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Laos has different visa requirements depending on your nationality, destination, and passport. Visitors to Laos must obtain a visa from one of the Laotian diplomatic missions unless they are from a visa-exempt country, eligible for a visa on arrival, or an e-Visa. The eVisa is a convenient option, allowing eligible applicants to complete the process entirely online before departure. The Laos visa on arrival is available for travellers planning to stay in the country for up to 30 days with a single entry. This visa is issued upon arrival at designated immigration checkpoints, including international airports and border crossings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival | Available at designated checkpoints, including international airports and border crossings |
| Visa duration | 30 days, extendable twice for a maximum stay of 90 days |
| Visa fee payment | Crisp, clean currency |
| Passport validity | Minimum 6 months, with 2 blank "Visa" pages |
| Passport photos | 2 photos taken a maximum of 6 months before arrival |
| Visa extensions | Handled by the province immigration office inside Laos for a fee |
| eVisa | Available for tourists, valid for 60 days from the date of issuance, allowing a stay of up to 30 days in Laos |
| eVisa payment methods | VISA, MasterCard, JCB, American Express, and UnionPay |
| eVisa designated ports | 8 ports, including Wattay International Airport and Luang Prabang International Airport |
| eVisa application processing time | 3 working days |
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What You'll Learn
Laos visa requirements for American citizens
American citizens travelling to Laos must have a visa. This can be obtained on arrival at international airports, friendship bridges, and most land border crossings. The visa on arrival is valid for a stay of up to 30 days. To obtain a visa on arrival, travellers must submit their application to immigration officers for review and approval. Applicants must have two passport photos taken no more than six months before their arrival and their passport must have at least six months' validity remaining with two blank "Visa" pages. The visa on arrival costs around $30 to $42, payable in crisp, clean currency.
Alternatively, American citizens can apply for an eVisa online before departure. The eVisa application requires applicants to submit supporting documents online and typically takes three business days for approval. The eVisa is then sent electronically.
Business visas must be arranged in advance and can be extended for one month after arrival.
It is recommended that travellers to Laos are up to date with routine vaccinations and may also consider vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Travellers are also encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance as emergency response and appropriate medical treatment is not available in-country.
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Visa on arrival
Laos offers a visa on arrival for travellers planning to stay in the country for up to 30 days with a single entry. This visa is issued at designated immigration checkpoints, including international airports, friendship bridges, and land border crossings. The visa on arrival option is available to citizens of certain countries, while others must obtain a visa in advance from a Laotian diplomatic mission.
Eligibility
Citizens of the following countries are eligible for a visa on arrival in Laos:
- All ASEAN member states
- Kazakhstan (holders of diplomatic and official passports)
Additionally, those travelling on an official visit may obtain a visa on arrival with an official letter of guarantee from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Laos.
Requirements
To obtain a visa on arrival in Laos, travellers must:
- Have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival.
- Have at least two blank "Visa" pages in their passport.
- Submit an application to immigration officers for review, including two passport photos taken within the last 6 months.
- Pay the visa fee in crisp, clean currency.
Extensions
The visa on arrival in Laos can be extended twice, allowing for a maximum stay of 90 days. Extensions are handled by the province immigration office inside Laos for a fee.
EVisa Option
As an alternative to the visa on arrival, eligible travellers may opt for an eVisa, which can be completed entirely online before departure. The eVisa is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance and allows holders to stay in Laos for up to 30 days. The eVisa can be used at designated ports of entry, including several international airports and friendship bridges.
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eVisa
The eVisa is a convenient option for travellers to Laos, allowing eligible applicants to complete the visa application process entirely online before departure using a personal electronic device. The Laos e-Visa service was launched in July 2019. It is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance and its holders may stay for up to 30 days in Laos.
The eVisa is currently available at 8 ports in Laos, including Wattay International Airport and Luang Prabang International Airport. Visitors can enter at any of the eVisa-designated ports. However, if entering through a non-designated port, travellers are required to apply for a visa on arrival, and the eVisa fee is non-refundable.
