Laos entry requirements for Ghana passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 2026·View sources
Visa required
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
Ghanaian passport holders need a visa to enter Laos. You can apply for an e-visa online or get a visa on arrival at certain entry points. As of 2026, the e-visa is the most straightforward option for most travelers.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Ghana passport holders need a visa to enter Laos. Apply online at the official Laos eVisa portal at least 3 business days before your trip. The eVisa costs $50 USD and is valid for single entry with a 30-day stay.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 6 months beyond stay | Your Ghanaian passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended departure date from Laos. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Wattay International Airport and land borders routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from a host can speed up the immigration process. Officers rarely ask, but having a printed confirmation avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry at least $1,000 USD in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Laos does not formally require proof of funds at entry, but having it ready helps if questioned about your ability to support your stay. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccination required
If you're flying from Ghana (a yellow fever endemic country), you must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) upon arrival in Laos. Without it, you may be quarantined or denied entry. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Cash is king at the border
Visa on arrival fees must be paid in cash — USD or LAK. Credit cards are not accepted. Bring small bills and exact change if possible. ATMs are available in cities but not at all border crossings.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for e-visa online
Go to laoevisa.gov.la, fill in your details, upload a passport photo, and pay the fee (around $30–$50 depending on nationality). Processing takes 3–5 business days. You'll receive an approval letter by email — print it and carry it with you.
2
Arrive at the airport or border
At Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang Airport, or Pakse Airport, head to the immigration counter. If you have an e-visa, show your printed approval letter and passport. For visa on arrival, fill out the application form, hand over your passport, a photo, and the fee in cash.
3
Pay the visa fee
Visa on arrival costs around $30–$40 USD (or equivalent in LAK). Have exact change if possible. Credit cards are not accepted. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa and enter
Immigration stamps your passport with a visa valid for 30 days. You can extend it once for an additional 30 days at the Immigration Department in Vientiane (cost about $30).
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Ghana Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 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$40 USD (approx. 240,000 LAK)
Apply at Lao embassy or on arrival. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$60 USD (approx. 360,000 LAK)
For multiple visits within validity period.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 1 year
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. 300,000 LAK)
Requires invitation letter from Lao company. Can be converted to work visa.
work visa
Lao Work Visa (LA-B2)
1 year, renewable annually
~$150 USD per year (plus work permit fees)
For foreign nationals employed by a Lao company. Requires a job offer, work permit, and health check. Allows multiple entries.
retirement visa
Lao Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year (plus bank deposit of $5,000)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires annual renewal and health insurance.
investor visa
Lao Investor Visa (LA-B3)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD per year (plus investment proof)
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 in a Lao business. Includes multiple entries.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable at Lao embassies or on arrival. | $40 USD (approx. 240,000 LAK) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries, valid for 3 months. | $60 USD (approx. 360,000 LAK) |
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Available at major entry points; requires passport photo and cash. | $35 USD (approx. 210,000 LAK) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstaying. | $10 USD per day (approx. 60,000 LAK) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa 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
Ghana passport holders transiting through Laos do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. However, if leaving the airport, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Laos may transit without additional visa.
- Transit through Wattay International Airport (Vientiane) is visa-free for up to 24 hours if staying airside.
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 transmission risk (e.g., Ghana). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
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
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is highest in rural areas, especially in the south and along the Mekong River. 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
Lao Immigration Department
Samsenthai Road, Ban Phonxay, Vientiane
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry 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.
Practical information for GH 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
Yes, you can get a visa on arrival at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang Airport, Pakse Airport, and some land borders like the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge. You'll need a passport valid for 6+ months, a passport photo, and cash (USD or LAK). The fee is around $30–$40.
The e-visa fee is typically $30–$50 USD, depending on the processing speed you choose. Payment is online via credit or debit card. Check laoevisa.gov.la for the exact amount.
Standard processing takes 3–5 business days. You can pay extra for expedited service (1–2 business days) if you're in a hurry. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
Yes, you can extend your 30-day visa once for an additional 30 days. Go to the Immigration Department in Vientiane (near the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge). The cost is about $30 USD. You'll need your passport, a photo, and the fee in cash.
Immigration may deny entry if you can't show proof of onward travel. Book a refundable ticket or a cheap bus/plane ticket to a neighboring country. A screenshot of the booking on your phone is usually enough.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever (including Ghana), you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Carry your WHO yellow card. Without it, you may be quarantined or denied entry.
No, the e-visa is only valid for entry at Wattay International Airport, Luang Prabang Airport, and Pakse Airport. For land borders, you need a visa on arrival or a visa from a Lao embassy beforehand.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.