Laos visa 2024: Formalities to obtain your visa for Laos

Are you planning to visit Laos soon, a country known as the “Kingdom of a Million Elephants” but wondering if it is necessary to obtain a visa? How to obtain a visa? What are the steps to follow? We tell you everything in this article!

How to obtain a visa for Laos?

To enter Laos, unless you are a citizen of Luxembourg or Switzerland benefiting from a 15-day visa exemption, you must obtain a visa. To apply for a Laos visa, travelers must ensure their passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and has at least 2 blank pages for visa and immigration stamps.

Visa Options for Laos

1. Visa Requested at the Laos Embassy Before Departur

For those who prefer to have their Laos visa ready before arrival, you can apply at the Lao Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. This visa allows entry at any airport or border post. The process generally involves:

• Completing a visa application form
• Providing your original passport
• Submitting an identity photo

The visa cost varies by nationality:

• American: $68 (extension fee included in 2024 updates)
• French: $37.7 (processing time: ~5 working days)
• Belgian: $43.1 (processing time: 3 working days)
• Swiss: $53.7 for stays over 15 days (processing time: 3 working days)
• Canadian: $57 (processing time: 10 working days)

For remote applications, expect approximately 2 weeks for issuance, plus shipping costs. The visa is valid for 3 months from the issue date, allowing a stay of 29 days from the entry date.

2. Online Visa (eVisa)

Launched in 2019, the Laos eVisa simplifies the application process. You can apply through the official Laos Immigration Office website. The process includes:

• Filling in personal details from your passport
• Paying a fee of $45

An approval letter is sent via email within 3 business days. The eVisa is valid for 60 days after receipt of the approval letter and permits a 30-day stay. It is accepted at:

• Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Pakse airports
• Nong Khai and Savanakhet border gates

>>>  Highlights of Laos: Luang Prabang and Vientiane in 5 Days

3. Visa on Arrival

This convenient option involves simple procedures upon arrival at an airport or border post. You need:

• $30-42 USD in cash (varies by nationality)
• Passport with a photo ID
• Accommodation details

Additional fees apply for missing photo IDs or arrivals during weekends, holidays, or after hours. Thai baht is accepted but at an unfavorable exchange rate. Visa on arrival is available at:

• Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Pakse, and Savannakhet airports

Note: Some border crossings, such as Tay Trang, Cau Treo, Cha Lo, and Na Meo in Vietnam, do not accept visas on arrival. For these, a visa from the Laos Embassy is required.

Please note: Some border crossings do not accept visas on arrival such as Tay Trang, Cau Treo, Cha Lo, and Na Meo in Vietnam. In this case, you must first request a visa from the Laos Embassy.

Visa extension on site

It is possible to extend your visa at the Vientiane immigration office at a cost of 2 USD per day. You must make this visa extension request well before the expiration date. Otherwise, you will be charged 10usd per day. Beyond 15 additional days, it may be more economical to exit the country and re-enter by taking out another visa on arrival for a further 30-day stay.

If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact us for more information.

Temporary Tourist Visa Changes for 2024

From July 1 to December 31, 2024:

• Visas on Arrival and eVisas: Allow a stay of up to 60 days, extended from the previous 30 days.
• Multiple-Entry Visas: 60-day visas are available only from the Lao Embassy before departure.
• These visas can be extended only once while in Laos for a further 60 days.

Starting January 1, 2025:

• Tourist visas will revert to being valid for 30 days from the date of entry.
• Extensions will be allowed twice, permitting a total stay of up to 60 additional days.

Visa Extensions

All foreigners in Laos must maintain a valid visa. Those who do not could face penalties of at least $10 per day in overstay fines or possible prison time in severe cases or if unable to pay. 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).

In general, the Lao Immigration authority may forgive visa overstay fees if:

• The overstay is relatively short
• The overstay is self-reported
• There is a reasonable explanation for the overstay (e.g., hardship caused by COVID-19)

From January 1, 2025:

• Tourist visas can be extended twice while in Laos, for up to 60 days.
• Failure to extend your visa within 90 days may result in a fine equivalent to $2,000, deportation, and a ban on returning to Laos.

>>> Discover our Epic 2 Weeks Adventure Through Laos!

Visa Exemptions

New visa exemptions are in place for citizens of eight European countries, allowing up to 15-day stays without a visa.

Passport Requirements

Ensure your passport meets the following requirements:

• Valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry
• At least 2 blank pages

For further details and assistance with obtaining your Laos visa, please contact us.

>>> Related article

• The Baci Ceremony in Laos: A National Spiritual Ritual 
• How to get to Laos? - The complete guide from local experts
• Practical tips for a good trip to Laos 
• When to go to Laos?