Laos entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Canadians can get a visa on arrival at most entry points in Laos. Bring your passport, a passport photo, and cash in US dollars. As of 2026, the visa on arrival is valid for 30 days and costs $30–$45 USD depending on your nationality.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Apply at the airport | You get a visa on arrival at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang, and Pakse. Bring $30–$40 USD in cash (exact change preferred) plus two passport-sized photos. The queue moves slowly — budget 20–30 minutes.Check visa fees | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Laos enforces the 6-month passport validity rule strictly. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. No exceptions. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Laos | Immigration officers routinely ask for a flight out of Laos. A bus ticket to Thailand or Vietnam also works. If you don't have one, they may deny entry or force you to buy one on the spot. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Not always checked, but having a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from a host in Laos makes the process smoother. Officers may ask where you're staying on the arrival form. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Laos doesn't have a fixed minimum, but carrying $200–$300 USD in cash covers the visa fee and a few days of expenses. ATMs exist in cities but charge high fees. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa-on-arrival counter only accepts cash — no credit cards, no debit. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need cash before that. Bring US dollars in crisp, undamaged bills.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process is simple and well-practiced at major entry points. Have your documents ready, and you'll be through in 10–20 minutes. Don't stress.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the visa-on-arrival counter
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' (usually before passport control). Fill out the application form — they're available at the counter. Have your passport, photo, and cash ready.
2
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, photo, and fee. The officer will process your visa. This usually takes 5–15 minutes, but can be longer during peak hours.
3
Collect your passport with visa sticker
Once processed, you'll get your passport back with a visa sticker inside. Check that the dates are correct before walking away.
4
Proceed to immigration
Take your passport to the immigration officer for entry stamping. They may ask for your return ticket or accommodation — have them ready. That's it — you're in.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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$40 USD (approx. $40 USD)
Apply at Lao embassy abroad; allows one entry.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$60 USD (approx. $60 USD)
For multiple visits within validity period.
retirement visa
Lao Retirement Visa (B2)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD / year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires annual renewal and local address.
work visa
Lao Work Visa (B1)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD / year
For foreign employees with a Lao employer sponsor. Requires work permit and company support.
investor visa
Lao Investor Visa (B3)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD / year
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in a Lao business. Requires proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Standard fee for Canadian passport holders at entry points. | $30 USD (approx. $30 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry)Available at some border crossings; confirm in advance. | $35 USD (approx. $35 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official maximum cap; avoid overstaying. | $10 USD per day (approx. $10 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
Canadian passport holders transiting through Laos do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through 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 disease prevalent year-round; use repellent and mosquito nets.
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in rural areas, especially southern provinces; consider prophylaxis.
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 and forested areas, especially in southern Laos. Prophylaxis recommended for those visiting rural 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
Sisattanak District, Vientiane Capital
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Immigration Office
Luang Prabang City Center
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Handles extensions for tourists in northern Laos.
Practical information for CA 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 = 21,894.8 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 fee is typically $30–$45 USD. It depends on your nationality and the entry point. Pay in US dollars — crisp bills, no older than 2013. Thai baht is sometimes accepted but not guaranteed.
Yes, you can extend your 30-day visa once for an additional 30 days. Go to the Immigration Office in Vientiane (or your local immigration office). The extension fee is around $2 USD per day, plus a small processing fee. You'll need your passport, a passport photo, and cash.
Most airports with visa on arrival have a photo booth or a service that takes photos for a small fee (usually $1–$2 USD). It'll add a few minutes to your process.
Visa on arrival is available at major international airports (Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse) and most land border crossings with Thailand, Cambodia, China, and Vietnam. Some remote land crossings may not offer it — check in advance.
Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. If you're leaving by land, a bus ticket or a printed itinerary showing your exit plan is usually accepted. A screenshot of a bus booking works too.
It's not required for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical care in Laos is limited, and a serious accident or illness can cost thousands of dollars. Insurance covers evacuation, hospital stays, and trip disruption.
Overstays are fined $10 USD per day, payable at immigration when you leave. It's not a huge deal, but it's better to extend your visa or leave on time to avoid the hassle.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.