Traveling to Laos

Key Information on Visas and Procedures

Before immersing yourself in the landscapes and culture of Laos, it is essential to understand the visa requirements. Here’s a clear and practical overview to help you travel with peace of mind.

Main Types of Visas for Laos

🛂 Tourist Visa (T‑B3)

Ideal for those wishing to explore the country, this visa allows for a short stay to visit key sites, enjoy the landscapes, or immerse in local culture.

It can typically be obtained upon arrival at international airports or select land border checkpoints, online via the official e‑Visa platform, or in advance from an embassy or consulate.

It offers flexibility: extensions can be requested at immigration offices within the limits set by regulations. Perfect for vacationers, backpackers, families, or friends on a discovery trip.

• Duration: 30 days, renewable twice (up to a maximum of 90 days).

• Fee: Between 30 and 45 USD depending on nationality (e.g. 35 USD for French citizens).

• How to obtain:

  • On arrival (Visa on Arrival).

  • Online via the e‑Visa system.

  • At a Lao embassy or consulate.

• Extension:

  • Possible at immigration offices in Laos.

  • Extension cost: about 20,000 LAK per day (~1 USD) + service fee (~40,000 LAK).

🛂 Transit Visa (Tr‑B3)

• Duration: Maximum 5 days.

• Fee: Around 30 to 40 USD.

• How to obtain: Must be requested in advance from an embassy or consulate.

• Renewal: Not allowed.

🛂 Business Visa (NI‑B2)

• Duration: From 30 days to 1 year, depending on the type.

• Fee:

  • Short stay (30 days): approx. 30 to 50 USD.

  • Long stay (3, 6, or 12 months with multiple entries): between 120 and 220 USD.

• How to obtain: Via a consulate, with an invitation letter from a local company.

• Renewal: Possible depending on the business project or employer agreement.

🛂 Visitor or Non-Immigrant Visa (NI‑B3 / B3)

• Duration: 30 days.

• Fee: Around 30 USD.

• How to obtain: For visiting friends, family, or taking part in a short-term mission.

• Renewal: Yes, generally up to 90 days total.

🛂 Work Visa (LA‑B2) and Expert Visa (E‑B2)

• Duration: Usually between 6 months and 1 year, depending on the contract.

• Fee: Around 600 USD for the full process (visa, work permit, and residence permit), if done through an agency.

• How to obtain: The employer in Laos must initiate the process. The visa is issued after the work contract is approved.

• Renewal: Yes, if the contract is extended or renewed.

🛂 Diplomatic, Official, or Courtesy Visa

• Types:

  • D‑A1 for diplomats,

  • S‑A2 for administrative staff,

  • C‑B1 for official government guests.

• Duration: Variable depending on the mission.

• Fee: Usually free or covered by the state.

• How to obtain: Through official diplomatic channels.

🛂 Spouse Visa (SP‑B3)

• Duration: 30 days, renewable.

• Fee: Around 30 USD.

• How to obtain: By presenting documents proving marriage to a Lao citizen.

• Renewal: Yes, via the local immigration office.

🛂 Student Visa (ST‑B2)

• Duration: Varies depending on the length of the study program (usually 1 year).

• Fee: Around 50 USD, depending on nationality.

• How to obtain: Requires an acceptance letter from a Lao educational institution.

• Renewal: Yes, with proof of continued enrollment.

🔁 Extensions and Overstays

• Where: Immigration offices in major cities (e.g. Vientiane, Luang Prabang).

• Extension fee: Approximately 20,000 LAK per additional day, plus administrative fees.

• Overstay penalty: About 10 USD per day of unauthorized stay.

🛂 Visa Exemptions

Laos grants visa-free entry to citizens of certain countries for short stays, mainly to encourage tourism. Length of stay and eligibility depend on bilateral agreements, so it's important to check the current list before traveling.

Since When?

These visa exemptions are in effect as of 2025, with some having been renewed or adjusted following temporary measures in 2024. For example, a temporary visa exemption was granted through the end of 2024, and in 2025, certain exemptions remain in place — particularly for selected countries in Asia and Europe.

Which Countries Are Eligible and For How Long?

As of 2025, citizens of 15 countries currently benefit from visa exemptions, with permitted stays generally ranging from 14 to 30 days:

• 30-day exemptions: Cambodia, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei.

• 15-day exemptions: Japan, Luxembourg, Switzerland.

• 14-day exemption: Myanmar.

Recent Developments

• Since early 2025, Japan’s visa exemption has been extended to allow stays of up to 30 days without a visa.

• Ongoing discussions aim to expand the list of visa-exempt countries to boost tourism.

Important Reminders

• If you wish to stay beyond the allowed exemption period, a visa is required.

