Laos entry requirements for Ukraine 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
Ukrainian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at all international airports and most land border crossings in Laos. This is the standard way to enter for tourism — no need to apply in advance. As of 2025, the process is straightforward but requires a few specific documents and cash in US dollars.
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 like the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge. Pay in cash (USD or THB) — the fee is $30–$40 USD depending on your nationality. Have two passport-sized photos ready or pay a small surcharge for on-site photo service.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Laos | Your passport must have at least two blank pages for the visa sticker and entry/exit stamps. Immigration officers at Wattay and land borders check the 6-month validity strictly — if you're under 6 months, they'll deny boarding at the airline counter. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Laos immigration asks for proof of onward travel at the visa-on-arrival counter. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight or bus ticket showing you leave Laos within your visa validity (usually 30 days). Airlines flying into Vientiane or Luang Prabang also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration officers rarely ask for it, but the visa-on-arrival form asks for an address in Laos. Have a hotel confirmation or a friend's address ready to write on the form. If you're backpacking without bookings, just write a hostel name you plan to stay at. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Laos doesn't enforce a minimum amount, but carrying $200–$300 USD in cash (or equivalent in THB) covers the visa fee and a few days of expenses. ATMs in Laos charge high fees (up to $5 per withdrawal), so bring enough cash from home. | Recommended |
Cash only — US dollars required
The visa-on-arrival counter only accepts cash in US dollars. ATMs are available after immigration, but you can't use them to pay the visa fee. Bring $40–$50 in small bills to be safe.
Photo booth available at airports
If you forget a passport photo, don't panic. Both Vientiane and Luang Prabang airports have photo services near the visa counter. It costs about $2–$3.
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 passport control. At land borders, the counter is usually right before immigration.
2
Fill out the application form
Pick up a visa application form from the counter. Fill it out in capital letters — name, passport number, date of birth, entry/exit dates, and hotel address. Attach your passport photo.
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, photo, and cash (US dollars). The officer will process it and give you a receipt. Wait nearby — it usually takes 5–15 minutes.
4
Collect your passport with visa sticker
When called, collect your passport. Check the visa sticker: your name, passport number, validity dates, and entry/exit stamps should be correct. If anything's wrong, ask the officer to fix it immediately.
5
Proceed to passport control
Go to the immigration queue. Present your passport with the new visa sticker. The officer will stamp you in. Keep the departure card they give you — you'll need it when leaving.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Ukraine 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$40 USD (approx. $40 USD)
Apply at Lao embassy in Kyiv or neighboring countries.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$60 USD (approx. $60 USD)
Requires justification for multiple entries.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 1 year
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Lao company.
retirement visa
Lao Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant B3)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD / year
For those aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires annual renewal and proof of income.
work visa
Lao Work Visa (Non-Immigrant B2)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD / year
Requires a job offer and work permit from a Lao employer. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Lao Investor Visa (Non-Immigrant B1)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD / year
For those investing at least $50,000 in a Lao business. Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in USD or Thai baht at entry points. | $30 USD (approx. $30 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (multiple entry)Available at some border crossings; confirm in advance. | $35 USD (approx. $35 USD) |
| Stay extension (per 30 days)Extensions are not officially allowed for VoA; overstay fine applies. | $2 USD per day (approx. $2 USD per day) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum cap of $500 USD; pay at immigration before departure. | $10 USD per day (approx. $10 USD per day) |
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
Ukraine passport holders transiting through Laos (e.g., at Wattay International Airport) 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
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Laos may exit and re-enter.
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsiderTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Recommended
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially rainy season.
MalariaModerate risk
Present in rural areas, especially in the south; prophylaxis recommended for remote travel.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is highest in rural areas of southern provinces (Champasak, Attapeu) and along the Mekong River. Prophylaxis recommended for those visiting remote 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
Khounboulom Road, Vientiane
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
For visa extensions and overstay payment; bring passport and photos.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Immigration Office
Ban Pakham, Luang Prabang
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Handles extensions for tourists; expect processing time of 1–2 days.
Practical information for UA 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 tourist visa on arrival costs $30–$40 USD for a 30-day stay. Exact fee depends on your nationality and the border point. Bring small US dollar bills — change may not be available.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave Laos before your visa expires. If you overstay, you'll be fined $10 USD per day (up to a maximum of $100). To stay longer, you'd need to exit and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Most international airports in Laos (Vientiane, Luang Prabang) have a photo booth or a service near the visa counter. It costs a few dollars. At land borders, it's less common — better to bring your own.
Yes, at all international airports and most major land border crossings (e.g., Friendship Bridge from Thailand, Boten from China). Some smaller land crossings may not offer visa on arrival — check in advance. The process is the same everywhere.
Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. A screenshot of your booked flight out of Laos is usually enough. If you don't have one, you might be asked to buy a ticket on the spot or be denied entry.
You'll be fined $10 USD per day of overstay, capped at $100. Pay at the immigration office at the airport or border before departure. Overstaying can also affect future visa applications, so avoid it.
No, the visa on arrival is single-entry. If you leave Laos (even for a day trip), you'll need a new visa on return. For multiple entries, you'd need a different visa type arranged in advance.
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.