on the Border with Burma – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Bandits, drug traffickers, and other people pursuing illegal activities operate in these areas, as do armed groups opposed to the Burmese government.

Areas of Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Saravane, Khammouane, Sekong, Champassak, Houaphan, Attapeu, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane provinces, as well as along Route 7 – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

There are large numbers of unexploded bombs in these areas left over from the Indochina War.

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Six months.

2 (endorsement pages are not considered blank).

The import of local currency is not permitted. 2,500 USD or equivalent in foreign currency must be declared.

The export of local currency is not permitted. 2,500 USD or equivalent in foreign currency must be declared.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy vientiane.

Thadeua Road, Km 9 Ban Somvang Thai Hatsayphong District Vientiane, Lao PDR Telephone: +(856) (21) 48-7000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(856) (21) 48-7600 Fax: +(856) (21) 48-7040 Email:   [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Your passport must have at least six months validity remaining from the date of entry and at least two blank visa pages.

Tourist visas are required.  Tourist visas on arrival are available at certain ports of entry, and generally permit a stay of 30 days. You can extend the visa up to an additional 60 days through the Department of Immigration in Vientiane. At certain ports of entry, you can use an eVisa. See  laoevisa.gov.la  for more information.

To obtain a visa in advance, and for other information about Lao entry requirements, please contact the  Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic , 2222 S St. NW, Washington DC 20008, tel: 202-332-6416, fax: 202-332-4923.

For a business visa:  Business visas can only be arranged in advance. After you arrive, you can generally extend your business visa for one month. Please contact the  Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic  for specific information.

You must have a valid entry stamp and be within your authorized period of stay, or have an exit visa, to depart Laos. Otherwise, you will be fined and may be arrested.

If your U.S. passport is lost or stolen in Laos, you must obtain both a replacement passport and an exit visa.  The U.S. Embassy can issue a limited validity replacement passport expeditiously; however, the Lao government requires 3 to 5 working days to issue an exit visa. Contact the Foreigner Control Office at the Department of Immigration in Nong Buek for an exit visa. The office is located on NongBuek-Dongnaxok Rd. Phone: +856 21 212 520. If your lost passport causes you to exceed your authorized period of stay in Laos, you may be subject to overstay fines unless you make prior arrangements with Immigration.

Laos does not allow its citizens to have dual nationality.  Under Lao law, Lao citizens who have been outside of Laos for extended periods or who have taken a second nationality are no longer considered to be Lao citizens. Lao immigration officials may deny entry to or exit from Laos for individuals using multiple passports.

Traveling with children:  Travelers with children are advised to have documentary evidence of your relationship to the child, such as the child’s birth certificate or permission for the child’s travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian, if they are not present.  U.S. citizen children born out of wedlock to a Lao national and a U.S. citizen may experience difficulty departing Laos.

Travelers with HIV/AIDS:  The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Laos.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction , and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

The Embassy recommends U.S. citizens reconsider travel to all of Xaisomboun   Province . U.S. Embassy personnel are restricted from traveling to Xaisomboun Province due to past incidents of violence.

There are large amounts of unexploded ordnance (UXO)   in Laos  left over from the Indochina War.  UXO is found in some parts of Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Salavan, Khammouane, Sekong, Champassak, Houaphan, Attapeu, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane provinces. In particular, UXO is found along Route 7 (from Route 13 to the Vietnam border), Route 9 (Savannakhet to the Vietnam border), and Route 20 (Pakse to Salavan). Never pick up unknown metal objects and avoid traveling off well-used roads, tracks, and paths.

Exercise caution in remote areas along the border with Burma.  Bandits, drug traffickers, and other people pursuing illegal activities operate in these border areas.

Find information on  Travel Advisories  on our website.

  • Petty thieves target foreigners  for pickpocketing (especially in tourist hubs) and theft of unattended property, including in vehicles. Thieves on passing motorcycles snatch purses. Petty theft increases during major Lao holidays. Residential break-ins also occur.
  • Scams:  In tourist areas, shop owners may rent motorbikes to tourists, have someone “steal” the motorbike, and charge the tourist for the cost of the “stolen” motorbike. Be cautious of rental arrangements and never provide your passport as collateral.
  • See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to police in the place where the incident took place. You may also contact the Tourist Police at 021-251-128. Tourist Police generally speak English. Contact the U.S. Embassy at 856-21-48-7000; after hours call 856-21-48-7600. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

  • Help you find appropriate medical care;
  • Assist you in reporting a crime to the police;
  • Contact relatives or friends with your written consent;
  • Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms;
  • Provide a list of local attorneys;
  • Provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S. ;
  • Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution;
  • Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home;
  • Replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:  Laos’ tourism industry infrastructure is very limited, especially outside major cities. Tourists participate in activities at their own risk. Emergency response and subsequent appropriate medical treatment is not available in-country. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  Laos does not routinely inform the U.S. Embassy of the arrest of U.S. citizens in a timely fashion and does not always allow consular access to arrested individuals. If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information

Police and legal system bribes and informal procedures:  It is common for police to target foreigners to pay bribes for alleged traffic offenses. The Embassy is not usually able to provide assistance in these cases. Foreigners arrested for unruly conduct or damaging private property will often be held in police custody without formal charges being brought against them until they pay an indemnity to the injured party. This process usually takes a minimum of two to three weeks.

Relationships with Lao citizens:  Lao law prohibits cohabitation or sexual contact between foreign citizens and Lao nationals except when the two parties have been married in accordance with Lao Family Law. Any foreigner who cohabitates with or enters into a sexual relationship with a Lao national risks being interrogated, detained, arrested, or fined. Foreigners are not permitted to invite Lao nationals of the opposite sex to their hotel rooms, and police may raid hotel rooms without notice or consent. Foreigners, including U.S. citizens of Lao descent, are not allowed to stay in the homes of Lao nationals, even family, without the prior consent of the village chief and local police.

Foreigners who married a Lao national outside of Laos should have their marriage certificate authenticated at a Lao Embassy in the country where the marriage took place before traveling to Laos.

Possession of, trafficking in, and manufacture of drugs are serious offenses in Laos  and result in lengthy prison sentences or the death penalty. Some restaurants offer “happy” or “special” menu items -- particularly “pizzas” or “shakes” -- that may contain opiates or unknown substances. Consuming these items is illegal.

Adventure Tourism:  Laos has a developing adventure tourism industry that includes, but is not limited to, zip-lining, bungee jumping, rock climbing, and off-road bikes and buggies. Safety standards and training requirements for personnel operating these activities and safety inspections of the equipment may not be equivalent to those required for similar activities in the United States. We recommend that travelers check the safety records of adventure tourism operators. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  adventure travel .

Water Safety:  Travel by speedboat on rivers in Laos is dangerous, especially when water levels are low. White water rafting, kayaking, tubing, and other water-based activities, including swimming in the Mekong, are dangerous. Foreigners have drowned or been seriously injured. Do not participate in any water-based activities while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Please be aware that safety advice will be minimal, and there may not be warning signs at tourist sites.

Hotel Safety:  Some hotels in Laos do not meet U.S. safety standards for security and fire safety.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

  • Faith-Based Travel Information
  • International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
  • Human Rights Report  – see country reports
  • Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
  • Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Laos.

See   our  LGBTQI Travel Information   page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance:   There are no special provisions for persons with mobility issues.  Sidewalks and street crossings are not accessible for people in wheelchairs. Buildings, medical facilities, public transportation, etc. are generally not accessible .

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

For emergency services in Laos, dial 0192 (tourist police) or 0195 (ambulance).

Medical facilities and services in Laos are extremely limited and may not meet basic international standards.

Contact information for hospitals/clinics is found here .

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers accept only cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. Every year the Embassy sees cases of U.S. citizens who fall ill in Laos and are unable to get necessary health care because they don’t have adequate insurance. Serious medical cases frequently require medical evacuation to private hospitals in Thailand by ground ambulance or air ambulance. Hospitals in Thailand and Laos require large deposits prior to treating patients. The State Department does not pay medical bills.

Border Crossing Hours: All of the land border crossings between Laos and neighboring countries close during the night hours. The Friendship Bridge that connects Vientiane to Nong Khai, Thailand, closes from 10 p.m. – 6 a.m. daily. While it is generally possible for ambulances to cross the Vientiane friendship bridge after hours, it sometimes takes several hours to arrange for the crossing to be opened, even in cases of severe medical emergencies. Travelers should inquire locally about the hours of other border crossings . 

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure the medication is legal in Laos.

