Yes, a visa is required to travel from United States to Laos.
Apply with iVisa· from €56
Do I need a visa for Laos from United States?
Discover visa requirements for your trip
U.S. nationals need a visa to travel to Laos for tourism; the e-Visa, applied for online before departure through the official portal, is the recommended route. A visa on arrival is also available at some entry points.
This guide is for U.S. citizens planning a trip to Laos. The country issues a tourist electronic visa (e-Visa) through its national portal, complemented by a visa-on-arrival option at some airports and land borders. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months, and the exact fee should be confirmed on the official source.
Do you need a visa?
Yes: U.S. travellers need a visa to enter Laos for tourism. The simplest route is the Lao e-Visa applied for online before the trip. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months on entry.
How and where to apply
From the United States, apply online on the official Lao e-Visa portal (laoevisa.gov.la) before departure, paying online. The approved e-Visa is delivered by email. A visa on arrival remains available at certain airports (Vientiane, Luang Prabang) and border crossings, but the pre-arranged e-Visa avoids queues.
Documents and fees
Prepare a passport valid for at least 6 months, a recent digital passport photo, an accommodation address in Laos and an onward ticket. The fee is not confirmed here — refer to the official laoevisa.gov.la portal.
Processing and tips
The e-Visa processing time is not confirmed here — submit the application several days before departure. Print the approved e-Visa to present at immigration. Check the official source for the list of entry points where the e-Visa and visa on arrival are accepted, as it can vary.
Common mistakes
Common errors are an insufficiently valid passport, a typo in the name or passport number, and using unofficial intermediary websites. Use only the laoevisa.gov.la portal and check any health requirements (yellow fever depending on your routing) on the official source.
Official sources
- Lao e-Visa — official portal
- Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Department of Consular Affairs
- U.S. Department of State — Laos Travel Information
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
Discover the best activities and experiences in Laos
- ✅ Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 🌍 Over 150,000 activities worldwide
- ⭐ Verified reviews from real travelers
- 💬 24/7 customer support
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a visa to travel to Laos from United States?▾
A visa on arrival is issued to travellers from United States 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
Other visas from United States
Visa alerts and regulations
Receive the latest visa updates and travel advice
We will never share your email. Unsubscribe at any time.