Laos entry requirements for Myanmar passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 26, 2026·View sources
No visa required
14 days
Max stay
14 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Myanmar passport holders can enter Laos without a visa for up to 14 days. This applies for tourism and short visits in 2026. Just show up at the border with your passport and a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Laos. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Laos | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket out of Laos within your 14-day visa-free stay. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — if you cannot show one, they may deny entry or require you to buy a ticket on the spot. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed or digital hotel reservation for your entire stay in Laos. Immigration rarely asks for it, but budget airlines flying into Vientiane or Luang Prabang sometimes check before issuing your boarding pass. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have at least $200 USD or equivalent in cash, or a credit card statement showing available credit. Immigration officers almost never ask for this, but the law allows them to — better to have it than to be caught without. | Recommended |
14-day limit is strict
You cannot extend the visa-free stay. If you need more time, get a visa on arrival (30 days) or a visa from an embassy before you travel. Overstaying costs $10 per day.
Keep your return ticket handy
Immigration officers at Wattay Airport and land borders often ask to see your onward ticket. Have a screenshot or printed copy ready to avoid delays.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the border
Whether you fly into Wattay International Airport (Vientiane) or cross a land border (e.g., from Thailand or Vietnam), go to the immigration checkpoint. Look for the 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Foreign Passports' queue.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport (valid 6+ months), your return/onward ticket (printed or on your phone), and your hotel booking if asked. The officer will check your details.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with a 14-day visa-free entry. No payment is required. You're free to enter Laos. Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when you leave.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Myanmar 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
Cost35 USD (at embassy) or 40 USD (eVisa)
Apply at Lao embassy or online. Extension costs ~50,000 LAK per month.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost50 USD (at embassy)
Requires embassy application. Useful for multiple trips.
Long-stay visa (B2)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~100 USD (processing fee)
For work, study, or retirement. Requires sponsor and approval.
retirement visa
Laos Retirement Visa (B2)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD per year (processing fee)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires annual renewal and local sponsor. Allows long-term stay.
work visa
Laos Work Visa (B2)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Lao company. Requires work permit and health check. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Laos Student Visa (B2)
1 year, renewable
~$50 USD (processing fee)
For students enrolled at a Lao educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are low but can lead to blacklisting if prolonged. | 10,000 LAK (~$0.50 USD) per day |
| Overstay maximum capAvoid overstaying to prevent entry bans. | No official cap, but fines accumulate daily |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
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
Myanmar passport holders transiting through Laos do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsWattay International Airport (Vientiane) · Luang Prabang International Airport · Pakse International Airport
Health & vaccines for Laos
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialJapanese EncephalitisRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially rainy season.
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in rural areas, especially southern provinces; prophylaxis recommended.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene.
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
Department of Immigration, Ministry of Public Security
Km 6, Thadeua Road, Vientiane
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Immigration Office
Ban Phan Luang, Luang Prabang
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for tourists in the north.
Practical information for MM 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 and re-enter, or apply for a visa in advance at a Lao embassy. Overstaying costs about $10 per day.
You need to get a visa before you travel. Apply at the Lao Embassy in Yangon or any Lao consulate. Tourist visas are typically valid for 30 days and can be extended once for another 30 days at the Immigration Department in Vientiane (cost about $30).
Yes. The visa-free entry applies at all international border crossings — both airports and land borders. Common land crossings include the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge (Nong Khai–Vientiane) and the border at Savannakhet.
No. Laos does not require an arrival declaration form for Myanmar passport holders. Just present your passport and ticket.
You'll be fined $10 per day at immigration when you leave. Pay in US dollars or Lao kip. Overstaying can also get you blacklisted if it's excessive.
No need — you get visa-free entry for 14 days. But if you want a longer stay, you can get a visa on arrival at major airports and some land borders for a fee (around $30–$40). This gives you 30 days.
Always carry your passport with the entry stamp. Keep a photocopy or digital scan separately. Police may ask for ID, especially in tourist areas.
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.