Denmark entry requirements for Laos passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 26, 2026·View sources
Visa required
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

Laos passport holders need a visa to enter Denmark. You must apply at a Danish embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option for Lao citizens as of 2026.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Short-stay visa application
Apply before travel
You need a Schengen visa to enter Denmark. Apply at the Danish Immigration Service portal at least 15 days before your trip. Processing takes up to 15 calendar days.Apply for visaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for entire stay
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area. It must have been issued within the last 10 years.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Schengen
Immigration at Copenhagen Airport will ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen area within your visa's validity. Budget airlines check this before boarding.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Have a confirmed hotel booking or a signed invitation letter from your host in Denmark. Immigration officers at the border may ask to see it.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Carry bank statements or cash showing at least 500 DKK per day of your stay. Credit cards are widely accepted, but having cash on hand helps.Recommended
No embassy in Laos
Denmark does not have an embassy in Vientiane. You may need to apply at the Danish embassy in Bangkok or through a visa application centre in a neighbouring country. Confirm the correct location before booking any travel.
Schengen area rules apply
A Danish visa lets you travel to all 27 Schengen countries (e.g., France, Germany, Italy) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Your first point of entry must be Denmark, or Denmark must be your main destination.

What happens at the border

1
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, completed application form, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, travel insurance, bank statements, and any supporting letters. Make copies of everything.
2
Book an appointment at the Danish embassy
Contact the Danish embassy in Bangkok (nearest for Laos) or the visa application centre. Appointments are usually required — walk-ins are not accepted. Expect to wait a few weeks for an available slot.
3
Submit your application in person
Go to the embassy at your appointment time. Bring all original documents plus photocopies. You'll submit the form, pay the fee, and give biometrics (photo and fingerprints). The process takes about 30 minutes.
4
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days from the date of submission. It can take longer if your application needs additional checks. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
5
Collect your passport with visa
Once approved, you'll be notified to pick up your passport. The visa sticker will be inside. Check the dates and validity carefully before you travel.
6
Arrive in Denmark and go through immigration
At Copenhagen Airport or any Danish border, present your passport with the visa sticker. The officer may ask for your return ticket, accommodation proof, and insurance. Answer clearly and honestly. You'll get an entry stamp valid for up to 90 days.
Download Denmark Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Schengen Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 3 months
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)

For one-time entry; must leave Schengen area after stay.

Schengen Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 1 year (or longer with history)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)

Allows multiple entries; good for frequent travelers.

Long-Stay Visa (National D Visa)
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year)
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€80 (~$87 USD) plus processing

For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsor.

work visa
Danish Work Visa (Residence and Work Permit)
Up to 4 years, renewable
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For skilled workers with a job offer in Denmark. Requires employer sponsorship and meeting salary thresholds. Allows family reunification.
Apply
student visa
Danish Student Visa (Residence Permit for Studies)
Duration of study program, renewable
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For full-time students at accredited Danish institutions. Requires proof of admission, sufficient funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work.
Apply
family reunification
Family Reunification Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For spouses, children, or close relatives of Danish residents or citizens. Requires proof of relationship and financial support.
Apply
Other fees
ServiceCost
Schengen Tourist Visa (Single Entry)Standard fee for adults; reduced for children under 12.€80 (~$87 USD)
Schengen Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity.€80 (~$87 USD)
Visa Service Fee (VFS Global)Additional fee for using visa application center.~€30 (~$33 USD)
Overstay Fine (per day)No maximum cap; overstay can lead to ban.€60 (~$65 USD) per day

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application 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 Denmark

Transit visa required

Laos passport holders need a Schengen transit visa to transit through Denmark, even if staying airside. Apply at the Danish embassy before travel.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit are exempt.
  • Holders of a valid visa for the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Japan, or Australia may transit without visa under certain conditions.
Transit hubsCopenhagen Airport (CPH) · Billund Airport (BLL) · Aalborg Airport (AAL)

Health & vaccines for Denmark

Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedInfluenzaConsiderCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk

Rare but present in rural areas; vaccination recommended for long stays or outdoor activities.

Lyme diseaseLow risk

Transmitted by ticks in forests and grasslands; use repellent and check for ticks.

Food and water safetyLow risk

Generally safe; standard hygiene precautions advised.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

Copenhagen
Danish Immigration Service (Udlændingestyrelsen)
Ryesgade 53, 2100 Copenhagen Ø
Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00

For visa applications and inquiries; appointments required.

Aarhus
Aarhus Immigration Office
Søndergade 12, 8000 Aarhus C
Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00

Handles residence permits and visa extensions.

Practical information for LA travellers

Country basics
CapitalCopenhagen
LanguageDanish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyDanish krone (DKK)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 6.41 DKK
updated May 29
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,E,F,KTypes C (Europlug), E (French), F (Schuko), and K (Danish) are used.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe and of high quality throughout Denmark.
Emergency numbers
Police112
Medical112
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. Denmark does not offer visa on arrival for Lao passport holders. You must apply for a Schengen visa at a Danish embassy or consulate before you travel.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days from the date you submit your application. It can take up to 45 days if more checks are needed. Plan to apply at least 4–6 weeks before your trip.
The Schengen visa fee for adults is €80 (about 1,500,000 LAK). Children aged 6–12 pay €40. There may be additional service fees charged by the embassy or visa application centre.
Yes, immigration officers can ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready.
No, the Schengen visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days within any 180-day period. Extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances (e.g., medical emergency, force majeure). You cannot simply extend for tourism.
You need a national visa (long-stay visa) or a residence permit. Apply at the Danish embassy before you travel. This is a separate, more involved process for work, study, or family reunification.
Denmark does not have an embassy in Laos. The nearest embassy is in Bangkok, Thailand. You may need to apply there or check if another Schengen country represents Denmark in Laos. Contact the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the latest arrangement.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.