Laos entry requirements for Sri Lanka passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Sri Lankan passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Laos. As of 2026, you simply show up at the airport or land border, pay the fee, and receive a 30-day stamp. No need to apply in advance.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Lao airports and border crossings | Get a visa on arrival at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang Airport, or major land borders. Pay $30–$42 USD in cash (exact change preferred) — bring a passport photo. The visa allows a 30-day stay, extendable once for another 30 days at immigration offices in Vientiane or Luang Prabang.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date | Laos enforces the 6-month passport validity rule strictly. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. Have at least two blank pages for the visa sticker and entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Laos | Immigration officers at Wattay and land borders routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket. A flight out of Laos within 30 days works — bus tickets to Thailand or Vietnam are also accepted. If you overstay, the fine is $10 USD per day, payable at the airport before departure. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration rarely asks for this at the border, but airlines sometimes check. Have a printed or digital hotel confirmation for your first few nights. If staying with friends, a simple invitation letter with their address and phone number works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement showing sufficient money | Officials rarely demand proof, but having $200–$300 USD in cash covers the visa fee and a few days of expenses. ATMs are common in Vientiane and Luang Prabang but unreliable in rural areas. Carry crisp US dollars — torn or old notes get rejected. | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards accepted
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. ATMs are available at major airports but not at all land borders. Bring USD in small denominations ($20s and $10s) to avoid exchange rate issues.
Photo not mandatory but saves time
Most officers will process your visa without a photo if you pay the fee. But if you have one, it speeds things up. If you don't, they may charge an extra $1–$2 for a photo service.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at entry point
At Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, Luang Prabang Airport, or major land borders like Friendship Bridge (Nong Khai–Vientiane), follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters. Queues are usually short (10–20 minutes).
2
Fill out the application form
Pick up a visa application form at the counter. Fill in your details: name, passport number, date of birth, address in Laos. Keep it simple — no need for exact street address, just the hotel name.
3
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, completed form, one photo (if you have it), and the visa fee in cash. The officer will process it — typically 5–10 minutes. You'll get a receipt and your passport back with the visa sticker.
4
Proceed to immigration
After receiving your visa, walk to the immigration counter. They'll stamp your passport with the entry date and duration of stay (usually 30 days). Keep the departure card they give you — you'll need it when leaving.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay60 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$35 USD (approx. 10,500 LAK)
Apply at Lao embassy abroad.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay60 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$60 USD (approx. 18,000 LAK)
Requires proof of multiple trips.
Business visa single entry
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$45 USD (approx. 13,500 LAK)
Requires invitation letter from Lao company.
retirement visa
Lao Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant B3)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD per year
For those aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires annual renewal and health check.
work visa
Lao Work Visa (Non-Immigrant B2)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD per year
For foreign employees with a Lao employer. Requires work permit and company sponsorship.
investor visa
Lao Investor Visa (Non-Immigrant B1)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD per year
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in a Lao business. Requires business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in USD or LAK at entry points. | $30 USD (approx. 9,000 LAK) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD. | $10 USD per day |
| Stay extension (30 days)Apply at immigration office before visa expires. | $50 USD (approx. 15,000 LAK) |
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
Sri Lanka passport holders transiting through Laos do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
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-rubellaRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially rainy season.
MalariaModerate risk
Present in rural areas, especially southern provinces; prophylaxis recommended.
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 like Champasak and Attapeu. 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
Khounboulom Road, Vientiane
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Bring passport, visa, 2 photos, and extension fee.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Immigration Office
Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Popular for tourist extensions; arrive early.
Practical information for LK 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 fee is typically $30–$40 USD, depending on your nationality and entry point. At Wattay Airport in Vientiane, it's usually $35. Pay in USD, Thai baht, or Lao kip — but USD is easiest. Have exact change if possible.
Yes, you can extend once for up to 30 additional days. Visit the Immigration Department in Vientiane (or provincial offices). The cost is around $2 per day plus a small processing fee. Extensions are straightforward but can take half a day.
Yes, immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. A flight, bus, or train ticket out of Laos is sufficient. Keep a screenshot on your phone.
Yes, same process at major land borders like Friendship Bridge (Nong Khai–Vientiane), Boten (China border), or Savannakhet. Some smaller borders may not offer visa on arrival — check before you go. The fee and requirements are identical.
No, the visa on arrival is single-entry. If you leave Laos and want to return, you'll need a new visa on arrival.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, it's not required for the visa itself. But it's strongly recommended — medical costs in Laos can be high, and evacuation to Thailand is expensive.
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.