Laos entry requirements for Spain passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 2026·View sources
No visa required
15 days
Max stay
15 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Spanish passport holders can enter Laos without a visa for stays up to 15 days. This applies to tourism and business visits. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Laos | Your passport needs at least two blank pages for entry stamps. Airlines at Madrid and Barcelona check this before boarding — if your passport expires within 6 months, they may deny boarding even though Laos technically only requires validity for your stay. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Laos within 15 days | Immigration at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane and Luang Prabang airport checks for a confirmed onward ticket. Budget airlines flying into Laos are strict about this — have a printed or digital copy of your flight out of Laos ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration officers rarely ask for it, but having a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host speeds things up if they do. If you're staying at a guesthouse, a simple booking confirmation email works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds At least 20,000 THB or equivalent per person | The official requirement is 20,000 THB (about $550 USD) per person or 40,000 THB per family. In practice, immigration rarely asks, but if you look like you're working or overstaying, they might. Carry cash or have a bank statement ready. | Recommended |
Visa-free is for 15 days only
The 15-day visa-free entry is strict. If you plan to stay longer, get a visa on arrival (30 days) or a visa from a Lao embassy before you go. Overstaying costs $10/day and can cause issues.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Laos, not from your departure date. If it's close to expiring, renew it before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration
At Wattay International Airport (Vientiane) or Luang Prabang International Airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. For visa-free entry, join the 'Foreign Passports' queue.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport (with 6+ months validity), your return/onward ticket (printed or on phone), and your accommodation booking. The officer will check and stamp you in.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 15-day visa-free entry. No fee is charged. Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when you leave.
4
Exit procedure
When leaving Laos, present your passport at immigration. They'll check the entry stamp and stamp you out. No additional paperwork needed.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Spain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$35 USD (approx. 35 USD)
Apply at Lao embassy or on arrival; requires passport photo and fee.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD (approx. 50 USD)
Available at Lao embassies; good for multiple visits within validity.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 1 year
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD (approx. 50 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Lao company; allows longer stays.
retirement visa
Lao Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant B3)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD per year (approx. 1,000,000 LAK)
For foreigners aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires annual renewal and proof of income. Allows long-term stay without work.
work visa
Lao Work Visa (Non-Immigrant B2)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD per year (approx. 1,500,000 LAK)
For those employed by a Lao company. Requires work permit and employer sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Lao Investor Visa (Non-Immigrant B1)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD per year (approx. 2,000,000 LAK)
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 |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayPayable at immigration upon departure; no known maximum cap but can be substantial. | $10 USD per day (approx. 100,000 LAK) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, for longer stays)Available on arrival or at embassy for stays up to 30 days, extendable. | $35 USD (approx. 35 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Available at Lao embassies; allows multiple entries within validity. | $50 USD (approx. 50 USD) |
| Stay extension (for tourist visa holders)Extensions up to 30 days at immigration offices; total stay max 90 days. | $2 USD per day (approx. 20,000 LAK per day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
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
Spain passport holders transiting through Laos do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land border crossings or leaving the airport, a visa 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 risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially rainy season.
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in rural areas, especially southern provinces; prophylaxis recommended for some regions.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food without precautions.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is highest in rural areas of southern Laos (e.g., Champasak, Attapeu) 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
Lao Immigration Department (Head Office)
Samsenthai Road, Ban Phonxay, Vientiane
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Immigration Office
Near Luang Prabang Airport, Ban Nongkham
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Handles extensions for tourists; less crowded than Vientiane.
Practical information for ES 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 = 21,927.59 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 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 before arrival. Overstaying costs about $10 per day and can cause problems at immigration.
You can apply for a tourist visa (30 days) at a Lao embassy or consulate before you travel, or get a visa on arrival at the airport (30 days, $30-$40). The visa on arrival is straightforward — just fill out the form, pay the fee, and show your passport and photo.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit area (e.g., to catch a domestic flight or stay overnight), you'll need the visa-free entry or a visa.
You'll need your passport (6+ months validity), one passport-sized photo (though they can take one for a small fee), a completed application form (available at the counter), and the visa fee in cash (USD or Lao Kip). The process takes about 15-30 minutes.
Yes, the 15-day visa-free entry applies at all international border crossings, including land borders from Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and China. Same rules apply — passport validity, onward ticket, and accommodation proof.
Overstays are fined $10 per day, payable at immigration when you leave. You may also be questioned and could face a ban if the overstay is excessive. Always sort it out before departure.
No, there's no official requirement to show bank statements or cash. But if you look like you might be working illegally or staying indefinitely, an officer might ask. Having a credit card and some cash (USD or Lao Kip) is sensible.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.