Laos entry requirements for Austria passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 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
Austrian passport holders can enter Laos without a visa for up to 15 days — that's the key fact for 2026. This applies to tourism and short business visits. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date, and you need a return or onward ticket.
Apply for Laos eVisaOfficial portal: Laos eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (VoA)You can get a visa when you land in Laos, but you need to prepare the fee and a photo. For Austrian citizens | Austrian passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at international checkpoints in Laos. The visa is valid for a stay of up to 30 days (subject to change, confirm at entry). Have the visa fee in cash (USD or LAK) and a passport-sized photo ready. | Required |
| E-Visa (optional alternative)If you prefer to skip the visa-on-arrival line, you can apply online before you travel. Pre-arrival online application | You may apply for an e-visa in advance at the official Lao e-visa portal (laoevisa.gov.la). This can save time at the border. The e-visa is valid for entry at designated international checkpoints. | Optional |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire soon after your trip – Laos requires 6 months of validity. At least 6 months | Your Austrian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Laos. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe visa stamp needs a blank page – check your passport has space. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the visa stamp. It is safer to have two blank pages. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketIt's not always asked, but you should have a ticket out of Laos to show if needed. May be requested | Immigration officers may ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have a printed or digital copy of your itinerary ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsCarry a bank statement or have a credit card ready in case they ask how you'll support yourself. May be requested | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. A recent bank statement or credit card usually suffices. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form – just the visa and immigration forms. Not required | No separate arrival declaration form is required for Laos for Austrian citizens. | Not required |
15-day limit is strict
The visa-free stay cannot be extended. If you need more time, get a visa before you travel. Overstaying costs $10 per day and can cause problems at departure.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the day you land in Laos, not your departure date. Check your passport now to avoid surprises.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration
At Wattay International Airport in Vientiane or Luang Prabang International Airport, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. Join the queue for foreign passports.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport (with at least 6 months validity and one blank page) and your boarding pass. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details — have them ready on your phone or printed.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 15-day visa-free entry. No fee is charged. Check the stamp says '15 days' before leaving the counter.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your checked luggage from the carousel, then proceed through customs (usually green channel for nothing to declare). You're now in Laos.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Austria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (e-visa)
Max stay30 days
Validity60 days from issue
Cost$50
Apply online before arrival; single entry; can be extended once for 30 days.
Business visa (B2)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$40
Requires invitation letter from a Lao company; extendable for up to 12 months.
Multiple-entry tourist visa
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity3 months
Cost$75
Available at Lao embassies; allows multiple entries within validity.
retirement visa
Lao Retirement Visa (B2)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD per year (approx. 2,080,000 LAK)
For foreigners aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires annual renewal and no local employment. Must have a Lao sponsor or embassy letter.
work visa
Lao Work Visa (B1)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD per year (approx. 3,120,000 LAK) plus work permit fees
For those with a job offer from a Lao company. Requires a work permit and employer sponsorship. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
investor visa
Lao Investor Visa (B3)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD per year (approx. 4,160,000 LAK) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a Lao business. Requires business registration and annual reporting.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (if applicable)For stays exceeding 15 days; payable in cash (USD or LAK) at major entry points. | $35 |
| Visa extensionAvailable at the Department of Immigration in Vientiane; apply before your current visa expires. | $30 per 30 days |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration when exiting; avoid overstaying to prevent penalties. | $10 per day |
| Exit feeNo separate airport exit fee for most international flights. | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Austrian passport holders transiting through Laos do not need a visa if staying airside and departing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa on arrival or visa exemption may apply.
- For stays over 24 hours, a visa is required.
Transit hubsWattay International Airport (VTE) · Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ)
Health & vaccines for Laos
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially rainy season (May–October).
MalariaModerate risk
Present in rural and forested areas, especially southern provinces. Prophylaxis recommended for high-risk regions.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; includes traveler's diarrhea, cholera, and hepatitis A.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is highest in rural areas of southern Laos (e.g., Champasak, Attapeu) and along borders. 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, Ban Phonxay, Vientiane
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and overstay payment. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Immigration Office
Ban Pakham, Luang Prabang
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Handles extensions for tourists in the north. Often less crowded.
Practical information for AT 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 = 22,376.9 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
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer than 15 days, you must apply for a visa (e.g., tourist visa) before travel or at a Lao embassy/consulate. Overstaying incurs a fine of $10 per day.
You need to get a visa instead of using the visa-free entry. Apply for a tourist visa (single entry, 30 days) at a Lao embassy or consulate before you travel. Alternatively, you can get a visa on arrival at major airports and land borders, but that also gives 30 days. The visa on arrival costs around $30–$40 (payable in USD or THB).
Yes, the 15-day visa-free entry applies at all international border crossings, including land borders from Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and China. The same rules apply: passport validity 6 months, blank page, and onward ticket.
No, there is no arrival declaration or online form required for Austrian passport holders. You just present your passport and documents at immigration.
You'll be fined $10 per day of overstay, payable at immigration when you leave. Overstays of more than 30 days may result in a ban or additional penalties. Avoid overstaying by keeping track of your entry date.
It's not mandatory for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical care in Laos is limited and expensive for serious issues. Evacuation to Thailand can cost thousands. Many travellers buy a policy like SafetyWing or World Nomads before departure.
No, the visa-free entry is for tourism and short business visits only. For work or study, you need the appropriate visa (e.g., business visa or student visa) obtained in advance from a Lao embassy.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.