Our Laos Visa Guide will teach you everything you need to know about Laos’s visa policy for people from all over the world, including different types of visas, particular requirements, visa sponsorships, visa fees, and more. It is critical to have a scheduled flight ticket in hand before applying for a visa to Laos.
Who needs a visa to visit Laos?
Unless you are from any of the following Countries, you will be required to obtain a visa before entering Laos.
- Brunei (for 14 days)
- Cambodia (for 30 days)
- Indonesia (for 30 days)
- Japan (for 15 days)
- Luxembourg (for 15 days
- Malaysia (for 30 days)
- Mongolia (for 30 days)
- Myanmar (for 14 days)
- Philippines (for 30 days)
- Russia (for 30 days)
- Singapore (for 30 days)
- South Korea (for 30 days)
- Switzerland (for 15 days)
- Thailand (for 30 days)
- Vietnam (for 30 days)
For more information on visas to Laos, you can visit their Embassy page.
Visit Embassy WebsiteEntry into Laos
COVID-19 requirements: Passengers who are fully vaccinated and travelling to Lao PDR are exempt from pre-departure and on-arrival tests. Non-immunized passengers will be required to undergo a COVID-19 antigen test up to 48 hours prior to departure. Visa information (e-visa and visa on arrival) is accessible via the tab Additional Information. All Irish citizens in Lao PDR are urged to register with the Embassy. You must follow the entry requirements when entering the Country.
Eligibility to apply for a Laos visa
The criteria to apply for a Laos visa is straight forward, and designed to help travellers know what documents are required before applying for a visa. Failure to present all relevant documentation could result in your application being denied. The criteria is listed below.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months longer.
The visa application for Laos.
Two recent passport-sized photographs with a white background and dimensions of 4 cm by 6 cm.
Accommodation proof in Laos, such as a hotel reservation, is required.
Processing time for Laos visas
The visa is only valid for one province and processing takes three business days from the day of your application.
Appointment waiting times
Appointment waiting times for a visa can differ depending on where you live. Some applications may take longer than others to process so it is important to remember this before applying. You must also remember to allow yourself enough time to get your visa sorted before you travel.
Who can visit Laos without a visa?
Only the following nationalities are exempt from visa requirements:
- Brunei (for 14 days)
- Cambodia (for 30 days)
- Indonesia (for 30 days)
- Japan (for 15 days)
- Luxembourg (for 15 days
- Malaysia (for 30 days)
- Mongolia (for 30 days)
- Myanmar (for 14 days)
- Philippines (for 30 days)
- Russia (for 30 days)
- Singapore (for 30 days)
- South Korea (for 30 days)
- Switzerland (for 15 days)
- Thailand (for 30 days)
- Vietnam (for 30 days)
- Citizens of the countries listed above who want to stay longer than 14-15 days will have to apply for a Laos visa online or on arrival.
For detailed information on specific parts of the general visa process, you can refer to the links below to find the answer to your query. If you are unable to find any particular information, please contact us via email.
| Covid 19 / Border Control |
| What is a Visa? |
| What kind of visa do I need? |
| Do I need more than one visa? |
| How long is a visa valid for? |
| When do I need my visa? |
| What if my visa is refused? |
Laos visa types
There are five types of visas available in Laos, each one is for a different purpose of visit. You must ensure you have the correct visa before entering Laos. The types of visas available are:
- Diplomatic visa
- Official Visa
- Courtesy Visa
- Tourist Visa
- Short Term Visas
What to do if your Laos visa is refused?
Please follow the instructions outlined in the letter of denial. According to section 203(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, your application may be cancelled if you do not submit the relevant paperwork within one year. You have the right to contest this verdict. The embassy of the Member State that opted to deny the visa distributes a standard form to notify the applicant of the decision to deny a Laos visa and the reasons for the refusal.