Laos entry requirements for Zimbabwe passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 2026·View sources
Visa required
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
Zimbabwean passport holders need a visa to enter Laos. You can apply for an eVisa online before you travel or get a visa on arrival at most international entry points. Plan ahead to avoid delays — the eVisa is the smoother option in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need a visa to enter Laos. Apply online at the official Laos eVisa portal at least 3 business days before departure. The eVisa costs $50 USD and is valid for single entry up to 30 days.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 6 months beyond stay | Your Zimbabwe passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your departure date from Laos. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Wattay International Airport and land borders routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or bus ticket out of Laos ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed or digital hotel reservation for your entire stay. If staying with friends or family, have their address and phone number written down — officers sometimes ask for this at land borders. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Officers may ask to see you have at least $1,000 USD or equivalent in cash, traveler's cheques, or a bank statement. ATMs are available in Vientiane and Luang Prabang but not everywhere. | Recommended |
eVisa vs visa on arrival — which is better?
The eVisa saves you time at the airport — you skip the application queue and go straight to the eVisa lane. Visa on arrival is fine if you have cash and a photo, but expect a short wait. For a stress-free entry, apply for the eVisa at least 3 days before you fly.
Cash only for visa on arrival
Visa on arrival fees must be paid in cash — usually USD, Thai baht, or Lao kip. ATMs are available after immigration, but not before. Bring $40–$50 USD in crisp bills to avoid issues.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online (recommended)
Go to laoevisa.gov.la, fill in your details, upload a passport photo and passport scan, pay the fee (around $50 USD), and receive your eVisa by email within 3 business days. Print it out and keep it with your passport.
2
Arrive at a Lao entry point
At Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang Airport, or major land borders like Friendship Bridge (Nong Khai–Vientiane), head to the immigration counter. If you have an eVisa, join the eVisa lane. If you're getting a visa on arrival, fill out the application form at the counter.
3
Present documents and pay visa fee
Hand over your passport, completed form (if visa on arrival), passport photo, and fee. Visa on arrival costs around $30–$40 USD (cash only, preferably USD). eVisa holders just show the printed approval and passport.
4
Receive visa and enter
Immigration stamps your passport with a 30-day stay permit. Collect your luggage and proceed through customs. Keep the arrival card they give you — you'll need it when you leave.
Download Laos Entry Checklist
PDF · Zimbabwe Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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. 1,200,000 LAK)
Apply at Lao embassy or obtain on arrival. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$60 USD (approx. 1,800,000 LAK)
Must be obtained from Lao embassy before travel.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 1 year
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. 1,500,000 LAK)
Requires invitation letter from Lao company. Extensions possible for work.
business visa
Business Visa (B-2)
1 year, renewable annually
$50 USD initial + extension fees (~$100 USD/year)
For those employed by a Lao company or investors. Requires work permit and company sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant O-A)
1 year, renewable annually
$100 USD initial + annual renewal fee
For those aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires health insurance and no criminal record. Not widely used but possible.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Zimbabwe passport holders applying at Lao embassy or on arrival. | $40 USD (approx. 1,200,000 LAK) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Available at Lao embassy; not typically issued on arrival. | $60 USD (approx. 1,800,000 LAK) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap; avoid overstay to prevent complications. | $10 USD (approx. 300,000 LAK) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Zimbabwe passport holders transiting through Laos (e.g., at Wattay International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. However, if leaving the airport, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Laos may transit without additional visa.
- Transit passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no checked luggage may stay airside.
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).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially rainy season.
MalariaModerate risk
Present in rural areas, especially in southern provinces. Prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is highest in rural areas, especially in southern provinces (Champasak, Attapeu). Prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
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, Ban Phonxay, Vientiane
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, 2 photos, and 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 northern Laos. Expect processing time of 1–2 days.
Practical information for ZW 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 = 21,945.85 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
Yes, you can get a visa on arrival at most international airports and land borders. You'll need a passport valid for 6+ months, one passport photo, and cash (USD preferred) for the fee — around $30–$40. The process takes 10–15 minutes.
The eVisa fee is approximately $50 USD, payable online by credit or debit card. Processing takes up to 3 business days. You also need to print the approval letter to show at immigration.
Both the eVisa and visa on arrival grant a 30-day stay. You can extend it once at an immigration office in Laos for an additional 30 days (fee around $30–$50 USD).
Yes, immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. A return flight or a ticket to another country works. Keep a screenshot or printed copy handy.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is counted from your date of entry into Laos.
The eVisa is accepted at most major international airports and some land borders (like the Friendship Bridge). Check the official eVisa website for the latest list of approved entry points. For other land borders, use visa on arrival.
No, it's not a legal requirement for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Laos can be high, and insurance covers emergencies, evacuation, and trip cancellations.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.