Laos entry requirements for Bangladesh passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
Visa required
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
Bangladeshi passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Laos. There is no visa on arrival or eVisa option, so you'll need to apply at a Lao embassy or consulate in advance. Start the process at least a month ahead to account for travel to the embassy and processing time.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Laos visaYou cannot get a visa on arrival or use an eVisa — you must get a visa sticker from a Lao embassy or consulate before you fly. Visa required | Bangladeshi citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to Laos. Apply at the nearest Lao embassy or consulate; eVisa is not available for Bangladeshi passport holders. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry — if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before applying for the visa. At least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Laos. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe visa page and entry stamp need a clean page — make sure you have one. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the visa and entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight ready to show at check-in and at border control. Proof of departure | Immigration may ask to see a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Laos before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but having a bank statement or cash helps avoid problems at entry. Sufficient money for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, bank statement, or credit card) to cover your expenses during your stay in Laos. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form beyond the standard immigration card. Not required | No separate arrival declaration form is required for Bangladesh passport holders entering Laos. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationThe eVisa system is only for certain nationalities — Bangladesh is not one of them. Not available | Bangladeshi citizens are not eligible for the Lao eVisa. Do not attempt to apply online; use the embassy/consulate route instead. | Not required |
No visa on arrival — don't risk it
Some travel blogs or forums might say Bangladeshis can get a visa on arrival in Laos. That's wrong. You'll be turned away at the border or airport and sent back. Get your visa from an embassy before you fly.
No Lao embassy in Bangladesh
You'll need to apply through a Lao embassy in another country, like India or Thailand. Factor in travel time and courier costs. Start the process at least a month in advance.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the nearest Lao embassy or consulate
Find the Lao embassy or consulate in your region (e.g., in Delhi, Bangkok, or Kuala Lumpur — there's no Lao embassy in Bangladesh). Call or email them to confirm the exact application process, required documents, fees, and processing time for Bangladeshi citizens.
2
Prepare your application package
Gather your passport, completed application form, photos, fee, and any supporting documents. Make photocopies of everything. Double-check that your passport has at least 6 months validity and a blank page.
3
Submit your application in person or by mail
Depending on the embassy, you may need to appear in person or can send your application by courier. If in person, expect to wait in line and possibly have a short interview. If by mail, use a trackable service and include a prepaid return envelope.
4
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 3–5 working days, but can take longer. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand. Check with the embassy for the current timeline.
5
Collect your passport with visa
Once approved, you'll get your passport back with the visa sticker. Verify the dates and spelling of your name before leaving the embassy. If anything is wrong, ask for a correction immediately.
6
Travel to Laos
Arrive at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane or Luang Prabang International Airport. Have your passport, visa, and possibly proof of onward travel ready for immigration. You'll also need to fill out an arrival card (provided on the plane or at the airport).
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Bangladesh Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$40
Obtain from Lao embassy/consulate before travel; allows single entry.
Business visa (pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days (extendable)
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50
Requires invitation letter from Lao company; can be extended for up to 12 months.
Multiple-entry tourist visa
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost$60
Available at Lao embassies; allows multiple entries.
retirement visa
Lao Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant B3)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD per year (approx. 12,000 LAK)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires health insurance and no local employment. Renewable indefinitely.
work visa
Lao Work Visa (Non-Immigrant B2)
1 year, renewable annually
~$150 USD per year (approx. 18,000 LAK)
For foreign employees with a job offer from a Lao company. Requires work permit and employer sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Lao Student Visa (Non-Immigrant B1)
1 year, renewable annually
~$80 USD per year (approx. 9,600 LAK)
For students enrolled in a recognised Lao educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Part-time work not allowed.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (tourist)Payable in cash (USD, THB, or LAK) at major entry points; passport photo required. | $30 |
| Visa on arrival (business)For business purposes; requires invitation letter or supporting documents. | $35 |
| Visa extension (per 30 days)Available at Immigration Department in Vientiane; max two extensions per stay. | $30 |
| Overstay finePaid at immigration when departing; may be higher for longer overstays. | $10 per day |
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
Transit visa required
Bangladeshi passport holders require a visa to enter Laos, even for transit. A transit visa (valid up to 5 days) can be obtained on arrival at international airports or land borders if continuing to a third country.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt under bilateral agreements.
Transit hubsWattay International Airport (VTE) · Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ) · Pakse International Airport (PKZ)
Health & vaccines for Laos
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in rural areas, especially in southern provinces. Prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene and drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is highest in rural areas, especially in southern provinces like Champasak and Attapeu. Prophylaxis recommended for travellers to these 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
Department of Immigration, Vientiane
Sisattanak District, Vientiane Capital
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, photo, and fee.
Luang Prabang
Immigration Office Luang Prabang
Ban Thongchaleun, Luang Prabang District
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Handles extensions for tourists in the area. Expect processing time of 1–2 days.
Practical information for BD 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. Laos does not offer visa on arrival for Bangladeshi passport holders. You must obtain a visa from a Lao embassy or consulate before you travel. There is no exception at land borders or airports.
No. The Lao eVisa system is not available for Bangladeshi passport holders. You must apply through an embassy or consulate. Don't trust third-party websites that claim to offer an eVisa for you — they can't deliver.
There is no Lao embassy in Bangladesh. The nearest options are the Lao Embassy in New Delhi, India, or the Lao Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand. You can also check if the Lao Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, accepts applications by mail. Contact them directly for specific instructions.
Typical processing time is 3–5 working days, but it can take longer depending on the embassy and time of year. Some embassies offer expedited service for an extra fee. Always apply at least 2–3 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
The fee varies by embassy and is set by that embassy, not by Laos centrally. It's typically in the range of $30–$60 USD equivalent, but confirm the exact amount with the embassy you're using. Fees are usually non-refundable.
You will likely be denied a visa and may be refused entry to Laos. Renew your passport before applying. The 6-month validity is calculated from your intended date of entry into Laos, not the application date.
No. The visa issued to you is not extendable. You must leave Laos before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines and possible detention. Plan your trip dates carefully.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.