Visa

Overview:

Who Needs a Visa. Most nationalities require a visa to enter Laos. Exceptions are listed below:
- Citizens of the following countries may enter Laos for 30 days without a visa: Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam
- Citizens of Brunei may enter Laos for 14 days without a visa.

Types of Tourist Visa:

- Single-Entry Visas. Visas issued from the embassy are valid for 30 days and must be used within 3 months of being issued; visas issued on arrival are valid 30 days.
- Multiple-Entry Visas. To get a multiple entry visa, visitors must apply for a business visa, after entering the country on a normal visa. Business visas are valid from 3 months up to 1 year. Additional surcharges may apply.

Methods of Applying for a Visa:

There are two methods of applying for a visa from Laos: applying through an Embassy of Laos and applying for visa on arrival.

Visa Extensions:

Available for 30 days, but must be applied for in Vientiane or Luang Prabang, through a travel agency. The fee for an extension is USD 2/day (can be more depending on Travel Agency). Overstays fines is USD 10/day.

International Entry Points - visa on arrival available

International Airports:

1. Wattay International Airport in Vientiane
2. Luang Prabang Intentional Airport in Luang Prabang
3. Pakse International Airport in Pakse

Overland Border Crossings

Thailand:

1. Friendship Bridge, Vientiane – Nong Khai – Open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
2. Pakse/Vangtao, Champasak Province – Chongmek, Ubon Ratchatani –
3. Nam Heuang Bridge – Kaenthao (Sainyabuli) – Nakaxeng, Loei
4. Friendship Bridge Savannakhet, Savanna - Mukdahan (7 km from boat border crossing)

Vietnam:

1. Nam Phao (Lak Xao), Bolikhamxai Province - Cau Treo, Ha Tinh
2. Dan Savanh, Savannakhet Province - Lao Bao, Quang Tri

China:

1. Boten, Luang Nam Tha Province - Mohan, Yunan

By Boat Border Crossing:

Thailand:

1. Huay Xai, Bokeo Province - Chiang Khong, Chiang Rai
2. Tha Khaek, Khammouane Province - Nakorn Phanom
3. Savannakhet, Savannakhet Province - Mukdahan

International Entry Points - NO visa on arrival

Vietnam:

1. Na Phao, Khammouane Province - Chalo, Quang Binh
2. Banleui, Houa Phan Province - Nameo, Thanh Hoa
3. Nong Het, Xieng Khuang Province - Nam Kanh, Nghe An
4. Phou Keua, Attapeu - Kontum

Cambodia:

1. Veun Kham, Champasak Province (by boat) - Steung Treng
2. Dongkalaw, Champasak Province (by land) - Steung Treng

China:

1. Xiangkok river port on Mekong River in Luang Nam Tha Province

Applying For A Visa On Arrival:

Available Entry Points: Visa on arrival is available at all entry points except for Nam Heuang Bridge and Veun Kham.

Validity: 30 days after date of entry. Visa extensions are available for up to 15 days, but must be applied for in Vientiane through a travel agency.

Requirements:

1. Passport (valid for at least 6 months with at least two pages available for the visa and the stamps)
2. Two recent passport photos
3. Cash in US dollars (the visa on arrival fee varies according to nationalities)
4. Visa application form (available upon arrival)

Visa Upon Arrival Fee

Procedures and Processing Time on Arrival in Laos:

Submit the passport together with the photo, application and fee to the visa counter on arrival. Processing time may vary, but is approximately 10-40 minutes.

Applying For A Visa From A Laos Embassy

Requirements:

1. Passport (valid for at least 6 months with at least two pages available for the visa stamp)
2. Two recent passport photos
3. Two visa application forms
4. Visa application fee (please contact your nearest Laos Embassy for current visa fees)

Procedure and Processing Time for Obtaining a Visa:

Please contact your nearest Laos Embassy for the exact procedures and processing times, as they may vary. Click here for a list of Embassies of Laos worldwide.

Procedure and Processing Time on Arrival in Laos:

Processing time varies depending on the point of entry, but is on average about 30 minutes.

All visa information subject to change.