Laos Visa Requirements 2026 — eVisa, Visa on Arrival & Entry Rules
| Key Facts 2026 | |
|---|---|
| eVisa | Available since 2019 — USD 30, 30-day stay |
| Visa on arrival | USD 30–45 at airports and major land borders |
| Stay allowed | 30 days (extendable up to 90 days in country) |
| Passport validity | Minimum 6 months beyond entry |
| Photo requirement | 1 passport photo required |
| Entry points | Wattay (VTE), Luang Prabang (LPQ), Pakse, plus 30+ land borders |
| Official portal | laoevisa.gov.la |
Overview of Laos Entry Requirements 2026
Laos welcomes foreign tourists through three channels in 2026: a 30-day eVisa applied online before travel, a visa on arrival at major airports and selected land borders, and full visa-free entry for ASEAN passport holders. Most travelers from Europe, North America, Australia, Japan and South Korea use either the eVisa or the visa on arrival, whichever is more convenient for their entry route.
Documents Checklist for Laos Entry 2026
- Valid passport — minimum 6 months validity beyond entry
- One blank passport page
- One recent passport photo (4×6 cm)
- Return or onward ticket
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation)
- Visa fee in USD cash (visa on arrival) or paid online (eVisa)
- Sufficient funds — USD 50 per day per person
Laos eVisa vs Visa on Arrival
The eVisa is recommended if you enter Laos through a remote land border (some borders do not issue visas on arrival), or if you want to lock in costs and avoid queues. The visa on arrival is faster if you fly into Vientiane (VTE) or Luang Prabang (LPQ) — counters are well-organized and processing takes 15–30 minutes. Both visas grant the same 30-day single-entry stay and the same USD 30 fee for most nationalities.
Visa-Free Nationalities for Laos
Citizens of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam (ASEAN members) enter Laos visa-free for 14–30 days. Japanese, South Korean, Russian and Mongolian citizens also enjoy 30-day visa-free entry under bilateral agreements. All other nationalities require an eVisa or visa on arrival.
Extending Your Stay in Laos
A Laos tourist visa can be extended in-country at the Department of Immigration in Vientiane for an additional 30 to 60 days. Extensions cost USD 2 per day. Overstays are fined USD 10 per day at the airport on departure — keep your stay current.