Laos entry requirements for Iceland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Icelandic passport holders can get a visa on arrival at all international entry points in Laos. This is the standard way to enter for tourism — no need to apply in advance. As of 2026, the process takes about 15–20 minutes at the airport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang International Airport, or major land border crossings. Cost is $30–$40 USD depending on nationality — bring exact cash in USD. You need one passport photo (or pay a small fee at the counter for them to take one).Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Laos | Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from the day you leave Laos. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. Two blank pages are also required for the visa sticker and entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at the visa-on-arrival counter routinely ask for proof of a flight out of Laos. Have a printed or digital copy of your onward ticket ready. If you are overlanding out, show a bus ticket or a flight booking from a neighboring country. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Immigration rarely asks for hotel bookings, but having your first night's reservation printed or on your phone covers you if they do. A hostel booking or Airbnb confirmation works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Officials can ask you to show you have enough money for your stay. Carry at least $300–$500 USD in cash or have a bank statement handy. ATMs are common in cities but unreliable in rural areas. | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards accepted
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. USD or Thai baht are preferred. Bring small bills ($1, $5, $10, $20) — they often don't have change for large notes. ATMs at the airport are unreliable and charge high fees.
Passport photos — bring your own
You need two passport photos (4x6 cm). If you forget, there are photo booths at Wattay Airport, but they cost about $5 and take 10–15 minutes. Get them done at home for a fraction of the price.
What happens at the border
1
Fill out the arrival form
On the plane or at the airport, grab a Lao arrival/departure card and a visa application form. Fill them out in capital letters. You'll need your passport details, flight number, and hotel address.
2
Queue at the Visa on Arrival counter
At Wattay Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang, or Pakse, head to the 'Visa on Arrival' counter before immigration. Hand over your passport, completed forms, two photos, and the fee. They'll process it and call your name.
3
Pay and collect your visa
Once called, pay the fee in cash (USD or THB). They'll stamp your passport with a 30-day tourist visa. Double-check the validity dates before walking away.
4
Proceed to immigration
Join the immigration queue. Present your passport with the new visa, the arrival card, and your boarding pass. They may ask for your return ticket — have it ready on your phone.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. Green channel if you have nothing to declare. Done.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Iceland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay60 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. $40 USD)
Apply at Lao embassy abroad; allows longer initial stay than VoA.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months
Cost$60 USD (approx. $60 USD)
Good for multiple visits; each entry limited to 30 days.
retirement visa
Lao Retirement Visa (B2)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD / year
For foreigners aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires annual renewal and local address registration.
work visa
Lao Work Visa (B1)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD / year
Requires a job offer from a Lao employer and a work permit. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Lao Investor Visa (B3)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD / year
For those investing at least $50,000 in a Lao business. Includes multiple-entry privileges.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (USD, THB, or LAK) at major entry points. | $30 USD (approx. $30 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap; fines accumulate daily until departure. | $10 USD per day (approx. $10 USD) |
| Stay extension (30 days, at immigration office)Available once per entry; apply before visa expires. | $30 USD (approx. $30 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
Iceland passport holders transiting through Laos do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. However, if leaving the transit area, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent year-round; use repellent and sleep under nets.
MalariaHigh risk
Risk in rural and forested areas; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Risk is high in rural and forested areas, especially in the south and along the Mekong. Prophylaxis recommended for those visiting rural 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
Department of Immigration, Ministry of Public Security
Km 4, Thadeua Road, Vientiane
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Main office for extensions and visa issues; bring passport, application form, and fee.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Immigration Office
Ban Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Handles extensions for tourists in the north; arrive early to avoid queues.
Practical information for IS 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 = 21,811.53 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 tourist visa on arrival costs $30–$40 USD (or equivalent in Thai baht). The exact amount depends on your nationality and the entry point. At Wattay Airport in Vientiane, it's usually $35. Pay in cash — no cards.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you want to stay longer than 30 days, you'll need to leave the country and re-enter (visa run) or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Yes. Immigration wants proof you'll leave the country. A bus or train ticket to Thailand, Vietnam, or Cambodia works. If you're flying out, a flight booking is fine. Keep a screenshot on your phone.
You can get them taken at the airport for a fee, but it's slower and more expensive. Better to bring two photos from home. If you forget, look for the photo booth near the visa counter at Wattay Airport.
Yes, most major land border crossings (like Friendship Bridge from Thailand, or Boten from China) offer visa on arrival for Icelanders. The process is similar — cash, photos, forms. Check the specific border's hours before you go.
Not for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical facilities in Laos are basic outside major cities. A serious accident or illness can cost thousands. Get a policy that covers evacuation.
Overstay is fined at $10 USD per day, paid at immigration when you leave. It's not a criminal issue for short overstays, but avoid it — it can cause problems for future visas. If you overstay more than 30 days, you may be blacklisted.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.