Visa policy of Laos 2026

I. To depart from Vietnam to Laos by road (by bus), you need to note the following about Laos Visa.

1. For citizens who get a free Lao visa when entering Laos from Vietnam

you only need to have a passport with more than 6 months validity + pay a small additional fee called the border gate fee. The fee at each border gate is different, usually less than 1 USD - 2 USD for each border gate. You have to pay border fees in Vietnam and border fees in Laos. Payment can be made in USD/ VND/ KIP. Fees apply to both Lao and Vietnamese citizens.

2. For citizens who do not receive free visas to Laos, they are divided into 2 cases.

Case 1: Apply for a Lao visa at the border gate (Visa on arrival)

Currently there is only Lao Bao border gate, Quang Tri, you can apply for a Lao visa at the border gate. (Except for some nationals who are not allowed to apply for a Lao visa at the border gate)
- To apply for a Lao visa at the border gate, you need to prepare 2 - 4x6 white background photos + 40 USD Lao Visa + 2 border gate fees. Note: Passport is valid for more than 6 months

Case 2: Apply for a Lao visa at the Lao embassy

- If you want to go to Laos through other border gates (except Lao Bao border gate), you need to go through the Lao embassy in Hanoi or consulates in Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City to apply for a Lao visa.
- To apply for a Laos visa at the Laos embassy or consulate, you only need to bring a passport with more than 6 months validity, 2 4x6 photos with a white background, and 40 USD Laos visa fee.
- When you go to the embassy, they will give you a form to fill out the information.
- You should go to the embassy or consulate in the morning and you can receive it at noon or 3:00 p.m. (The embassy is closed on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays in Vietnam and Laos).

Case 3: Laos evisa (Apply online) - Currently not applicable if guests travel by land from Vietnam to Laos.

II. Visa policy of Laos 2026

Visitors to Laos must obtain a visa from one of the Laotian diplomatic missions unless they are citizens of one of the visa-exempt countries or citizens eligible for a visa on arrival or an e-Visa. All visitors must hold a passport valid for 6 months.

1. Visa policy map

2. Visa exemption

Ordinary passports

According to the Ministry of Public Security of Laos, holders of ordinary passports of the following countries (including all ASEAN member states) may enter Laos without a visa for stays up to the duration listed below

3. Visa on arrival / Electronic Visa (e-Visa)

The duration of stay of a visa obtained upon arrival in Laos is 30 days, and can be extended twice, for a maximum stay of 90 days. Visa extensions are handled by the province immigration office inside Laos for a fee.

The Laos e-Visa service was launched in July 2019. It is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance and its holders may stay for up to 30 days in Laos.

Travellers eligible for a visa on arrival or an e-Visa can enter Laos through one of the following ports of entry:

4. Visa required in advance

Citizens of the following countries are ineligible to obtain a visa on arrival or an e-Visa. They must obtain a visa from one of the Laotian diplomatic missions in advance. If they are traveling on an official visit, they may still obtain a visa on arrival, provided they are holding an official letter of guarantee issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Laos