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Laos Visa and Passport Requirements
| Passport required | Return ticket required | Visa required | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| British | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Canadian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| EU | Yes | Yes | Yes/1/2 |
| USA | Yes | Yes | Yes |
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To enter Laos, a passport valid for at least six months is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
You may not always be required to show a return ticket if you are travelling overland. However, it is wise to procure an itinerary from a travel agent to avoid problems.
Nationals of the following countries referred to in the chart above can enter Laos without a visa for a touristic stay of up to 15 days:
[1] Luxembourg.
[2] Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Spain and Sweden visa-free for tourist stays of up to 15 days in the period from July 1st to December 31st, 2024.
e-visas:
Nationals referred to in the table above can apply in advance for a 30-day e-visa when arriving in Laos as tourists by air at Wattay International Airport, Pakse International Airport or Luang Prabang International Airport or by road via the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge in Vientiane or via the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II in Savannakhet.
Please note: In the period from July 1st to December 31st, 20024, nationals from the following countries referred to in the chart above can apply for a single-entry 60-day e-visa: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom and the United States of America.
Visa on arrival:
Nationals referred to in the table above can obtain a visa on arrival for a tourist or business stay of a maximum of 30 days (can be extended on site for a fee) at the international airports of Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Paksé, as well as at the border crossings where border crossing is permitted for foreigners, upon presentation of a valid visa passport, 2 photographs, a fee of US$40 (preferably appropriate) in cash, sufficient funds (at least US$400) and proof of return/onward travel and accommodation (from tour operator or host). However, issuing visas is at the discretion of the Lao authorities.
Please note: Before traveling, you should check, whether visas are currently being issued on arrival or whether this procedure is currently suspended, which happens occasionally.
You can also apply for visas in advance from embassies.
Be sure to get an entry stamp on arrival, and an exit stamp upon leaving – double-check the date stamps.
Nationals not referred to in the chart are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements for Laos.
A visa on arrival costs approximately US$40 and an e-visa costs approximatley US$50 depending on your nationality. If you obtain a visa in advance, it costs around US$50, but again this varies according to nationality.
Visas are usually valid for 30 days. If you obtain a visa in advance from the embassy, it's generally valid for a 30-day stay within two months of issue.
Please note: In the period from July 1st to December 31st, 20024, nationals from the following countries referred to in the chart above can apply for a multiple-entry 60-day visa at their respective Lao embassies or consulates: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom and the United States of America.
Visa applications can be made at consulate (or consular section at embassy), or an officially recognised tour operator. or when travelling as a tourist for an e-visa or for a visa on arrival at certain points of entry.
It’s unlikely that you will be asked to provide proof, but just in case bring your last few bank statements, tax returns or salary slips.
You can extend your 30-day tourist visa up to an additional 60 days for a fee of US$2 per day through the Department of Immigration in Vientiane. If you overstay you’ll have to pay US$10 a day on exit for every day over.
Adults travelling alone with children should be aware that they may be required to produce documentary evidence of parental responsibility before entering the country. Bring paperwork just in case.
Embassies and tourist offices
Embassy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in the UK
Embassy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in the USA
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