Laos entry requirements for Israel passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Israeli passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Laos. Just show up at the airport or land border with your passport and the fee in cash (USD or LAK). No need to apply in advance.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang Airport, or major land borders. Pay in cash (USD or THB) — $30–$40 USD depending on nationality. Have two passport-sized photos ready; if you don't have them, they'll charge an extra $1–$2 at the counter.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Laos | Laos strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding by the airline and turned away at immigration. Carry a photocopy of your passport bio page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa-on-arrival entry | Immigration officers at Wattay and Luang Prabang routinely ask for proof of onward travel. A printed flight itinerary or a booking confirmation showing you leave within 30 days works. If you're overlanding out, show a bus ticket or a reservation from a reputable company. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have on hand | Officers rarely ask for it, but having a hotel booking confirmation (even a refundable one) smooths things over if they do. A simple printout or a screenshot on your phone works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have on hand | Laos doesn't have a fixed minimum, but carrying at least $300–$500 USD in cash or a credit card statement shows you can cover your stay. ATMs are common in cities but unreliable in rural areas. | Recommended |
Cash is king at the border
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — USD or LAK. No cards, no mobile payments. Bring small bills ($1s, $5s, $10s) because change may not be available.
Check your visa sticker before leaving the counter
Mistakes happen. Before you walk away, verify the validity dates and your name on the sticker. If it's wrong, get it fixed immediately — fixing it later is much harder.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport or land border
At Wattay International Airport in Vientiane or Luang Prabang Airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' after baggage claim. At land borders like Friendship Bridge (Nong Khai–Vientiane), look for the immigration office before the main checkpoint.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll get a small form at the counter. Fill in your details — name, passport number, entry date, hotel address. Keep it simple.
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, the completed form, one photo, and the cash fee. The officer will process it — usually takes 5–15 minutes. They may ask for your return ticket or hotel booking.
4
Collect your passport with visa sticker
Once processed, you'll get your passport back with a visa sticker inside. Check the validity dates before walking away. Then proceed to immigration for entry stamp.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Israel Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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$35 USD (approx. 35 USD)
Apply at Lao embassy abroad; allows one entry.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. 50 USD)
For multiple visits within validity; apply at embassy.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD or Lao Kip) at major entry points. | $30 USD (approx. 30 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap; pay at immigration before departure. | $10 USD per day (approx. 10 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Israel passport holders transiting through Laos do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsWattay International Airport (Vientiane) · Luang Prabang International Airport
Health & vaccines for Laos
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsiderYellow FeverConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially rainy season.
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in rural/forested areas; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to street food and untreated water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in rural areas, especially in the south and along borders; consider prophylaxis 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
Department of Immigration
Saysettha Road, Vientiane
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:30–16:30
For visa extensions; bring passport, 2 photos, and fee.
Luang Prabang
Immigration Office Luang Prabang
Ban Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:30–16:30
Handles extensions for tourists in the north.
Practical information for IL 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
The standard fee is around $30–$40 USD, depending on the border post. Pay in USD or Lao Kip — exact change is best. Credit cards are not accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
The standard stay is 30 days. The exact duration is written on the visa sticker when issued.
If you stay airside and don't pass immigration, no visa is needed. But if you leave the transit area for any reason, you'll need a visa on arrival.
Most major land crossings (like Friendship Bridge from Thailand, or Boten from China) offer visa on arrival. Some smaller remote crossings may not — check ahead if you're using an unusual route.
Most visa-on-arrival counters have a camera and can take your photo on the spot, but it may cost a small extra fee (around $1–$2). Bringing your own saves time and money.
Not for visa on arrival, but it's strongly recommended. Medical care in Laos is limited and evacuation to Thailand can be very expensive. A basic policy covering accidents and medical evacuation is cheap insurance.
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.