Laos is a popular travel destination, offering stunning natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and welcoming locals. To help facilitate tourism, Laos provides a Visa on Arrival (VOA) for many nationalities, allowing travelers to obtain a visa at major entry points without the need for pre-approval.
This guide covers every detail you need to know about obtaining a visa on arrival in Laos, including eligibility, application requirements, and practical tips for a smooth entry.
What is Laos Visa on Arrival (VOA)
The Laos Visa on Arrival is a convenient option for eligible travelers who wish to visit Laos for tourism or short-term visits. This visa is granted upon entry, allowing travelers to bypass pre-visa applications and giving them the flexibility to enter Laos through various entry points, including airports and land borders.
Eligibility Requirements
- Tourism and Short Visits: The VOA is intended for tourism and limited personal visits, making it unsuitable for long-term stays, employment, or study purposes.
- Single-Entry Visa: The VOA allows a single entry into Laos, with a typical validity of 30 days. Extensions are possible but must be processed at immigration offices within Laos.
Who is Eligible for the Visa on Arrival?
Laos offers the VOA option to citizens from numerous countries, including the United States, Canada, most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and many Southeast Asian countries. However, some nationalities are not eligible for VOA and must apply for a visa beforehand at a Lao embassy. Ineligible countries include Afghanistan, Nigeria, Syria, and others, as listed by the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Eligible countries
Only the following 163 countries are eligible to get Laos Visa on Arrival (VOA).
- Albania
- Andorra
- Angola
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Belize
- Benin
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Bosnia and Herzegovian
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Burkina Faso
- Cambodia
- Canada
- Cape Verde
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- Comoros
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cuba
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Djibouti
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- El Salvador
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Estonia
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Finland
- France
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Hongkong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Kiribati
- Kosovo
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macau
- Macedonia
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Mali
- Malta
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Micronesia
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Myanmar
- Namibia
- Nepal
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- North Korea
- Norway
- Oman
- Palau
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Russia
- Rwanda
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and Grenadines
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Saudi Arabia
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- Somalia
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Tajikistan
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- Timor-Leste
- Togo
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Turkmenistan
- Tuvalu
- Uganda
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
- Uruguay
- Uzbekistan
- Vanuatu
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
- Yemen
Where Can You Get the Visa on Arrival?
Travelers can obtain a visa on arrival at the following entry points:
Major Airports
- Wattay International Airport (Vientiane Capital)
- Luang Prabang International Airport (Luang Prabang Province)
- Pakse International Airport (Champasak Province)
Land Borders
Some of the main land border points offering visas on arrival include:
- Lao-Thai Friendship Bridges: There are several bridges connecting Laos with Thailand, including Friendship Bridges I (Vientiane Capital), II (Savannakhet Province), III (Khammouane Province), and IV (Bokeo Province).
- Other Borders with Thailand: Chiang Khong–Houixay and Chongmek–Vangtao crossings.
- Borders with Vietnam and China: Key entry points include Lao Bao–Dansavanh (Vietnam) and Mohan–Botene (China).
Note: It’s advisable to double-check the availability of VOA services at these entry points before traveling, as some land borders may have restrictions.
Required Documents for Laos Visa on Arrival
To apply for a VOA, you’ll need the following documents:
- Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry and have at least one blank page for the visa.
- Completed Visa Application Form: Forms are typically provided at the entry point, but some travelers prefer to download and fill out a form beforehand if available.
- Passport-Sized Photo: One recent passport-sized photo is required. If you forget to bring a photo, some entry points offer photo services for a small fee.
- Visa Fee: The VOA fee varies by nationality but generally ranges from $30 to $50 USD. Most entry points prefer payment in USD, so having cash on hand is recommended.
Detailed Process for Obtaining the Visa on Arrival
- Arrive at the Entry Point: When you arrive at a designated entry point, locate the VOA counter or area for visa processing.
- Fill Out the Application: Complete the visa application form and any additional arrival or departure forms provided by immigration officials.
- Submit Your Documents and Payment: Hand over your completed form, passport, photo, and visa fee to the immigration officer. Payments are typically made in USD, so it’s essential to have cash available.
- Receive Your Visa: Once processed, the visa will be placed in your passport as a sticker, allowing you entry for the specified duration, typically 30 days.
Duration and Extension of the Laos Visa on Arrival
The standard VOA in Laos allows a stay of up to 30 days. If you wish to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at immigration offices within Laos. The main extension office is in Vientiane, although some provincial offices may offer similar services.
Extension Process
- Application: Complete the required form at the immigration office, providing reasons for your extended stay.
- Fees: The extension typically costs around $2 USD per day, payable in cash. Processing times may vary, so it’s recommended to apply for an extension at least a few days before your visa expires.
Note: Overstaying your visa can result in fines or penalties, so it’s important to apply for an extension if you plan to stay beyond 30 days.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Entry
- Avoid Long Lines: Airports and border crossings can get crowded during peak travel seasons, so consider arriving early or during off-peak hours if possible.
- Bring Exact Change: Having the exact visa fee in USD is highly recommended, as not all entry points accept credit or debit cards, and exchange rates may be unfavorable for other currencies.
- Confirm Entry Point VOA Services: While most international airports and some major land crossings provide VOA services, it’s always wise to double-check in case of recent changes.
Alternatives to Visa on Arrival: eVisa and Embassy Visa
For travelers who prefer to avoid potential waiting times at the entry point, an eVisa is available online through the Lao government’s eVisa portal. The eVisa allows for pre-approval and is valid at select entry points, including Wattay International Airport and Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I. Additionally, those from countries ineligible for VOA can apply for a visa through a Lao embassy or consulate.
Benefits of the eVisa
- Convenience: Allows travelers to complete the visa process before arrival.
- Avoidance of Queues: Reduces wait times at entry points.
- Wider Entry Points: An eVisa may be used at specific airports and major borders, providing flexibility for entry.
Common Questions about Laos Visa on Arrival
Q: Can I work in Laos on a Visa on Arrival?
A: No, the VOA is strictly for tourism or short-term personal visits. Employment requires a different type of visa.
Q: What should I do if I lose my passport in Laos?
A: Contact your embassy or consulate immediately for assistance with replacing your passport. Also, report the loss to local authorities.
Q: Can I use local currency (Laotian Kip) to pay for the VOA fee?
A: While USD is preferred, some entry points may accept Laotian Kip. However, exchange rates might be unfavorable, so USD is recommended.
Q: Are there penalties for overstaying my visa?
A: Yes, overstaying incurs a daily fine, typically around $10 USD. It’s important to either apply for an extension or ensure you leave before your visa expires to avoid these fees.
Q: Are ATMs available at entry points?
A: ATMs may be available at some international airports, but it’s best not to rely on this for your visa fee. Plan to bring cash in USD for smooth processing.