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

  • World Health Organization
  • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:

  • Road accidents are a major cause of death.  Defensive driving is imperative; many drivers pay little attention to traffic laws.
  • Poor driving conditions:  Traffic is chaotic, and road conditions can be rough. Few roads have lane markings, road signs, and stoplights. Drivers widely ignore those that exist. Speeding, reckless passing, and failure to obey traffic laws are common. Many drivers are underage, unlicensed, inexperienced, or uninsured. Driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs is common. Motorcycles carry as many as five people, greatly impeding the drivers' ability to react to traffic. Road conditions worsen during the rainy season and landslides are common, including on major routes connecting provincial capitals.
  • Avoid driving at night . Road construction sites are poorly marked, appear with no warning, and can be difficult to see at night. Roads are poorly illuminated, many vehicles have no operating lights, few bicycles have reflectors, and trucks without reflectors commonly park on unlighted roads.
  • Motorcycles and motorbikes:  The U.S. Embassy prohibits  Embassy personnel in Laos from using motorcycles, motorbikes, and scooters due to a high incidence of accidents and lack of available medical care. You should also consider not using these vehicles.
  • Emergency vehicles:  There are no government ambulance services, and a scarcity of private ambulances makes it difficult for accident victims to receive timely medical attention.
  • Intoxicated drivers:  Drunk driving is rampant, especially in the evening.

Traffic Laws:

  • Traffic accidents:  A driver involved in a traffic accident should remain at the scene and attempt to contact the police or wait for the police to arrive to prepare an accident report. If renting a car or motorcycle, contact the rental company and its insurance agent.
  • Traffic moves on the right, but vehicles use all parts of the road.

Public Transportation:

  • Public transportation  is scarce and the transportation available is very limited after sunset. There are a limited number of buses and shared van/covered pick-up truck services.
  • Inter-city transport  is provided by buses, vans, pickups, and trucks, any of which may be in poor repair.
  • For-hire vehicles:  Taxis or cars-for-hire are available only at major transit hubs such as border crossings and airports. “Tuk-tuks” -- three-wheeled, open-sided vehicles -- are available in tourist areas, but are frequently in poor repair, and drivers generally speak little to no English. Car taxis are also available by phone.

Visit the website of Laos’  national tourist office  and our  road safety page  for more information

Aviation Safety Oversight:  As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Laos, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the Lao civil aviation authority [DLP1]  for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Laos’ air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the   FAA safety assessment page .

For additional travel information

  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
  • See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
  • Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
  • See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA)  report.

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, learn about your destination, enroll in step.

Enroll in STEP

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Children’s passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years.

Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba

Bosnia and Herzegovina

British Virgin Islands

Burkina Faso

Burma (Myanmar)

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Cote d Ivoire

Curaçao

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Falkland Islands

France (includes Monaco)

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French West Indies

Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies)

Guinea-Bissau

Isle of Man

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Republic of North Macedonia

Republic of the Congo

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

The Bahamas

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Vatican City (Holy See)

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

FB

  • Customized Tour

Laos Visa: All things you need to know

laos visa

If you are planning a trip to Laos, the first thing comes into your mind is how to obtain a visa to Laos which is required for most foreign visitors, including children and infants. At present, fortunately, there are several options of Laotian visa which give great flexibility in making travel arrangements as visitors do not need to plan their visa ahead. According to the policy for Laos visa, the visa fee also depends on the nationality of passport holders. Here in this post, more information about visa of Laos will be provided. Check it out with Laos Travel!

Who can get Laos Visa on Arrival?

Who can’t get laos visa on arrival, laos visa on arrival requirements, useful tips, main ports of entry in laos for visa on arrival, laos visa on arrival.

Getting a Visa On Arrival for Laos is very convenient without waiting too long. The visa fee will be varied depending on the nationalities, between US$ 30-US$ 45/person.

Certain countries in Africa and the Middle East must apply for visas beforehand while most others can just get visas on arrival by show up at the airport / border, fill in visa application form, pay visa fee, wait for your turn, and receive a 30-day tourist visa on arrival.

Visa Exemption will be applied for the following countries: + 30 days: Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Mongolia, Russian, South Korea. + 15 days: Japan, Luxembourg, Switzerland + 14 days: Brunei, Myanmar And holders of diplomatic and/or service category passports do not require a visa Laos up to 30 days (unless otherwise noted)

laos visa

Demo Visa to Laos

Nationals of the following countries are not allowed to obtain a visa on arrival and must apply for visas beforehand instead: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, DR Congo, Eswatini, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Monzambique, Nauru, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Tonga, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

The requirements for a Laos visa on arrival are as follows: – Original valid passport for at least six months from the date of arrival in Laos with enough 2 blank pages (endorsement pages are not considered blank); – A completed visa application form signed by the applicant (available at visa window at Lao ports of entry or given before landing if you are arriving by plane). If you fill the visa form in advance, you don’t have to wait too long at the last of the line. Otherwise you can also download Laos VISA FORM here . – 2 passport sized photos (light background, no longer than 6 months) (*); – Visa fee (in cash only, USD or Thai Baht)

(*) In case the traveler does not prepare a photo in advance, there is service for this at the customs with an additional fee (US$ 1-2) for scanning the photo from the passport. For those who wish to visit Laos, please be aware that  there will be additional charges for the visa  if you arrive between 6:00 and 8:00 in the morning, on a weekend, or on a national holiday.

How to Get a Visa on Arrival for Laos?

To get a visa on arrival for Laos, the traveler should  have all of the required documentation  listed as above.

Look for the window marked “On Arrival”. Handle all required documents for visa on arrival and pay the visa fee to finalize the process.  The cost of Laos Visa varies according to nationality of applicant from US$ 30-45/person, so please check update of the price list which is on display at the visa counter.

Wait for your turn until the name of traveler will be called when their application has been reviewed get the visa stamped on the passport.

Be sure to get entry stamp on arrival and exit stamp before leaving. Double check the stamp date for your travel’s safety.

  • Hotel booking & Return ticket may be required to show (not always if you traveling overland). It is wise to produce an itinerary from a travel agent to avoid any problems.
  • Currency restrictions for entry or exit: The import or export of local currency is not permitted. Over 2,000 USD or equivalent in foreign currency, the declaration at customs can be applied.
  • Few nationalities (from particular African countries like Sudan, Somalia, etc. or Asian countries like Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Pakistan, etc.) can be asked for security deposit (from USD 500) at costumes & will return on the day of departure. Otherwise the entry won’t be allowed.

Here are the main ports of entry in Laos where foreign visitors from eligible countries will be able to obtain a visa on arrival to enter Laos.

At international airports of Laos

  • Wattay International Airport in Vientiane Capital;
  • Luang Prabang International Airport in Luang Prabang Province;
  • Pakse International Airport in Champasak Province;
  • Savannakhet International Airport in Savannakhet Province.

More details of Laos airports, read here

At Border Checkpoints There are a number of land border checkpoints where allow to get a visa on arrival for Laos, including:

Thailand-Laos Checkpoints There are 6 routes across the Thai border into Laos as follows:

  • Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I: Nong Khai to Vientiane;
  • Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II: Mukdahan to Savannakhet;
  • Friendship Bridge III: Nakhon Phanom to Thakhek;
  • Chiang Khong – Houayxai, Chiang Rai to Bokeo Province;
  • Chong Mek – Vang Tao, Ubol Ratchathani to Champasack Province;
  • Nakaxeng – Kaenthao, Loei to Sayabouly Province.

Visa on arrival counter at Luang Prabang International Airport

Visa On Arrival counter to get the visa stamped in your passport before entering Laos.

Vietnam-Laos Checkpoints

  • Tay Trang – Sop Hun; Dien Bien to Phongsaly Province;
  • Na Meo – Namsoi; Thanh Hoa to Huaphanh Province;
  • Nam Can – Nam Khan; Nghe An to Xieng Khuang Province;
  • Cau Treo – Nam Phao; Ha Tinh to Bolikhamxai Province;
  • Lao Bao – Dansavanh, Quang tri to Savannakhet Province;
  • Bo Y – Phou Keua, Kon Tum to Attapeu Province.

Cambodia-Laos Checkpoints

  • Trapeang Kriel (old name: Dong Kralor) – Nong Nokkhien (old name: Veun Kham) , Stung Treng to Champasak Province.

China-Laos Checkpoints

  • Mohan – Boten, Yunnan to Luang Namtha Province.
  • Mengkan – Lantouy, Yunnan to Phongsaly Province (for Chinese and Laotian citizens only)

Related Posts

What languages are spoken in Laos?

What languages are spoken in Laos?

Laos Flag Meaning & Full List Of National Flag of Laos Since 1353

Laos Flag Meaning & Full List Of National Flag of Laos Since 1353

Laotian Food – 15 Famous Dishes You Must Try When Travel in Laos

Laotian Food – 15 Famous Dishes You Must Try When Travel in Laos

Honeymoon Destinations in Laos

Honeymoon Destinations in Laos

Laos Travel Guide: All things you need to know

Laos Travel Guide: All things you need to know

Laos Trips: Best tour packages for your holidays

Laos Trips: Best tour packages for your holidays

Leave a comment cancel comment, request a free quote, thank you we have received your travel request. you will receive an email shortly. please check your email and verify the information. your request will be processed after your confirmation..

