Vientiane Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Vientiane, the capital of Laos, welcomes travelers with a straightforward immigration process, though entry requirements vary by nationality. Most visitors require a visa, which can be obtained on arrival for many nationalities, through an eVisa system, or at a Lao embassy/consulate prior to travel. Upon arrival at Wattay International Airport (VTE) or at land borders, travelers must present a passport valid for at least six months, a completed arrival/departure card, and the visa fee in clean, undamaged US dollars (or sometimes Thai Baht/Euros) for visa-on-arrival applicants. It's important to have two passport-sized photos ready for the visa application. The process can be slow during peak hours, so patience is advised. All travelers must have an onward or return ticket and proof of sufficient funds for their stay, though these are not always checked rigorously. Entry can be denied if passport pages are damaged or if the traveler's appearance does not match their passport photo.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Laos offers visa-free entry to a limited number of nationalities, visa-on-arrival for many, and an eVisa option for eligible travelers. The specific category depends on your passport.

Visa-Free Entry

14 to 30 days, depending on nationality.

Citizens of select ASEAN countries can enter Laos for tourism without a visa.

Includes

Thailand Vietnam Cambodia Myanmar Malaysia Singapore Philippines Indonesia Brunei

Strictly for tourism purposes. For other activities or longer stays, a visa is required. Length of stay varies: Thailand (30 days), Vietnam (30 days), Cambodia (30 days), others typically 14-30 days.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

30 days

The Lao eVisa is available online for citizens of many countries, allowing for smoother arrival.

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia France Germany Italy Spain Netherlands Japan South Korea China India Russia

How to Apply: Apply online through the official Lao eVisa website (https://laoevisa.gov.la). Processing typically takes 3 business days. The approved eVisa must be printed and presented on arrival.
Cost: Approximately $50 USD, including a service fee.

The eVisa is only valid for entry at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang International Airport, and the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge I (Vientiane land border). It is not valid at all land borders.

Visa Required

30 days (Tourist Visa on Arrival/Business Visa)

Most other nationalities require a visa, which can typically be obtained on arrival or at a Lao embassy/consulate.

How to Apply: 1. **Visa on Arrival (VoA):** Available at international airports and most land borders. Requires passport, photos, completed forms, and fee in USD. 2. **Embassy Visa:** Apply at a Lao diplomatic mission before travel, required for some nationalities or for specific visa types (e.g., work, student).

Visa on Arrival fees vary by nationality: typically $30-$42 USD for a tourist visa. Payment must be in crisp, undamaged US dollar bills. Some borders may not issue VoA to certain nationalities—check in advance. The VoA can be extended in-country at the Immigration Department in Vientiane.

Arrival Process

The entry process at Wattay International Airport is generally efficient. Be prepared with all documents and correct currency.

Visa Application (if required)

If you need a Visa on Arrival, proceed to the visa counter before passport control. Submit your passport, two photos, completed arrival/departure card, and the fee. Wait for your visa to be processed and affixed to your passport.

Passport Control

Proceed to the immigration counter. Present your passport (with visa if required), completed arrival/departure card, and sometimes your onward ticket. Your fingerprints and photo will be taken. The officer will stamp your passport granting entry.

Baggage Claim and Customs

Collect your luggage and proceed through the green (nothing to declare) or red (goods to declare) customs channel. Your baggage may be scanned or inspected.

Documents to Have Ready

Passport

Must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry and have at least one blank visa page.

Lao Visa or eVisa

Either pre-arranged eVisa printout or obtained on arrival. Required for most nationalities.

Arrival/Departure Card

A white form provided on the plane or at the airport. Must be completed in full. Keep the departure portion safely for exit.

Onward/Return Ticket

Proof of planned departure from Laos may be requested by immigration or airlines during check-in.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

May be requested, though rare. Equivalent of around $500-$1000 is suggested.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Carry the exact visa fee in pristine US dollars. Worn, torn, or marked bills are often rejected.

Bring at least 4 passport-sized photos (2 for visa, extras for extensions or other permits).

Fill out the arrival/departure card neatly and completely using a black pen. Keep the departure stub in your passport.

Have your hotel booking confirmation and onward ticket easily accessible on your phone or printed.

The immigration area is a no-photography zone. Do not take pictures.

Customs & Duty-Free

Laos has standard customs regulations. Declare all items above the duty-free allowance and any prohibited or restricted goods.

Alcohol

2 liters of wine or spirits

Traveler must be over 18 years old.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco

Traveler must be over 18 years old.

Currency

USD $2,000 or equivalent

Amounts exceeding USD $2,000 must be declared upon entry and exit. Failure to declare can result in confiscation.

Gifts/Goods

Reasonable quantity for personal use

Commercial quantities or high-value items may be subject to duty. New items with tags may be scrutinized.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - severe penalties including life imprisonment or death
Weapons, ammunition, and explosives without prior authorization
Pornographic materials
Counterfeit currency and goods
Articles of historical or cultural value (antiques, Buddha images, artifacts) without an export permit

Restricted Items

Medications, psychotropic drugs - require a doctor's prescription and should be in original packaging
Communications equipment (e.g., satellite phones, powerful radios) - require prior permission
Drones - require prior registration and permission from the Department of Civil Aviation
Animals and animal products - require veterinary health certificates and import permits
Plants, seeds, and soil - require phytosanitary certificates

Health Requirements

There are few mandatory health requirements for entry into Laos, but several health precautions are strongly advised.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTP)
Hepatitis A and B
Typhoid
Japanese Encephalitis (for long stays/rural travel)
Rabies (for adventure travelers, cavers, or animal workers)
Malaria prophylaxis (for travel outside Vientiane and other major cities, consult a doctor)

Health Insurance

Not mandatory for entry but highly recommended. Medical facilities in Laos, for serious conditions, are limited. Complete travel health insurance covering medical evacuation is essential.

Current Health Requirements: As of October 2024, there are no COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or quarantine requirements for entry into Laos. This is subject to change; check the latest advisories from the Lao Ministry of Health or your airline before travel.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate

Check your government's travel advisory website for locations and contact details in Vientiane.

Immigration Authority

Lao Department of Immigration

For visa extensions and official immigration rules. Located in Vientiane. Official portal: https://immigration.gov.la (information may be limited).

Emergency

Emergency services number

Police: 191, Ambulance: 195, Fire: 190, Tourist Police (English-speaking): +856 21 251 128 (in Vientiane)

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport. If a child is traveling with only one parent, with neither parent, or with a different surname, it is advisable to carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s) to avoid potential issues with immigration, though this is not a formal Lao requirement.

Traveling with Pets

Dogs and cats require an import permit from the Lao Department of Livestock and Fisheries, a valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days before entry), and a veterinary health certificate issued within 7 days of travel. Specific breed restrictions may apply.

Extended Stays

Tourist visas (30 days) can typically be extended twice for 30 days each time (total 90 days possible) at the Immigration Department in Vientiane for a fee. Overstaying results in a fine of $10 USD per day. For longer stays (work, study, business), appropriate non-immigrant visas must be obtained from a Lao embassy and later converted to a work permit and temporary residence permit in Laos.

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