Laos: end of visa on arrival for entry points

The e-visa before departure is more than highly recommended

For certain entry points into the country, the visa on arrival is no longer or will no longer be issued.

We inform you that since January 1, 2020, some entry points in Laos no longer issue the visa on arrival:
> Pang Hok / Tai Trang (Vietnam border)

> Nam Silk / Nameo (Vietnam border)

> Nam Ngeune / Houay Kon ( Thai border )

> Nam Phao / Kao Cheo (Vietnam border)

From 03/31/2020 , it will be around the following borders to no longer issue the visa on arrival:

> Nam Kan (Vietnam border)

> Koua Nam Hueang/ Luey ( Thai border )
> Savannakhet Airport

From 06/30/2020, it will be the next borders will stop issuing the visa on arrival:
> Na Phao / Cha Lor (Vietnam border)

> Phou Kuea / Quangtoum (Vietnam border)

Finally, as a reminder, the borders below have never issued the visa on arrival:
> Ban Meuang Mom / Vang Poung (Burma border)

> Pakxanh / Beungkane ( Thailand border )

Some entry points could continue, in theory , to issue the visa on arrival for a few months (there may be 60 to 120 minutes of waiting depending on the number of visitors):

> Wattay / Vientiane International Airport

> Pakse / Champassak Airport > Louangprabang International Airport

> Borders de Bo Ten / Bo Hane (China)

> Gold Triangle border ( Thailand / Burma)

> Houay Xay / Chiengkhong border ( Thailand )

> Friendship bridge 1 ( Thailand border )

> Thanaleng station ( Thailand border )

> Thakhek border / Nakornopanom ( Thailand )

> Densavanh border / Lao Bao (Vietnam)

> Friendship bridge 2 ( Thailand )

> Vang Tao / Song Mek border ( Thailand )

> Nong Nok Khiene / tra Preng Kriene (Cambodia)

Visa before departure (classic visa or e-visa ) is strongly recommended to avoid waiting on site.

This information " was disseminated by the Consulate, not officially but as an indication to travel professionals. The Laos government site is not yet up to date: http://immigration.gov.la/checkpoints / We invite you to check this information with a local agency in Laos with reliable information (border contacts) or with the Lao authorities in Laos.

Apply now for your official Laos Evisa

Do I need a visa on arrival for Laos?

Whether you need a visa on arrival for Laos or not will depend on your nationality. Only eligible citizens can obtain a visa on arrival. Citizens of several countries can obtain their visa upon arrival as long as they meet the requirements.

The Laos visa on arrival is granted to travelers who are visiting Laos for tourism purposes. It is a single entry visa and allows a 30-day stay in the country.

In July 2019, the Government of Laos has implemented the Laos electronic visa.The eVisa is valid for a single entry stay of up to 30 days in the country. Applicants can obtain the eVisa through a simple online Laos eVisa application form, eliminating the need for long waiting times for a visa on arrival at border entry points.

Laos visa on arrival countries

Citizens of several eligible countries including Australia, Canada, the United States and European Union member countries can obtain a visa on arrival for Laos. Travelers simply need to meet the Laos visa on arrival requirements to get their visa at a port of entry.

The Laos online visa has been implemented to expedite the visa application process, and allow eligible citizens to avoid long waits for a visa on arrival at the Lao border.

There are a few nationalities that aren’t required to obtain the visa on arrival. Citizens of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have agreements with Laos since 2005. Japan, South Korea, Russia and Switzerland have visa-free access to Laos and can stay in the country for up to 15 days.

Laos visa on arrival requirements

The requirements for a Laos visa on arrival are as follows:

An original passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of arrival in Laos.
A completed visa application form signed by the applicant.
Two recent passport-type photographs in color and with a light background.
Cash to pay for the visa fee and additional costs if they apply

The visa on arrival application form is available at 22 ports of entry in Laos or when traveling by plane are given by the airline before landing.

If the traveler does not have a photo, there is an additional fee for scanning the photo from their passport. Those who wish to visit Laos should also know that there are additional charges for the visa if you arrive between 6:00 and 8:00 in the morning, on a weekend, or on a national holiday.

How to get a visa on arrival for Laos

To get a visa on arrival for Laos the traveler should have all of the documentation listed on this site: their passport, two photographs and the completed form.

On arrival, the traveler should head to the window marked “On Arrival”. The immigration window is only for people who already have the visa.

If the traveler hasn’t already filled the application, it is advised to complete the visa on arrival form by the window. Once completed, the traveler should submit the form and the two photographs to the immigration official at the “on arrival” window.

To finalize the process, the traveler is expected to pay the visa fee in cash. It is possible to pay for this fee in american dollars. After providing all the documentation, travelers are asked to wait. The name of the traveler will be called when their application has been reviewed.

Once it is implemented in June 2019, the Laos electronic visa will eliminate the need for this complicated application process upon arrival. Applicants will be able to complete a simple form with personal and passport information and receive a copy of the eVisa via email. They will then be able to print a copy to present at the border for an expedited entry into the country.

Main border Checkpoints in Laos for visa on arrival

There are 22 ports of entry where foreign visitors from eligible countries will be able to obtain a visa on arrival to enter Laos. These are the main border checkpoints in Laos:

International airports:

Wattay International Airport in Vientiane Capital;
Luang Prabang International Airport in Luang Prabang Province;
Pakse International Airport in Champasak Province;
Savannakhet International Airport in Savannakhet Province.

These are the land border checkpoints where it is possible to get a visa on arrival for Laos:

Thailand-Laos:

Chiang Khong – Houixay, Chiang Rai to Bokeo Province;
Nakaxeng – Kaenthao, Loei to Sayabouly Province;
Houi Koln – Nam Ngeun, Nan to Sayabouly Province;
Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I, Nongkhai-Vientiane Capital;
Tha Naleng train station in Vientiane;
Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II, Moukdahan-Savannakhet Province;
Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge III, Nakorn Phanom-Khammouane Province;
Chongmek – Vangtao, Ubol Ratchathani to Champasack Province.

Cambodia-Laos:

Dong Calor – Veun Kham, Cambodia to Champasack Province.

Vietnam-Laos:

Nameo – Banleui, Thanh Hoa to Huaphanh Province;
Namkan – Namkan, Nge An to Xieng Khouang Province;
Keoneua – Nampao (Lak Sao), Ha tinh to Bolikhamxay Province;
Laobao – Dansavanh, Quang tri to Savannakhet Province.

China-Laos:

Mohan – Botene, Yunnan to Luang Namtha Province.

Visa Requirements

Travelers who wish to visit Laos will need to meet the Laos Visa requirements to be eligible to apply online.

The online visa for Laos will be launched by the Government of Laos in June 2019. The full list of Laos online visa requirements will be confirmed when the online visa system is implemented. Check for updates about the Laos electronic visa requirements on this website.

Apply for laos visa online

Which countries need a visa for Laos?

Several countries are eligible to obtain an online visa for Laos.

Citizens of some African and Middle Eastern countries are required to apply for a tourist visa in advance at a Laos embassy or consulate.

Citizens of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as well as Japan, South Korea, Russia and Switzerland enjoy visa-free access to Laos.

What are the travel documents needed to enter Laos?

A passport with a minimum validity of six months from the date of arrival.
Two blank pages on your passport to get the Laos visa stamp.
Two recent colored passport photos with a light background.
A copy of your travelling plan.

Eligible citizens for a visa on arrival must possess a completed visa application form with one of the photographs attached to it.

The traveler will have to pay a fee at a Laos port of entry to get his visa on arrival at a Laos .

Fees may vary according to their nationality, and date and time of arrival.