Laos offers visa on arrival at multiple land border crossings with Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, and Myanmar. This guide covers every land border checkpoint where you can obtain a visa on arrival, the documents you need, fees, and practical tips for a smooth border crossing.
What Is a Laos Visa on Arrival at Land Borders?
A visa on arrival at a Laos land border is a permit issued directly at the immigration checkpoint when you enter Laos overland. Unlike the eVisa, which must be applied for online before travel, the visa on arrival is obtained in person at the border gate. It is available to citizens of most countries and allows you to enter Laos without visiting an embassy or applying online in advance.
The visa on arrival at land borders follows the same general rules as the airport visa on arrival, but there are important practical differences. Land border crossings can be less predictable than airports – some crossings are busier, some have limited operating hours, and the queue times vary significantly depending on the crossing and the time of day.
Land Border Crossings That Issue Visa on Arrival
Laos shares borders with five countries, and visa on arrival is available at most major international border crossings. The table below lists all land border checkpoints where you can obtain a visa on arrival.
| Border Crossing | Neighboring Country | Lao Province | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friendship Bridge 1 (Nong Khai-Vientiane) | Thailand | Vientiane | Open – Most popular |
| Friendship Bridge 2 (Mukdahan-Savannakhet) | Thailand | Savannakhet | Open |
| Friendship Bridge 3 (Nakhon Phanom-Thakhek) | Thailand | Khammouane | Open |
| Friendship Bridge 4 (Chiang Khong-Huay Xai) | Thailand | Bokeo | Open |
| Chong Mek-Vang Tao | Thailand | Champasak | Open |
| Lao Bao-Dansavanh | Vietnam | Savannakhet | Open |
| Nam Phao-Cau Treo | Vietnam | Bolikhamxai | Open |
| Tay Trang-Sop Hun | Vietnam | Phongsali | Open |
| Na Meo-Nam Xoi | Vietnam | Houaphanh | Open |
| Veunkham-Nong Nok Khiene | Cambodia | Champasak | Open |
| Boten-Mohan | China | Luang Namtha | Open |
| Xieng Kok | Myanmar | Bokeo | Limited |
| Nam Heuang | China (via Luang Prabang) | Luang Prabang | Limited |
The four Friendship Bridges connecting Laos and Thailand are by far the most commonly used land border crossings. Friendship Bridge 1, between Nong Khai (Thailand) and Vientiane (Laos), is the busiest and most convenient crossing, with frequent bus services on both sides.
Who Can Get a Visa on Arrival at Land Borders?
Citizens of approximately 40 countries are eligible for a Laos visa on arrival at land border crossings. This includes nationals of most European countries, the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, and several ASEAN nations.
However, not all nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at every crossing. Some border gates have restrictions based on nationality. Citizens of certain countries – including some African and South Asian nations – may not be eligible for visa on arrival and must obtain a visa from a Lao embassy before traveling.
Countries Eligible for Visa on Arrival at Land Borders
Eligible nationalities include citizens of: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, and Vietnam.
If your nationality is not listed, you should contact the nearest Lao embassy or consulate to confirm your eligibility before traveling to a land border crossing.
Documents Required for Visa on Arrival at Land Borders
You must have the following documents ready when you arrive at a Laos land border checkpoint:
- Valid passport – Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry
- Passport-size photos – Two recent color photos (4 x 6 cm, white background)
- Completed visa application form – Available at the border (arrive early to fill it out)
- Visa fee in cash – US dollars are strongly preferred; Thai baht accepted at Thai border crossings
Some border crossings also require:
- Onward travel proof – A return ticket or travel itinerary showing you plan to leave Laos
- Hotel booking confirmation – Particularly at less-frequented crossings
Important: If you arrive without passport photos, some border crossings have photo booths or photocopy services nearby, but these are not guaranteed at all checkpoints. Bring your photos from home to avoid delays.
