Laos entry requirements for Indonesia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
No visa required
30 days
Max stay
30 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Indonesian passport holders can enter Laos without a visa for up to 30 days. This applies in 2026 for tourism, business, or transit. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival 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 and exit stamps. Immigration at Wattay International Airport checks this strictly — if you're short on pages, they'll deny boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Laos | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket within 30 days. Budget airlines flying into Vientiane or Luang Prabang check this before issuing your boarding pass. A refundable onward booking or a bus ticket to Thailand works. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your first night's hotel confirmation ready — printed or on your phone. Immigration rarely asks, but if you're arriving late or on a one-way ticket, they may want to see where you're staying. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Officers can ask for evidence of at least $1,000 USD or equivalent in cash, traveler's cheques, or bank statements. In practice, they almost never ask Indonesian passport holders, but carry a bank card and a small cash reserve just in case. | Recommended |
Visa-free entry confirmed
Indonesian passport holders do not need a visa for Laos for stays up to 30 days. No application, no fee, no paperwork at the border. Just show up with a valid passport and an onward ticket.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines check this before you board, and Lao immigration checks it again on arrival. If you're close to expiry, renew first.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
At Wattay International Airport in Vientiane or Luang Prabang International Airport, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Arrivals'. Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport (with at least 6 months validity and 1 blank page) and your return/onward ticket. The officer may also ask for your hotel booking. No visa application form is needed.
3
Get stamped in
The officer will stamp your passport and may take a photo. This takes about 30 seconds to 2 minutes. You're then free to enter Laos for up to 30 days.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Indonesia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$35 USD (approx. 35 USD)
Apply at Lao embassy or on arrival. Extension costs ~$2 USD/day at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. 50 USD)
Good for multiple trips within validity. Must leave and re-enter to activate new stay.
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 1 year
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 40 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Lao company. Extensions possible at immigration office.
retirement visa
Lao Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant B3)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD per year (plus processing fees)
For foreigners aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires annual renewal and residence registration. Allows long-term stay without work.
work visa
Lao Work Visa (Non-Immigrant B2)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD per year (plus work permit fees)
For those employed by a Lao company. Requires a work permit and sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Lao Investor Visa (Non-Immigrant B1)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD per year (plus investment proof)
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in a Lao business. Includes multiple entry privileges.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayPaid at immigration upon departure. No official cap, but fines can accumulate. | $10 USD per day (approx. 100,000 LAK) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Available at Lao embassies/consulates or on arrival for longer stays (30 days, extendable). | $35 USD (approx. 35 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Available at Lao embassies/consulates; allows multiple entries within validity. | $50 USD (approx. 50 USD) |
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
Indonesian passport holders transiting through Laos do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land border transits or leaving the airport, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for a third country may transit without visa for up to 24 hours airside.
Transit hubsWattay International Airport (Vientiane) · Luang Prabang International Airport · Pakse International Airport
Health & vaccines for Laos
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially rainy season.
MalariaModerate risk
Present in rural/forested areas, especially southern provinces. Prophylaxis recommended for high-risk areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking habits.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is highest in rural areas of southern provinces (Champasak, Salavan, Sekong, Attapeu) and along borders. Prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
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, photo, and fee.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Immigration Office
Ban Pakham, Luang Prabang (near the night market)
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Handles extensions for tourists. Often less crowded than Vientiane.
Practical information for ID 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
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer than 30 days, you must leave Laos and re-enter, or apply for a visa in advance at a Lao embassy. Overstaying incurs a fine of about $10 per day.
You will be denied boarding by your airline and refused entry by Lao immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
No, there is no arrival declaration required for Indonesian passport holders entering Laos. You simply present your passport at immigration.
Yes, the visa-free policy applies to all entry points — air, land, and sea. Just make sure you have the same documents (valid passport, onward ticket, accommodation). Border crossings like the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge are straightforward.
You need to apply for the appropriate visa (e.g., business, student) at a Lao embassy before you travel. The visa-free entry is strictly for tourism, transit, and short business visits. Overstaying is not a solution.
No, you don't need one — you get visa-free entry for up to 30 days. If you somehow need a longer stay, you'd apply for a visa at a Lao embassy in advance, not on arrival.
Have your passport open to the photo page, your return ticket (printed or on phone), and your hotel booking confirmation. That's all. No forms, no fees.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.