Laos entry requirements for Romania passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Romanian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at all international airports and most land border crossings in Laos. The process is straightforward — just have your documents ready and pay the fee in cash. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for short tourist visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang, or major land borders. Bring $30–$40 USD in cash (exact change preferred) and two passport-sized photos. The process takes 10–15 minutes — fill out the application form at the counter before queuing.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport with at least 6 months validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Laos. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket out of Laos — a flight to Bangkok, Hanoi, or anywhere else works. If you don't have one, buy a refundable ticket or use a rental service before you land. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed or digital hotel confirmation for at least your first night. If staying with friends, a simple invitation letter with their address and phone number is fine. Officers rarely check, but it's one less thing to worry about. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient balance. Immigration doesn't always ask, but budget airlines sometimes do at check-in. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — no credit or debit cards accepted. Bring USD if possible (exact change helps). Thai baht and Lao kip are also accepted but at less favorable exchange rates. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need cash before that point.
Visa on arrival at all major entry points
You can get a visa on arrival at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang International Airport, and most land border crossings including the Friendship Bridge from Thailand, and borders from Cambodia, Vietnam, and China. Smaller crossings may not offer it — check ahead if using an obscure border.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the visa-on-arrival counter
After landing at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane) or Luang Prabang International Airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' before immigration. At land borders like Friendship Bridge (Nong Khai–Vientiane), the counter is usually just before passport control.
2
Fill out the application form
Grab a visa application form from the counter. Fill in your details — name, passport number, arrival flight, hotel address. Keep it simple and legible. Attach one passport photo if you have one.
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, photo (if any), and the visa fee in cash. The officer will process it — usually takes 5–15 minutes. You'll get a receipt and your passport back with the visa sticker.
4
Proceed to immigration
Walk to the immigration counter with your passport (now with visa) and any other documents. The officer will stamp you in. Keep the arrival card they give you — you'll need it when you leave.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Romania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
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$30 USD (approx. €28)
Apply at Lao embassy or consulate before travel.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. €47)
Allows multiple entries; useful for regional travel.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 1 year
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. €37)
Requires invitation letter from Lao company.
business visa
Business Visa (B2)
1 year, renewable annually
$40 USD initial + extension fees
For those employed by a Lao company or conducting business. Requires work permit and company sponsorship.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
$30 USD initial + extension fees
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires annual renewal and health insurance.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable
$30 USD initial + extension fees
For enrolled students at a Lao educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD, THB, or LAK) at entry points. | $30 USD (approx. €28) |
| eVisa (single entry)Apply online before travel; faster processing. | $50 USD (approx. €47) |
| Overstay finePay at immigration upon departure; no cap mentioned. | $10 USD per day (approx. €9.50) |
| Stay extension (tourist visa)Available at immigration offices for up to 30 days. | $30 USD (approx. €28) |
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
Romania passport holders transiting through Laos do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. For land transit or leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is 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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially rainy season.
MalariaModerate risk
Present in rural areas, especially in the south and along borders.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is highest in rural forested areas, especially in the south (Champasak, Attapeu) and along the Mekong. 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
Khounboulom Road, Ban Phonxay, Vientiane
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits.
Luang Prabang
Immigration Office Luang Prabang
Ban Phan Luang, Luang Prabang
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Handles extensions for tourists in the north.
Practical information for RO 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 = 21,945.85 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 around $30–$40 USD for a 30-day stay. Fees can vary slightly depending on the border crossing and the officer. Pay in USD if you can — it's the most straightforward. Thai baht and Lao kip are also accepted but at less favorable 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 travel (like a tourist visa from a Lao embassy). Overstaying incurs a fine of about $10 USD per day.
Yes, most land borders (like the Friendship Bridge from Thailand, or borders from Cambodia, Vietnam, China) have a visa-on-arrival counter. The process is the same: fill the form, pay cash, get the sticker. Some smaller crossings may not offer visa on arrival — check in advance. The most reliable land entry is the Friendship Bridge in Nong Khai (Thailand) to Vientiane.
Yes, you need proof of onward travel — a bus ticket, train ticket, or flight out of Laos. A screenshot on your phone is usually accepted. If you're entering by land and leaving by land, a bus ticket from a reputable company works.
You can still get the visa — the officer may take a photo at the counter or ask you to buy one at a nearby photo booth (common at airports). Having your own photos speeds things up and avoids a small fee.
Not mandatory for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical facilities in Laos are basic outside major cities. A serious accident or illness can cost thousands of dollars for evacuation to Thailand. A basic travel insurance policy covering medical evacuation is cheap peace of mind.
Laos offers an e-visa for some nationalities, but as of 2026, it's not available for Romanian passport holders. The visa on arrival is the standard option. No need to apply in advance — just show up with your documents and cash.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.