You have chosen a tour duration longer than 20 days. Please specify the exact number of days you want to travel in the message box below, so that we can have enough information and make a program for you. Thank you for your cooperation.

You have selected a number of travellers greater than 20. Please let us know the exact number of people in your group in the message box below so that we can quote you accurately. Thank you for your cooperation.

You have selected a number of travellers and duration greater than 20. Please let us know the exact number of people in your group and the exact number of days in the message box below so that we can quote you accurately. Thank you for your cooperation.

Our Recommendations

The Best Things To Do & See in Laos in 2024

The Best Things To Do & See in Laos in 2024

Things to do in Luang Prabang

Things to do in Luang Prabang

15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Luang Prabang, Laos

15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Luang Prabang, Laos

5 best Laos private tours you should know

5 best Laos private tours you should know

You may also like

The Most Highlights Of Vientiane

The Most Highlights Of Vientiane

Laos Travel Guide Post-Covid

Laos Travel Guide Post-Covid

Konglor Village – This Place Is Very Famous In Laos

Konglor Village – This Place Is Very Famous In Laos

Plain of Jars, Laos – A Complete First-Hand Guide

Plain of Jars, Laos – A Complete First-Hand Guide

12 Things To Do In Vientiane

12 Things To Do In Vientiane

Airports in Laos

Airports in Laos

Le Bel Air Resort Opens In Luang Prabang

Le Bel Air Resort Opens In Luang Prabang

Sign up today and receive a customized itinerary based on your own travel style, budget… by our Laos Travel consultants

* To be sure you'll receive our itinerary (email failure case...)

(We'll get back to you within 8 business hours)

  • Table of contents

Traveling to Laos

Laos visa types, a valid passport, personal photo, a complete application form, payment of visa fees, complete visa application form, copy of passport bio-data page, copy of passport cover page, sticker visa, evisa (tourist visa), where to apply for a laos visa, laos visa processing time.

The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the Lao PDR or Laos), is a Southeast Asian nation known for its rich history, excellent cuisine, and stunning natural beauty. Due to its central regional location, it is also an important trading country with a growing economy making it an attractive destination for businesspersons, students, researchers, experts, and more.

While some countries have developed bilateral agreements with Laos to ensure their citizens have visa exemptions, the majority of foreign nationals are required to obtain a visa to enter the country. There are various methods of obtaining a Laos visa, depending on the visa type and the applicant’s nationality. Some nationalities are eligible for the Tourist eVisa, while others can obtain a visa on arrival. Others must complete their application through consular processing. All travelers should check the eligibility of their nationality before applying for their Laos visa.

The validity of the Laos visa will depend on the applicant’s nationality, the visa type, and their intended purpose of stay. Visa periods of validity can range from short-term stays to long-term permanent residence.

The Lao PDR offers many types of visas for a wide range of travel purposes. When traveling to Laos, applicants will choose between the following visa types depending on their unique situation:

  • This visa is issued to diplomats, consuls, or representatives of international organizations and their dependents who are authorized for short-term or long-term duty in the Lao PDR.
  • This visa type is issued to administrative and technical embassy or consulate staff members and their dependents.
  • This is a visa reserved for the legally registered spouses of Lao citizens.
  • This visa is issued to staff of international organizations, embassy staff, special guests, and other categories of foreign experts.
  • This visa is issued to visitors traveling to Laos for the purpose of tourism and leisure.
  • This visa is issued to either foreign technical officers coming to Laos for training, events, or meetings OR foreign stateless people who are visiting family, or engaging in other short-term appointments.
  • Foreign and stateless individuals, and their dependents, can come to Laos on this visa as long-term laborers or residents, provided they meet the minimum financial requirements.
  • This is a residence permit for foreign nationals and stateless individuals, and their dependents, who plan to live in the Lao PDR long-term.
  • This visa is for foreign nationals and stateless individuals, and their dependents, particularly experts and specialists, who are traveling to Laos to work.
  • This visa is issued to travelers passing through Laos on their way to their onward destination.
  • This visa is for foreign businesspersons and their dependents to travel to Laos for investment or economic data collection purposes.
  • This is reserved for students, interns, or researchers who plan to come to the Lao PDR for academic or research purposes.
  • This is a visa for members of the press, journalists, and other media representatives traveling to Laos for work.
  • This is reserved for foreign nationals and stateless individuals, and their dependents, traveling to Laos as laborers.

Laos Visa Requirements

To apply for a Laos visa, all applicants must submit several documents depending on the purpose of the trip, the visa type, and their nationality.

The following documents are required for all foreign visa applicants:

The passport should be valid for at least 6 months and contain two blank pages for official use.

The applicant must provide a recent personal photo that was taken within the last six (6) months against a plain white background and adheres to all other embassy guidelines.

Applicants must complete the application form as stipulated by the Lao PDR foreign mission (embassy or consulate) where they submit their application.

Applicants must ensure they are able to cover the visa fees. Payment methods will vary depending on the location of submission

Visa applications can be completed and submitted through the official eVisa application portal .

The applicant should hold a passport valid for at least 6 months before their travel date. They must make and submit a photocopy of the bio-data page with all primary identification information clearly shown.

The applicant must submit a photocopy of the cover page of their valid passport.

The applicant is required to submit one recent personal photo, size 4cm x 6cm, in color, and taken within the last six (6) months. It must be on a plain white background and not contain any shadows. The applicant must be facing the camera with a neutral expression and both eyes open.

Applicants must have a valid means of paying the visa fees online through the electronic portal. This includes a valid credit or debit card.

Some visa types may require additional documents such as a marriage certificate, official letter of employment, bank statements, or letter of invitation.

Laos Visa Application Steps

Some eligible nationalities can apply for the Tourist eVisa online through the official electronic application portal. For the majority of other Laos visa types, the application process should be completed through consular processing at the relevant foreign mission (embassy or consulate).

Applicants can take the following steps to complete the application for the Laos sticker visa:

Visa applications must be completed accurately and included in the application packet.

Applicants must include all required documents for their specific visa type.

Application packets can be submitted at the relevant Loa PDR foreign mission (embassy or consulate).

The payment method will vary depending on where the applicant submits their visa application.

If approved, the applicant will receive their passport with the sticker visa inside.

Applicants can take the following steps to apply for the Laos eVisa:

Applicants must complete the electronic application form completely and accurately with their personal details and travel information.

Documents, including a personal photograph, copy of the passport cover page, and a copy of the passport bio-data page, can be uploaded directly through the online portal.

Visa fees can be paid online using a valid credit or debit card.

New visa holders must bring the Approval Letter to one of the eligible ports of entry in Laos and present it to the immigration officer.

Most Laos visa types can be applied for at the nearest foreign mission (embassy or consulate) and obtained through consular processing. Uniquely, the Tourist eVisa can be applied for and obtained online through the official electronic visa application portal. Some foreign nationals are eligible to obtain their Tourist visa on arrival in Laos.

Tourist eVisas are typically processed within three (3) days. For all other Laos visa types, the processing times will vary depending on the visa type and the applicant’s nationality. Applicants must ensure they leave enough time to receive their application decision before traveling to Laos.

A Laos visa is a travel document that allows foreign nationals to lawfully enter the country. There are a wide range of visa types catering to travelers of all kinds who need to come to Laos for tourism, business, studies, and more.

The cost of a Laos visa will vary depending on the visa type, the applicant’s nationality, and the intended duration of stay in Laos.

Applications for most Laos visa types can be submitted to and processed by the relevant Laos foreign mission (embassy or consulate). Only the Tourist eVisa application can be completed online at the official electronic visa application portal. Some nationalities can obtain a Tourist visa on arrival in Laos.

Visa requirements vary depending on the traveler’s nationality and the purpose of their stay in Laos. Some nationalities are exempt from any visa requirements, while others must obtain a visa in advance through consular processing. Travelers must verify their visa eligibility before departing for Laos.

Check if you need a visa for your next destination

Latest news and articles.

Do you need a passport to book an international flight?

Do you need a passport to book an international flight?

Best Summer Destinations 2024

Best Summer Destinations 2024

Greece unveils visa-on-arrival program for Turkish tourists to 10 islands

Greece unveils visa-on-arrival program for Turkish tourists to 10 islands

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

laos tourist visa validity

  • Passports, travel and living abroad
  • Travel abroad
  • Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Laos set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, send a message to the Lao Embassy London Facebook page .

Passport validity requirements

Your passport should have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the day you enter Laos.

Airlines only allow boarding of flights to and from Laos if you have 2 blank pages in your passport.

Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document, or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

Temporary tourist visa changes .

From 1 July to 31 December visas on arrival and eVisas will be valid for 60 days. Multiple entry 60-day visas will only be available from the Lao embassy before you depart for Laos.

The visas can be extended only once while in Laos for a further 60 days.

Applying for a visa

Visa on arrival is available at Vientiane’s Wattay International Airport, Luang Prabang’s and Paske airports but not at all land borders or Lao Immigration checkpoints.

