Yes, a visa is required to travel from Canada to Laos.
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Do I need a visa for Laos from Canada?
Discover visa requirements for your trip
Canadian travellers can obtain an electronic visa (e-Visa) for Laos, applied for online before departure. A passport valid for at least six months is required.
Laos offers Canadian nationals a tourist e-Visa, requested on the official government portal before travel. Some entry points also issue a visa on arrival, but arranging the e-Visa in advance avoids queues and unpleasant surprises. This guide sets out the steps to follow, the documents expected and the checks to carry out before leaving.
Do Canadian citizens need a visa?
Yes: holders of a Canadian passport need a visa for a tourist stay in Laos. The simplest route is the e-Visa, applied for online before arrival. A visa on arrival is still available at several border posts, but the pre-arranged e-Visa secures entry and saves time at the airport or land crossing.
How and where to apply
Go to the official portal laoevisa.gov.la to create your application, upload an ID photo and the passport bio-data page, then pay online. Once approved, the authorisation is sent to you by email: print it or keep it on your phone to present when entering Laos.
Documents and fees
Bring a Canadian passport valid for at least six months, a recent photo on a light background, an address of accommodation and an onward ticket. The visa amount and its validity vary and must be confirmed on the official Lao portal, which is the only authoritative source.
Processing and tips
Apply several working days before departure to absorb any processing delay. Confirm that your planned entry point actually accepts the e-Visa, as not every border post is on the list. Also review the Government of Canada travel advice for Laos before you go.
Common mistakes
Difficulties often come from a passport too close to expiry, a non-compliant photo or choosing an entry point not covered by the e-Visa. Do not overstay the authorised period: any extension must be requested from immigration services in Laos, and overstaying exposes you to a fine on departure.
Official sources
- Lao eVisa - official portal
- Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Government of Canada - Travel advice (Laos)
Information verified on July 8, 2026.
Essential Laos information
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.
Weather in Vientiane
Practical travel information
- Lao
- Français
Essential preparations
- Police : 119
- Ambulance : 119
- Fire brigade : 119
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Frequently asked questions
Do you need a visa to travel to Laos from Canada?▾
A visa on arrival is issued to travellers from Canada directly at the Laos border (allowed duration: 30 days).
How long can you stay in Laos?▾
The tourist visa allows a stay of 30 days.
What other visa types exist for Laos?▾
Depending on the purpose of stay, Laos offers among others: Business eVisa, Work Permit, Student visa, Family visa, Investor visa.
Data verified on 23/07/2026
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