Laos entry requirements for Turkey passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Turkish passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Laos at major airports and land borders. As of 2026, you need a passport valid for 6 months, a passport photo, and cash for the fee.
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 Pakse Airport. Bring a passport-sized photo and pay the fee in US dollars (around $30–$40 for a 30-day single entry). The queue moves fast if you have the exact change and a completed application form — grab one on the plane or at the counter.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must have at least 6 months validity beyond your intended departure date | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Laos. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. Two blank pages are also required for the visa sticker and entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Lao airports routinely ask for proof of a flight out of Laos within 30 days. A printed itinerary or a digital booking confirmation works. If you are overlanding to Thailand or Vietnam, a bus ticket or a reservation showing your exit plan is accepted. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed or digital hotel confirmation for at least the first few nights. If you are staying with a friend, a letter of invitation with their address and phone number is fine. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids a 10-minute delay at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least $200–$300 in cash (US dollars are easiest to exchange) or have a recent bank statement showing you can support yourself. Immigration almost never checks this for Turkish passport holders, but the law allows them to ask. ATMs are plentiful in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. | Recommended |
Cash is king at visa on arrival
The visa on arrival counter only accepts cash — no credit cards. Bring US dollars in good condition (no tears or marks) for the smoothest transaction. ATMs are available after immigration, but not before.
Passport photo tip
If you forget a passport photo, some airports have photo booths near the visa counter. They cost about US $2-3 and take a few minutes. But bringing your own saves time.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the Visa on Arrival Counter
After landing at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane) or Luang Prabang International Airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' before the immigration counters. Fill out the application form (available at the counter).
2
Submit Documents and Pay Fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, passport photo, and visa fee in cash. The officer will process your visa and return your passport with the visa sticker.
3
Proceed to Immigration
Take your passport with the visa sticker to the immigration counter. The officer will stamp you in. Keep the departure card they give you — you'll need it when leaving.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Turkey Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay60 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$35 USD ($35 USD)
Apply at Lao embassy abroad; allows longer stay than VoA.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay60 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD ($50 USD)
Good for multiple trips within validity.
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 local address.
work visa
Lao Work Visa (B1)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD / year
Requires a job offer from a Lao employer and work permit. Allows long-term stay.
investor visa
Lao Investor Visa (B3)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD / year
For those investing at least $50,000 in a Lao business. Includes multiple entry.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (USD, THB, or LAK) at major entry points. | $30 USD ($30 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 60 days)Available at some border crossings; check in advance. | $35 USD ($35 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD. Pay at immigration before departure. | $10 USD ($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
Turkey holders transiting through Laos airports (e.g., Vientiane, Luang Prabang) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsWattay International Airport (Vientiane) · Luang Prabang International Airport
Health & vaccines for Laos
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially rainy season.
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in rural areas, especially near borders; prophylaxis recommended for some regions.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in rural areas, especially in southern provinces and along the Mekong. Prophylaxis recommended for those visiting rural 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
Samsenthai Road, Vientiane
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
For visa extensions and overstay payment. Bring passport, 2 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 the north.
Practical information for TR 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
The standard fee is US $30 for a 30-day single-entry visa. You can pay in US dollars, Thai baht, or Lao kip. Paying in US dollars with exact change is the smoothest option.
Yes, you can extend your visa once for up to 30 additional days. The extension costs about US $2 per day and is processed at the Immigration Office in Vientiane or at provincial immigration offices. You'll need your passport, a passport photo, and the fee in cash.
Overstay is fined at US $10 per day. You pay at the immigration office before departure. It's best to avoid overstaying — it can cause issues with future travel.
Yes, at most international border crossings, including the Friendship Bridge from Thailand (Nong Khai to Vientiane) and the border from Cambodia (Trapeang Kriel). The process is similar to airports, but have cash ready.
Yes, immigration may ask for proof of an onward or return flight. A screenshot on your phone is usually accepted. If you don't have one, you might be asked to buy a ticket at the airport.
No, it's not mandatory for entry. But it's strongly recommended — medical care in Laos can be expensive, and insurance covers evacuation or hospital stays.
Yes, Laos offers an e-visa for Turkish citizens. It costs about US $50 and takes 3-5 business days to process. You apply online and get an approval letter to show at immigration. The e-visa is valid for 30 days and is single-entry.
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.