Laotian visa resources
Entry Points and eVisa vs Visa on Arrival
Where you can enter Laos and how the eVisa, visa on arrival and visa exemption compare.
Important
The Lao eVisa can only be used at designated entry points: the international airports at Vientiane (Wattay), Luang Prabang and Pakse, several Lao-Thai Friendship Bridges, and designated railway stations. If you plan to enter at a different border, the eVisa may not be valid there and you should use a visa on arrival or a visa obtained in advance.
The eVisa gives a single-entry 30-day stay and must be used within 60 days of the approval letter. A visa on arrival also grants 30 days but is obtained at the checkpoint and can be extended at an immigration office inside Laos. Visa exemption applies only to eligible nationalities for a short stay. Choose the route that matches your nationality, entry point and how long you intend to stay.
At a glance
- eVisa: apply online, single entry, 30 days, designated ports only
- Visa on arrival: obtained at major airports/borders, 30 days, extendable in-country
- Visa exemption: no visa for eligible nationalities, short stay only
Next steps
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.