Laos entry requirements for Argentina passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Argentine passport holders can get a visa on arrival at all international entry points in Laos. You don't need to apply in advance — just show up with your passport and the fee in cash. As of 2026, this is the standard procedure for Argentinians visiting Laos.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang Airport, or major land borders. Pay $30–$40 USD in cash (exact change preferred) and bring two passport-sized photos. The process takes 10–15 minutes.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date | Your Argentine passport needs at least 6 months of validity remaining from the day you enter Laos. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Wattay Airport asks for a printed or digital onward ticket out of Laos within 30 days. Budget airlines like AirAsia and Thai Lion check this strictly at check-in — have a bus or flight booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration rarely asks for it, but having a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from a host shows you have a place to stay. If you're backpacking, book a refundable hostel for the first night. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Officials can ask you to show at least $1,000 USD or equivalent in cash, traveler's checks, or a bank statement. ATMs in Laos dispense Lao kip and Thai baht — bring USD for the visa fee. | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards accepted
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash. ATMs at the border are unreliable and may charge high fees. Bring crisp US dollars (no tears, no marks) in small denominations. Thai baht and Lao kip are accepted but at poor exchange rates.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process is quick — usually 10–15 minutes. Don't let the 'visa' word worry you. Just have your passport, a pen (to fill the form), and cash ready. The counters are clearly signposted at all major entry points.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the visa-on-arrival counter
After landing at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane) or Luang Prabang International Airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival'. At land borders like Friendship Bridge (Nong Khai–Vientiane) or Boten (China border), the counter is just past immigration. You'll fill out a short application form — grab one from the counter.
2
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, one passport photo (if they ask), and the visa fee in cash. The officer will process it — usually takes 5–15 minutes. Pay in US dollars if possible; Thai baht and Lao kip are accepted but at worse exchange rates.
3
Collect your passport with visa sticker
Once processed, you'll get your passport back with a 30-day tourist visa sticker. Check that the dates are correct before walking away. Then proceed to the immigration queue for entry stamping.
4
Enter Laos
At the immigration booth, present your passport with the visa sticker. The officer will stamp you in. Keep the departure card (if given) — you'll need it when leaving.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Argentina Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$35 USD (approx. $35 USD)
Apply at Lao embassy abroad.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)
Requires embassy application.
business visa
Business Visa (B-2)
1 year, renewable annually
$50 USD (approx. $50 USD) plus work permit fees
For those employed by a Lao company or investor. Requires sponsorship and work permit. Allows long-term stay.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant O-A)
1 year, renewable annually
$100 USD (approx. $100 USD) plus bank deposit proof
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires annual renewal and health insurance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD or Thai baht at entry points. | $30 USD (approx. $30 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD. | $10 USD per day (approx. $10 USD) |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Rarely granted; must apply at immigration office. | $30 USD (approx. $30 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Laos
No transit visa needed
Argentina passport holders transiting through Laos do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsWattay International Airport (Vientiane) · Luang Prabang International Airport · Pakse International Airport
Health & vaccines for Laos
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially rainy season.
MalariaModerate risk
Present in rural forested areas; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is highest in rural forested areas, especially in the south. Prophylaxis recommended for those regions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Vientiane
Lao Immigration Department
Samsenthai Road, Vientiane
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For extensions and visa issues; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Immigration Office
Ban Pakham, Luang Prabang
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Limited services; extensions may be referred to Vientiane.
Practical information for AR travellers
Country basics
CapitalVientiane
LanguageLao
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyLao Kip (LAK)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 21,931.97 LAK
Time zone
Local timeUTC+7
vs New York+12h
vs Los Angeles+15h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
A,B,C,E,FTypes A and B (US-style) and types C, E, F (European-style) are common.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
The standard fee is USD 30 for a 30-day tourist visa. Some entry points (especially airports) may charge USD 35–40. Pay in US dollars for the best rate. Thai baht and Lao kip are accepted but at less favorable exchange rates.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you want to stay longer than 30 days, you'll need to leave the country and re-enter (visa run) or apply for a different visa type before arrival. Overstaying incurs a fine of about USD 10 per day.
All international airports (Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse) and major land borders: Friendship Bridge (Nong Khai–Vientiane), Boten (China border), Savannakhet (Thailand border), and Vang Tao (Thailand border). Some smaller land crossings may not offer it — check ahead.
Yes, you need proof of onward travel — a bus or train ticket out of Laos works. A flight to a third country is also fine. The key is showing you'll leave before the visa expires.
Most visa-on-arrival counters can take your photo on the spot for a small fee (around USD 1–2). It's not a problem, but having your own photo speeds things up.
Laos offers an e-visa for some nationalities, but as of 2026, Argentine passport holders are not eligible. The visa on arrival is the standard method. There is no separate e-visa system for AR passport holders.
No, it's not required by immigration. However, it's strongly recommended — medical costs in Laos can be high, and evacuation to Thailand may be necessary for serious issues. Many travellers buy a policy before departure.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.