You can  apply online for an e-Visa  - you must submit your application at least 3 days in advance of your entry to Laos.

Visa extensions

From 1 January 2025, tourist visas will only be valid for 30 days after the date of arriving in Laos.

Tourist visas can only be extended twice in Laos. Be aware if you do not renew your visa within 90 days, you will face a fine in Lao Kip equivalent to 2,000 US Dollars, deportation to your home country and a ban on returning to Laos.

To stay longer (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), you must meet the Lao immigration department’s entry requirements .

Vaccination requirements

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Laos guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of country. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Related content

Is this page useful.

  • Yes this page is useful
  • No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab) .

laos tourist visa validity

  • The Star ePaper
  • Subscriptions
  • Manage Profile
  • Change Password
  • Manage Logins
  • Manage Subscription
  • Transaction History
  • Manage Billing Info
  • Manage For You
  • Manage Bookmarks
  • Package & Pricing

Laos govt eases tourist visa restrictions for remainder of 2024 in move to further boost tourism

Monday, 01 Jul 2024

Related News

Laos-China Railway revolutionises travel and boosts socio-economic growth

Laos-China Railway revolutionises travel and boosts socio-economic growth

Un envoy visits laos to strengthen ties in relation to myanmar, laos gears up to host 57th asean foreign ministers' meeting.

VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/ANN): The government has approved visa-free entry for tourists from certain countries, and has also increased the number of days that visitors from these countries can remain in Laos.

The move is aimed at attracting more tourists during the remainder of Visit Laos Year 2024, with the new rules to be in force from July 1 to December 31.

Chinese tourists, including those holding passports issued in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan and who are part of a package tour, will not be required to pay for a tourist visa if their stay in Laos does not exceed 15 days and do not need a visa sticker.

They must be part of a group led by a guide employed by a Lao tour company that is registered with the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.

Tourists who hold a Taiwanese passport will be issued with a visa confirmation (visa volant) as before, and do not need a visa sticker.

Tourists holding passports from Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom can apply for a multiple entry visa at the Lao embassy or consulate in their home country.

Visitors from these countries who apply for a visa at a land border crossing or obtain a visa online (e-visa) may enter Laos only once but can stay in the country for up to 60 days.

Those with passports from Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Austria, Belgium, Spain and Greece who intend to remain in Laos for not more than 15 days do not need a tourist visa or a visa sticker, but can enter Laos only once.

Thai nationals may enter Laos on a border pass or temporary border pass and can remain in Laos for up to 10 days, as opposed to the normal three days. They may travel to three adjoining provinces, must leave Laos at their point of entry, and must also use the services of a Lao tour company registered with the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.

The same conditions apply to Vietnamese nationals entering Laos on a border pass or temporary border pass in line with the 15-day stay bilateral agreement between Laos and Vietnam.

Lao tour companies leading visitors on trips in the country must be registered with the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism and must provide a list of guests’ names and the travel itinerary to immigration officials for approval.

Chinese nationals entering Laos on a border pass under the 10-day stay bilateral agreement between Laos and China can travel on the Laos-China Railway from Luang Namtha province to Vientiane, stopping off in Oudomxay, Luang Prabang and Vientiane provinces and the capital if desired.

They must exit Laos at their point of entry and must also use the services of a Lao tour company that is registered with the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism. - Vientiane Times/ANN

Tags / Keywords: Laos , Govt , Big Push , Tourism , visa exemption

Found a mistake in this article?

Report it to us.

Thank you for your report!

UN envoy visits Laos to strengthen ties in relation to Myanmar

RIGHT POLICIES AND PRACTICES TO KEEP TALENT

Next in aseanplus news.

laos tourist visa validity

Trending in AseanPlus

Air pollutant index, highest api readings, select state and location to view the latest api reading.

  • Select Location

Source: Department of Environment, Malaysia

Others Also Read

Best viewed on Chrome browsers.

laos tourist visa validity

We would love to keep you posted on the latest promotion. Kindly fill the form below

Thank you for downloading.

We hope you enjoy this feature!

IN Flag

  • What is a visa?
  • Electronic Visa (eVisa)
  • Visa on Arrival
  • Appointment Required Visa
  • Invitation Letter
  • Arrival Card
  • Passport Renewal
  • Project Kosmos: Meet the man with the world's most challenging travel schedule
  • Australia Visa and ETA requirements for US citizens explained
  • Brazil eVisa for US citizens
  • India Tourist Visa for UK citizens
  • Possible B1/B2 Visa questions during the interview

Select Your Language

  • Nederlandse
  • 中文 (Zhōngwén), 汉语, 漢語

Select Your Currency

  • AED United Arab Emirates Dirham
  • AFN Afghan Afghani
  • ALL Albanian Lek
  • AMD Armenian Dram
  • ANG Netherlands Antillean Guilder
  • AOA Angolan Kwanza
  • ARS Argentine Peso
  • AUD Australian Dollar
  • AWG Aruban Florin
  • AZN Azerbaijani Manat
  • BAM Bosnia-Herzegovina Convertible Mark
  • BBD Barbadian Dollar
  • BDT Bangladeshi Taka
  • BGN Bulgarian Lev
  • BIF Burundian Franc
  • BMD Bermudan Dollar
  • BND Brunei Dollar
  • BOB Bolivian Boliviano
  • BRL Brazilian Real
  • BSD Bahamian Dollar
  • BWP Botswanan Pula
  • BZD Belize Dollar
  • CAD Canadian Dollar
  • CDF Congolese Franc
  • CHF Swiss Franc
  • CLP Chilean Peso
  • CNY Chinese Yuan
  • COP Colombian Peso
  • CRC Costa Rican Colón
  • CVE Cape Verdean Escudo
  • CZK Czech Republic Koruna
  • DJF Djiboutian Franc
  • DKK Danish Krone
  • DOP Dominican Peso
  • DZD Algerian Dinar
  • EGP Egyptian Pound
  • ETB Ethiopian Birr
  • FJD Fijian Dollar
  • FKP Falkland Islands Pound
  • GBP British Pound Sterling
  • GEL Georgian Lari
  • GIP Gibraltar Pound
  • GMD Gambian Dalasi
  • GNF Guinean Franc
  • GTQ Guatemalan Quetzal
  • GYD Guyanaese Dollar
  • HKD Hong Kong Dollar
  • HNL Honduran Lempira
  • HTG Haitian Gourde
  • HUF Hungarian Forint
  • IDR Indonesian Rupiah
  • ILS Israeli New Sheqel
  • INR Indian Rupee
  • ISK Icelandic Króna
  • JMD Jamaican Dollar
  • JPY Japanese Yen
  • KES Kenyan Shilling
  • KGS Kyrgystani Som
  • KHR Cambodian Riel
  • KMF Comorian Franc
  • KRW South Korean Won
  • KYD Cayman Islands Dollar
  • KZT Kazakhstani Tenge
  • LAK Laotian Kip
  • LBP Lebanese Pound
  • LKR Sri Lankan Rupee
  • LRD Liberian Dollar
  • LSL Lesotho Loti
  • MAD Moroccan Dirham
  • MDL Moldovan Leu
  • MGA Malagasy Ariary
  • MKD Macedonian Denar
  • MNT Mongolian Tugrik
  • MOP Macanese Pataca
  • MUR Mauritian Rupee
  • MVR Maldivian Rufiyaa
  • MWK Malawian Kwacha
  • MXN Mexican Peso
  • MYR Malaysian Ringgit
  • MZN Mozambican Metical
  • NAD Namibian Dollar
  • NGN Nigerian Naira
  • NIO Nicaraguan Córdoba
  • NOK Norwegian Krone
  • NPR Nepalese Rupee
  • NZD New Zealand Dollar
  • OMR Omani Rial
  • PAB Panamanian Balboa
  • PEN Peruvian Nuevo Sol
  • PGK Papua New Guinean Kina
  • PHP Philippine Peso
  • PKR Pakistani Rupee
  • PLN Polish Zloty
  • PYG Paraguayan Guarani
  • QAR Qatari Rial
  • RON Romanian Leu
  • RSD Serbian Dinar
  • RUB Russian Ruble
  • RWF Rwandan Franc
  • SAR Saudi Riyal
  • SBD Solomon Islands Dollar
  • SCR Seychellois Rupee
  • SEK Swedish Krona
  • SGD Singapore Dollar
  • SHP Saint Helena Pound
  • SLL Sierra Leonean Leone
  • SOS Somali Shilling
  • SRD Surinamese Dollar
  • SVC Salvadoran Colón
  • SZL Swazi Lilangeni
  • THB Thai Baht
  • TJS Tajikistani Somoni
  • TOP Tongan Pa anga
  • TRY Turkish Lira
  • TTD Trinidad and Tobago Dollar
  • TWD New Taiwan Dollar
  • TZS Tanzanian Shilling
  • UAH Ukrainian Hryvnia
  • UGX Ugandan Shilling
  • USD United States Dollar
  • UYU Uruguayan Peso
  • UZS Uzbekistan Som
  • VND Vietnamese Dong
  • VUV Vanuatu Vatu
  • WST Samoan Tala
  • XAF CFA Franc BEAC
  • XCD East Caribbean Dollar
  • XOF CFA Franc BCEAO
  • XPF CFP Franc
  • YER Yemeni Rial
  • ZAR South African Rand
  • ZMW Zambian Kwacha

Apply for and track your visa with our new app!

