Laos entry requirements for Cambodia 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
Cambodian passport holders can enter Laos without a visa for stays up to 30 days. This covers tourism and short business visits. As of 2026, no advance visa application is needed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least the length of your stay in Laos. Airlines at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap may ask to see your passport before boarding — they check validity against your travel dates. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Laos | Immigration at Wattay International Airport and border crossings like Vientiane–Nong Khai routinely ask for a printed or digital onward ticket. If you don't have one, they may deny entry or require you to buy a bus/flight out on the spot. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Having a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host speeds up the immigration process. Officers rarely ask for it, but if you arrive without a clear plan, they may question your itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Laos does not enforce a specific minimum amount, but carrying around $200–$300 in cash or having a bank statement ready covers you if an officer asks. ATMs in Laos charge high fees, so bring enough USD or THB for the first few days. | Recommended |
No visa needed — just show up
Cambodian passport holders get 30 days visa-free in Laos. No application, no fee, no form. Just a valid passport and an onward ticket.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding. If you're close to expiry, renew first.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
At Wattay International Airport (Vientiane) or any land border crossing, proceed to the 'Foreign Passports' counter. No visa application form is needed.
2
Present your passport and documents
Hand over your passport (valid 6+ months) and your return/onward ticket. The officer may also ask for your accommodation address.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with a 30-day visa-free entry. No fee is charged. The whole process takes 2–5 minutes.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After stamping, proceed to baggage claim (if flying) and then customs. No arrival declaration form is required.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Cambodia 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 twice (up to 90 days)
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost30 USD (approx. 30 USD)
Can be obtained on arrival or at embassy; extension costs 2 USD per day.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost35 USD (approx. 35 USD)
Available at embassy; allows multiple entries within validity.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost40 USD (approx. 40 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Lao company; can be extended for longer stays.
retirement visa
Laos Retirement Visa (B2)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD / year + processing fee
For foreigners aged 55+ with proof of pension or income of at least $1,000/month. Requires health check and local bank deposit of $5,000. Allows multiple entries.
work visa
Laos Work Visa (B1/B2)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD / year + employer sponsorship
For those employed by a Lao company or NGO. Requires work permit and employer letter. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
investor visa
Laos Investor Visa (B3)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD / year + investment proof
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 in a Lao business. Requires business registration and financial statements. Allows family members to join.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayPaid at immigration upon departure; no official cap but may be negotiated. | 10 USD per day (approx. 10 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Available on arrival or at embassy; valid for 30 days, extendable. | 30 USD (approx. 30 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Available at embassy; valid for 30 days per entry, multiple entries within 3 months. | 35 USD (approx. 35 USD) |
| Stay extension (per 30 days)Extension possible at immigration offices; max 2 extensions (total 90 days). | 2 USD per day (approx. 2 USD per day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
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
Cambodia passport holders transiting through Laos airports (e.g., Vientiane, Luang Prabang) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land border transits, a visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit without visa allowed for up to 24 hours if holding confirmed onward ticket and staying in international transit area.
Transit hubsWattay International Airport (Vientiane) · Luang Prabang International Airport · Pakse International Airport
Health & vaccines for Laos
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially rainy season (May–October).
MalariaModerate risk
Present in rural forested areas, especially southern provinces; prophylaxis recommended for high-risk areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water, street food, and raw produce.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in rural areas, especially in southern provinces (Champasak, Attapeu) and forested regions. Prophylaxis recommended for those visiting rural 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
Department of Immigration, Ministry of Public Security
Km 3, Thadeua Road, Vientiane
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
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 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Handles extensions for tourists; expect processing time of 1–2 days.
Practical information for KH 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, you must leave Laos (e.g., cross into Thailand or Vietnam) and re-enter, or apply for a visa in advance at a Lao embassy.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling.
No. Laos does not require an arrival declaration or online form for Cambodian passport holders. Just show your passport and onward ticket.
Yes. The same visa-free rules apply at all international border crossings. Common entry points include the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge (Nong Khai–Vientiane) and the Lao Bao border with Vietnam.
No, it's not required by law. But it's strongly recommended because medical costs in Laos can be high and evacuation to Thailand may be needed for serious issues.
Overstay fines are charged at the immigration office when you leave. The rate is about $10 USD per day. Pay in cash (USD or LAK) at the airport or border checkpoint.
If you're transiting through a Lao airport and not leaving the international transit area, you don't need a visa. But if you exit the airport or cross a land border, the 30-day visa-free entry applies.
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.