Laos entry requirements for United States passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
US passport holders can get a visa on arrival at all major entry points in Laos. The process is straightforward — just bring cash and a passport photo. As of 2026, the standard tourist visa on arrival costs $30–$40 and allows a 30-day stay.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang International Airport, or major land border crossings. Pay in cash — US dollars ($35–$45 depending on nationality) or Thai baht. Bring two passport-sized photos; if you don't have them, they'll charge an extra $1–$2 at the counter.Check visa fees | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport | Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you won't board. Blank pages aren't strictly required, but at least one full page for the visa sticker helps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a flight out of Laos within 30 days. If you're overlanding to Vietnam or Cambodia, show a bus ticket or a printed itinerary. Without one, they may deny entry or force you to buy a ticket at the airport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter from a host in Laos. Immigration rarely asks, but if you arrive without any address, they'll hold you at the counter while you pull up a booking on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least $200–$300 in cash (USD or THB) or have a bank statement showing you can support yourself. Immigration almost never checks, but the law says you need the equivalent of $1,000 per person — don't test it. | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards accepted
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or LAK). Credit cards are not accepted. Bring crisp, undamaged US bills — older or torn notes may be refused. ATMs are available after immigration, but not before.
Bring your own passport photo
While photo booths are available at major airports and border crossings, they may be out of order or charge a small fee. Having your own photo saves time and hassle.
What happens at the border
1
Fill out the arrival card and visa application form
You'll get both forms on the plane or at the visa-on-arrival counter. Fill them out in capital letters. The arrival card asks for your flight number, passport details, and accommodation address.
2
Go to the Visa on Arrival counter
At Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang Airport, or any land border crossing, head to the Visa on Arrival counter before passport control. Hand over your passport, the completed forms, one passport photo, and the fee.
3
Wait for processing
Processing takes 5–15 minutes depending on the queue. You'll get a receipt and your passport with the visa sticker inside.
4
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the new visa to the immigration officer. They'll stamp you in. Keep the departure card stub — you'll need it when you leave.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (or 1,500 THB)
Apply at Lao embassy/consulate abroad. Same as VOA but pre-arranged.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days per entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$60 USD (or 2,000 THB)
Allows multiple entries within validity. Useful for side trips to Thailand/Vietnam.
Business visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (or 1,800 THB)
Requires invitation letter from Lao company. Can be extended for longer stays.
retirement visa
Lao Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant B3)
1 year, renewable annually
~$150 USD / year (plus agent fees ~$100)
For foreigners aged 55+ with proof of pension or income of at least $1,500/month. Requires a Lao sponsor or agent. Allows multiple entries and long-term stay.
work visa
Lao Work Visa (Non-Immigrant B1/B2)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD / year (plus work permit fees)
For foreigners employed by a Lao company or NGO. Requires a work permit and business visa. Allows long-term residence and multiple entries.
investor visa
Lao Investor Visa (Non-Immigrant B4)
1 year, renewable annually
~$300 USD / year (plus investment proof)
For foreigners investing at least $50,000 in a Lao business. Requires business registration and investment certificate. Allows long-term stay and work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD, THB, or LAK at entry points. Exact change preferred. | $40 USD (or 1,500 THB / 350,000 LAK) |
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 15 days)Shorter stay option, less common for US passport holders. | $30 USD (or 1,000 THB / 250,000 LAK) |
| Stay extension (per 30 days)Apply at immigration office before visa expires. Max extension 30 days per application. | $2 USD per day (approx. 50,000 LAK/day) |
| Overstay fineNo official cap, but fines are negotiable at border. Avoid overstay. | $10 USD per day (approx. 50,000 LAK/day) |
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
US 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. However, if you need to enter Laos (e.g., to change airports or overnight), a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit without visa is allowed for up to 24 hours if staying in the international transit area.
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 disease common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season (May–October).
MalariaModerate risk
Present in rural and forested areas, especially in southern provinces. Prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid are common. Drink bottled or boiled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is highest in rural areas, especially in the south (Champasak, Attapeu) and along the Mekong River. Prophylaxis (e.g., doxycycline, atovaquone-proguanil) recommended for rural travel. No risk in Vientiane and major cities.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Vientiane
Department of Immigration, Ministry of Public Security
Khounboulom 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 in cash (LAK or USD).
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Immigration Office
Sisavangvong Road, Ban Pakham, Luang Prabang
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Handles extensions for tourists in Luang Prabang. Less crowded than Vientiane.
Practical information for US 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 = 21,926.16 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 (or equivalent in Lao Kip). The exact amount depends on the entry point and current exchange rates. At Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, it's typically $35. Bring exact change in crisp US dollars — bills older than 2009 or with tears may be refused.
Yes, you can extend your tourist visa once for an additional 30 days. Go to the Immigration Office in Vientiane (or your local immigration office in other provinces). The cost is about $2 per day of extension, plus a small processing fee. Bring your passport and two passport photos. The process takes 1–3 business days.
Yes, the visa-on-arrival process is the same at all international land border crossings, including the Friendship Bridge from Thailand (Nong Khai–Vientiane), the border from Cambodia (Trapeang Kriel–Veun Kham), and from Vietnam (Lao Bao–Dansavan). Have cash and a photo ready. Some smaller crossings may not have a photo booth, so bring your own photo.
If you're transiting through a Lao airport and not leaving the international transit area, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport or stay overnight, you'll need a visa on arrival. Most transits through Laos are short — just confirm with your airline.
Yes, you can apply for a visa at a Lao embassy or consulate before you travel. This is useful if you want to avoid queues or if you're entering through a less common border crossing. The cost is similar to visa on arrival. Processing takes 3–5 business days. Check the nearest Lao embassy for current fees.
Overstaying costs $10 USD per day, payable in cash when you leave the country. You'll pay at immigration before departure. Overstays of more than 90 days may result in a fine and a ban. It's better to extend your visa on time if you need more days.
As of 2026, Laos does not offer an e-visa for US citizens. The only options are visa on arrival or a visa from a Lao embassy. The visa on arrival is the most convenient for most travellers.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.