Download Now

Laos Visa Policy: Requirements and Visa Types

To enter Laos, visitors need an approved visa and a passport valid for at least six months. The Laos visa policy allows for a variety of visa types, including electronic visas, visas on arrival, and tourist visas. There are around 160 foreign nationalities eligible to apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) for Laos. By completing an easy online form before departure, you can obtain the document.

Usually, within 3 working days after approval, the applicant receives the approved eVisa by email. For tourism purposes, it allows a short stay. There are also less than ten nationalities for whose residents visas on arrival are required, which they can obtain at almost all ports of entry once in Laos.

Fill me in

In accordance with Laos visa policy, citizens from some countries cannot submit an electronic application and must instead contact a government diplomatic office.

For travelers who wish, or need, to stay longer than the time allowed for visa-free or eVisa travel, as well as those visiting Laos for other purposes, like work or study, a tourist visa will be needed.

Check to see if you need a visa to enter Laos

Tourist Visa Policy for Laos

For tourists planning to visit Laos, the visa policy requires foreign nationals to obtain a visa in advance to gain entry.

Laos currently has three types of tourist visas available to foreign nationals who wish to visit the Southeast Asia nation. The online visa application process eliminates the need to apply in person for a visa or stand in long queues at the border. Around 160 countries are currently able to apply for a visa exclusively online.

Laos tourist eVisas are single-entry permits that allow visitors to stay for a maximum of 30 straight days in Laos for tourism purposes. Tourists from under 10 nationalities must obtain a visa on arrival in Laos. To complete and submit the visa application for this method, applicants have to comply with the Laos visa policy.

The Laotian Embassy or Consulate must also process a tourist visa application on behalf of 80 additional citizens. It is recommended that tourist visa applications be submitted at least four weeks in advance of the expected arrival date.

An online application form makes it possible to obtain Laos eVisas (electronic visas). In using this online application you will avoid waiting in long lines at an embassy or consulate and expedite the visa issuance process.

Around 160 countries are eligible to apply for an eVisa to visit Laos for a single entry for a maximum stay of 30 days. From the date of eVisa approval, a visitor can enter Laos for 60 days. The application form requires basic information about the applicant, their passport, and their travel plans; usually they can complete the form within minutes.

An applicant must also possess a passport valid for at least 6 months after the intended arrival date, as well as submit a copy of the biographical page of the passport, along with a passport-style recent photograph. As part of the application, applicants must also indicate the expected date of arrival, as well as provide proof of accommodation while in the country.

Follow the Laos visa policy and apply at least one week in advance to ensure that the eVisa will be approved in time. The online Laos eVisa will be sent to you by email as soon as it is approved. When traveling to Laos, travelers must print a copy of the eVisa to show at the border control.

In addition, border officials may require additional documentation from an eVisa holder upon arrival in Laos, such as proof of enough funds to cover the stay.

A citizen who holds an eVisa and wants to visit Laos for purposes other than tourism or plans to stay longer in the country needs to apply for a consular visa at a diplomatic mission. See the list below for all the nationalities that require an eVisa for Laos.

Laos Visa on Arrival

Certain foreigners who intend to visit Laos must follow Laos visa policy and get a Lao visa at the port of entry. There are currently less than 10 nationalities that require a visa on arrival to enter Laos for short stays.

The Laos visa policy grants visas on arrival to a limited number of countries, so eligible citizens can stay in the country no longer than 30 days with a single entry travel document. Visas on arrival, however, often require long application processes at border checkpoints. Visa on arrival applications need to be completed at an immigration checkpoint upon arrival in Laos. Travelers need to wait in line to receive their visa on arrival applications.

Filling out the form will require you to provide information regarding your passport, travel, and personal details. In addition to filling out the application, you must also pay a fee upon arrival. According to the nationality of the traveler, laotian visas on arrival may also require additional documentation. See the list below to determine whether a visa is required for your nationality upon arrival in Laos.

Laos Tourist Visa

As per the Laotian visa law, all foreigners from about 80 nationalities need to apply for a tourist visa before travelling, entering, or remaining in the country, no matter what their reason for visiting or how long they intend to stay.

African and Middle Eastern countries are the most popular countries for which tourists need a visa to visit Laos. Consular appointments are made at the Laos government diplomatic offices nearest to the applicant in order to gain an approved tourist visa.

After printing and completing the tourist visa application form, providing personal and passport information, you will have to select the type of visa needed for your trip, including tourism, business, transit, work, or study. As per Laos visa policy, visitors should bring with them a range of supporting documents to the appointment, depending on the kind of visa required and the nationality of the visitor.

The consular visa application process may take several weeks for travelers who need a traditional visa to arrive in the country. It is therefore recommended that travelers apply well before their intended arrival in the country. Listed below is a complete list of nations requiring tourists to submit visa applications for travel to Laos.

Related Articles

Laos eVisa for Israeli citizens cover image

Laos eVisa for Israeli citizens

Laos Visa Application: Get it online! cover image

Laos Visa Application: Get it online!

Laos Vaccination Requirements: Do I need a vaccine to travel to Laos? cover image

Laos Vaccination Requirements: Do I need a vaccine to travel to Laos?

  • Travel deals
  • Best selling tours
  • Vientiane Tours
  • Luang Prabang Tours
  • Honeymoon Tours
  • Cruise Tours
  • Adventure Tours
  • Student Tours
  • Classic Tours
  • Cycling Tours
  • Heritage Tours
  • Trekking Tours
  • Tours from 1 – 3 days
  • Tours from 4 – 6 days
  • Tours from 7 – 9 days
  • Tours from 10 – 12 days
  • Tours from 13 – 20 days
  • Indochina Package Tours
  • Things to do
  • What to see
  • Destinations

Laos Tourist

All visitors entering Laos must possess valid passports. Visas can obtained from  Lao Embassies  and Consulates abroad. In addition, visas can also be obtained on arrival at the  international checkpoint .

Visas can be secured in advance of arrival at  Lao Embassies . This can be done in several ways through a tour company recognized by the Lao PDR, from  Lao Embassies  or Consulate in countries.

For those wishing to extend their stay, it is possible to extend your visa at the Immigration Office in Vientiane, through travel agencies. It is also possible to obtain a  Visa-on-Arrival  at  international checkpoints .

Validity starts from day of entry into Laos. Tourist/Business: 30 days (can be extended twice in Vientiane for 30 days). Visas must be used within three months of being issued.

Passport/Visa Note: Those requiring visas should obtain them in their home country before travelling to Laos. Visas are available on arrival at  international checkpoints . On entering Laos visitors must ensure they receive an entry stamp in their passport as fines for not having one are high. All visitors’ passports should be valid for at least six months.

Laos Visa Extension If you find your visa is about to expire and you wish to stay longer in Laos, don’t worry, it is possible to get all types of Laos visa (except for a Transit Visa), extended at the immigration office in Vientiane. It cost US$2 per day if you apply before the expiry date. However, if you leave it until your visa expires you will be finded for US$10 per day for the days you over stayed.

If you are in Vientiane, your Laos Visa extension can be done at the Immigration Office behind the Joint Development Bank (JDB) on Lane Xang Avenue, opposite the Morning Market. The office is open Monday-Friday, from 8:00am-4:00pm (closed 12:00 to 13:00 at lunchtime). The office is closed for applications on Friday afternoon.

Requirements

  • Your passport
  • One passport type photo
  • Service fee of US$3
  • Application fee of 3,000 kip per person
  • Visa extension fee : $2 per day if you have valid visa, $10 per day if your visa is already expired (overstayed days)

Get a travel agent or specialist provider to do your Laos visa extension for you. Most travel agents can arrange a Laos visa extension for you with a small overhead fee. This varies between providers, so shop around for the best deal.

The process is straight forward, just fill out the application form then submit together with your passport and pay the fees. In normal circumstances your visa is usually ready the same day. If you only plan to stay for a few more days this option could work out best.

If you are in Vientiane it is very easy, you can take a public bus (around 10,000 kip) to the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge. Complete  the immigration procedures on the Lao side; the take the shuttle bus (5,000 kip) to the Thai immigration point and enter Thailand. If you want to come straight back into Laos you simply have to cross the road to the Thai immigration to exit the country. Once again, get the shuttle bus and then arrive at the Lao side, where you can apply for a Laos  Visa on Arrival .

Your passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity and a blank page for a visa stamp and don’t forget to take enough cash (US dollars) for the visa fee and two passport sized photos.