• Always check the latest conditions and official lists before departure, as not all entry points accept visa exemptions or e‑visas.

• These exemptions make Laos more accessible to eligible nationalities by removing the need for prior visa procedures.

Future Visa-Free Countries: What the Rumors Say

Current Context and Policy Goals

Laos has already established visa exemption agreements with several countries, mainly regional neighbors, to support tourism recovery and stimulate the economy. The government is actively considering broadening this policy to allow more nationalities to enter visa-free.

During recent parliamentary sessions, there have been calls to extend exemptions to countries considered strategically important for tourism.

Rumors and Ongoing Discussions

• Western Europe and the USA: Political debates and tourism sources suggest that France, the UK, Germany, and the United States may soon be added to the visa exemption list due to their high tourism potential for Laos.

• China: After testing temporary relaxations, Laos is reportedly considering making visa-free access permanent, given the strong increase in tourist arrivals from China.

• Australia and New Zealand: These countries are also being mentioned as potential additions to the exemption list to attract more long-haul travelers.

• Nordic and other European countries: Exemptions were previously granted to Finland, Norway, and Sweden for short stays. Talks are ongoing to reinstate or extend these privileges more broadly.

Latest Official Developments

• A new visa exemption agreement has recently been signed with a European country, though it has not yet been publicly named or officially enacted.

• The exemption will only take effect once it receives final approval from the Lao government.

• In the meantime, some existing visa-exempt countries have already seen their stay durations extended.

Note: The unnamed European country involved in the latest agreement has not been disclosed in official publications. The government has confirmed the existence of the agreement but remains vague about its identity, as the deal is still pending formal implementation.

What to Watch For

The rollout of new visa exemptions will depend on:

• Government analysis of economic and tourism impact,

• The capacity of local infrastructure to accommodate visitors,

• The health and security situation in Laos and globally.

Official announcements are expected in the coming months, with gradual implementation based on tourism sector trends.

Key Takeaway

As of now, no new country has officially been added to the visa exemption list. However, the inclusion of countries like France, the USA, China, Australia, and others in the medium term remains a credible possibility.

For travelers from these countries, it is strongly advised to monitor official government updates to stay informed about potential changes to Laos’ entry policies.

🇱🇦 Procedures for Obtaining a Visa for Laos

1. Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Where: Available at most international airports (e.g. Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse) and select land border checkpoints.

Required documents:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.

• One passport-sized photo.

• A visa application form filled out on-site.

Cost: Between 30 and 45 USD (cash only, USD recommended).
Validity: 30 days.

Tips:

• Bring exact change in USD.

• Ensure your point of entry accepts the VOA.

• Some nationalities are not eligible for VOA — check in advance.

2. E-Visa (Electronic Visa)

Where: Apply online at the official website laoevisa.gov.la.

Benefits:

• No waiting in line on arrival.

• Plan your trip ahead of time.

Processing time: About 3 business days to receive the approval letter.

Conditions:

• Only valid at specific entry points (e.g. international airports, Thai-Lao Friendship Bridges).

• Authorized stay: 30 days.
  Cost: Around 50 USD, paid online.

Tips:

• Verify that your point of entry is compatible with e‑Visa.

• Print and carry the approval letter with you.

3. Visa via Embassy or Consulate

Best for:

• Long stays.

• Multiple-entry visas.

• Business, study, work, or family reunification purposes.

Procedure:

• Submit application form, passport, photo, and supporting documents.

• Appointment required (depends on country).

• Collect visa after processing (usually a few days).

Types and durations: Depend on the purpose of the trip (tourism, business, education, etc.).

Tips:

• Apply in advance.

• Double-check the required documents for your visa type.

🔁 Extensions and Renewals

Where: At immigration offices in major cities (e.g. Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse, Savannakhet).

Required documents:

• Passport with a valid visa.

• 1 or 2 passport photos.

• Extension form filled out on-site.

Cost:

• Around 20,000 LAK (~1 USD) per additional day.

• Fixed administrative fee (~40,000 LAK).

Maximum extension:

• Up to 90 days total for a tourist visa.

Overstay penalty:

• 10 USD per day of overstay.

Tips:

• Don’t wait until the last day to extend.

• Anticipate delays and allow a few days buffer.

• Not all visas are extendable inside the country.

✅ Steps to Obtain a Visa

1. Identify the visa type that matches your travel purpose: tourism, business, work, study, etc.

2. Check your passport validity (minimum 6 months remaining).

3. Prepare necessary documents: photo, application form, invitation letter, return ticket, supporting documents.

4. Choose how to apply:

   • Online via e‑Visa.

   • On arrival (VOA).

   • Through an embassy or consulate.

