Vietnam entry requirements for Laos passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 26, 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
Laos passport holders can enter Vietnam without a visa for stays up to 30 days. This policy runs through 2026 and covers tourism, business, and transit. Just bring a valid passport and a return ticket.
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 Vietnam. Airlines may ask for 6 months validity at check-in, but Vietnam immigration only requires validity covering your stay. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Vietnam | Immigration officers at Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight out of Vietnam ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means for your stay | Have access to at least $500 USD or equivalent in cash, card, or bank statement. Immigration may ask to see proof you can support yourself during the 30-day visit. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Vietnamese immigration will deny entry if your passport has less than 6 months validity from your arrival date. Airlines also check this at check-in. No exceptions.
No visa needed — but have your documents ready
You don't need to apply for anything in advance. Just show up with a valid passport, a return ticket, and a hotel booking. Keep them in your carry-on for a smooth entry.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, check your passport validity (6+ months), print or screenshot your return ticket and first night's hotel booking. Keep them in your carry-on.
2
Arrive at the airport in Vietnam
You'll land at Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Da Nang, or another international airport. Follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Arrivals'.
3
Join the foreign passport queue
Look for the lane marked 'Foreign Passports' or 'All Passports'. Avoid the Vietnamese citizen lanes. Queues can be 15–45 minutes at peak times.
4
Present your passport and documents
Hand over your passport, and if asked, your return ticket and hotel booking. The officer will check your visa-free eligibility, stamp your passport, and return it.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs (usually green channel for nothing to declare). You're in Vietnam.
Download Vietnam Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 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 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$25 USD (via eVisa or embassy)
Apply online or at Vietnamese embassy. Allows one entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$50 USD (via embassy)
Good for multiple trips within validity. Must apply at embassy.
eVisa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity30 days from intended entry date
Cost~$25 USD
Apply online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. For single entry only.
work visa
Work Visa (LD1/LD2)
1–2 years, renewable
~$100–200 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign workers with a job offer in Vietnam. Requires work permit and employer sponsorship. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (DH)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$50–100 USD (via school)
For enrolled students at Vietnamese universities or language schools. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (DT)
1–5 years, renewable
~$500–1,000 USD (depending on investment)
For foreign investors with minimum capital of $50,000 USD in a Vietnamese business. Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of 20,000,000 VND (~$850 USD). Pay at immigration office or airport. | 500,000 VND (~$21 USD) per day |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extensions are not officially available for visa-free entry; use an agent for 1–3 month extension at own risk. | ~$25–50 USD (via agent) |
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 Vietnam
No transit visa needed
Laos passport holders transiting through Vietnam airports do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. For domestic connections or leaving the airport, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa or visa exemption certificate may leave the airport.
Transit hubsNoi Bai International Airport (HAN) · Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) · Da Nang International Airport (DAD)
Health & vaccines for Vietnam
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid from contaminated food/water.
Zika virusModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in cities and coastal areas; moderate risk in rural highlands (e.g., Da Lat, Sapa). 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
Hanoi
Immigration Department of Hanoi
44 Tran Phu, Dien Bien, Ba Dinh
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
For visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, photos, and forms.
Ho Chi Minh City
Immigration Office of Ho Chi Minh City
333 Nguyen Trai, District 1
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Busy office; arrive early. Agents can assist with extensions.
Practical information for LA travellers
Country basics
CapitalHanoi
LanguageVietnamese
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyVietnamese Dong (VND)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 26,323.58 VND
Time zone
Local timeUTC+7
vs New York+12h (EST) / +11h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+15h (PST) / +14h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
A,CType A, C, F — US plugs (Type A) fit some sockets. Bring an adapter.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Vietnam — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. The visa-free entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer than 30 days, you must leave Vietnam and re-enter, or apply for a visa before you travel. Overstaying can result in fines of around $15–30 per day and possible deportation.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Vietnamese immigration. Renew your passport before you travel. There are no exceptions.
No, if you stay airside and don't pass through immigration. But if you plan to leave the airport or have a layover longer than 24 hours, you'll need a visa or use the visa-free entry (up to 30 days).
The 30-day visa-free entry is a single-entry permit. If you leave Vietnam (e.g., a day trip to Cambodia), you'll need to re-apply for a new visa-free entry upon return. Each entry resets the 30-day clock.
You'll be fined approximately 500,000 VND (about $20) per day of overstay. You may also be banned from re-entering Vietnam for a period. Always exit before your stamp expires.
No. There is no arrival declaration required for visa-free entry. You just present your passport and supporting documents at immigration. No pre-approval or e-visa needed.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and transit only. If you plan to work, study, or volunteer, you must apply for the appropriate visa before you travel.
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.