Laos entry requirements for Slovakia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Slovak passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Laos in 2026. Just have your documents ready at the airport or land border — no need to apply in advance.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang Airport, or major land borders. Pay in cash — $30 USD for a 30-day single entry, $35 USD for 30-day multiple entry. Bring a passport photo (4x6 cm) or pay $1 extra at the photo booth.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date in Laos. Airlines at Vienna or Bratislava check this strictly — they will deny boarding if your passport expires sooner. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Outbound travel proof | Immigration officers at Wattay Airport routinely ask for a flight out of Laos within 30 days. Have a printed or digital onward ticket ready — a cheap bus ticket to Thailand or a refundable flight works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Have your first night's hotel confirmation ready. Immigration rarely asks for it, but the airline check-in agent in Europe might. A booking.com reservation on your phone is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial evidence | Carry at least $500 USD cash or a credit card showing available credit. Immigration almost never checks this for Slovak passport holders, but the airline might ask at check-in. | Recommended |
Bring cash — ATMs are unreliable
ATMs at Lao airports and border crossings often run out of cash or charge high fees. Bring enough USD or Thai baht in crisp, undamaged notes to cover the visa fee and a few days of expenses.
Visa on arrival is for tourism only
This visa is for tourism. If you plan to work, study, or stay longer than 30 days, apply for the appropriate visa at a Lao embassy before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport or border crossing
At Wattay International Airport (Vientiane) or Luang Prabang Airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' before passport control. At land borders like Friendship Bridge, the process is similar.
2
Fill out the visa application form
Pick up a form at the counter. Fill in your details — name, passport number, arrival/departure dates. Keep it simple.
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, passport photo (if required — bring one just in case), and cash. The fee is typically $30–$40 USD for a 30-day tourist visa. Pay in USD or Thai baht.
4
Wait for processing
Processing takes about 10–20 minutes. You'll be called when your passport is ready. Check the visa sticker for correct dates before leaving the counter.
5
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the new visa to the immigration officer. They'll stamp you in. Keep your arrival card if given one — you'll need it when leaving.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Slovakia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 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. €27)
Apply at Lao embassy/consulate abroad. Faster than VoA.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$35 USD (approx. €32)
Good for side trips to Thailand/Vietnam. Must enter Laos within validity.
Long-stay visa (B2)
Max stay1 year, renewable annually
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$150 USD (approx. €137)
Requires sponsor or work permit. For employment or volunteering.
retirement visa
Lao Retirement Visa (B2)
1 year, renewable annually
~$150 USD / year
For those aged 55+ with proof of pension or savings. Requires a local sponsor and health insurance. Allows multiple entries.
work visa
Lao Work Visa (B2)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD / year (plus work permit fees)
For foreign employees with a job offer from a Lao company. Requires work permit and residence registration. Spouse and children can get dependent visas.
investor visa
Lao Investor Visa (B2)
1 year, renewable annually
~$300 USD / year
For those investing at least $50,000 USD in a Lao business. Requires business registration and proof of investment. Can lead to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD, THB, or LAK at entry points. Two passport photos required. | $30 USD (approx. €27) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry)Available at major airports and land borders. Same photo requirement. | $35 USD (approx. €32) |
| Overstay fineNo official cap; pay at immigration before departure. | $10 USD per day (approx. €9) |
| Stay extension (30 days)Apply at Immigration Office in Vientiane or major provinces. Requires passport, photo, and extension form. | $30 USD (approx. €27) |
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
Slovak passport holders transiting through Laos (e.g., at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land border transits, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Laos may enter for up to 30 days without additional visa.
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 (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; risk year-round, especially in urban areas. Use repellent and sleep under nets.
MalariaHigh risk
Present in rural and forested areas, especially in the south. Prophylaxis recommended for those visiting rural regions.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation. Drink bottled water, avoid street food, and practice hand hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in rural areas, especially in the south (Champasak, Attapeu) and forested regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., doxycycline, atovaquone-proguanil) recommended for those visiting these areas.
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, Ban Phonxay, Vientiane
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Main office for extensions and visa issues. Bring passport, 2 photos, and extension fee.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Immigration Office
Sakkaline Road, Ban Pakham, Luang Prabang
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Handles extensions for tourists in the north. Less crowded than Vientiane.
Practical information for SK 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 = 21,893.24 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 for a 30-day tourist visa on arrival is $30–$40 USD. Pay in cash — USD or Thai baht are accepted. Avoid using damaged or old banknotes.
Yes, you can extend your visa once for up to 30 days. Go to the Immigration Department in Vientiane or a provincial immigration office. The cost is around $2 USD per day plus a small processing fee. You'll need your passport, a passport photo, and the extension form.
The same visa on arrival process applies at major land borders like the Friendship Bridge (from Thailand) and border crossings from Cambodia, Vietnam, and China. Have your documents and cash ready.
Not always, but it's smart to bring one. Some border crossings ask for it, and having a spare photo avoids delays. A 4x6 cm photo is standard.
Yes, Luang Prabang International Airport offers visa on arrival for Slovak passport holders. The process is the same as at Wattay Airport in Vientiane.
Overstays are fined $10 USD per day. You pay at immigration when you leave. It's best to extend your visa before it expires to avoid the fine.
No, it's not mandatory for entry. But it's strongly recommended — medical costs in Laos can be high, and insurance covers evacuation if needed.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.