5. Submit your application and keep all documents provided.

6. Check that your chosen point of entry accepts the visa type.

7. Plan for an extension if staying longer than initially authorized.

🔄 Visa Run in Laos: How It Works

A visa run is a common strategy among travelers and expats in Southeast Asia to legally extend their stay without complicated administrative steps or returning to their home country.

What is a Visa Run?

It involves temporarily exiting a country to obtain a new visa or re-entry stamp, allowing the traveler to return with a fresh authorized stay period.

Why Do a Visa Run in Laos?

• To legally extend a stay after your visa expires.

• To change visa type (e.g. from tourist to business/student).

• To reset a visa-free stay duration in your home or current country.

Steps for a Successful Visa Run

1. Preparation
   Ensure your passport is valid, bring passport photos, and have enough cash for visa fees. Depending on your new visa, you may need additional documents.

2. Border Crossing
   Use a land border checkpoint or international airport. You may apply for a new visa or re-enter using visa exemption if eligible. Be ready to meet all entry requirements.

3. Visa Application in the Neighboring Country
   While abroad, apply for a new visa at the destination country’s embassy or consulate (e.g. for Thailand or Vietnam). Processing time varies — plan accordingly.

4. Return
   Once you have your new visa, re-enter the country (Laos or elsewhere) and enjoy your renewed stay.

Best Practices and Precautions

• Choose efficient and reliable border crossings.

• Allow extra time; procedures may take longer than expected.

• Keep up to date with entry regulations.

• Avoid excessive visa runs to prevent being flagged by immigration.

Benefits of Visa Runs in Laos

• Simple process.

• Relatively low cost.

• An opportunity to briefly explore another country.

Caution

• Always follow official procedures to avoid fines, bans, or complications.

• Keep copies of all paperwork.

• Check current rules before travel — they may change.

📞 Useful Contacts and Links

• Official e‑Visa site: laoevisa.gov.la

• Lao embassies/consulates: Contact the one in your country for long-stay or specialized visas.

• Immigration offices in Laos: For in-country extensions.

• Emergency numbers/consular contacts: Keep these with you during your stay.

💡 Practical Tips

• Always carry a photocopy of your passport and visa.

• Bring USD in cash — some border posts do not accept cards.

• For long stays, prefer an embassy visa over VOA.

• Some land borders do not issue all visa types — verify in advance.

• “Visa runs” are tolerated but subject to changing regulations — stay informed.

🇱🇦 Visa FAQ – Laos

1. What types of visas are available for Laos?
   Tourist, business, work, student, spouse, and diplomatic visas. Most are available via e‑Visa, VOA, or embassy.

2. Can I get a visa on arrival?
   Yes, many nationalities can. Bring a valid passport, photo, form, and 30–45 USD in cash.

3. How does the e‑Visa work?
   Apply online. You’ll receive an approval letter in ~3 business days, valid for entry at selected points. Stay permitted: 30 days.

4. How much does a visa cost?
   Tourist visa: 30–45 USD.
   E‑Visa: ~50 USD.
   Long-term visas (work/study/business): up to 600 USD via agency.

5. What’s the maximum stay for a tourist visa?
   30 days, extendable twice up to 90 days total.

6. Where can I extend my visa?
   At immigration offices in major cities. Cost: ~20,000 LAK/day + admin fee.

7. What happens if I overstay?
   You’ll pay a fine of ~10 USD/day and may face future entry restrictions.

8. Can I get a multiple-entry visa?
   Yes, but only through embassies/consulates, mainly for business, work, or long stays.

9. Can I convert a tourist visa to another type?
   Generally no. You’ll need to exit Laos and apply from abroad.

10. What if I want to stay longer than 90 days?
    You must either apply for a new visa (work, student, spouse), or do a visa run.

🌍 For Lao Citizens: International Mobility and Schengen Visas

Laos and the Schengen Area: What You Need to Know

Lao citizens must apply for a Schengen visa to enter any Schengen country for tourism, business, or family visits.

• Length of stay: Short-term Schengen visas allow limited stays within member states.

• Where to apply: At the consular section of the main destination’s embassy (e.g. French Embassy in Vientiane).

• Required documents:

  • Valid passport,

  • Round-trip flight ticket,

  • Hotel reservation,

  • Proof of funds,

  • Travel insurance,

  • Completed and signed application form.

Procedure:

Fill out the form online, book an appointment, and submit the full application at the consular office. Some applicants may require additional steps, like pre-registration.

Who Needs a Visa:

Almost all Lao citizens do — unless holding a valid residence permit or long-term visa for a Schengen country.

How to Obtain the Visa:

Submit a complete file, apply well ahead of your trip, and follow all steps until the visa is issued.