To apply for an eVisa, applicants must submit all the required documents and information and pay the visa fees online. The Laos eVisa payment can be made online using VISA, MasterCard, JCB, American Express, and UnionPay. Applicants will receive an application ID after submitting their documents, which they can use to check their visa status online. The processing time for an eVisa is typically 3 working days after receiving the completed application and full eVisa fee, provided that all information meets the criteria accepted by the Lao Government Authorities.
It is important to note that all visitors entering Laos with an approved eVisa must present the same passport that was used to apply for the eVisa. The passport must be valid for more than 180 days from the date of arrival.
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Business visas
Laos issues business visas to foreign citizens who want to enter the country for investment, data collection, or other commercial and professional activities. This is not the same as a work visa, as you cannot work for a Lao company with a business visa.
The Laos business visa application process depends on several factors, including your nationality and the visa type selected. It is important to note that business visas cannot be obtained on arrival at the airport and must be arranged in advance. A company or individual "sponsor" must first contact the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in Vientiane to request a visa and offer a "guarantee". Once approved by the MFA, the request is sent to the Lao Embassy in Washington, DC, where business travellers can then apply for the visa. This process usually takes one to three months.
There are three ways to apply for a Laos visa, depending on your nationality: on arrival at most entry ports, online through the official eVisa issuance website of the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or at a Lao embassy or consulate.
If you are applying for a business visa online, you can submit all the required documents and pay the visa fees from your home or office. An eVisa is typically processed within three working days, but this may be longer if your application requires further review. The eVisa is currently available at eight ports in Laos, including Wattay International Airport and Luang Prabang International Airport.
If you are applying at an embassy or consulate, you will need to submit the Laos visa application form, which can be downloaded online, along with other supporting documents. These typically include:
- A valid passport with at least two blank visa pages
- Passport photographs with a white background
- A business invitation letter issued by a sponsoring company located in Laos
- A business support letter from the sending company, stating the nature of your visit
- A travel itinerary or round-trip ticket
- Proof of accommodation in Laos, such as a hotel reservation
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay
It is important to note that visa requirements may vary depending on your nationality, so it is recommended to check the specific requirements for your country before applying.
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Visa extensions
It is possible to extend your stay in Laos. However, the process may differ depending on the type of visa you hold. For instance, Laos Transit Visas cannot be extended. If you have a Laos Business Visa, you can generally extend your stay by one month.
If you hold a tourist visa, you can extend your stay twice while in Laos, for a total of 60 days. This can be done at the Immigration Department in Vientiane. It is recommended to do this at least a week before your visa expires. The visa extension fee is 20,000 kip (approximately US$1) per day if you apply before or on the expiry date. However, if you overstay your visa, you will be fined US$10 per day.
If you are unable to get to the immigration office, you can hire a travel agent or specialist provider to handle your visa extension for a small fee. This option is more suitable for those holding visas other than a tourist visa, as it involves more paperwork and is more complicated and costly.
Another option for extending your stay is to leave Laos at an international border checkpoint and cross back at the same or another checkpoint to get a new visa on arrival. This can be done a maximum of two times, with a 30-day stay each time.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, American citizens can obtain a tourist visa to Laos on arrival at all international airports and friendship bridges, and most land border crossings. The Laos visa on arrival is available for travellers planning to stay in the country for up to 30 days with a single entry.
All visitors need to have a passport valid for more than 180 days from the date of arrival. If your passport validity is less than 180 days, you must renew or apply for a new passport before you can apply for an eVisa. It is also recommended that travellers are up to date on routine vaccinations.
The Laos eVisa payment can be made online by the following payment methods: VISA, MasterCard, JCB, American Express and UnionPay.
Yes, it is possible to extend your stay in Laos. You can apply for a visa extension at the Immigration Department in Vientiane. It is recommended to do this at least a week before your visa expires.