About the Author

Social share.

#081, Samsenthai Road, Vientiane, Laos Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.laostourist.com

Recommended on Tripadvisor

TripAdvisor

Laos Travel guides

  • Transport in Laos
  • Laos Airports
  • Laos Money and Costs
  • Health and Safety in Laos
  • When to Go to Laos
  • Laos Destinations
  • Laos things to do
  • Laos things to see
  • Laos travel news
  • Laos flights
  • Laos transportation
  • Laos Car rental
  • Laos hotels
  • Laos photo gallery
  • Laos Customized Tours

Package deals

Huay xai to luang prabang tour by boat 2 days, laos holiday with gibbon experience 8 days, daily joined tours in luang prabang city, daily joined tours in vientiane, kuangsi and luang prabang city tour 1 day, vietnam visa.

Laos Tourist provides tourist information for travelers to Laos. Here you find information about events, activities, weather, restaurants and hotels in Laos. There is also information about travel tips to Laos. Laos Tourist offers promotion package tours to Laos. We are one of the Top-10 Inbound Tour Operators, with reliable and high quality services in travel industry in Laos.

  • Laos travel deals
  • Laos best selling tours
  • Laos Travel guide

About Laos Tourist

  • Testimonials
  • Terms and Conditions

Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

Laos Visa on Arrival (VOA): Eligibility and Requirements

Updated: June 3, 2024

Laos Visa on Arrival (VOA) allows you to travel to Laos without applying for a visa in advance. The process to obtain VOA at the border is quick and straightforward. You will have to fill out a form, stick a photo (or have your photo taken) and pay the fee. 

The Laos VOA also costs less than any of the other visa options. Be careful though, not all border crossings offer VOA.

QUICK SUMMARY:

  • Eligibility: 163 countries
  • Duration of stay: 30 days
  • VOA Fee: 40 USD (+2 USD processing fee and photo fee)
  • Extension: Twice for a maximum of 90 days stay. 

If you haven’t already, read the Laos Visa Guide for information on different visa options for tourists, their eligibility, and requirements.

Table of Contents

Understanding laos visa on arrival (voa).

Laos Visa Sample

Duration of stay

The Laos VOA allows 30 days of stay. The day you enter is considered Day 1.

Allowed number of entries

Laos VOA is single-entry only. The VOA is granted on arrival and expires when you leave Laos. If you wish to return, you will need a new visa.

Allowed ports of entry

Laos VOA is available ONLY at the following ports of entry.

International Airports in Laos

  • Wattay International Airport (Vientiane)
  • Luang Prabang International Airport
  • Pakse International Airport

Thailand – Laos borders

  • Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge I (Nong Khai-Vientiane)
  • Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge II (Mukdahan – Savannakhet)
  • Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge III (Nakhon Phanom – Thakhek)
  • Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge IV (Chiang Khong – Huay Xai)
  • Thanaleng Train Station (When passenger train service from Thailand starts)
  • Chiang Saen – Samliemkham (A tri-country border between Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar)
  • Chongmek – Vangtao (Ubol Ratchathani to Champasack Province)

Cambodia – Laos borders

  • Nong Nok Khiene– Veun Kham

China – Laos borders

  • Mohan–Boten (Only overland. If taking the Lao-China Railway, you must have a visa or eVisa before boarding)

Vietnam – Laos borders

  • Laobao – Dansavan

VOA extension

It is possible to extend the Laos VOA twice for up to 30 days each time giving you a maximum of 90 days within the country.

Extensions are done in person at any Immigration Office in any of Laos’s provinces.

You must bring your passport, fill in a form, and attach a 3 cm by 4 cm photo. Processing time is 1 working day.

The visa extension costs 20,000 LAK (~1 USD) per day plus a one-time service fee of 40,000 LAK (~2 USD). Thus, extending your VOA for 30 days will cost you 640,000 LAK (~30 USD).

Laos Visa on Arrival Requirements

Laos Visa on Arrival (VOA) Eligible Countries

Eligible countries

Only the following 163 countries are eligible to get Laos Visa on Arrival (VOA).

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Bosnia and Herzegovian
  • Burkina Faso
  • Central African Republic
  • Dominican Republic
  • El Salvador
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Liechtenstein
  • Marshall Islands
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • North Korea
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Philippines
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent and Grenadines
  • Sao Tome and Principe
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Solomon Islands
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • Switzerland
  • Timor-Leste
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Turkmenistan
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom
  • United States of America

The above nationalities are also eligible to apply for Laos eVisa . Nationals not on the above list require a Laos Tourist Visa which must be applied at a diplomatic mission abroad before traveling to Laos.

Documents required

You need the following documents to obtain Visa on Arrival at the Laos border.

  • Valid passport
  • One passport-size photo
  • Completed Laos VOA application form
  • Completed Laos arrival/departure form

Passport requirements

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months past the date of arrival in Laos. VOA is a full-page sticker, so you must have at least one blank page in your passport. 

Photo requirements

The photo must meet the following requirements. 

  • Must be of size 4cm x 6cm
  • Must be the latest taken within the last 6 months.
  • Must be in color on a plain white background without shadows
  • Must be facing the camera with a neutral expression and both eyes open

If you don’t have a photo, you can use one of the photo booths to have your photo taken on the spot for 1 USD fee. 

The VOA costs 40 USD for all nationalities regardless of the point of entry.

You will have to pay a 1 USD fee if you don’t have a photo and need to have one taken on the spot.

Additionally, a 1 USD overtime surcharge is levied if you arrive before 8 AM, after 4 PM, on weekends, or public holidays. However, Laos Immigration is known to charge this all the time, even during official work hours.

The visa fee is always listed in USD, not in Lao Kip (LKR). At the international airports in Vientiane and Luang Prabang, you may pay in other currencies at a bad rate (even Kips are first exchanged to USD at a poor rate!). For example, if you pay in Thai Baht, you may be charged the equivalent of 45-50 USD.

At overland borders, it is possible to pay in the bordering country’s currency. For example in Thai Baht at any of the Friendship bridges, in Vietnamese Dong at the Lao Bao border crossing, or in Chinese Yuan at the Boten overland border (not the railways station!).

Visa on Arrival Application Process

Laos Visa on Arrival (VOA) At Chiang Khong - Huay Xai Border

How to obtain Lao VOA at the border

Whether you arrive at an airport or a land border, a special kiosk or line for Visa on Arrival will be available. Look for the trays with blank application forms and arrival forms.

  • Take both an application form and an arrival form and fill them out.
  • Submit the application form together with a passport-sized photo at an available window. If you don’t have a photo, the immigration officer will point you toward the photo booth.
  • Pay for the visa. The visa fee is always in US dollars but is payable in other currencies, including Euros, Chinese Yuan, Thai Baht, or Vietnamese Dong. Paying by card is not possible at any Laos border.
  • Wait until your name is called. Go to the visa desk and pick up your passport.

How to extend VOA in Laos

You can extend your Laos VOA at the Immigration Department in Vientiane or any Provincial Immigration Office.

The process is incredibly efficient:

  • Go to the floor for visa extensions. In Vientiane, it’s the second floor.
  • Fill out the form
  • Go to a counter and give your passport and extension form
  • Pay for the extension. Cash only!
  • Return the next day after 2 PM to pick up your passport with the extended visa

Note that the Immigration Offices have a lunch break from 12:00 to 13:00.

You may or may not be asked for a photo. Notably, the office in Luang Prabang asks for a face photo but the Immigration Department in Vientiane does not require one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does laos stamp passports.

Yes, your passport will be stamped when getting a visa on arrival for Laos. The stamp will contain the last date you can legally remain in Laos.

Are there ATMs at Laos Airports?

There are no ATMs before you pass immigration, so you shouldn’t rely on withdrawing money at the airport to pay your VOA fee.

That being said, if you arrive and don’t have enough money to pay, you may get escorted to an ATM to get cash.

What happens if I overstay my Laos visa?

If your overstay is just a few days, the fine is 10 USD per day of overstay.

You may face more serious penalties if it’s more than that or you cannot pay.

Laos Immigration may forgive the fine if you report the overstaying yourself, it’s short and there is a reasonable explanation for it.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

MORE VISA GUIDES

United Kingdom UK Tourist Visa Image

UNITED KINGDOM

Canada Tourist Visa Image

VIEW ALL VISA GUIDES

  • Cookie Policy
  • Copyright Notice
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Flight Itinerary
  • Hotel Reservation
  • Travel Insurance
  • Onward Ticket
  • Testimonials

Search this site

Laos plans to offer visa exemption for Chinese visitors

Source: Xinhua

Editor: huaxia

2024-06-25 21:22:15

laos tourist visa validity

VIENTIANE, June 25 (Xinhua) -- The Lao government is set to introduce a visa-free policy for Chinese visitors to promote tourism in the second half of Visit Laos Year 2024.

