Visa to Laos | All you need to know

Passport validity requirements
To enter Cambodia your passport must be:

• Valid for at least 6 months from the date you arrive in Cambodia
• At least 1 blank page
• Undamaged and complete – entry is normally refused if you have a damaged passport or pages missing
• If you apply to renew or extend your visa from within Laos, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the start date of that subsequent renewal or extension.

How to apply
Most nationalities can get a 30-day tourist visa on arrival at international airports and major land border crossings, or by applying for an e-visa online before travel
. Another option includes applying at a Lao embassy or consulate, and some nationalities may be required to obtain their visa in advance. 

Visa on arrival:
The VOA service for Laos is an entry convenience for travelers who plan a short-term sojourn in the country. It allows visitors to enter Laos and obtain a visa upon arrival, instead of having to apply for one in advance at an embassy or consulate. The VOA permits stays of up to 30 days and is available at major international airports, including Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, Luang Prabang International Airport, and Pakse International Airport. It is further offered at all land border checkpoints, including Friendship Bridge and Nam Phao.
The VOA makes it easier for many, but this is not applicable for all nationalities. Prospective travelers should first check their eligibility with a Laotian embassy or consulate in advance of embarking on travel. For the qualifying customers, the VOA offers the least complicated and the most efficient means of starting their journey into scenic landscapes and the cultural treasures of Laos.
Upon arrival, go to the "Visa on Arrival" window. If you haven’t filled out the application form in advance, you can get it at the window and complete it (if arriving by plane, the form and immigration paperwork should be provided before landing, so fill them out before leaving the plane).
Submit the completed form, passport, and 2 photos, then pay the visa fee in US dollars (a fee list is usually available at the window for reference). After submitting all necessary documents, wait nearby for your name to be called when your visa is ready.
Passport (valid at least 6 months from entry date)
visa fees in usd cash vary depending on the holder’s nationality
Processing time: 10–15 minutes on average.
 

Port of entry
Airports

• Wattay International Airport (Vientiane)
• Luang Prabang International Airport
• Pakse International Airport

Land Border Crossings
1.By land border 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)

2.By land border from Cambodia

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

3.By land border 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)                       

4.By land border checkpoint from China

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

E-visa: Tourists can apply for Lao visa online at Lao Official Online Visa website www.laoevisa.gov.la. The website is owned and operated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR. Lao eVisa processing time is approximately 3 working days. The validity of Lao eVisa is 60 days after getting the approval letter. It is a single-entry visa with the stay permit of 30 days.
Fill out the application form
Upload passport photo + passport scan
Pay online (Visa/Mastercard/UnionPay)
Receive eVisa Approva letter by email (within 3 business days)
Cost: visa fees vary depending on the holder’s nationality
Print and carry a copy to show at immigration.

Port of Entry

• eVisa can be used to enter through these following designated ports:
• .Wattay International Airport (Vientiane Capital)
• Lao – Thai Friendship Bridge I (Vientiane Capital)
• Luang Prabang International Airport (Luang Prabang)
• Lao – Thai Friendship Bridge II (Savannakhet Province)
• Pakse International Airport (Champasack Province)
• Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge IV (Bokeo Province)
• Boten International Checkpoint (Luang Namtha Province)
• Boten Railway Station (Luang Namtha Province)
• Khamsavath Railway Station (Vientiane Capital) 

Applying at a Lao embassy or consulate
Travelers can apply for a tourist visa at a Lao embassy or consulate before arrival, permitting a stay of up to 60 days with the option of extension. Business visas are also available for those visiting Laos for work purposes.
You must contact the nearest Laos embassy or consulate to confirm their specific requirements, gather your documents (passport, application form, photos, and copies), and submit your application. The process may take a full day

Visa Extensions
The Department of Immigration, Foreigner Control, and Visa Extension  will extend visas for 30 days.  As of February 19, 2021, the extension fee is 20,000 Lao kip (LAK) per day with an additional 30,000 LAK document fee.  The total cost for a 30-day extension is currently 630,000 LAK (approximately $68).

Overstay Penalty
If you overstay, you must pay $10 per day when leaving the country. 
In general, the Lao Immigration authority may forgive visa overstay fees if:

• The overstay is relatively short
• The overstay is self-reported (as opposed to Lao authorities learning of the overstay independently)
• There is a reasonable explanation for the overstay (e.g. hardship caused by COVID-19, etc.)