Laos Visa

Visas for Laos can be obtained in advance from Lao embassies and consulates abroad, through recognized tour companies in the Lao PDR, or upon arrival at international checkpoints.

It’s important to note that visas must be used within three months of issuance, but the validity period starts from the day of entry into Laos. Tourist and business visas are initially valid for 30 days and can be extended twice for an additional 30 days each time, preferably through travel agencies.

For visa photos, the Lao criteria specify a height of 5 cm and width of 4 cm (with a slight tolerance of half a centimeter). The background should be plain or light-colored, such as white or light cream. If you plan to obtain a Lao passport, the photo criteria remain the same, but the size should be 6 cm in height and 4 cm in width.

Please ensure that upon entering Laos, you receive an entry stamp in your passport, as the penalty for not having one is substantial.

Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Visa on Arrival can be obtained at the following locations:

International Airports:

• Wattay International Airport in Vientiane
• Luang Prabang International Airport in Luang Prabang
• Pakse International Airport in Champasack
• Savannakhet International Airport in Savannakhet

Border Checkpoints:

• China-Laos: Mohan, Yunnan – Biotene, Luang Namtha

China – Laos

• Mohan, Yunnan – Biotene, Luang Namtha

Thailand – Laos

• Chiangkhong, Chiang Rai – Houixay, Bokeo
• Nakaxeng, Loei – Kaenthao, Sayabouly
• Houi Koln, Nan – Nam Ngeun, Sayabouly
• Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I, Nongkhay – Vientiane
• Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II, Moukdahan – Savannakhet
• Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge III, Nakorn Phanom – Khammouane
• Chongmek, Ubol Ratchathani – Vangtao, Champasack

Vietnam – Laos

• Nameo, Thanh Hoa – Banleui, Huaphanh
• Namkan, Nge An – Namkan, Xieng Khouang
• Keoneua, Ha Tinh – Nampao (Lak Sao), Bolikhamxay
• Laobao, Quang Tri – Dansavanh, Savannakhet

Cambodia – Laos

• Dong Calor, Cambodia – Veun Kham, Champasack

Unfortunately, citizens of the following countries are ineligible for a VOA and will have to apply at their nearest Lao embassy/consulate, unless they are on official visits and hold a guarantee from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lao PDR:

Middle East – Turkey, Syria

South Asia – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka

Africa – Algeria, Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Jordan, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Suriname, Swaziland, Tonga, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Pacific – Nauru

What is the fee for Lao VOA?

Note: On weekends, Lao public holidays, before 8 am and after 4 pm weekdays, there is a $1 overtime fee. In addition, an entry fee (2,500 Kip or so) may be charged.