Visa Laos
Visa On Arrival in Laos
Laos offers a Visa on Arrival (VOA) for citizens of many countries arriving by air or land. If you are a citizen of Australia, Canada, the United States or European Union member countries, you can obtain a visa on arrival for Laos. This visa allows you to stay 30 days. There are possibilities to extend your visa.
E-Visa
You can also apply online for a e-visa, but it is not necessary. It can saves you time at the border sometimes, because it is more efficient. You can do the online application through this link.
Costs
The cost for a visa on arrival are 35 dollar. Keep in mind that you only can pay in cash. Make sure you have 35 dollar, maybe some extra. However it’s not allowed, they will probably scam you with surcharges for stamps in your passport.
You can also pay with Thai Baht or Cambodian Real, but they would charge more.
Requirements Visa
- 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 (you can fill this in at the airport or landborder)
- Two recentpassport-type photographs and with a light background. If you don’t have it they will charge you probably money.
- Cash to pay for the visa fee and additional costs if they apply. They are not allowed to, but they will.
- Proof of accommodation for the visa application (in my experience they don’t always ask for proof of accommodation)
Extend Visa Laos
You can locally extend your stay twice for thirty days each time, allowing you to stay in the country for a maximum of ninety days.
There are fees associated with an extension; you will be required to pay $2 per day. Therefore, you will need to decide how long exactly you want to extend before going to the immigration office. Alternatively, you can simply pay $60 and then travel worry-free through Laos for an additional thirty days.
Extensions are only possible at immigration offices in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse, and Savannakhet.
Overstay
The penalties for overstaying is $10 per day, and you must settle this amount upon departure. It’s important to note that only cash payments are accepted for this penalty.
Border run
Want to extend your visa and you are close to the border. Then it is possible to do a border run. This means you cross the border at Thailand, for example, and then come straight back into Laos for a new 30-day visa. This causes no problems.
More information
For more information, check these websites:
The validity and conditions of the visa can vary. It is advisable to check the latest requirements before traveling.
Learn more about Laos
- Budget Laos
- Best time to visit Laos
- Visa Laos
- Currency of Laos
- The Laos Flag
- Learn Laos words
- Safety in Laos
- History of Laos
- Laotian People
- Religion of Laos
Explore other Destinations in Laos
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📍All destinations in Laos : Muang Ngoy, Nong Kiau, Don Det, Vientiane and Pakse
As the most atmospheric city in Laos, Luang Prabang offers plenty of fascinating sights.