Always verify with official sources
This guide is a curated summary for Laos, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules, fees and advisory levels change without notice. Always confirm with the official immigration authority, tax authority or your embassy before you travel, move money, or apply.
Laos Visas & Entry Requirements
Laos offers three main entry routes: visa-free entry for roughly 16 nationalities (mostly ASEAN plus a handful of others), a Visa on Arrival for most other nationalities at international airports and select land and rail crossings, and an official online e-Visa applied for before travel. About 50 nationalities must obtain a visa in advance at a Lao embassy. Passports must be valid at least 6 months. Note: Laos publishes limited English-language official detail, so several fees below are secondary-sourced and should be confirmed on the official portal before you rely on them.
Last reviewed Aug 1, 2026
Visa types
Visa-free entry (bilateral exemptions)
- Who it is for
- Citizens of exemption countries (mostly ASEAN plus a handful of others), for tourism and short visits.
- Allowed stay
- About 14–30 days depending on nationality. Secondary sources conflict on specific per-country durations, so confirm your own nationality's exact allowance with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before travel.
- Extensions
- Generally extendable at provincial immigration under the same rules as the Visa on Arrival; confirm case-by-case.
- How to apply
- No visa needed — present your passport at the border.
- Fees
- Free.
Visa on Arrival (VOA)
- Who it is for
- Most nationalities that are neither visa-exempt nor on the visa-required-in-advance list, for tourism.
- Allowed stay
- 30 days per entry, extendable in-country twice for 30 days each (up to about 90 days total).
- Extensions
- Extendable twice, 30 days each. Tourist extension commonly quoted at roughly USD 2 per day at Vientiane Immigration (rates vary by office and agent).
- How to apply
- At Wattay (Vientiane), Luang Prabang and Pakse international airports, the Mekong Friendship Bridge crossings, the Boten railway/land crossing and select land borders. Requires one passport photo (surcharge if none), a completed form and cash US dollars.
- Fees
- About USD 30–45, nationality-dependent (commonly cited around USD 35). Cash US dollars preferred, often with a small processing/overtime/weekend surcharge. Fees are set administratively and vary by checkpoint — treat as indicative and confirm on arrival.
E-Visa (official Lao e-Visa)
- Who it is for
- Eligible nationalities who prefer to apply online in advance; single-entry tourism.
- Allowed stay
- 30 days per entry; the e-Visa is valid about 60 days from issuance (you must enter within that window).
- Extensions
- Same in-country extension rules as the VOA (twice, 30 days each).
- How to apply
- Apply online at the official Lao e-Visa portal (laoevisa.gov.la): upload a photo and passport bio page, pay by card and receive a PDF to print. Processing about 3 business days.
- Fees
- Widely cited around USD 50 standard (about USD 35 reduced for some nationalities), plus possible card/service fees. The official fee calculator was inaccessible during research, so these figures are secondary-sourced and MUST be re-verified on the official portal. Use only the .gov.la portal — look-alike sites overcharge.
Key entry rules
Passport validity
At least 6 months' validity beyond entry, with blank pages.
Digital arrival form (unconfirmed)
Several secondary sources report an online arrival/immigration form (the Lao Digital Immigration Form) to be completed up to about 3 days before arrival.
This could not be confirmed on a primary Lao government source and its mandate/official domain are uncertain — treat it as provisional and verify before travel.
Overstay fine
About USD 10 per day, consistently cited across 2026 sources, payable on exit; severe or unpayable cases risk detention. Extend before expiry to avoid it.
Onward travel
Proof of onward/return travel and sufficient funds may be requested but is not consistently enforced. Carry an onward ticket to be safe.
Official sources
- Official Lao e-Visa portal — Government of the Lao PDR
- Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Government of the Lao PDR
- U.S. Embassy Vientiane — Lao Visa Extension — U.S. Department of State
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a visa at a land crossing?
How long can I stay as a tourist?
What happens if I overstay?
Is the e-Visa cheaper than the Visa on Arrival?
Which is the real e-Visa site?
Do I need onward-travel proof?
Explore the Country Guide
Politics & Safety
Government, stability and current travel-advisory postures
Read guideCountry GuideDoing Business for Foreigners
Company formation, ownership, work permits and tax
Read guideToolVisa Tracker Tool
Track your visa status, 90-day reports, and overstay risk
Read guideLegalLegal Guide
Local laws travellers should know, plainly explained
Read guide