Foire aux questions

Yes, most foreign tourists need a visa. No prior approval is required: foreigners are generally admitted for 30 days with a single-entry tourist visa, either obtained on arrival at most international border checkpoints or in advance at a Lao embassy or consulate. Eligible travelers can also apply for an e-visa in advance at https://laoevisa.gov.la/index. Please contact your local Lao embassy for the most accurate, up-to-date information.

A visa on arrival costs USD 40 per person (new bills recommended). An additional USD 1 per person may be charged for arrivals on weekends, public holidays, or outside regular office hours. You will need to fill in an application form and provide one passport-size photo. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your expected departure date.

Yes. Starting 3 days before your trip, complete your arrival details on the official website of the Lao Immigration Department:https://immigration.gov.la/en/registration/arrival/arrival-infoOne form per person. You will be asked to upload photos of your passport in .JPG or .PNG format, including one of you holding your passport. Paper arrival/departure cards may still be available, but this could change without notice.

Yes. Your visa can be extended at the Immigration Office in Vientiane or through consular services in the provinces if you need to stay more than 30 consecutive days.

Yes. Laos shares borders with China and Myanmar to the north, Thailand to the west, Cambodia to the south, and Vietnam to the east. Many international checkpoints are open, but not all of them issue visas on arrival, and rules change frequently — please consult us case by case for the most up-to-date information. Popular crossings with visa on arrival include Chiang Khong (Thailand)–Houay Xay, Nong Khai–Vientiane Friendship Bridge, Nakhon Phanom–Thakhek, Mukdahan–Savannakhet, Chong Mek–Vang Tao, Dong Kalor (Cambodia), and several crossings from Vietnam including Lao Bao–Dansavanh.