Entry Requirements and Visas
Laos is one of the easiest countries in the world to visit. Citizens of many countries can enter visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival without advance planning.
Visa-Free Entry
If you hold a passport from the following countries, you can enter Laos without a visa for tourism:
- 14 days: Myanmar
- 15 days: Japan, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria
- 30 days: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam
Before traveling, verify your eligibility on the Lao Immigration website. If you hold dual nationality, use the same passport to exit your previous country and enter Laos—immigration officers require matching exit and entry stamps, and mixing passports may result in visa-on-arrival fees.
Online Arrival Form
As of September 1, 2025, all visitors must complete an online arrival form before entering Laos at https://immigration.gov.la/en/registration/arrival/arrival-info.
Visa on Arrival
If you're not eligible for visa-free entry, you can obtain a visa on arrival at most airports and many land border crossings. As of January 2025, the cost is US$40 for most nationalities (US$20 for Chinese and Vietnamese citizens). You'll need one passport photo, though you can pay US$1 to have your photo scanned upon arrival if you don't have one.
Bring US dollars if possible—if you pay in kip, immigration officers charge 50% more due to currency inflation. Thai baht is also accepted but carries a markup. An additional surcharge of approximately US$1 may apply for visa processing outside office hours at certain border crossings like the Friendship Bridge in Vientiane.
Alternative Visa Options
You can apply for an e-Visa online in advance, though it costs about US$15 more than visa on arrival and is only accepted at limited border crossings (8 as of 2023). Processing takes 3 business days, and you'll need scans of your passport and a passport photo. The main advantage is skipping queues upon arrival.
Alternatively, obtain a visa from a Lao embassy or consulate before traveling. Costs vary by nationality and location (typically US$40–US$63), with processing times of 2–3 days standard. Same-day processing is available for an extra fee (around US$5). Embassies in Phnom Penh and Bangkok offer faster options, though travel agencies may charge more.
Extending Your Stay
Entry permit extensions are available in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Tha Khaek, and Pakse. The cost is US$2.50 per day plus a form fee (5,000–30,000 kip). The process is straightforward: arrive early morning with your passport and one photo, complete a form, and return in the afternoon to collect your extended passport. If extending for longer than two weeks near the Thai border, it's often cheaper to cross into Thailand (visa-free for most Western nationalities) and return to get a new 30-day Lao visa.
By Air
Laos has three airports with regular international flights: Vientiane International Airport (the main hub), Luang Prabang International Airport, and Pakse International Airport. Direct flights are limited and often expensive. Regional carriers include Lao Airlines (the national carrier), Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, and Vietnam Airlines. Budget options include Scoot (Singapore Airlines' low-cost subsidiary) from Singapore to Vientiane and AirAsia from Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur.
A cost-effective alternative is flying to Udon Thani in Thailand with budget carriers Nok Air or AirAsia and taking a shuttle (40 minutes) to the Friendship Bridge border crossing near Vientiane.
By Train
A railway line from Kunming, China to Vientiane opened in December 2021. The journey takes 10 hours 30 minutes but requires getting off the train at the border (Mohan/Boten) to complete customs formalities. The train passes through Luang Prabang and other Laotian cities. Tickets sell out quickly and are only released 3 days in advance—book through your accommodation, rail ticket offices, or the LCR Ticket mobile app. Security is strict; prohibited items include sharp objects, aerosol sprays, and liquids over 100 ml. Note that the Boten railway station does not provide visas on arrival, though e-Visas are accepted.
Money, Currency, and Costs
The currency of Laos is the Lao kip (LAK). The kip has experienced rampant inflation in recent years, making US dollars highly valued and preferred by locals and businesses. For this reason, it's wise to bring US dollars for expenses and currency exchange.
While specific price information is not detailed in available sources, Laos is generally considered an affordable destination for visitors from developed countries. Budget accommodation, local food, and transportation are inexpensive. Exchange rates favor visitors carrying hard currency, especially US dollars.
Staying Safe and Emergency Contacts
However, the country receives many international visitors and is described as one of the easiest to visit globally, suggesting a reasonable safety profile for tourists following standard precautions.
The international dialing code for Laos is +856. For emergencies, contact local authorities or your embassy. Keep copies of important documents separate from originals and register with your embassy before traveling.
Health
Before traveling, consult your doctor or a travel clinic about vaccinations and health precautions relevant to Southeast Asia. Travel insurance is recommended. Bring any prescription medications in their original containers and carry a basic first-aid kit, as medical facilities may be limited outside major cities.
Mobile Networks and SIM Cards
Major cities like Vientiane and Luang Prabang have mobile coverage, and prepaid SIM cards are typically available at airports and local shops. Ask your hotel for recommendations on local providers and current rates.
Internet
Specific details about internet availability are not provided in available sources. WiFi is generally available in hotels, guesthouses, and cafes in tourist areas, though speeds and reliability vary. For consistent connectivity, consider a local mobile data plan when purchasing a SIM card.
Local Customs and Etiquette
Laos has a rich cultural heritage influenced by Theravada Buddhism, which was established as the state religion in the 13th century during the kingdom of Lan Xang and remains important today. The capital, Vientiane, and the historic town of Luang Prabang (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) are cultural centers where respectful behavior is especially important.
Learning a few basic phrases in Lao is appreciated by locals. Dress modestly when visiting temples. Remove shoes when entering religious spaces. Be mindful of local customs around images of the king and national symbols, which are treated with reverence.
Key Destinations
Laos is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites worth visiting: the town of Luang Prabang in the north, the temple complex of Vat Phou in the south, and the Plain of Jars in the north-central region. The capital, Vientiane, is the largest city and main transportation hub. Luang Prabang is known for its well-preserved architecture and cultural significance. The country's forested landscape, river systems, and national parks like Nam Et-Phou Louey and Nakai-Nam Theun offer opportunities for nature exploration and wildlife viewing.