Visitors to Laos must obtain visas from Laos Embassy/Consulate overseas. Tourists also can obtain visas through the online e-visa or on arrival at international checkpoints. All the visitors must hold a passport valid for at least six months remaining from entry date and at least two blank visa pages.

Visa requirement set by the Government of Laos differs depending on the traveler’s nationality, a purpose of the visit, and expected period of time spent in the country.

The tourist visa is valid for 1 month/ single entry with 30-day length of stay. It can be extended for two additional months.

Nationals of some countries need to get their visas in advance prior to their arrival to Laos: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Burundi, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Jordan, Lesotho, Liberia, Nauru, Niger, Pakistan, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Suriname, Sri Lanka, Turkey.

1. Visa exemption:

Laos visa exemption is granted to many countries including all ASEAN member countries and some non-ASEAN nations that have entered into mutual agreements as well as some former USSR countries. Please see https://immigration.gov.la/visa-exemption/

2. Electronic visa (e-visa)

A valid evisa allows citizens from eligible countries to visit for tourism purpose.  E-visa facility is available for these following countries: see list (https://laoevisa.gov.la/article/who_can_apply)

The e-visa can be used to enter through these following designated entry ports:

• Wattay International Airport (Vientiane Capital)
• Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I (Vientiane Capital)
• Luang Prabang International Airport (Luang Prabang province)
• Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II (Savannakhet province)
• Pakse International Airport (Champasack province)

The application process, visa fee and requirements; as well as visa status can be checked via https://laoevisa.gov.la/index for details.

3. Visa on Arrival

The visitors easily get Laos visa on arrival in 13 border crossings and all Laos international airports. Here are documentary requirements to get visa on arrival.

• Valid passport
• 2 passport-sized photos (taken no longer than 6 months)
• Application Form filled and signed by the applicant.

The visa on arrival can be obtained by air or by land border check points.

*By Air:

• Wattay International Airport.
• Luang Prabang International Airport.
• Pakse International Airport.

*By land border checkpoints from Viet Nam

• Cau Treo (Ha Tinh, Vietnam) - Nam Phao (Bolikhamxay, Laos)
• Nam Can (Nghe An, Vietnam) - Nam Khan (Xieng Khouang, Laos)
• Lao Bảo (Quang Tri, Vietnam) - Daen Savanh (Savannakhet, Laos)
• Po Y (Kontum, Vietnam) - Phou Keua (Attapeu, Laos)

*By land border checkpoint from Cambodia

• Trapeang Kriel (Stung Treng, Cambodia) -  Nong Nok Khian (Champasak, Laos)

*By land border checkpoints from Thailand

• Chiangkhong (Chiang Rai, Thailand) - Houixay (Bokeo, Laos)
• Nakaxeng (Loei, Thailand) - Namheuang (Sayabouly, Laos)
• Nongkhay (Nongkhay, Thailand) - Friendship Bridge I/ train station (Vientiane Capital, Laos)
• Nakorn Phanom (Nakorn Phanom, Thailand) - Friendship Bridge III (Khammouane, Laos)  
• Moukdahan (Moukdahan, Thailand) - Friendship Bridge II (Savannaket, Laos)
• Chongmek (Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand) - Vangtao (Champasack, Laos)  
• Houikon (Narn, Thailand) - Namngern (Sayabouly, Laos)                       

*By land border checkpoint from China

• Mohan (Yunnan, China) - Botene (Luang Namtha, Laos)