Laos entry requirements for Spain passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 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
Spanish passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Laos — no need to apply in advance. You'll pay in cash at the airport or border crossing and get stamped in on the spot. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and has one blank page.
Apply for Laos eVisaOfficial portal: Laos eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou get the visa when you land, not before — just bring the fee and a passport photo. For tourism | Citizens of Spain can obtain a visa on arrival at international checkpoints in Laos (including Wattay International Airport in Vientiane). The visa is valid for a single entry and a stay of up to 30 days. Fee is payable in cash (USD or LAK) — exact amount varies by nationality; have small bills ready. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months | Your Spanish passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Laos. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe visa stamp needs a clean page to be placed on. At least 1 page | Your passport must have at least one completely blank page (not counting the endorsement page) for the visa stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight ready to show. Proof of departure | Immigration may ask to see a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Laos before your visa expires (typically within 30 days). | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always checked, but better to be prepared. Sufficient for stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in Laos (e.g., cash, credit card, or bank statement). No fixed amount is published, but having around $100–$200 per week is prudent. | Recommended |
| Passport photoA spare photo speeds up the process. For visa on arrival | Bring one recent passport-sized photo (4x6 cm) for the visa on arrival application form. If you don't have one, some checkpoints may take a photo for a fee. | Required |
| Arrival declarationNo extra paperwork beyond the visa form and immigration card. Not required | Laos does not require a separate arrival declaration form for Spanish citizens. You will fill out the visa on arrival form and possibly a simple immigration card. | Not required |
| E-visa alternativeIf you prefer to skip the line, apply online a few days before departure. Optional pre-arrival | You may apply for an e-visa online before travel via the official Lao e-visa portal (laoevisa.gov.la). This can save time at the airport, but it is not mandatory since visa on arrival is available. | Optional |
Visa is not extendable
The visa on arrival for Spanish citizens is strictly 30 days and cannot be extended. If you overstay, you'll be fined per day. Plan your trip accordingly or do a border run if you need more time.
Cash is king at the border
The visa-on-arrival counter does not accept credit or debit cards. Bring US dollars in small denominations or Lao Kip. ATMs are available in major cities, but not at border crossings.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the port of entry
At Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, Luang Prabang Airport, or any land border crossing (e.g., Friendship Bridge from Thailand), follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. You'll see a dedicated counter before passport control.
2
Fill out the forms
Grab a visa application form and an arrival/departure card. Fill them out with your passport details, flight number, and address in Laos. If you're unsure, ask the staff — they're used to helping.
3
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, completed forms, photo (if you have one), and the visa fee in cash. The officer will process your visa — this usually takes 5–15 minutes. They'll stamp your passport and return it to you.
4
Proceed through passport control
After getting your visa, walk to the passport control booth. The officer will check your passport, possibly ask about your stay, and stamp you in. Then you're free to collect your bags and enter Laos.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Spain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (B2)
Max stay30 days (extendable)
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$45 (on arrival) or $40 (e-visa)
Requires invitation letter from a Lao company; allows multiple entries if applied at embassy.
Multiple-entry tourist visa (METV)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity3 months
Cost$60 (embassy fee)
Available at Lao embassies abroad; not available on arrival.
Long-stay visa (LA-B2)
Max stay3 months (extendable)
Validity3 months
Cost$150 (embassy fee)
For work or investment; requires extensive documentation and work permit.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (Tourist)Payable in cash (USD, THB, or LAK) at international airports and major border crossings. | $35 |
| Visa on Arrival (Business)Requires invitation letter from a Lao company. | $45 |
| Visa Extension (per 30 days)Available at Immigration Department in Vientiane or provincial offices; max 2 extensions for tourist visas. | $30 |
| Overstay FinePaid at immigration when departing; avoid overstaying to prevent penalties. | $10 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 citizens transiting through Laos do not need a visa if staying airside and departing within 24 hours. If leaving the airport or staying longer, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you have a confirmed onward ticket and do not leave the international transit area.
- If you are transiting through Wattay International Airport (Vientiane) only.
Transit hubsWattay International Airport (VTE) · Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ) · Pakse International Airport (PKZ)
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 = 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
The standard fee for a 30-day tourist visa on arrival is around $30–$40 USD, depending on the port of entry. Some land borders charge slightly different rates. Pay in US dollars or Lao Kip — credit cards are not accepted.
No. The visa on arrival for Spanish passport holders is not extendable. You'll need to leave the country before your 30 days are up, or you risk overstay fines. If you need more time, you could do a border run to a neighboring country and re-enter.
No, you don't have to. The visa on arrival is available to Spanish citizens at all international airports and most land border crossings. However, if you prefer to have your visa sorted before you arrive, you can apply online at https://laoevisa.gov.la/ — it's a valid alternative and can save you time in the queue.
At most airports, the visa-on-arrival counter has a photo service for a small fee (around $1–$2 USD). At some land borders, you might be asked to walk to a nearby shop. It's not a big deal, but having your own photo speeds things up.
Yes, at most international border crossings, including the Friendship Bridge from Thailand (Nong Khai–Vientiane), the border from Cambodia, and several others. However, a few remote crossings may not offer visa on arrival — check before you go. The most reliable option is to fly into Vientiane or Luang Prabang.
Yes, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival. This is strictly enforced. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding or entry.
Usually 5–15 minutes at the counter, but it can be longer if there's a queue. At Wattay Airport, the process is generally quick. To speed things up, have your forms filled out and your cash ready.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.