🇱🇦Laos Visa 2026: Entry Requirements
Asia· Updated 10/10/2026
Do you need a visa for Laos?
It depends on your passport. Out of 195 nationalities documented by IziVisas, 17 enter Laos visa-free, 146 obtain an e-visa or a visa on arrival and 32 must apply at a consulate before travelling.
Visa-free
17
nationalities
Visa on arrival
146
nationalities
Consular visa
32
nationalities
Check the rule for your nationality
Pick your passport for the exact 2026 rule: fee, processing time, allowed stay and documents.
- 🇬🇧United Kingdom
- 🇺🇸United States
- 🇳🇬Nigeria
- 🇬🇭Ghana
- 🇮🇳India
- 🇵🇰Pakistan
- 🇰🇪Kenya
- 🇺🇬Uganda
- 🇿🇦South Africa
- 🇵🇭Philippines
- 🇨🇦Canada
- 🇦🇺Australia
- All nationalities
Data updated on · Official source
Rules by nationality cross-checked against the official list (mofa.gov.la), read on .
Pick your nationality to see the rule
Indicative information, drawn from official sources and Wikipedia, and updated automatically. Rules change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before booking. Our methodology · Official portal
Depending on your nationality, you may be able to apply online. Check your passport's entry rules first.
- Online filing for nationalities eligible for an e-visa or visa on arrival
- Online application tracking
- Paid service, on top of official fees
Partner link: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. The visa verdict above does not depend on this partner.
Online arrival form
Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF). A mandatory formality, separate from the visa.
- When:
- Within 3 days before arrival. Also required before leaving the country.
- Who:
- All foreign travellers, at Vientiane (Wattay), Luang Prabang and Pakse airports and at the First Friendship Bridge, with a QR code to show. Extension to all international checkpoints is announced for 2026.
In August 2025, Lao immigration still accepted the paper card "for the time being", according to the Japanese embassy.
Only fill it in on the official website.
Fill it in on the official website (immigration.gov.la)
Checked on · source: indianembassylaos.gov.in
Laos visa requirements by nationality
The entry regime Laos applies to the passports most often checked on IziVisas. Open a row for the fee, the processing time, the documents and the allowed stay of that exact route.
- SpainVisa on arrivalStay: 30 days
- United KingdomVisa on arrivalStay: 30 days
- United StatesVisa on arrivalStay: 30 days
- ItalyVisa on arrivalStay: 30 days
- GermanyVisa on arrivalStay: 30 days
- CanadaVisa on arrivalStay: 30 days
- FranceVisa on arrivalStay: 30 days
- NetherlandsVisa on arrivalStay: 30 days
- AustraliaVisa on arrivalStay: 30 days
- NigeriaVisa required
- GreeceVisa on arrivalStay: 30 days
- PortugalVisa on arrivalStay: 30 days
- BelgiumVisa on arrivalStay: 30 days
- DenmarkVisa on arrivalStay: 30 days
- RomaniaVisa on arrivalStay: 30 days
- SwedenVisa on arrivalStay: 30 days
- AustriaVisa on arrivalStay: 30 days
- IrelandVisa on arrivalStay: 30 days
- FinlandVisa on arrivalStay: 30 days
Laos visa types, fees and processing times
Every visa category Laos publishes, with the official fee, the allowed stay and the processing time when the source states them. Eligibility depends on your nationality: open your route for the rule that applies to your passport.
