Laos entry requirements for Serbia 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
Serbian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at all international entry points in Laos. This is the standard way to enter for tourism — no need to apply in advance. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but you need to have the right documents and cash ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang Airport, or major land borders. Have $30–$40 USD in cash (exact change preferred) and two passport-sized photos ready. The process takes 10–15 minutes at the counter.Check visa requirements | 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 at the visa-on-arrival counter routinely ask for a printed or digital onward ticket out of Laos. A bus ticket to Thailand or a flight to Vietnam works — just show you're leaving within the visa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your first night's hotel confirmation ready — either printed or on your phone. Guesthouses and hostels are fine; just show the name and address. Officers rarely ask, but it speeds things up if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Laos is cheap — $30/day covers food, transport, and basic accommodation — but officers want to see you can support yourself. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa-on-arrival counter does not accept credit or debit cards. Bring crisp US dollars (no tears, no folds) or enough Lao kip. There are ATMs after immigration, but not before.
Photo booth available but slow
If you forget your passport photo, there's usually a photo booth at Wattay Airport. It costs extra and can take 10–15 minutes. Better to bring your own.
What happens at the border
1
Fill out the visa-on-arrival form
After landing at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane) or Luang Prabang International Airport, head to the visa-on-arrival counter. Grab a form, fill it in with your passport details, flight info, and hotel address. Attach your photo.
2
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, photo, and cash. The officer will process it — usually takes 5–15 minutes. Pay in USD or kip. Keep the receipt.
3
Collect your passport with visa
When called, collect your passport with the visa sticker inside. Check that the validity dates and your name are correct before walking away.
4
Proceed to immigration control
Go to the immigration desk, show your passport with the new visa, and get your entry stamp. That's it — you're in.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Serbia 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. $30 USD)
Apply at Lao embassy abroad; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$35 USD (approx. $35 USD)
Same as single entry but allows multiple entries within validity.
Long-stay visa (B2)
Max stay1 year, renewable annually
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
Requires sponsorship or work permit; for business or long-term stays.
retirement visa
Lao Retirement Visa (B2)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD / year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires sponsorship and annual renewal. Allows long-term stay.
work visa
Lao Work Visa (B2)
1 year, renewable annually
~$150 USD / year
For foreign employees with a work permit. Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Lao Investor Visa (B2)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD / year
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD. Requires business registration and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Standard fee for most nationalities, payable in cash (USD or LAK). | $30 USD (approx. $30 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry)Available at major entry points, same conditions as single entry. | $35 USD (approx. $35 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap; pay at immigration or airport before departure. | $10 USD per day (approx. $10 USD) |
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
Serbia passport holders transiting through Laos do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land border crossings, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- No exceptions; standard rules apply for all nationalities.
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-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially rainy season.
MalariaHigh risk
Present in rural areas, especially in the south; prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in rural areas, especially in the south (Champasak, Attapeu). Prophylaxis recommended for rural travel; low risk in cities like Vientiane.
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 (Vientiane Capital)
Khounboulom Road, Ban Phonxay, Vientiane
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Immigration Office
Ban Pakham, Luang Prabang
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Handles extensions for tourists in northern Laos. Limited services.
Practical information for RS 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 fee is typically USD 30 for a 30-day tourist visa. Some nationalities pay USD 40 — but for Serbians it's USD 30. Pay in crisp US dollars or Lao kip at the current exchange rate. Credit cards are not accepted.
Yes, you can extend your tourist visa at the Immigration Department in Vientiane or at provincial immigration offices. Extensions cost around USD 2 per day, and you can usually get an additional 30 days. Go before your current visa expires.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport — even for a few hours — you need a visa on arrival.
Visa on arrival is available at all major international border crossings, including the Friendship Bridge from Thailand (Nong Khai–Vientiane), and from Cambodia at Dom Kralor. The process is the same as at the airport — fill the form, pay, get stamped.
Laos offers an e-visa for certain nationalities, but Serbian passport holders are not currently eligible. Visa on arrival is your only option for tourism.
Overstay fines are USD 10 per day, payable at immigration when you leave. It adds up fast, so set a reminder to leave or extend before your visa expires.
Officially, you may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds and accommodation. In practice, it's rarely checked for short tourist visits. Still, have a hotel booking confirmation and a few hundred dollars in cash or card just in case.
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.