The policy will focus on Chinese travelers accompanied by travel agents, Lao News Agency reported Tuesday, quoting Lao Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Darany Phommavongsa.

The Lao government is also planning to offer multiple-entry visas and extend the duration of stay for more international visitors from 30 days to 60 days.

To further facilitate the travel experience for tourists, the Lao government is enhancing road infrastructure in transit areas and improving access roads to popular attractions, Darany told media.

The Lao Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism has been working with provincial authorities and tourism stakeholders along the China-Laos Railway to improve tourist attractions to meet tourism standards and install directional signs of well-known places along the transit routes.

The ministry is also working with private investors to explore and develop more tourist attractions and facilities to accommodate visitors. ■

laos tourist visa validity

  • Attractions
  • Specialties
  • Hehe Culture
  • Folk Customs
  • Transportation
  • Useful Info
  • Sister Cities

Home > Media Center > Updates

Laos to waive visas for Chinese tourists: Official

By YANG HAN in Vientiane | China Daily Global | Updated: 2024-06-28

Amid the success of the China-Laos Railway in further connecting the two countries, the Lao government is ready to announce a visa-free arrangement for Chinese tourists as part of Visit Laos Year 2024, according to a senior Lao official.

Lao Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Darany Phommavongsa said that the government is expected to confirm the policy by the end of June.

"The policy will be mainly focused on the travelers that are accompanied by travel agents," Darany said during a Monday group interview with journalists from China and the member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN.

The journalists are on an eight-day media tour along the China-Laos Railway organized by the Chinese Mission to ASEAN and China Daily, which began on Sunday.

With tourism being a key priority of the country's socioeconomic growth, Laos has designated this year as Visit Laos Year.

Under the slogan "Laos: A Paradise of Culture, Nature and History", the program aims to promote tourism and attract more international tourists to visit the country.

"The opening of the Laos-China Railway has made a great contribution to the Visit Laos Year 2024 in facilitating the travel of both domestic and international tourists, allowing tourists to have fun and a good travel experience," said Darany.

The Laos-China Railway Company — the China-Laos joint venture running the railway's Laotian section — has actively cooperated in providing tourism services, as well as participating along the railway route to promote Lao's tourist destinations, Darany said.

"Since we have operated the railway, the number of visitors keeps increasing dramatically," said Darany.

The Laos-China Railway, which is also expected to be connected to Thailand and Malaysia at some stage, is "a symbol of Laos-China friendship of the modern era, a strategic project of Laos to transform a landlocked country into a connected country, making the dreams and aspirations of the Lao people come true", said Darany.

She said the success of the Laos-China Railway is a result of the joint implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, which both countries must continue to pay attention to as they aim to achieve high-quality development and continuously upgrade actual cooperation.

"The government of the Lao PDR aims to develop the Laos-China railway to become an economic corridor that generates huge income for the nation," she said, noting the railway has contributed to the country's economic situation.

Since the cross-border passenger service between Vientiane and Kunming, China's Yunnan province, began on April 13 last year, the route has welcomed 172,023 passengers, she said.

"As 2024 is the Visit Laos Year, we hope that we will have more tourists coming to Laos," said Darany, noting that Laos welcomed more than 3.4 million international visitors in 2023.

China was the third-largest source of tourists for Laos in 2023, with more than 600,000 visiting the country. Darany said she expects the number to further grow to 800,000 this year.

Darany said the government is also providing short training courses to the tourism industry, including Chinese-language tour guide training and hospitality service training for managers and staff.

Apart from the visa exemption for Chinese visitors, more international visitors from targeted markets will benefit from free multiple-entry visas and the extension of stays from 30 to 60 days, Darany said.

  • Beijing, China
  • International Services Shanghai
  • Taizhou municipal government
  • Zhejiang Government Official Web Portal
  • China Daily
  • Tiantai Mountain
  • Sanmen county
  • Luqiao district
  • Huangyan district
  • Jiaojiang district

Zhejiang Hangzhou Ningbo Wenzhou Huzhou Jiaxing Shaoxing Jinhua Quzhou Zhoushan Taizhou Lishui

Text: A A A Print ECNS Wire

  • Laos officially commences 15-day visa-free policy for Chinese tourists

(ECNS) -- Lao's 15-day visa-free policy for Chinese tourists officially took effect on Monday, according to a document issued by the Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism of Laos.

The document states that ordinary tourists from the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan who are accompanied by travel agents are  eligible for the policy .

The policy, which commenced on July 1 and lasts until December 31 this year, is designed to encourage tourism and strengthen cultural and economic ties between Laos and China.

"As 2024 is the Visit Laos Year, we hope that we will have more tourists coming to Laos," said Darany Phommavongsa, Lao deputy minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, in a previous interview. 

Phommavongsa noted that Laos welcomed more than 3.4 million international visitors in 2023.

laos tourist visa validity

China sends Zhongxing-3A satellite into space

Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link to put into trial operation

Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link to put into trial operation

Offshore wind farm connected to grid for power generation

Offshore wind farm connected to grid for power generation

Xi attends conference marking 70th anniversary of Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence

Xi attends conference marking 70th anniversary of Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence

Cultural relics from Sanxingdui Ruins attract visitors in Beijing

Cultural relics from Sanxingdui Ruins attract visitors in Beijing

8th China-Eurasia Expo opens in China's Xinjiang

8th China-Eurasia Expo opens in China's Xinjiang

Water level of Liujiang River rises to 82.84 meters in SW China's Guangxi

Water level of Liujiang River rises to 82.84 meters in SW China's Guangxi

Guangzhou's Nansha International Cruise Homeport officially opens

Guangzhou's Nansha International Cruise Homeport officially opens

Roundtable held during China-U.S. Youth Exchange Week in Kuliang, Fuzhou

Roundtable held during China-U.S. Youth Exchange Week in Kuliang, Fuzhou

China Team unveils medal ceremony uniform for Paris Olympics

China Team unveils medal ceremony uniform for Paris Olympics

Tallest building in Hainan surpasses halfway construction point

Tallest building in Hainan surpasses halfway construction point

Two scientists win China's top sci-tech award for 2023

Two scientists win China's top sci-tech award for 2023

In Numbers: 2024 Summer Davos

In Numbers: 2024 Summer Davos

National Land Day: China's spectacular landscapes

National Land Day: China's spectacular landscapes

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets Polish President Andrzej Duda in Beijing

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets Polish President Andrzej Duda in Beijing

Extended metro line put into operation in Paris for upcoming Olympics

Extended metro line put into operation in Paris for upcoming Olympics

First cross-broader electric coach linking Hong Kong and Shenzhen starts operation

First cross-broader electric coach linking Hong Kong and Shenzhen starts operation

Lion dance on water cheers for dragon boat race

Lion dance on water cheers for dragon boat race

Picturesque scene of wild elk living in Tiaozini Wetland

Picturesque scene of wild elk living in Tiaozini Wetland

Yak-riding race held in Lhasa

Yak-riding race held in Lhasa

Chinese researchers discover new species of perleidid fish

Chinese researchers discover new species of perleidid fish

In Numbers: 'China Travel' becomes a global buzzword

In Numbers: 'China Travel' becomes a global buzzword

Miniature art exhibition restores lifestyle of Hong Kong People

Miniature art exhibition restores lifestyle of Hong Kong People

Gorgeous scenery of Qumar River, north headwater of Yangtze River

Gorgeous scenery of Qumar River, north headwater of Yangtze River

Wild animals appear at the foot of Kunlun Mountains

Wild animals appear at the foot of Kunlun Mountains

Rescue work underway in First Ancestral Hall of Hakka

Rescue work underway in First Ancestral Hall of Hakka

Guilin combats the city's most severe flooding since 1998

Guilin combats the city's most severe flooding since 1998

Badain Jaran Desert gets on 'green' look

Badain Jaran Desert gets on 'green' look

China-Malaysia ties in numbers

China-Malaysia ties in numbers

30th Beijing International Book Fair kicks off

30th Beijing International Book Fair kicks off

Hong Kong streets decorated to celebrate HKSAR's 27th anniversary

Hong Kong streets decorated to celebrate HKSAR's 27th anniversary

Huangmao cross-sea channel fully connected

Huangmao cross-sea channel fully connected

Rescue teams rush to transfer flood-trapped people in Guilin

Rescue teams rush to transfer flood-trapped people in Guilin

Chinese vocational school student ranks 12th in Alibaba Global Math Competition

Chinese vocational school student ranks 12th in Alibaba Global Math Competition

World's largest liquid air energy storage demonstration project expected to be commissioned by end of the year

World's largest liquid air energy storage demonstration project expected to be commissioned by end of the year

Shenzhen Window of the World celebrates 30th anniversary

Shenzhen Window of the World celebrates 30th anniversary

Most popular in 24h, more top news.

