Laos entry requirements for Germany 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
German passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Laos. As of 2026, you show up at the airport or land border, pay the fee in cash, and receive a stamp valid for up to 30 days. No need to apply in advance.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Apply at the airport | Land at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane) or Luang Prabang International Airport and head to the visa-on-arrival counter before immigration. Pay in cash — USD is preferred, but Thai baht and euro also accepted. Have two passport-sized photos ready; if you don't have them, they'll charge an extra $1–$2.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 in Laos. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. No exceptions. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel — a return flight or a ticket to your next destination. If you don't have one, they may deny entry or force you to buy a ticket at the airport counter. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration rarely asks for it, but airlines sometimes do at check-in. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Laos ready, just in case. A simple booking.com PDF works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Officially you need to show at least $1,000 equivalent per person, but in practice almost nobody gets checked. Still, carry $200–$300 in cash (USD or THB) for the visa fee and first few days — ATMs in Laos charge high fees. | Recommended |
Cash is king at the visa desk
The visa-on-arrival counter only accepts cash — no cards, no mobile payments. Bring US dollars or Thai baht in small denominations. ATMs are available after you clear immigration, but you'll need cash before that.
Passport validity counts from entry, not departure
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Laos. If it expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding by the airline or entry by immigration. Check your passport date before booking.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the visa-on-arrival desk
After deplaning at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane) or Luang Prabang International Airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival'. There's usually a counter before immigration. Fill out the arrival card and visa application form (available at the desk).
2
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, completed forms, two photos, and the fee in cash. The officer will process your visa — expect 5–15 minutes depending on the queue. Keep your boarding pass handy in case they ask.
3
Receive your visa and proceed to immigration
Once your visa is issued, you'll get a stamp in your passport. Then join the immigration queue for entry. Show your passport, visa, and arrival card. You're in.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Germany 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
Cost$40 USD (approx. €37)
Apply at Lao embassy/consulate abroad.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$60 USD (approx. €56)
Requires letter of invitation or travel itinerary.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 1 year
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD (approx. €46)
Requires company sponsorship and work permit.
retirement visa
Lao Retirement Visa (B2)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD / year + processing fee
For those aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires health check and local sponsor.
work visa
Lao Work Visa (B1)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD / year + work permit fee
For foreign employees with a job offer from a Lao company. Requires work permit and company sponsorship.
investor visa
Lao Investor Visa (B3)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD / year + investment proof
For those investing at least $50,000 USD in a Lao business. Requires business registration and capital proof.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD or Thai Baht at entry points. | $30 USD (approx. €28) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry)Available at major airports and land borders. | $35 USD (approx. €33) |
| Stay extension (per 30 days)Apply at immigration office before visa expires. | $2 USD per day (approx. €1.85) + processing fee ~$10 USD |
| Overstay fine (per day)Pay at immigration or airport on departure. | $10 USD (approx. €9.30) per day, max $500 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
German 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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis 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 in the south and along borders.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesHigh risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, cholera, and other infections from contaminated food/water.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is highest in rural forested areas; 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
Samsenthai Road, Ban Phonxay, Vientiane
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Bring passport, 2 photos, and extension fee in cash (USD or LAK).
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Immigration Office
Ban Pakham, Luang Prabang
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Smaller office; allow extra time for processing.
Practical information for DE 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
As of 2026, the fee is $30 USD for a 30-day tourist visa. Some border crossings may charge $35–$40. Pay in US dollars or Thai baht — exact change helps.
Yes, you can extend your tourist visa once for an additional 30 days. Visit the Immigration Department in Vientiane (or a provincial office) before your current visa expires. The fee is about $2 USD per day of extension, plus a small processing fee.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit area, you'll need the visa on arrival.
Most major land borders (e.g., from Thailand at Nong Khai–Vientiane, or from Cambodia at Dom Kralor) offer visa on arrival for German passport holders. The process is similar — cash, photos, and a short wait. Check the specific border's hours before you go.
Laos offers an e-visa for some nationalities, but as of 2026, German citizens are not eligible. The visa on arrival is the standard method.
Overstay is fined at $10 USD per day, payable at immigration when you leave. It's not a criminal offense, but avoid it — it can cause delays and extra fees.
No, Laos does not require yellow fever vaccination for travelers from Germany. However, routine vaccines (hepatitis A, typhoid) are recommended. Check with your doctor.
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.