Laos entry requirements for Russia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 2026·View sources
No visa required
30 days
Max stay
30 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Russian passport holders can enter Laos without a visa for stays up to 30 days. This policy is valid through 2026 and covers tourism and short business visits. Just show up at the border with your passport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least two blank pages for entry stamps. Immigration at Wattay Airport checks validity strictly — if your passport expires within 6 months, they may deny boarding in Moscow. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Laos | Immigration officers at Vientiane and Luang Prabang airports routinely ask for a printed or digital onward ticket within 30 days. Budget airlines flying into Laos also check this at check-in — have a copy ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Not always asked, but if you arrive without a confirmed place to stay, officers may question your plans. A simple booking.com reservation printed or on your phone covers you. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers rarely ask, but the law says you should have at least $1,000 USD equivalent in cash, card, or traveller's cheques. ATMs in Laos charge high fees — bring some US dollars or Thai baht in cash. | Recommended |
Visa-free entry is for 30 days only
You cannot extend it. If you need more time, plan a visa run or get a tourist visa before you arrive.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's close to expiry, renew before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the border
Whether you fly into Wattay International Airport (Vientiane) or cross by land from Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, or China, head to the immigration counter. No visa application needed — just join the foreign passport queue.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport (valid 6+ months) and your boarding pass or land transport ticket. The officer may ask for your return ticket and first night accommodation. Have them ready on your phone.
3
Get stamped in
The officer stamps your passport with a 30-day visa-free entry. No fee. The whole process takes 2–5 minutes. Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when you leave.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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
Cost$35 USD
Apply at Lao embassy or on arrival; extension costs ~$2 USD/day.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$50 USD
Must apply at Lao embassy; not available on arrival.
retirement visa
Lao Retirement Visa (B2)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD/year
For those aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires annual renewal and health check.
work visa
Lao Work Visa (B1)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD/year
Requires a job offer from a Lao company and work permit. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Lao Investor Visa (B3)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD/year
For those investing at least $50,000 in a Lao business. Includes family dependents.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayPay at immigration upon departure; no official cap but may be negotiable. | $10 USD per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry, if needed)Available at Lao embassies or on arrival for longer stays. | $35 USD |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Issued by Lao embassies; not available on arrival. | $50 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
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
Russian passport holders transiting through Laos do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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 risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheriaRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas year-round.
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in rural/forested areas; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to street food and untreated water; practice safe eating.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in rural areas, especially in the south and along borders; prophylaxis recommended for those visiting rural regions.
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
Samsenthai Road, Vientiane
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Immigration Office
Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Handles extensions for tourists in the north.
Practical information for RU 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 = 21,929.18 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 (visa run) or apply for a visa in advance. Overstaying costs about $10 per day.
You can apply for a tourist visa (B3) at a Lao embassy or consulate before you travel, which allows up to 60 days and can be extended once for another 60 days. Alternatively, do a visa run to a neighboring country and re-enter for another 30 days.
No, transit passengers staying airside and leaving within 24 hours do not need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you need the visa-free entry or a visa.
No, departure tax is included in your airline ticket. You don't need to pay anything extra at the airport.
Yes, all international border crossings with Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and China accept Russian passport holders visa-free. Just make sure your passport has 6+ months validity and a blank page.
You'll be fined $10 per day at immigration when you leave. Pay in cash (USD or LAK). Overstays under 30 days are usually fine, but longer overstays can lead to deportation and a ban.
No, Laos no longer requires arrival or departure cards for most nationalities. Just your passport and boarding pass.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.