Visitor & short-stay visas
Laotian Visa on Arrival
A tourist visa issued at major Lao international airports and land border crossings on entry, for travellers arriving without a visa arranged in advance.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
The visa-on-arrival fee by nationality and the exact maximum extension length are not confirmed from a current official fee schedule; verify with the Department of Immigration.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Laos government website before you apply.
On this page
- Official name
- Visa on Arrival
- Route type
- Tourist visa issued at the border
- Length of stay
- 30 days
- Extension
- Extendable at an immigration office
- Commonly reported as extendable up to a 90-day total; confirm current limit with immigration
- Cost
- Varies by nationality (a service fee applies)
- Exact fee by nationality not confirmed from a current official schedule
Who it is for
- Travellers of nationalities eligible for visa on arrival
- Visitors arriving at a checkpoint that offers visa-on-arrival service
- Tourists (holders may not take employment in Laos)
Requirements
- Passport valid for at least 6 months with a blank visa page
- Completed and signed visa application form (available at the entry point)
- Passport-style photo(s)
- Payment of the visa fee
What you can do
- Enter for tourism and stay up to 30 days
- Apply to extend the stay at an immigration office
- You may not work on this visa
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
Related Laotian visas
- SHORT STAYTOURISTAPPLY ONLINELao eVisa (Tourist)The official online visa letting eligible travellers apply for a short tourist or short-stay visit before departure, granted ahead of arrival.View visa details
- SHORT STAYVISA-FREESELECT NATIONALSVisa Exemption (Visa-Free Entry)Nationals of certain countries can enter Laos without a visa for a limited stay, mainly for tourism, with no application needed before travelling.View visa details
- SHORT STAYTRANSITTransit VisaA short visa for travellers passing through Laos to a third country, covering the brief stopover before onward departure.View visa details