Visa on Arrival Fees at Land Border Crossings
The visa on arrival fee varies depending on your nationality. The table below shows the standard fees at most land border crossings.
| Nationality | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| United States | $42 |
| United Kingdom | $42 |
| Canada | $42 |
| Australia | $42 |
| India | $42 |
| China | $20 |
| France | $30 |
| Germany | $30 |
| Japan | $30 |
| South Korea | $30 |
| Thailand | Free (ASEAN) |
| Vietnam | Free (ASEAN) |
| Cambodia | Free (ASEAN) |
A small processing fee of approximately $1-2 may be charged at some crossings. At Thai-Lao border crossings, you can pay in Thai baht if you do not have US dollars, but the exchange rate used at the border is typically unfavorable. It is best to pay in US dollars.
Tip: Bring exact change in US dollars. Border officials may not have change for large bills, and they may refuse to accept torn or marked notes.
Step-by-Step Process at a Land Border Crossing
Crossing a Laos land border and obtaining a visa on arrival follows a standard procedure:
Step 1 – Arrive at the border checkpoint. If coming from Thailand, you will first need to get an exit stamp from Thai immigration on the Thai side of the border. Walk across the bridge or border gate to the Lao side.
Step 2 – Get a visa application form. Pick up the form at the immigration window. Fill it out completely with your personal details, passport information, and intended length of stay.
Step 3 – Submit documents and pay the fee. Hand your completed form, passport, photos, and visa fee to the immigration officer at the visa on arrival window.
Step 4 – Wait for processing. Processing typically takes 15-30 minutes, but can take longer during peak hours (morning rush, weekends, Lao holidays).
Step 5 – Receive your passport with the visa stamp. Check that the stamp has the correct dates and your name is spelled correctly before leaving the window.
Step 6 – Proceed through Lao immigration. Get your entry stamp and clear customs. You are now in Laos.
Friendship Bridge Crossings from Thailand
The Friendship Bridges are the most popular land border crossings into Laos. Here is what to expect at each one:
Friendship Bridge 1: Nong Khai – Vientiane
This is the busiest and most popular crossing. Buses run frequently between Nong Khai and the border, and the crossing is open from approximately 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. A shuttle bus crosses the bridge between the Thai and Lao sides. The visa on arrival process here is well-established and generally efficient, though queues can be long during peak travel seasons.
Friendship Bridge 2: Mukdahan – Savannakhet
This crossing connects Thailand’s Mukdahan province with Savannakhet in central Laos. It is less crowded than Friendship Bridge 1 and is a good option if you are heading to southern Laos. Operating hours are typically 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Friendship Bridge 3: Nakhon Phanom – Thakhek
A quieter crossing that serves travelers heading to the Khammouane province area, including the famous Kong Lor Cave. Hours are generally 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Friendship Bridge 4: Chiang Khong – Huay Xai
This crossing is popular with travelers coming from northern Thailand heading to Luang Prabang via the Mekong River slow boat. Open approximately 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Visa on arrival is available, but processing may be slower due to high tourist volumes during peak season.
Chong Mek – Vang Tao
This southern crossing connects Ubon Ratchathani province in Thailand with Champasak province in Laos. It is the gateway to the Bolaven Plateau and Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands). Less crowded than the Friendship Bridges.
Vietnam Border Crossings
Several land border crossings between Vietnam and Laos offer visa on arrival:
- Lao Bao – Dansavanh: The most popular Vietnam-Laos crossing, connecting Quang Tri province with Savannakhet. Well-served by buses.
- Nam Phao – Cau Treo: Connects Ha Tinh province with Bolikhamxai. Used by travelers heading to Vientiane from central Vietnam.
- Tay Trang – Sop Hun: Connects Dien Bien Phu area with Phongsali in northern Laos. A remote crossing with limited facilities.
- Na Meo – Nam Xoi: Connects Thanh Hoa province with Houaphanh province. Another less-frequented crossing.
