Laos visas
Whether you need a visa for Laos, and which one, depends on your nationality and the purpose of your trip. Short visits may be visa-free, on arrival, or through the government eVisa, while working, studying, investing or settling requires a specific visa plus a work and/or stay permit. Immigration and stay permits are handled by the Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Public Security, while visas themselves are issued through the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (including the official Lao eVisa portal).
Laotian visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Laos — tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.4 visas
- Work visasComing to Laos to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.1 visa
- Study visasStudying in Laos — student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in Laos.1 visa
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Laos as a highly skilled individual.1 visa
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Laos long term — residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.2 visas
Laotian visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Laos — key facts
- Visa authority
- Department of Immigration, Ministry of Public Security of Lao PDR (visas issued by the Consular Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- Lao kip (LAK)
- Time zone
- Indochina Time (ICT, UTC+7)
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.