Laos Visa on Arrival Airports: Wattay, Luang Prabang & Pakse

Laos offers Visa on Arrival (VOA) at three international airports – Wattay in Vientiane, Luang Prabang International Airport, and Pakse International Airport. Each airport has its own VOA counter, processing procedures, and typical wait times. This guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining your visa at each airport, including required documents, fees, and tips for a smooth arrival.

Where Can You Get a Visa on Arrival in Laos?

Laos issues Visa on Arrival at all three of its international airports as well as at numerous land border crossings. If you prefer flying, you have three airport options depending on your destination within Laos.

For a full comparison of all entry options, see our guide on Laos Visa on Arrival or learn how it compares to the Laos eVisa vs Visa on Arrival.

Wattay International Airport (VTE) – Vientiane

Wattay International Airport is the main gateway to Laos and the busiest airport in the country. Located just 3 km west of Vientiane city center, it handles the majority of international flights arriving in Laos.

Airlines Flying to Wattay

Wattay is served by several regional airlines including Lao Airlines, Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways, Vietnam Airlines, AirAsia, China Southern, Korean Air, and Scoot. Direct flights connect Vientiane with Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Kunming, Guangzhou, Singapore, and Chiang Mai.

VOA Process at Wattay

1. Arrival and deplaning – After exiting the aircraft, follow signs to the immigration area.
2. Locate the VOA counter – The Visa on Arrival window is clearly marked before the immigration booths. Look for the “Visa on Arrival” sign on the left side of the immigration hall.
3. Submit documents – Hand over your passport, completed application form, one passport photo, and the visa fee in cash (USD).
4. Wait for processing – Processing typically takes 10-20 minutes depending on the queue. During peak hours (multiple flights arriving simultaneously), waits can stretch to 30-45 minutes.
5. Collect your passport – Your passport will be returned with the visa sticker affixed.
6. Proceed to immigration – Join the regular immigration queue with your stamped passport.

Tips for Wattay Airport

• Arrive with USD cash – The VOA counter only accepts US dollars. ATMs are available in the arrivals hall but may have long queues. Bring exact change to speed up processing.
• Fill out the form in advance – Download and print the VOA application form before your flight, or grab one from the counter and fill it in while waiting.
• Peak hours – Morning arrivals from Bangkok and evening flights from regional hubs tend to have the longest queues.
• Traveling with children – Each traveler, including children and infants, needs a separate visa application and fee.
• Currency exchange – There is a currency exchange booth near the VOA counter, but rates are not favorable. Exchange your money beforehand if possible.

Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ)

Luang Prabang International Airport serves the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang, a top destination for cultural tourism in Laos. The airport is smaller than Wattay but fully equipped for international arrivals and Visa on Arrival processing.

Airlines Flying to Luang Prabang

Lao Airlines, Bangkok Airways, Vietnam Airlines, and China Eastern operate international routes to Luang Prabang. Direct flights connect with Bangkok, Hanoi, Chiang Mai, Siem Reap, and Kunming. Domestic flights from Vientiane also arrive frequently.

VOA Process at Luang Prabang

The process mirrors Wattay but is generally faster due to lower passenger volume:

1. Walk from the aircraft to the terminal building (Luang Prabang is a small airport – distances are short).
2. Find the VOA counter in the arrivals hall.
3. Submit your passport, application form, photo, and USD payment.
4. Wait 5-15 minutes for processing – queues are typically shorter than Wattay.
5. Collect your passport with the visa and proceed through immigration.

Tips for Luang Prabang

• Fewer crowds – Luang Prabang handles far fewer international flights than Vientiane, so VOA processing is usually quick.
• Limited ATMs – The airport has limited ATM access. Bring sufficient USD cash for the visa fee and initial expenses.
• Morning arrivals – Most international flights arrive in the morning, so the VOA counter is busiest between 9 AM and noon.
• Photo service – If you forget your passport photo, there may be a photo service available at the airport, but it is not guaranteed. Always bring your own.

Pakse International Airport (PKZ)

Pakse International Airport serves southern Laos and the Champasak province, home to the ancient Khmer ruins of Wat Phou. It is the smallest of Laos’s three international airports and offers a streamlined VOA experience.

Airlines Flying to Pakse

Lao Airlines and Vietnam Airlines operate the most routes to Pakse. Direct flights connect with Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, and Siem Reap. Domestic flights from Vientiane are frequent, with a flight time of about one hour.

VOA Process at Pakse

The VOA process at Pakse is straightforward and often the fastest of the three airports:

1. Exit the aircraft and walk to the small terminal building.
2. Approach the VOA counter in the arrivals hall.
3. Submit your documents and visa fee.
4. Processing takes approximately 5-10 minutes due to low passenger volume.
5. Collect your passport and clear immigration.

Tips for Pakse

• Very few international flights – Pakse has limited international routes, so the VOA counter is rarely crowded.
• Bring everything with you – The airport has minimal facilities. No reliable photo service or currency exchange is guaranteed. Prepare all documents and cash before arriving.
• Southern Laos access – Pakse is the gateway to the Bolaven Plateau, 4000 Islands (Si Phan Don), and Wat Phou. Consider this airport if your itinerary focuses on southern Laos.
• Domestic connections – If flying domestically from Vientiane, you will clear immigration and VOA at Vientiane, not Pakse.

VOA Documents Checklist for All Airports

Regardless of which airport you arrive at, you will need the following documents for a Visa on Arrival:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity
• One completed visa application form
• One passport-sized photo (4×6 cm, color, white background)
• Visa fee in USD cash
• Proof of onward travel (recommended but not always checked)

For the full list of documents and detailed requirements, see our Laos eVisa Complete Guide and Laos Tourist Visa pages.

VOA Fees at Airports

The Visa on Arrival fee is the same at all three airports and depends on your nationality.

An additional stamping fee of approximately $1-2 may apply. Fees are payable in US dollars only. For a detailed fee breakdown by nationality, visit our Laos eVisa Fee page.

Should You Get a VOA at the Airport or Apply for an eVisa?

Both options grant a 30-day single-entry tourist visa, but there are key differences.

The eVisa lets you skip the VOA queue entirely and proceed directly to immigration. If you want to avoid potential wait times, consider applying for an eVisa in advance. Read more in our eVisa vs Visa on Arrival comparison.

LDIF Digital Form Requirement

Since 2024, all travelers entering Laos must complete the Laos Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) at least 3 days before arrival. This is separate from the VOA process and must be done online. You will need to show your LDIF confirmation at immigration alongside your visa.

FAQs About Laos Visa on Arrival Airports