Laos entry requirements for Cameroon 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
Cameroon passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Laos. There is no visa on arrival for Cameroonian nationals. Apply for an eVisa online at least a week in advance, as processing takes 3–5 business days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a Laos eVisa at laoevisa.gov.la at least 3 business days before your flight. The eVisa costs $50 USD and is valid for single entry with a maximum stay of 30 days. Print the approval letter and bring it with your passport to immigration.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have at least 6 months validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Laos. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Laos | Immigration officers at Wattay International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. If you cannot show one, you may be refused entry or asked to buy a ticket on the spot. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Laos ready. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support your stay | Carry at least $1,000 USD in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration may ask how you plan to pay for your trip — having cash or a card with available credit works. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival for Cameroon passport holders
You cannot get a visa when you land. You must have an approved eVisa or a visa from a Lao embassy before you travel. Don't risk showing up without one.
eVisa only at specific entry points
The eVisa is accepted at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang International Airport, and the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge (Nong Khai–Vientiane). If you plan to enter via another border, get a traditional visa first.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Lao eVisa website (laoevisa.gov.la). Fill in your personal details, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $30–$50 depending on nationality) with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. You'll receive an approval email with a PDF — print it and keep a copy on your phone.
2
Prepare your documents for travel
Before you fly, gather: your printed eVisa approval, passport with 6+ months validity, return/onward ticket, first night hotel booking, and travel insurance documents. Keep them in a folder or digital folder on your phone for quick access.
3
Arrive at a Lao airport or land border
The eVisa is accepted at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang International Airport, and the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge (Nong Khai–Vientiane). At immigration, present your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket. They'll stamp you in — usually for 30 days. The queue can take 15–30 minutes.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Cameroon 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
Cost35 USD (approx. 21,000 CFA)
Apply at Lao embassy or on arrival; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost60 USD (approx. 36,000 CFA)
Allows multiple entries; extension possible per entry.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 1 year
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost50 USD (approx. 30,000 CFA)
Requires invitation letter from Lao company; extension possible.
business visa
Business Visa (B-2)
1 year, renewable annually
~$50 USD initial, plus extension fees
For those employed by a Lao company or conducting business. Requires work permit and company sponsorship. Allows long-term stay with annual renewal.
student visa
Student Visa (S-2)
Duration of study, renewable
~$35 USD initial, plus extension fees
For enrolled students at accredited Lao institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows stay for study period.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant O-A)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD initial, plus bank deposit requirements
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires health insurance and bank deposit. Allows long-term stay with annual renewal.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Cameroon passport holders; apply at Lao embassy or on arrival. | 35 USD (approx. 21,000 CFA) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity; available at Lao embassy. | 60 USD (approx. 36,000 CFA) |
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Available at major entry points; must have passport photo and cash. | 35 USD (approx. 21,000 CFA) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; pay at immigration before departure. | 10 USD per day (approx. 6,000 CFA) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa 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
No transit visa needed
Cameroon passport holders transiting through Laos do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. However, if leaving the airport or changing terminals, a visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Laos may transit without additional visa.
- Transit passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no checked luggage may stay airside.
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 (Cameroon is endemic). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheriaRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially rainy season.
MalariaModerate risk
Present in rural areas, especially southern provinces; prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in rural areas, especially in southern provinces (Champasak, Attapeu). Prophylaxis recommended for rural travel; not needed in cities.
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 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Immigration Office
Luang Prabang District, Luang Prabang Province
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for tourists; bring passport and photos.
Practical information for CM 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
No. Cameroon is not on the list of countries eligible for visa on arrival. You must get an eVisa or a visa from a Lao embassy before you travel.
Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe. The official site is laoevisa.gov.la.
The fee varies by nationality but is usually between $30 and $50 USD. You pay online with a credit or debit card.
The eVisa is only valid at Wattay International Airport, Luang Prabang International Airport, and the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge (Nong Khai–Vientiane). If you enter via another border, you'll need a traditional visa from a Lao embassy beforehand.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before your 30 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines.
Laos does not require yellow fever vaccination for entry, but it's recommended if you're coming from a country with yellow fever. Check with your doctor.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your photo or passport scan doesn't meet requirements. You'll get a refund minus a processing fee. Reapply with correct documents or contact the Lao embassy.
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.