Laos entry requirements for Iraq passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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
Iraqi passport holders can get a visa on arrival at all international airports and most land border crossings in Laos. This is the standard way to enter for tourism in 2026 — no need to apply in advance.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang, or Pakse. Bring $30–$40 USD in cash (exact change preferred) and two passport-sized photos. The process takes 10–15 minutes at the counter before immigration.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date in Laos. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket out of Laos. A printed or digital copy of your flight booking works. If you don't have one, you may be asked to buy a ticket at the airport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Have your hotel reservation or host's address ready. Immigration rarely asks for it, but having a printed booking confirmation speeds things up if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial proof | Carry at least $1,000 USD in cash or a credit card statement showing available funds. Immigration almost never checks this for visa-on-arrival entries, but it's a formal requirement. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa-on-arrival counter does not accept credit or debit cards. Bring USD or Thai baht in cash — small bills preferred. ATMs are available after you clear immigration, but you need cash before that.
Passport photos — bring your own
You need two passport photos for the visa application. If you forget, there are photo booths at major airports, but they cost about $2 and add 5–10 minutes to your wait. Cheaper and faster to bring your own.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the visa-on-arrival counter
After deplaning at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane) or Luang Prabang International Airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival'. Join the queue at the counter — there's usually a separate line for visa applications.
2
Fill out the application form
Collect a visa application form from the counter. Fill it in with your passport details, flight info, and hotel address. Attach one passport photo. If you don't have a photo, there's a booth nearby (costs about $2).
3
Submit and pay the fee
Hand over your form, passport, photo, and cash fee. The officer will process it — typically takes 5–15 minutes. Keep your receipt if given one.
4
Collect your passport with visa sticker
When called, collect your passport. Check the visa sticker: it should show your entry date and the allowed stay (usually 30 days). If anything's wrong, ask the officer to correct it before you leave the counter.
5
Proceed to immigration check
Walk to the immigration booth with your passport and visa sticker. The officer will stamp you in. Keep the departure card (if issued) — you'll need it when leaving.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Iraq Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 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. $40 USD)
Apply at Lao embassy/consulate before travel.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$60 USD (approx. $60 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
retirement visa
Lao Retirement Visa (B2)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD / year
For those aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires annual renewal and no local employment.
work visa
Lao Work Visa (B1)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD / year
For foreign employees with a Lao employer. Requires work permit and company sponsorship.
investor visa
Lao Investor Visa (B3)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD / year
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in a Lao business. Requires proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD or Thai Baht at entry points. | $30 USD (approx. $30 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry)Available at major airports and land borders. | $35 USD (approx. $35 USD) |
| Overstay finePay at immigration upon departure. | $10 USD per day (max $100 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
Iraqi passport holders transiting through Laos do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. However, if leaving the airport or changing terminals, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Laos may transit without additional visa.
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 transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; risk year-round, especially in rainy season.
MalariaModerate risk
Present in rural areas, especially in the south and forested regions.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in rural areas, especially in southern provinces. 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, Vientiane
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For visa extensions and re-entry permits.
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 IQ 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, but it can vary slightly depending on your nationality and the port of entry. Pay in USD or Thai baht — exact change is appreciated. Credit cards are not accepted.
Yes, you can extend your visa once for an additional 30 days. Visit the Immigration Department in Vientiane (or a provincial immigration office). The fee is about $2 USD per day of extension, plus a small processing fee. You'll need your passport, a passport photo, and the extension form.
Yes, most international land borders (like the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge in Nong Khai/Vientiane) have a visa-on-arrival counter. The process is identical: fill the form, pay the fee, get the sticker. Some smaller crossings may not offer visa on arrival — check in advance.
Yes — you need proof that you will leave Laos before your visa expires. A bus or train ticket to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, or China works. A screenshot or printed confirmation is fine.
Laos offers an e-visa for certain nationalities, but Iraq is not currently eligible. Visa on arrival is your only option for tourism. It's straightforward — no need to worry.
Overstay is fined at $10 USD per day, payable when you leave the country. You'll be asked to pay at immigration before departure. Overstaying more than 90 days can lead to a ban. Avoid it — set a reminder on your phone.
There's no official minimum, but immigration officers may ask how you'll fund your stay. Having a credit card or a few hundred dollars in cash is enough. No one will count your money.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.