The Laos Visa on Arrival costs between $20 and $42 USD depending on your nationality, plus a small stamp fee of around $1. You pay in cash (USD strongly recommended) at the border checkpoint. This guide breaks down every fee by nationality, explains additional costs you should budget for, and compares VOA pricing with the eVisa alternative.
Laos Visa on Arrival Fee by Nationality
The VOA fee is not a flat rate. It varies based on which country issued your passport. The table below shows the current fee structure for the most common nationalities:
| Nationality | VOA Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| United States | $42 |
| United Kingdom | $42 |
| Canada | $42 |
| Australia | $42 |
| New Zealand | $42 |
| Most EU countries | $30 – $35 |
| India | $30 |
| China | $20 |
| Russia | $30 |
| Brazil | $35 |
| Most other eligible countries | $30 – $42 |
Fees are payable exclusively in US Dollars (USD). While some border crossings may accept Thai Baht or Lao Kip, the rate is usually unfavorable. Always bring clean, crisp USD bills – torn or marked notes may be rejected.
For a full breakdown of the VOA application process and eligibility, see our Laos Visa on Arrival guide.
Additional Fees Beyond the Visa Stamp
The sticker fee in the table above is not the only cost. Budget for these extras:
| Fee Type | Amount (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stamp/processing fee | $1 | Sometimes included in the main fee |
| After-hours surcharge | $1 | Applies at some crossings outside office hours |
| Photo fee | $1 – $2 | If you forgot to bring a passport photo |
| Form fee | $0 | Application forms are free at the border |
Total realistic cost: For most travelers, expect to pay $31 – $43 USD in total at the border.
How VOA Fees Compare to the eVisa
The Laos eVisa costs a flat $50 USD for all nationalities. Here is how the two options compare on price alone:
| Factor | Visa on Arrival | eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Government fee | $20 – $42 | $50 |
| Processing fee | $1 | $0 |
| Payment method | Cash (USD) at border | Credit/debit card online |
| Additional bank fees | None | 1 – 3% foreign transaction fee |
| Total cost range | $21 – $43 | $50 – $51.50 |
For US, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens, the VOA saves approximately $8 – $9 compared to the eVisa. Indian citizens save around $20. Chinese citizens save the most at $30.
However, the eVisa guarantees entry through designated ports and lets you skip the VOA queue. For a detailed comparison of both options, visit our eVisa vs Visa on Arrival comparison.
Where You Can Get a Visa on Arrival
VOAs are available at these entry points:
- Wattay International Airport (Vientiane)
- Luang Prabang International Airport
- Pakse International Airport
- Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge I (Vientiane – Nong Khai)
- Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge II (Savannakhet – Mukdahan)
- Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge III (Thakhek – Nakhon Phanom)
- Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge IV (Huay Xai – Chiang Khong)
- Boten border crossing (China – Laos)
- Daensavan crossing (Vietnam – Laos)
- Other land borders including Cambodia crossings
Not all land border crossings offer VOA service. Always verify that your chosen crossing point issues visas before arriving.
What You Need to Pay
To complete your VOA payment at the border, bring:
- USD cash – $50 worth to cover the fee plus extras (smaller bills preferred)
- Passport photo (4×6 cm) – saves the $1 – $2 photo fee at the counter
- Completed application form – available free at the border window
Credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments are not accepted for VOA payments. ATMs are available at airports after immigration but cannot be used to pay the visa fee itself.
Check our complete visa requirements checklist to make sure you have everything before you travel.
Saving Money on Your Laos Visa
A few strategies to minimize your visa costs:
- Bring USD from home – Airport exchange counters at Lao borders offer poor rates
- Carry a passport photo – Avoids the $1 – $2 on-site photo fee
- Use clean, new bills – Torn, stained, or heavily creased USD notes may be rejected
- Apply for the eVisa if you value convenience – While it costs $8 – $30 more, it saves time at the border
- Travel from Thailand – Friendship Bridge crossings are well-organized and handle VOA efficiently
Visa Extension Costs
Your VOA grants a 30-day stay. If you need more time, you can extend your visa at the immigration office in Vientiane:
| Extension | Fee (USD) | Maximum Stay |
|---|---|---|
| First extension (30 days) | ~$2 per day + $5 processing | 60 days total |
| Second extension (30 days) | ~$2 per day + $5 processing | 90 days total |
Extension fees are paid in Lao Kip at the immigration office. The exact amount may vary slightly. For more on staying longer, see our Laos Tourist Visa guide.
FAQs About Laos Visa on Arrival Cost
How much does a Laos visa on arrival cost for US citizens?
US citizens pay $42 USD for a Laos Visa on Arrival, plus a $1 stamp fee. The total is approximately $43 USD.
Can I pay the VOA fee with a credit card?
No. VOA fees must be paid in cash. USD is strongly preferred. Thai Baht may be accepted at some border crossings but at an unfavorable exchange rate.
Is the VOA cheaper than the eVisa?
Yes, for most nationalities the VOA is cheaper. US citizens save about $8, while Indian citizens save around $20 and Chinese citizens save $30 compared to the $50 eVisa fee.
Do I need exact change for the VOA fee?
Exact change is preferred but not always required. Border officials can make change in Lao Kip. Bringing a $50 bill is practical since it covers the fee with some left over for the stamp charge.
What currency should I bring for the Laos VOA?
US Dollars are the best currency to bring. Bills should be clean and undamaged. Avoid torn, heavily creased, or pre-2006 series notes, as they may be refused.
Are there any hidden fees with the Laos Visa on Arrival?
There are no hidden fees, but you should budget for the $1 stamp/processing fee, a potential $1 after-hours surcharge, and $1 – $2 if you need a photo taken at the border.
Can I get a refund if my VOA is denied?
VOA denials are extremely rare for eligible nationalities with proper documentation. However, since you pay at the border only after approval, there is no advance payment to refund.
Is the VOA fee the same at airports and land borders?
Yes, the VOA fee is the same regardless of whether you enter by air or land. However, not all land border crossings offer VOA service.
