Laos entry requirements for China 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
Chinese passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Laos. This is the standard entry method for tourism — no need to apply in advance. As of 2026, you just show up at the airport or land border with your passport, a photo, and cash for the fee.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Apply at the airport | Get a visa on arrival at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang, or Pakse. Bring $30–$40 USD in cash (exact change helps) and two passport photos. The queue moves fast — expect 10–15 minutes.Check visa requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Must have at least 6 months validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a bus/train ticket out of Laos. Without it, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Immigration rarely asks for hotel bookings, but having a printed confirmation for your first night speeds things up. If you are staying with friends, a simple invitation letter works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Officials may ask how you plan to support yourself. Carry at least $200 USD in cash or a credit card statement. ATMs are widely available in cities but not at border crossings. | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards
The visa-on-arrival counter does not accept credit cards or mobile payments. Bring USD cash in good condition (no tears, no old bills). Have the exact amount — change may not be available, and you might get a poor exchange rate if you pay in other currencies.
Photo booth available but slow
Most airports have a photo booth near the visa counter, but it can be slow and the photos may not be great. Bring your own passport photo to save time and avoid the queue.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the visa-on-arrival counter
At Wattay International Airport in Vientiane or Luang Prabang Airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' after passport control. At land borders like Boten or Friendship Bridge, look for the immigration office before the main checkpoint.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll get a small form. Fill in your passport details, flight number, and accommodation address. Keep it simple — no need for fancy handwriting.
3
Hand over documents and pay the fee
Give the officer your passport, the completed form, one photo, and the cash fee. They'll process it in 5–15 minutes. If you're in a hurry, some counters offer 'express' for an extra $1–$2.
4
Collect your passport with visa sticker
They'll call your name or hand it back. Check the sticker: it should show your entry date and the allowed stay (usually 30 days). If anything looks wrong, ask immediately.
5
Proceed to passport control
Now go to the immigration officer's booth. They'll stamp you in. Keep the departure card they give you — you'll need it when you leave.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 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/consulate before travel. Allows one extension.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$60 USD (approx. $60 USD)
Requires embassy application. Good for multiple visits.
Business Visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Lao company. Extendable at immigration.
retirement visa
Lao Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant B3)
1 year, renewable annually
~$150 USD / year
For those aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires annual renewal and proof of income. Allows long-term stay.
work visa
Lao Work Visa (Non-Immigrant B2)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD / year
For foreign employees with a Lao employer. Requires work permit and company sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Lao Investor Visa (Non-Immigrant B1)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD / year
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in a Lao business. Requires business registration and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD or Thai Baht at entry points. Valid for 30 days. | $30 USD (approx. $30 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD. Pay at immigration upon departure. | $10 USD per day (approx. $10 USD) |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Extensions are not available for Visa on Arrival; must exit and re-enter. | $30 USD (approx. $30 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
China passport holders transiting through Laos airports (e.g., Vientiane, Luang Prabang) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. For land border transits, a visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Laos may enter for short transit.
- Transit through land borders requires a visa on arrival or pre-arranged 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 and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
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. Stick to bottled water and well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is highest in rural areas, especially in the south (Champasak, Attapeu). Prophylaxis recommended for rural travel. Urban areas like Vientiane have low risk.
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
Khounboulom Road, Vientiane
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Immigration Office
Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for tourist visas. Limited services.
Practical information for CN 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
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–$40 USD, depending on the border point. At Wattay Airport in Vientiane, it's usually $35. Land borders may charge in Thai baht or Lao kip. Always have exact change in USD to avoid confusion.
Yes, you can extend it once for up to 30 more days. Go to the Immigration Department in Vientiane (near the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge) or a provincial immigration office. The fee is around $2 USD per day of extension. Bring your passport, a photo, and cash.
Yes, same process. Popular land borders from China include Boten (Mohan border) and from Thailand the Friendship Bridge in Nong Khai. The visa counter is usually a small office just before the immigration booth. Hours vary — some close for lunch 12–1 PM, so plan accordingly.
Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. If you're leaving by bus to Thailand or Vietnam, a printed or digital bus ticket works. If you don't have one yet, a refundable flight booking is a safe backup.
Most international airports and major land borders offer visa on arrival for Chinese passport holders. But some smaller border crossings may not. Always check the specific border you plan to use. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Laos website lists approved entry points.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling. If you're already in a neighboring country, you cannot enter Laos until you get a new passport.
As of 2026, Laos does not offer an e-visa for Chinese passport holders. The visa on arrival is the standard method. No need to apply online — just show up with the requirements.
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.