Laos offers a convenient Visa on Arrival (VOA) system for travelers from over 130 countries. This guide covers everything you need to know – requirements, fees, application process, and tips to ensure a smooth entry into the Land of a Million Elephants.
What Is the Laos Visa on Arrival?
The Laos Visa on Arrival is a travel permit issued directly at designated international border checkpoints – including airports and land crossings. Unlike the eVisa, which must be obtained before travel, the VOA allows eligible travelers to complete the process upon arrival in Laos.
The visa is available at:
- Wattay International Airport (Vientiane)
- Luang Prabang International Airport
- Pakse International Airport
- Savannakhet International Airport
- Major land border crossings (Friendship Bridge, Huay Xai, Thakhek, and others)
Who Is Eligible for Visa on Arrival?
Citizens of more than 130 countries can obtain a Laos VOA. Eligible nationalities include:
- Europe: France, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, and most EU member states
- Americas: United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico
- Asia-Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, India, China
- Others: Russia, South Africa, Turkey, UAE
Can citizens of all countries get a Visa on Arrival?
No. Citizens of certain countries, including some African and Middle Eastern nations, are not eligible for VOA and must apply at a Lao embassy or consulate before traveling. Always check the latest eligibility list before departure.
Laos Visa on Arrival: Requirements
To obtain a VOA, you need the following documents:
- Valid passport – at least 6 months remaining validity from your date of entry
- Passport-sized photo – one recent photo (4×6 cm). Bring extras as backup
- Completed application form – available at the border checkpoint (or download in advance)
- Visa fee – payable in cash (USD strongly preferred)
- Return or onward travel ticket – may be requested by immigration officers
What if I don’t have a passport photo?
Many border checkpoints have photo booths or offer photo services for a small additional fee (usually $1-$2). However, bringing your own photo saves time and avoids queues.
Visa on Arrival Fees
The VOA fee depends on your nationality:
| Nationality | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Most countries | $30-$42 |
| United States citizens | $42 |
| Chinese citizens | $20 |
| Indian citizens | $30 |
| Australian citizens | $30-$42 |
| EU citizens | $30-$35 |
Additional fees:
- Stamp/processing fee: approximately $1 (sometimes included)
- After-hours surcharge: $1 extra for arrivals outside normal office hours
Can I pay the Visa on Arrival fee in local currency or by card?
Cash in US dollars is strongly recommended. Some checkpoints accept Thai baht or Lao kip, but the exchange rate is often unfavorable. Credit cards and debit cards are generally not accepted at VOA counters.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow these steps to obtain your Laos Visa on Arrival:
Step 1: Fill Out the Application Form
At the border, collect a VOA application form from the designated window. You will need to provide:
- Full name (as in passport)
- Date of birth
- Passport number and expiry date
- Nationality
- Purpose of visit
- Accommodation address in Laos
- Duration of stay
Step 2: Submit Documents and Payment
Hand your completed form, passport, photo, and visa fee to the immigration officer. The fee must be paid in cash.
Step 3: Wait for Processing
Processing typically takes 15-30 minutes, though it can take longer during peak travel periods (holidays, weekends). Sit in the waiting area until your name is called.
Step 4: Collect Your Passport
Once processed, your passport will be returned with the VOA stamp. Verify that all details are correct before leaving the counter.
Duration and Validity
- Single-entry visa: valid for 30 days from the date of entry
- Extendable: up to 60 additional days at the immigration office in Vientiane or provincial offices
- Multiple-entry: not available for VOA; apply at a Lao embassy for multiple-entry options
Can I extend my Visa on Arrival while in Laos?
Yes. Visit the Immigration Department in Vientiane (or provincial immigration offices) to apply for an extension. Extensions are granted in 15-day or 30-day increments for a fee of approximately $2-$3 per day of extension.
Tips for a Smooth Arrival
- Bring exact USD cash – smaller bills ($20s and $10s) are easier for officials to process
- Carry extra passport photos – at least 2 to avoid delays
- Print your accommodation booking – some officers ask for proof of where you’re staying
- Arrive during office hours – VOA is available 24/7 at airports, but some land crossings operate limited hours (8:00 AM-4:00 PM)
- Be patient – queues can be long during peak season (November-February)
Is the Laos Visa on Arrival available 24 hours at airports?
Yes, VOA counters at international airports operate during all flight arrivals. However, at land border crossings, hours are typically limited to 8:00 AM-4:00 PM local time.
Laos Visa on Arrival vs. eVisa
| Feature | Visa on Arrival | eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Application | At border | Online (before travel) |
| Processing time | 15-30 min | 3 business days |
| Cost | $30-$42 | ~$50 |
| Entry points | Airports + land crossings | Select airports + 2 land crossings |
| Validity | 30 days | 30 days |
| Extension | Yes | Yes |
Should I get a Visa on Arrival or an eVisa?
If you’re entering through a major airport or the Friendship Bridge, both options work. The eVisa is more convenient as you skip the VOA queue, but it costs slightly more and has fewer eligible entry points. For land crossings not on the eVisa list, the VOA is your only option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Expired passport – ensure at least 6 months validity remaining
- Wrong photo size – must be 4×6 cm, passport-style
- Insufficient cash – ATMs are not always available past immigration
- Missing accommodation details – prepare your hotel name and address
- Overstaying – overstaying incurs a fine of $10 per day and can lead to detention or deportation
Entry Points Offering Visa on Arrival
Airports:
- Wattay International Airport (Vientiane)
- Luang Prabang International Airport
- Pakse International Airport
- Savannakhet International Airport
Land crossings:
- Friendship Bridge I (Nong Khai – Vientiane)
- Friendship Bridge II (Mukdahan – Savannakhet)
- Friendship Bridge III (Nakhon Phanom – Thakhek)
- Huay Xai (Chiang Khong border)
- Boten (China – Laos border)
- Lao Bao (Vietnam – Laos border)
Can I get a Visa on Arrival at any land border crossing?
Not all land crossings offer VOA. Some smaller checkpoints only process entry for citizens of neighboring countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Myanmar). Always verify that your specific crossing offers VOA before traveling.
