Laos entry requirements for Denmark passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 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
Danish passport holders can enter Laos without a visa for up to 15 days. This applies to tourism and short business visits. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date in 2026.
Apply for Laos eVisaOfficial portal: Laos eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (or e-Visa)You must have a visa to enter Laos; you can get it on arrival or apply online beforehand. For Danish citizens | Danish passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at international checkpoints (airports and major land borders) or apply for an e-Visa in advance via the official Lao e-Visa portal at https://laoevisa.gov.la/. The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. The e-Visa is also valid for 30 days. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire within 6 months of your arrival date. At least 6 months | Your Danish passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Laos. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp your visa. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the visa stamp upon arrival. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a ticket out of Laos shows you plan to leave within the allowed period. May be requested | Although not always enforced, immigration officials may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. It is strongly recommended to have one ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsCarry some cash or a card to prove you can support yourself during your visit. May be requested | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. No specific amount is officially published, but having cash or a credit card is advisable. | Recommended |
| Visa fee paymentBring cash to pay for the visa on arrival – cards are not accepted. Cash in USD or LAK | If obtaining a visa on arrival, you must pay the visa fee in cash. Fees vary by nationality; for Danish citizens it is typically around $35 USD. Have exact change in US dollars or Lao kip. | Required |
| Passport-size photosPhotos may be needed for the visa application form at the border. For visa on arrival | Carry 1-2 recent passport-sized photos (4x6 cm) for the visa on arrival application form. Some border points may not require them, but it's safer to have them. | Recommended |
15-day stay cannot be extended
The visa-free entry is strictly 15 days with no option to extend. If you need more time, get a visa on arrival (30 days, extendable) or a visa from a Lao embassy before you travel.
Overstay fines add up fast
Overstaying costs about $10 per day. Pay at immigration when you leave. Avoid it by setting a reminder to exit before day 15.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the border
At Wattay International Airport (Vientiane) or any land border crossing, head to the immigration counter. For visa-free entry, you don't need to fill out a visa application form.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport (with at least 6 months validity and 1 blank page) and your return/onward ticket if asked. The officer will check your details and stamp you in.
3
Receive your entry stamp
The stamp grants you up to 15 days in Laos. Check the date written on the stamp — it's your last legal day. No visa fee is charged for Danish passport holders.
4
Exit before the 15th day
You cannot extend this 15-day stay. If you want to stay longer, you'll need to leave and re-enter (visa run) or apply for a visa in advance. Overstaying costs about $10 per day.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Denmark Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (e-visa)
Max stay30 days
Validity60 days from issue
Cost$50 (approx.)
Apply online before arrival; single entry; can be extended once for 30 days.
Business visa (B2)
Max stay30 days (extendable)
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$40–$60 (approx.)
Requires invitation letter from Lao company; extensions up to 12 months possible.
Multiple-entry tourist visa
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity3 months
Cost$75 (approx.)
Issued by Lao embassies; allows multiple entries within validity.
business visa
Business Visa (B-2)
1 year, renewable annually
$100 USD initial, extension ~$50 USD/year
For those employed by a Lao company or with a local sponsor. Requires work permit and company registration. Allows multiple entries and long-term residence.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant)
1 year, renewable annually
$150 USD initial, extension ~$100 USD/year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or savings of at least $1,500/month. Requires health insurance and local bank account. Allows long-term stay without work.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable annually
$500 USD initial, extension ~$200 USD/year
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in a Lao business. Requires business plan and approval from Ministry of Planning and Investment. Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (if staying 16–30 days)Payable in USD, THB, or LAK at major entry points; exact fee varies by port and nationality. | $30–$40 (approx.) |
| Visa on arrival (if staying 31–60 days)Longer stays require justification and may be granted at discretion of immigration officer. | $45–$60 (approx.) |
| Visa extension (per 30 days)Apply at Department of Immigration in Vientiane or provincial offices; max total stay usually 90 days. | $30–$50 (approx.) |
| Overstay finePaid at immigration when departing; may be higher if overstay exceeds 30 days. | $10 per day (approx.) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Danish citizens transiting through Laos (e.g., at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane) do not need a visa if staying airside and departing within 24 hours. If leaving the airport or staying longer, a visa on arrival or e-visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Must hold confirmed onward ticket and passport valid for at least 6 months.
- If transiting through land borders, visa requirements apply as normal.
Transit hubsWattay International Airport (VTE), Vientiane · Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ)
Health & vaccines for Laos
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; risk year-round, especially in urban areas. Use repellent and mosquito nets.
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in rural and forested areas, especially southern provinces. Prophylaxis recommended for high-risk areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation. Drink bottled water, avoid street food, and practice hand hygiene.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is highest in rural areas of southern provinces (Champasak, Attapeu, Saravane) and along borders. Prophylaxis recommended for those visiting these 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
Department of Immigration, Vientiane Capital
Samsenthai Road, Ban Si Saket, Vientiane
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, 2 photos, and extension fee (~$30 USD).
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Immigration Office
Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Handles extensions for tourists in the north. Expect processing time of 1–2 days.
Practical information for DK 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 = 22,376.9 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. The 15-day visa-free entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave Laos and re-enter (visa run) or apply for a visa in advance at a Lao embassy. Overstaying costs about $10 per day.
You can apply for a tourist visa (usually 30 days) at a Lao embassy before you travel, or get a visa on arrival at the border (valid for 30 days, extendable once for 30 more days). The visa on arrival costs around $30–$40 and requires 2 passport photos.
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-free entry (15 days) or a visa. Check with your airline for specific transit rules.
Your passport (6+ months validity, 1 blank page), a return or onward ticket, and sometimes proof of accommodation. Travel insurance is not mandatory but recommended. No visa fee is charged for Danish passport holders.
Yes. Danish passport holders can use the 15-day visa-free entry at any international border crossing, including land borders. The same rules apply: passport validity, onward ticket, and no extension.
You'll be fined about $10 per day at immigration when you leave. Overstays can also lead to a blacklist if prolonged. It's best to leave on time or get a proper visa.
Yes. If you want to stay longer than 15 days, you can get a visa on arrival at major airports and land borders. It costs around $30–$40, requires 2 passport photos, and is valid for 30 days (extendable once for 30 more days).
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.