| Visa | Category | Allowed stay | Official fee | Processing time | Entries | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-stay (tourism) | Short stay | Portal | ||||
| Business visa (NI-B2) | Business | 90 days | 20-42 USD | 3 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Work Permit | Work | 1 year (renewable) | 15 business days | Multiple | Portal | |
| Student visa | Study | 1 year | 15 business days | Multiple | Portal | |
| Family visa | Family | 1 year | 15 business days | Portal | ||
| Investor visa | Investor | 5 years | 20-150 USD | 30 business days | Multiple | Portal |
Visas
Visas from this country
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Information
Capital
Vientiane
Population
7,540,000
Currency
Lao kip (LAK ₭)
Languages
Lao, French
Continent
Asia
Calling code
+856
Timezone
Asia/Vientiane
Area
236,800 km²
Government
Unitary one-party socialist republic
National day
December 2 - National Day
Internet domain
.la
About
Laos is a unitary one-party socialist republic ruled by the Lao People's Revolutionary Party. Located in Southeast Asia, it is landlocked and borders China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar. The country is undergoing institutional reforms and planning its 10th Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2026-2030.
Nomad Insurance travel cover (SafetyWing)
Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Safety
Risk areas
Crime(Low)
- Avoid carrying valuables
- Stay vigilant in tourist areas
Terrorism(Low)
- Low threat, follow official advisories
Transport
- Wear a helmet on motorcycle
- Avoid driving at night
Natural risks(Seasonal floods and UXO)
- Check UXO maps
- Follow weather alerts
Health(Limited healthcare system, hospitals in Vientiane)
- Hepatitis A/B, typhoid, rabies vaccines
- Bottled water only
Practical tips
- Register with STEP or equivalent
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- Respect Buddhist customs
Accommodation (Hotels.com)
Hotels and other stays, with a free-cancellation filter.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Cost of living
Accommodation
Food
Transport
Leisure
Health
Others
Indicative prices in USD in Vientiane · estimated in October 2026
eSIM data (Saily)
Stay connected on landing, with no roaming charges. Requires an eSIM-compatible phone.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Practical information
Electricity
Emergency numbers
Practical information
Right
unsafe
not customary, rounding up the bill
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Photos
Laos
Tùng Lâm
Laos
ROMAN ODINTSOV
Laos
Tri Nguyen Trong
Laos
Khamkeo Phengsavad
Laos
icon0 com
Laos
竟傲 汤
Laos
Suraphat Nuea-on
Laos
Wei86 Travel
Laos
Alberto Capparelli
Laos
Alberto Capparelli
Laos
Sydney Haws
Laos
Mykhailo Petrushchak
Laos
Alberto Capparelli
Laos
Jess Chen
Laos
Tho Ta
Laos
Quang Nguyen Vinh
Laos
Quang Nguyen Vinh
Laos
Soubhagya Maharana
Plan your trip
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Nomad Insurance travel cover (SafetyWing)
Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.
eSIM data (Saily)
Stay connected on landing, with no roaming charges. Requires an eSIM-compatible phone.
Accommodation (Hotels.com)
Hotels and other stays, with a free-cancellation filter.
Partner links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Guides to prepare your trip
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Schengen Visa Travel Insurance: The 3 Official Criteria and the Pitfalls (2026)
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Visa Refusal: The 10 Most Common Reasons and How to Avoid Them
Funds, home ties, insurance, inconsistencies… The 10 most common visa refusal reasons, how to avoid them, and your appeal options region by…
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a visa to travel to Laos?▾
It depends on your passport. IziVisas documents the entry regime for Laos across 195 nationalities: 17 visa-free, 146 with a visa on arrival, 32 with a consular visa. Pick yours for the exact rule, with documents, fees and processing times.
Check by my nationality →How much does a Laos visa cost?▾
Fees vary by visa type and nationality. The lowest published official fee is 20 USD (Business visa (NI-B2)). These are government fees only, providers and visa application centres add their own service charge.
Is it dangerous to travel to Laos?▾
The overall risk level is currently rated "Overall moderate risk, with minor crime and natural hazards.". See the Safety tab on this page for details by topic (crime, transport, health, areas to avoid) and practical tips.
What currency is used in Laos?▾
The official currency is Lao kip (LAK ₭). See sample prices (accommodation, meals, transport) in the cost of living section above.
What is the capital of Laos?▾
The capital of Laos is Vientiane. The main spoken languages are: Lao, French.
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