Laos entry requirements for Sweden passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 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
Swedish passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Laos, which is the simplest option for most travellers. You'll need a passport valid for at least 6 months and one blank page. The visa is issued at major entry points, including Wattay International Airport in Vientiane.
Apply for Laos eVisaOfficial portal: Laos eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou'll get the visa when you land, but you must meet all entry conditions. Available at major entry points | Swedish passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in Laos. The visa is valid for 30 days and is not extendable. Have the visa fee in cash (USD or LAK) and a passport-sized photo ready. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date well before you travel. At least 6 months from entry | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Laos. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe visa stamp needs a clean page to be placed on. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the visa stamp upon arrival. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketThis shows you plan to leave Laos before your visa expires. Proof of onward travel | Immigration may ask to see proof of a return or onward flight out of Laos. Have a printed or digital copy of your itinerary. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always checked, but good to have in case. Sufficient for your stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in Laos. A recent bank statement or credit card usually suffices. | Recommended |
| Visa fee in cashCarry exact or small bills to speed up the process. USD or LAK | Have the visa-on-arrival fee in cash (typically around $30–$40 USD or equivalent in LAK). ATMs may not be available before immigration. | Required |
| Passport-sized photoSome counters have photo services, but it's faster to have your own. For visa application | Bring at least one recent passport-sized photo (4x6 cm) for the visa-on-arrival application form. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival forms. Not required | Laos does not require a separate arrival declaration form for Swedish citizens. | Not required |
E-visa option
If you want to avoid the visa-on-arrival queue, you can apply for an e-visa in advance at https://laoevisa.gov.la/. It's valid for 30 days and costs around $50. Just make sure you enter through a checkpoint that accepts e-visas — the website lists them.
Visa not extendable
The visa on arrival cannot be extended. If you overstay, you'll be fined $10 per day at immigration when you leave. Plan your trip to stay within 30 days, or exit and re-enter if you need more time.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the entry point
At Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, Luang Prabang International Airport, or land border crossings, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' after you land. You'll see a counter before immigration.
2
Get and fill the application form
Pick up the visa application form at the counter, fill it out with your details, and attach your passport photo if you have one. Keep your passport and any supporting documents ready.
3
Submit and pay
Hand your form, passport, and photo to the officer. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD is easiest). They'll process it, usually within 10–15 minutes, then stamp your passport and let you through.
4
Proceed to immigration
After getting your visa, go to the immigration desk for passport control. They'll check your passport and stamp you in. Then you're free to collect your bags and enter Laos.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Sweden Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (B2)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40
Requires invitation letter from Lao company; can be extended for up to 12 months.
Multiple-entry tourist visa (METV)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity3 months
Cost$60
Available at Lao embassies; allows multiple entries.
Long-term visa (B2/B3)
Max stayUp to 12 months
Validity1 year
Cost$150
For employment or investment; requires work permit and company sponsorship.
retirement visa
Lao Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant B3)
1 year, renewable annually
~$150 USD per year (including visa fee and extension)
For foreigners aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $1,000/month). Allows long-term stay without work. Requires annual renewal at immigration.
work visa
Lao Work Visa (Non-Immigrant B2)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD per year (including work permit and visa)
For those employed by a Lao company or NGO. Requires a work permit and sponsorship. Allows multiple entries and long-term residence.
student visa
Lao Student Visa (Non-Immigrant B1)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD per year
For enrolled students at accredited Lao institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (tourist, 30 days)Payable in USD, THB, or LAK at major entry points; passport photo required. | $35 |
| Visa on arrival (tourist, 30 days) – expeditedOptional fast-track service at some airports. | $45 |
| Visa extension (30 days)Available at Immigration Office in Vientiane; apply before current visa expires. | $30 |
| Overstay finePaid at immigration when departing; maximum fine capped at $100. | $10 per day |
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
Swedish citizens transiting through Laos (e.g., at Wattay International Airport) do not need a visa if staying airside and departing within 24 hours. If leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you have a connecting flight within 24 hours and do not pass immigration, no visa is needed.
- If you need to enter Laos (e.g., to change airports or overnight outside the transit area), you must obtain a visa on arrival.
Transit hubsWattay International Airport (VTE) · Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ) · Pakse International Airport (PKZ)
Health & vaccines for Laos
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season (May–October).
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in rural and forested areas, especially in southern provinces. Prophylaxis recommended for high-risk areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water. Stick to bottled water and well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is highest in rural and forested areas, especially in southern provinces (Champasak, Attapeu). Prophylaxis (e.g., doxycycline or atovaquone-proguanil) recommended for those visiting these 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 (Head Office)
Km 3, Thadeua Road, Ban Phonthan, Vientiane
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, 1 photo, and fee in cash (USD or LAK).
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Immigration Office
Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang (near the night market)
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Handles extensions for tourists. Often less crowded than Vientiane.
Practical information for SE 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 = 22,376.9 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 visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. It's a single-entry visa, so if you leave Laos and come back, you'll need a new visa.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-enter, or check with the Lao immigration department for other options before your visa expires.
You can still get the visa — they may take a photo at the counter for a small fee (around $1–$2). But it's faster to bring your own.
No, it's only available at designated international checkpoints. Major airports like Wattay (Vientiane) and Luang Prabang have it, as do most land border crossings with Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Check ahead if you're crossing by land.
Yes, Laos offers an e-visa at https://laoevisa.gov.la/. It's a good option if you want to skip the queue at the airport. The e-visa is valid for 30 days and must be used within 60 days of issue. Note that it's only accepted at certain entry points, so check the website for the list.
USD is the most commonly accepted currency at the visa-on-arrival counter. Some places also accept Thai baht or Lao kip, but the exchange rate may not be as good. Bring USD in small denominations to make payment easier.
In practice, it's rarely asked for at the visa-on-arrival counter, but immigration officers can request it. Having a printed or digital copy of your next flight or bus ticket is a good safety net.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.