Laos entry requirements for Ivory Coast passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
Ivory Coast passport holders need a visa to enter Laos. You can apply for an eVisa online before you travel or get a visa on arrival at most entry points. Plan ahead in 2026 as processing times can vary.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Laos eVisa at laoevisa.gov.la at least 3 business days before departure. The eVisa costs $50 USD and is valid for single entry up to 30 days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Wattay Airport and Friendship Bridge check it before stamping you in.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your entry date — Laos immigration enforces this strictly. One blank page is required for the entry stamp. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Wattay Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return flight. A bus ticket to Thailand or Vietnam also works if you're leaving overland. Without one, they may deny entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation | Have a printed hotel confirmation or an invitation letter from your host in Laos. Immigration rarely asks for it, but budget airlines sometimes check before letting you board. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry at least $1,000 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration officers rarely ask, but if you look under-resourced they may request proof. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival requires cash
The visa on arrival counter does not accept credit cards. Bring USD or Thai Baht in cash. ATMs are available after immigration but exchange rates are poor.
eVisa saves time at the airport
With an eVisa, you skip the visa-on-arrival queue and go straight to immigration. The eVisa is valid for entry at Wattay Airport, Luang Prabang Airport, and the Friendship Bridge border.
What happens at the border
1
Choose your visa method
Decide between eVisa (apply online at laoevisa.gov.la, 3-5 business days) or visa on arrival (at Wattay Airport in Vientiane, Luang Prabang Airport, or major land borders like Friendship Bridge). eVisa is faster and you skip the queue.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (6+ months validity), a digital passport photo (for eVisa) or a printed photo (for visa on arrival), return flight booking, and first night accommodation confirmation.
3
Apply for eVisa (if using)
Go to laoevisa.gov.la, fill out the form, upload your photo and passport scan, pay with credit card (around $50 USD). Wait 3-5 business days. Print the approval letter and bring it with you.
4
Arrive in Laos
At immigration, present your passport, visa (eVisa approval letter or visa on arrival application), return ticket, and accommodation proof. For visa on arrival, pay the fee in cash (USD or THB) and get your visa sticker.
5
Get your passport stamped
Immigration will stamp your passport with your entry date and allowed stay (usually 30 days). Check the stamp before leaving the counter.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Ivory Coast Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 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
Standard option for tourism; can be obtained on arrival or at embassy.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$60 USD
Allows multiple entries; useful for regional travel.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 1 year
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$50 USD (single entry) or ~$100 USD (multiple entry)
Requires invitation letter from a Lao company; longer stays possible with extensions.
retirement visa
Lao Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant B3)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD per year + processing fees
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $1,500/month). Requires annual renewal and proof of income.
work visa
Lao Work Visa (Non-Immigrant B1/B2)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD per year + work permit fees
For foreign employees with a job offer from a Lao company. Requires work permit and company sponsorship.
student visa
Lao Student Visa (Non-Immigrant B4)
1 year, renewable
~$80 USD per year
For enrolled students at a recognized Lao educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa on arrival available at major entry points; fee may vary slightly. | ~$40 USD (paid on arrival or at embassy) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Available at some embassies; not always offered on arrival. | ~$60 USD (paid on arrival or at embassy) |
| Stay extension (30 days)Extension possible once for 30 days; apply before current visa expires. | ~$50 USD (paid at immigration office) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future issues. | ~$10 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
Transit passengers staying airside and not passing through immigration do not need a visa for up to 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Passengers with a confirmed onward ticket and no need to clear immigration may transit without a visa.
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 (e.g., parts of Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
MalariaModerate risk
Present in rural areas, especially in the south; 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 the southern provinces (Champasak, Attapeu). Prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
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, Lao PDR
Samsenthai Road, Ban Phonxay, Vientiane
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits; 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; less crowded than Vientiane.
Practical information for CI 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 = 21,926.5 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
Visa on arrival is available at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang International Airport, and most land border crossings including the Friendship Bridge (Nong Khai–Vientiane) and the border with Thailand at Mukdahan–Savannakhet. Some remote land borders may not offer it — check before you go.
eVisa costs around $50 USD (paid online). Visa on arrival costs $30–$40 USD depending on your nationality — pay in cash (USD or Thai Baht). Bring exact change if possible.
Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. The approval letter is sent by email — print it and bring it with you.
No, the standard tourist visa is not extendable. You must leave the country and re-enter if you want to stay longer. Overstaying incurs a fine of $10 USD per day.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the visa. The 6-month validity is counted from your date of entry into Laos.
Yes, you need proof of onward travel — a flight out of Laos or a bus/train ticket to a neighboring country. Immigration may ask to see it.
Not for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical facilities in Laos are basic and evacuation to Thailand can cost thousands. A basic travel insurance policy covers accidents and illness.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.