  • Separatists warned of severe penalties
  • New high-speed railway line connects Lanzhou and Wuwei
  • More foreigners travel to China as visa-free policy coverage expands
  • Ministry of State Security warns public of 'spy eyes' in space

laos tourist visa validity

(W.E. Talk) Chinese scholar: Why is Marxism called a 'magnificent sunrise'?

laos tourist visa validity

10 world records set by Shenzhong Link

laos tourist visa validity

COMMENTS

  1. Laos Visa for Tourists in 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

    It is generally between 35 and 45$. The last verifiable information is from the Laos Embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam, where a visa for an American citizen costs 1,000,000 VND (around 40$). The visa is usually ready in 3 business days. This can be expedited down to 1 day for a fee, usually 5$.

  2. Laos Tourist Visa: Requirements and Application Process

    Tourist visa validity. The tourist visa is valid for 60 days. If you don't enter Laos within the validity, you will need a new visa. Duration of stay. With a tourist visa, you are allowed to stay 30 days in Laos. Allowed number of entries. Laos tourist visa is single-entry only. Allowed ports of entry. With a Laos tourist visa, you are ...

  3. Laos Entry Requirements for US Citizens

    It is obligatory for US citizens to hold a valid visa before entering Laos. Only 15 nationalities may travel to the country visa free. Most Americans visiting the country travel with a Laos tourist visa. One form of the, tourist visa is the eVisa Approval Letter allows US citizens entry into the southeast Asian nation for a total of 30 days.This time can be extended whilst in the country if ...

  4. Lao Official Online Visa

    The Amazing Laos. The experience of a Lifetime (English) Watch on. Lao eVisa or Lao Visa Online is an Electronic Travel Authorization to enter Laos for tourism. Get your Laos Visa Now!

  5. Laos Tourist visa requirements, fees and application process

    Laos Tourist Visa Validity. The Laos tourist visa is a travel document issued to travelers coming to Laos for the sole purpose of tourism. This includes leisure activities, trekking, sightseeing, and more. Depending on the applicant's nationality, the Laos tourist visa is available as both an eVisa and a sticker visa. It is a single-entry ...

  6. Lao Official Online Visa

    - The eVisa approval letter's validity is only used to enter the Lao PDR, not related to the duration of your stay. You can enter the Lao PDR any date after receiving the approval letter until the expiry date, and you can stay in the Lao PDR up to 30 days from the date of arriving (not related to the approval letter validity date).

  7. Laos Visa

    The Lao tourist visa is valid for a maximum of 3 days. If you apply online, you have 60 days to use the visa approval letter to enter Laos. Can You Extend a Laos Visa? You can extend your Laos visa at the Immigration Department in Vientiane or the Immigration Division Office of the province you are in.

  8. Laos eVisa: Requirements, Eligibility and Application Process

    Laos eVisa is valid for 60 days from the day of approval. You must use the eVisa to travel to Laos within the 60-day validity period. Duration of stay. You are allowed to stay 30 days in Laos with an eVisa. Keep in mind that "duration to stay" and "visa validity" are two separate things. Your eVisa must be valid at the time of entering ...

  9. Lao Official Online Visa

    Step 1: Provide the application details and upload the necessary documents. Step 2: Review your application and pay the fee online. Step 3: Download the eVisa Approval Letter. Visa Fees. The eVisa payment is the last step of your application process after submitting your details and the required documents. Applicants should note that the eVisa ...

  10. Laos eVisa- Obtaining Laos Visa Online

    The Laos e-Visa is an electronic single-entry visa that allows foreign nationals to enter Laos for a stay of up to 60 days for tourism, business or medical reasons. The process is entirely online, which means you will be able to fill in the application form and submit it from your computer. Which Countries Can […]

  11. Laos International Travel Information

    Your passport must have at least six months validity remaining from the date of entry and at least two blank visa pages. Tourist visas are required. ... Adventure Tourism: Laos has a developing adventure tourism industry that includes, but is not limited to, zip-lining, bungee jumping, rock climbing, and off-road bikes and buggies. Safety ...

  12. Laos Visa: All Things You Need to Know About Visas to Laos

    To get a visa on arrival for Laos, the traveler should have all of the required documentation listed as above. Look for the window marked "On Arrival". Handle all required documents for visa on arrival and pay the visa fee to finalize the process. The cost of Laos Visa varies according to nationality of applicant from US$ 30-45/person, so ...

  13. Laos tourist visa requirements 2024

    The Laos tourist visa remains valid for 30 days. The Laos eVisa must be used within 60 days of issuance. A total of 3 documents are required to apply for the Laos eVisa. Apply for Laos Tourist Visa. Laos tourist visa conditions for Travellers. Applicant can apply in 3 easy steps. Provide the application details and upload the necessary ...

  14. Laos Visa for American citizens 2024

    Laos tourist visa for American citizens. American citizens can apply for a visa on arrival when travelling to Laos. Applicants are required to be present when applying for the Laos Visa on arrival. This tourist visa typically allows a short term stay. The Laos tourist visa remains valid for 1 month. The Laos Visa on arrival must be used within ...

  15. Entering and Leaving Laos

    A valid Laos visa (to check whether you need a Visa, see Visa Requirements) A confirmed onward or return ticket (where applicable) Evidence that you can enter your next destination (for example, a visa) Overstaying is a punishable offence in Laos. If you want to stay beyond the period of stay granted, you can apply for an extension go to the ...

  16. Laos visa Requirements, Application, and Types

    The validity of the Laos visa will depend on the applicant's nationality, the visa type, and their intended purpose of stay. ... Some foreign nationals are eligible to obtain their Tourist visa on arrival in Laos. Laos Visa Processing Time. Tourist eVisas are typically processed within three (3) days. For all other Laos visa types, the ...

  17. Entry requirements

    Tourist visas can only be extended twice in Laos. Be aware if you do not renew your visa within 90 days, you will face a fine in Lao Kip equivalent to 2,000 US Dollars, deportation to your home ...

  18. Lao Official Online Visa

    Lao eVisa or Lao Visa Online is an Electronic Travel Authorization to enter Laos for tourism. Get your Laos Visa Now! ... The passport should have minimum validity of 6 months from the date of arrival in Laos. VEHICLE * TRAVEL DETAILS. PURPPOSE OF TRIP * ADDRESS ...

  19. Laos govt eases tourist visa restrictions for remainder of 2024 in move

    Visitors from these countries who apply for a visa at a land border crossing or obtain a visa online (e-visa) may enter Laos only once but can stay in the country for up to 60 days.

  20. Laos Visa Policy: Requirements and Visa Types

    To enter Laos, visitors need an approved visa and a passport valid for at least six months. The Laos visa policy allows for a variety of visa types, including electronic visas, visas on arrival, and tourist visas. There are around 160 foreign nationalities eligible to apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) for Laos.

  21. Laos visa

    All visitors entering Laos must possess valid passports. Visas can obtained from Lao Embassies and Consulates abroad. In addition, visas can also be obtained on arrival at the international checkpoint. Visas can be secured in advance of arrival at Lao Embassies.This can be done in several ways through a tour company recognized by the Lao PDR, from Lao Embassies or Consulate in countries.

  22. Laos Visa

    All other foreign citizens must apply for a tourist visa for their trip to Laos. This visa is valid for 60 days, and will allow you to stay in the country for a maximum of 30 consecutive days, allowing only one entry. You must not lie or omit relevant information in the personal details of your application. Customs authorities will check that ...

  23. Laos Visa on Arrival (VOA): Eligibility and Requirements

    You must bring your passport, fill in a form, and attach a 3 cm by 4 cm photo. Processing time is 1 working day. The visa extension costs 20,000 LAK (~1 USD) per day plus a one-time service fee of 40,000 LAK (~2 USD). Thus, extending your VOA for 30 days will cost you 640,000 LAK (~30 USD). ***.

  24. Laos plans to offer visa exemption for Chinese visitors

    VIENTIANE, June 25 (Xinhua) -- The Lao government is set to introduce a visa-free policy for Chinese visitors to promote tourism in the second half of Visit Laos Year 2024. The policy will focus on Chinese travelers accompanied by travel agents, Lao News Agency reported Tuesday, quoting Lao Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism ...

  25. Laos to waive visas for Chinese tourists: Official

    Amid the success of the China-Laos Railway in further connecting the two countries, the Lao government is ready to announce a visa-free arrangement for Chinese tourists as part of Visit Laos Year 2024, according to a senior Lao official. ... as well as participating along the railway route to promote Lao's tourist destinations, Darany said.

  26. Laos Visa for Portuguese citizens 2024

    This tourist visa typically allows a short term stay. The Laos tourist visa remains valid for 1 month. The Laos Visa on arrival must be used within 30 days of issuance. A total of 5 documents are required to apply for the Laos Visa on arrival. Laos Visa on arrival is available on arrival for Portuguese citizens.

  27. Laos officially commences 15-day visa-free policy for Chinese tourists

    Lao's 15-day visa-free policy for Chinese tourists officially took effect on Monday, according to a document issued by the Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism of Laos.