Laos entry requirements for Colombia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Colombian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Laos. You'll handle it at the airport or border crossing — no need to apply in advance. This policy is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang Airport, or major land borders. Cost is $30–$40 USD — bring exact cash in US dollars. You'll need one passport photo (4x6 cm) and a completed application form handed out on the plane or at the counter.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Colombian passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. No exceptions at the border. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration at Wattay and land borders will ask for proof of a flight or bus ticket leaving Laos within 30 days. Budget airlines like AirAsia and Thai Lion check this before issuing a boarding pass. A printed itinerary or email confirmation works fine. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Immigration rarely asks for a hotel booking, but having one printed or on your phone covers you if they do. A hostel or guesthouse confirmation with your name and dates is enough. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Officials can ask for proof you have at least $1,000 USD or equivalent in cash, traveler's cheques, or a bank statement. In practice, they almost never check — but carry a credit card and some cash just in case. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — USD or Thai baht. There are no ATMs before immigration, and credit cards are not accepted. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Passport photos save time
Bring two passport-sized photos (4x6 cm). If you forget, you can pay a small fee at the counter, but it adds a few minutes to the process. Having your own speeds things up.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the border or airport
At Wattay International Airport in Vientiane or Luang Prabang Airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival'. At land borders like Friendship Bridge (Nong Khai), the process is similar — look for the visa counter before immigration.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll get a small form on arrival. Fill in your details — name, passport number, entry date, etc. Keep it simple and legible.
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, two photos, and the fee in cash (USD or Thai baht preferred). The officer will process it — usually takes 5–15 minutes.
4
Receive your visa and enter
Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport. Then proceed to immigration for entry stamping. That's it — you're in.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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$30 USD (approx. $30 USD)
Apply at Lao embassy/consulate before travel; allows one entry.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$35 USD (approx. $35 USD)
Available at some embassies; allows multiple entries within validity.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Standard fee for most nationalities 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 cap; avoid overstaying to prevent penalties. | $10 USD per day (approx. $10 USD) |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Extension may be possible at immigration offices; not guaranteed for VoA. | $30 USD (approx. $30 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
Colombia passport holders transiting through Laos airports (e.g., Vientiane, Luang Prabang) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the transit area, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed
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-pertussisRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in urban and rural areas; use repellent and nets.
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in rural/forested areas, especially southern Laos; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is highest in rural areas, especially in the south (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, Ministry of Public Security
Km 3, Thadeua Road, Vientiane
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and 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 tourists in the north; expect limited English.
Practical information for CO 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 = 21,931.97 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 standard fee is around $30–$40 USD. It can vary slightly depending on the border crossing. Pay in USD or Thai baht — cash only. No credit cards accepted.
Yes, you can extend your visa at the Immigration Department in Vientiane or at provincial immigration offices. Extensions cost about $2 USD per day, and you can usually get up to 30 extra days. Start the process before your current visa expires.
Most visa-on-arrival counters offer a photo service for a small extra fee (around $1–$2 USD). But it's faster and cheaper to bring your own two photos.
Yes. Major land crossings like the Friendship Bridge from Thailand (Nong Khai to Vientiane) and the border from Cambodia (Trapeang Kriel) offer visa on arrival for Colombians. Just follow the same process.
Yes — you need proof of onward travel out of Laos. A bus or train ticket to a neighboring country works. Immigration may ask to see it, so have it ready.
Not officially required for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical care in Laos can be expensive, and evacuation to Thailand may be needed for serious issues. Get a policy that covers medical evacuation.
The standard visa on arrival allows a stay of 30 days. You can extend it once for up to 30 more days at an immigration office.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.