Laos entry requirements for Saudi Arabia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Saudi Arabian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Laos. This is the standard entry method for tourism, available at all international airports and most land border crossings. As of 2026, the process is straightforward — just show up with your passport and payment.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a 30-day visa on arrival at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang Airport, or major land border crossings. Cost is $30–$40 USD — bring exact cash in USD. Have two passport-sized photos ready; if you don't have them, they'll charge an extra $1–$2 at the counter.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date in 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 flight out of Laos within 30 days. Have a printed or digital copy of your onward ticket ready — they won't let you through without one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration rarely asks for this at the visa-on-arrival counter, but some land border crossings may request it. Have a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host just in case. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial evidence | Not routinely checked, but Laos law requires you to show at least $1,000 USD equivalent if asked. Carry a bank statement or credit card as backup. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is the standard method
You do not need to apply for an e-visa or visit an embassy beforehand. Just show up at the airport or land border with your passport, cash, and onward ticket.
Cash only for visa fee
ATMs are located after immigration, so you cannot withdraw cash before paying. Bring US dollars, Thai baht, or Lao kip in cash. Credit cards are not accepted.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
At Wattay International Airport (Vientiane) or Luang Prabang International Airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' before the main immigration counters. At land borders, look for the visa-on-arrival window.
2
Fill out the arrival form
You'll be handed a small white form. Fill in your passport details, flight number, and accommodation address. Keep it simple — no need to list every hotel.
3
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, completed form, photo (if asked), and cash. The officer will process your visa — usually takes 5–10 minutes. They'll return your passport with a visa sticker.
4
Proceed to immigration
Now go to the main immigration counter with your passport and the visa sticker. They'll stamp you in. Keep the departure card they give you — you'll need it when leaving.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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$35 USD (approx. 131 SAR)
Apply at Lao embassy abroad; allows one entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. 187 SAR)
Allows multiple entries; useful for regional travel.
business visa
Lao Business Visa (B-2)
1 year, renewable annually
$100 USD (approx. 375 SAR) per year
For those with a local sponsor or company. Requires a work permit and business registration. Allows multiple entries and long-term stay.
retirement visa
Lao Retirement Visa (N-2)
1 year, renewable annually
$150 USD (approx. 562 SAR) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires a local guarantor and health insurance. Allows long-term residence.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in USD or Thai baht at entry points; exact fee may vary slightly. | $30 USD (approx. 112 SAR) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap; overstay can lead to detention and deportation. | $10 USD per day (approx. 37 SAR) |
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
Saudi Arabia passport holders transiting through Laos 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 up to 24h
Transit hubsWattay International Airport (Vientiane) · Luang Prabang International Airport
Health & vaccines for Laos
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
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 street food and untreated water; practice safe eating and drinking.
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
Khun Bu Lom Road, Vientiane
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions; bring passport, 2 photos, and fee.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Immigration Office
Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for tourists in the north; expect slower service.
Practical information for SA 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
The standard fee is $30–$40 USD, depending on your nationality. Pay in US dollars, Thai baht, or Lao kip. Exact change is appreciated but not always required. Credit cards are not accepted.
Yes, you can extend your visa once for up to 30 additional days. Visit the Immigration Department in Vientiane or a provincial immigration office. The cost is around $2 USD per day. Bring your passport, a passport photo, and the fee in cash.
Yes, immigration may ask to see proof of onward travel. A flight, bus, or train ticket out of Laos is fine. A screenshot on your phone works — no need to print.
Yes, most land border crossings offer visa on arrival for Saudi passport holders. Common ones include the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge (Nong Khai–Vientiane) and the border at Huay Xai (from Chiang Rai, Thailand). The process is the same as at airports.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced in Laos.
No, it's not required for entry. But it's strongly recommended — medical evacuation or hospital stays can be very expensive. Some tour operators may require it for certain activities.
Yes, most airports have a photo service at the visa counter for a small fee (around $1–$2 USD). But it saves time to bring your own.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.