Laos entry requirements for Latvia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
Latvian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at major entry points in Laos, including Wattay International Airport in Vientiane and the Friendship Bridge border crossings. The process takes about 15–20 minutes. As of 2026, this is the standard way to enter Laos for tourism.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang Airport, or major land borders. Cost is $30–$40 USD (cash only, bring exact change). You'll need one passport photo — if you don't have one, they'll charge an extra $1–$2. The visa is valid for 30 days.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Laos | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity left from the day you leave Laos. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. Two blank pages are required for the visa sticker and entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Wattay and land borders routinely asks for proof of onward travel within 30 days. A printed flight itinerary or e-ticket works. If you're overlanding out, a bus ticket or a written statement with your exit plan may be accepted, but a flight booking is safest. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration rarely asks for this at the visa-on-arrival counter, but have your first night's hotel confirmation ready. If you're staying with friends, a simple invitation letter with their address and phone number is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Officially you need to show at least $1,000 USD or equivalent (around 20,000,000 LAK) for your stay. In practice, they almost never check. Carry some cash — ATMs in Laos charge high fees and often run out of money. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — no credit cards, no mobile payments. Bring USD in small bills ($20s and $10s) to avoid bad exchange rates. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need cash before that.
Keep your departure card
When you pass immigration, the officer will staple a departure card into your passport. Do not lose it — you'll need to hand it back when leaving Laos. Replacing it is a hassle.
What happens at the border
1
Fill out the arrival/departure card and visa application form
On the plane or at the airport, you'll get two forms: an arrival/departure card and a visa application form. Fill them out in capital letters. Keep the departure card safe — you'll need it when you leave.
2
Queue at the 'Visa on Arrival' counter
At Wattay Airport, the counter is clearly marked. Hand over your passport, completed forms, photo, and fee. The officer will process your visa and return your passport with the sticker inside.
3
Proceed to immigration
After getting your visa, go to the immigration desk. They'll stamp you in and return your passport with the departure card stapled inside. Keep that card until you leave Laos.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. €37)
Apply at Lao embassy/consulate before travel. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry, 30 days per entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$60 USD (approx. €56)
Requires embassy application. Useful for border runs.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD or Thai Baht at entry points. Passport photo required. | $30 USD (approx. €28) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry, 30 days)Available at major entry points; same conditions as single entry. | $35 USD (approx. €33) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration upon departure; no official cap but may lead to blacklisting. | $10 USD per day (approx. €9) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Latvia passport holders transiting through Laos airports (e.g., Wattay International Airport) 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
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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially rainy season.
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in rural/forested areas; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
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 the south and along borders. 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 (Head Office)
Samsenthai Road, Ban Phonxay, Vientiane
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
For visa extensions, bring passport, 2 photos, and $30 USD fee.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Immigration Office
Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Extension processing takes 1–2 days; arrive early.
Practical information for LV 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 = 21,893.24 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 for a 30-day stay. Exact amount depends on your nationality and the entry point. Bring USD cash — Thai baht and Lao kip are also accepted but at worse rates.
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, or apply for a different visa type before arrival (like a business visa).
Visa on arrival is available at most international border crossings, including the Friendship Bridges from Thailand (Nong Khai, Mukdahan, Chiang Khong) and from Cambodia (Trapeang Kriel). The process is the same — fill forms, pay cash, get sticker.
Technically yes — immigration can ask for proof of onward travel. In practice, it's rarely checked at the visa counter, but airlines may require it before boarding. Always have a screenshot of your outbound ticket.
Laos offers an e-visa for some nationalities, but Latvia is not currently eligible. You must use the visa on arrival or apply for a visa at a Lao embassy before travel.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling — no exceptions.
Not for visa issuance, but it's strongly recommended. Medical facilities in Laos are basic; serious injuries or illnesses require evacuation to Thailand, which can cost thousands. A policy like SafetyWing covers this.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.