Laos entry requirements for Brazil passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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

Brazilian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at all international entry points in Laos. Bring your documents and cash for the fee. This policy is in effect as of 2026.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrival
Get a visa on arrival at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang, or major land borders. Cost is $30–$40 USD (cash only, bring exact change). Have one passport photo ready — if you don't have one, they charge an extra $1–$2 USD.Check visa detailsRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date
Laos strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. Two blank pages are also required for the visa sticker and entry stamp.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for visa on arrival
Immigration officers at the visa-on-arrival counter ask to see a flight out of Laos. A printed or digital copy of your onward ticket works. If you plan to exit overland, have a bus or train booking ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended to have on hand
Immigration rarely asks for a hotel booking, but the visa-on-arrival form asks for an address in Laos. Have your first night's hotel name and address written down. A printed booking confirmation is fine.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended to have on hand
Officials can ask for proof of at least $1,000 USD equivalent (cash, card, or bank statement). In practice, this is almost never checked at the visa-on-arrival counter, but having a credit card and some cash ($200–$300 USD) avoids any issues.Recommended
Cash only — no cards accepted
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash. US dollars are preferred, but Thai baht and Lao kip are also accepted. Bring crisp, undamaged bills — torn or marked notes may be refused.
Photos are mandatory
You need 2 passport-sized photos (4x6 cm) for the visa application. Some airports have photo booths, but they may be out of order or charge a premium. Bring your own to save time and hassle.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at the visa-on-arrival counter
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' before the immigration booths. At major airports like Vientiane (Wattay) and Luang Prabang, the counter is clearly marked. Smaller land borders may have a single desk.
2
Fill out the application form
Pick up a visa application form at the counter. Fill it in with your personal details, passport info, and accommodation address. Bring a pen — they rarely have extras.
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, 2 photos, and the visa fee in cash. The officer will process it — usually takes 5–15 minutes. You'll get a receipt.
4
Collect your passport with visa
When called, pick up your passport with the visa sticker inside. Check the validity dates and your name spelling before walking away. Then proceed to immigration for entry stamping.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Brazil Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 2026
Download PDF

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 in Brazil or neighboring countries. Requires passport, photo, and application form.

Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost$50 USD (approx. 50 USD)

Available at some Lao embassies. Allows multiple entries within validity.

business visa
Business Visa (B-2)
Up to 1 year, renewable
$50–100 USD (approx. 50–100 USD)
For those with a Lao company sponsor. Requires invitation letter and company registration. Allows multiple entries.
work visa
Work Visa (LA-B2)
1 year, renewable
$150–200 USD (approx. 150–200 USD)
For foreign employees with a work permit. Requires employer sponsorship and health check. Allows long-term stay.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (LA-M2)
1 year, renewable annually
$200–300 USD (approx. 200–300 USD)
For those aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds ($1,500+/month). Requires annual renewal and health insurance.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD or Thai Baht at entry points. Valid for 30 days.$30 USD (approx. 30 USD)
Overstay fineNo official cap, but fines accumulate daily. Avoid overstaying.$10 USD per day (approx. 10 USD/day)
Stay extension (if allowed)Extension possible at immigration offices for 30 days, but not guaranteed for VoA.$35 USD (approx. 35 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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

Brazil passport holders transiting through Laos do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. For land border transit, a visa may be required.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Transit without visa allowed for up to 24 hours at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane) and Luang Prabang International Airport.
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 risk (e.g., Brazil). Must have certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk

Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas. Use repellent and sleep under nets.

MalariaModerate risk

Present in rural areas, especially in the south. Prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.

Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk

Common due to poor sanitation. Drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.

Malaria risk: moderate

Risk is highest in rural forested areas, especially in the south (Champasak, Attapeu). Prophylaxis recommended for those areas.

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
Khun Bu Lom Road, Vientiane
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Main office for extensions and visa issues. Bring passport, photos, and fee.

Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Immigration Office
Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:00

Handles extensions for tourists in the north. Limited services.

Practical information for BR 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 = 21,883.96 LAK
updated May 21
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
Police191
Medical195
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

The fee is typically USD 30 for a 30-day tourist visa, but some entry points charge USD 35–40. Pay in US dollars (crisp bills), Thai baht, or Lao kip. Credit cards are not accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'll need to leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel (like a tourist visa from a Lao embassy). Overstaying costs about USD 10 per day.
All international airports (Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse) and most land borders (e.g., Friendship Bridge from Thailand, Boten from China, and border crossings from Cambodia and Vietnam). Some remote land borders may not offer it — check in advance.
Yes, immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. A flight, bus, or train ticket out of Laos within your allowed stay is sufficient. A screenshot on your phone works.
Usually 5–15 minutes at the counter, plus waiting time if there's a queue. At busy times (e.g., multiple flights arriving together), it can take 30–45 minutes. Factor this into your plans.
Yes, Brazil is eligible for the Lao e-visa, which you can apply for online before travel. It costs about USD 50 and takes 3–5 business days to process. The e-visa is valid for 30 days and can be used at certain entry points (check the official e-visa website for the list).
Overstays are fined USD 10 per day, payable at immigration when you leave. You may also be questioned. Avoid overstaying by keeping track of your entry stamp date.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.