Laos entry requirements for Vietnam passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
No visa required
30 days
Max stay
30 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Vietnamese passport holders can enter Laos without a visa for stays up to 30 days. This applies to tourism and short business visits. As of 2026, the policy is unchanged — just show up at any land border or international airport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your full stay | At least 6 months validity beyond your entry date. Minimum 1 blank page for the entry stamp. Airlines may deny boarding if validity is too close. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Officers check this regularly | A confirmed flight out of the country. Immigration may ask to see this — have a screenshot ready on your phone. An onward ticket from a neighbouring country also works. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel name or address | A hotel booking confirmation, or the address of where you are staying. The arrival form often asks for this. A Booking.com or Airbnb confirmation email is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Rarely checked | Immigration officers may ask you to demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay. A credit card or bank statement usually suffices. | Recommended |
Overstay fines add up fast
If you overstay even by one day, you'll be fined approximately 10 USD per day at immigration when you leave. Overstays of more than 30 days can result in a ban from re-entering Laos for up to a year. Set a calendar reminder to leave on time.
No visa needed — but keep your documents handy
While there's no visa application, immigration officers still have discretion. Always carry a printed or digital copy of your return ticket and first night's accommodation. It's rare to be asked, but if you can't produce them, you could be delayed or denied entry.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the border or airport
At Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang Airport, or any land border crossing (e.g., Friendship Bridge, Boten), proceed to the immigration counter. There's no separate visa-on-arrival queue for Vietnamese passport holders — you go straight to the 'Visa Exempt' or 'Foreign Passports' lane.
2
Present your passport and ticket
Hand over your passport (valid 6+ months) and your return/onward ticket. The officer may ask your purpose of visit — say 'tourism' or 'business'. They rarely ask for accommodation proof, but have it ready.
3
Get stamped in
The officer stamps your passport with a 30-day visa-free entry. No fee. No forms to fill. The whole process takes 2–5 minutes. Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when leaving.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel (if flying) and walk through customs. There's usually no baggage check unless you're carrying something suspicious.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
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
Cost30 USD (approx. 30 USD)
Apply at Lao embassy or visa on arrival; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost35 USD (approx. 35 USD)
Good for border runners; extension possible per entry.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 1 year
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost40 USD (approx. 40 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Lao company; allows work permit application.
retirement visa
Lao Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant B3)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD / year + processing fee
For those aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires annual renewal and no local employment. Allows long-term stay with multiple entries.
work visa
Lao Work Visa (Non-Immigrant B2)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD / year + work permit fee
For foreign employees with a Lao employer. Requires work permit and company sponsorship. Allows legal employment and residence.
investor visa
Lao Investor Visa (Non-Immigrant B1)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD / year + investment proof
For investors with minimum $50,000 USD in a Lao business. Requires business registration and annual reporting. Allows long-term stay and business activities.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayPaid at immigration upon departure; no official cap but may be negotiable. | 10 USD per day (approx. 10 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays beyond 30 days; available at Lao embassies or on arrival. | 30 USD (approx. 30 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries; validity typically 30 days per entry. | 35 USD (approx. 35 USD) |
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
Vietnam passport holders transiting through Laos airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. However, if leaving the airport or changing terminals, a visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Laos or a third country may transit without visa for up to 24 hours.
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; common in urban and rural areas, especially rainy season.
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in rural forested areas; 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 in rural areas, especially in southern provinces and along borders. Prophylaxis recommended for travellers 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
Sisattanak District, Vientiane Capital
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions; bring passport, 2 photos, and fee.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Immigration Office
Ban Thongchaleun, Luang Prabang
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for tourists; expect 1–2 days processing.
Practical information for VN 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
No. The visa-free entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave Laos (a 'visa run' to Thailand or Vietnam) and re-enter, or apply for a visa in advance at a Lao embassy. Overstaying costs about $10 per day and can lead to fines or a ban.
Yes. All international land borders (e.g., Friendship Bridge in Nong Khai, Boten from China, or the border from Vietnam at Lao Bao) apply the same 30-day visa-free rule for Vietnamese passport holders. No extra paperwork.
No. Laos does not require an arrival declaration or online form for Vietnamese citizens. Just show your passport and ticket at immigration.
No. The visa-free entry is strictly for tourism, transit, or short business visits (meetings, conferences). If you plan to work, study, or volunteer, you need a proper visa from a Lao embassy before you travel.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. No exceptions. Renew your passport before you travel.
No. It's completely free. You don't pay anything at immigration. If someone asks for money, it's likely a scam — politely refuse and ask to speak to a supervisor.
Yes. The visa-free entry is per visit. You can leave and re-enter as many times as you like, as long as each stay is 30 days or less. There's no cooldown period.
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.