Cambodia and China Border Crossings
- Veunkham – Nong Nok Khiene (Cambodia): This crossing connects Cambodia’s Stung Treng province with Champasak province in southern Laos. Visa on arrival is available on the Lao side. The road conditions on the Cambodian side can be challenging, especially during the rainy season.
- Boten – Mohan (China): Connects Yunnan province in China with Luang Namtha province in Laos. This crossing has become more popular since the opening of the China-Laos Railway. Visa on arrival is available, but confirm current policies as regulations at this crossing have changed multiple times.
Practical Tips for Land Border Crossings
- Carry US cash: Always have the exact visa fee in clean, unmarked US dollar bills. ATMs on the Lao side of the border may not always work, and exchange rates at the border are poor.
- Bring passport photos: Carry at least two passport-size photos. Not all crossings have photo services available.
- Arrive early: Border crossings are busiest between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Arriving early in the morning or mid-afternoon can mean shorter queues.
- Check operating hours: Not all crossings are open 24 hours. Most operate from approximately 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but hours can change without notice.
- Beware of unofficial fees: At some crossings, officials may ask for small “fees” for stamps, forms, or processing. These are often unofficial. The standard fee is listed on the official Lao immigration website.
- Complete the LDIF form: Laos requires travelers to complete the Laos Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) at least 3 days before arrival. This is an additional requirement that applies to all entry points, including land borders.
- Keep your departure card: After entering Laos, you will receive a departure card. Keep it safe – you will need it when leaving the country.
- Travel insurance: While not always checked, having proof of travel insurance is recommended and may be requested at some crossings.
Common Problems at Land Border Crossings
Long queues during peak season: November through February is peak tourist season in Laos. Expect longer wait times at all crossings, especially Friendship Bridge 1 and Friendship Bridge 4.
Closed during holidays: Border crossings may have reduced hours or be closed during Lao public holidays, including Lao New Year (Pi Mai) in mid-April and other national holidays.
Passport photos rejected: Photos that are too old, the wrong size, or not on a white background may be rejected. Bring recent, properly sized photos.
No US dollars accepted: If you only have Thai baht, the exchange rate at the border will be significantly worse than bank rates. Some crossings also accept euros, but the rate is also unfavorable.
Photocopies of passport: Some crossings ask for a photocopy of your passport photo page. While not always required, having a copy can speed up the process.
Visa on Arrival vs. eVisa for Land Border Crossings
If you are entering Laos by land, you have two options: visa on arrival or eVisa. Both are valid for land border entry, but there are differences worth considering.
| Feature | Visa on Arrival | eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Apply in advance | No | Yes – online, 3-5 working days |
| Available at all land borders | Yes – at listed crossings | Only at designated crossings |
| Queue time at border | 15-60 minutes | Faster – pre-approved |
| Payment | Cash at border | Online (credit/debit card) |
| Stay duration | 30 days | 30 days |
| Extension | Yes – 30 days | Yes – 30 days |
The eVisa is accepted at the four Friendship Bridges, Lao Bao-Dansavanh, and Boten-Mohan, but not at all smaller crossings. If you are entering at a less common border gate, visa on arrival is your only option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a visa on arrival at every Laos land border?
No. Visa on arrival is available at major international crossings, but not at minor or local border gates. The Friendship Bridge crossings, Lao Bao-Dansavanh, Chong Mek-Vang Tao, and Boten-Mohan are the most reliable options.
How long does it take to get a visa on arrival at a land border?
Processing typically takes 15-30 minutes. During peak hours or busy seasons, it can take up to an hour. Arriving early in the morning helps reduce wait times.
Do I need US dollars for the visa on arrival?
US dollars are strongly preferred and accepted at all crossings. Thai baht is accepted at Thai-Lao border crossings but at an unfavorable exchange rate. Euros may be accepted at some crossings.
Can I extend a visa on arrival obtained at a land border?
Yes. A 30-day visa on arrival can be extended once for an additional 30 days at the immigration office in Vientiane. The extension fee is approximately $2 per day plus a small service fee.
What if I arrive at the border without passport photos?
Some border crossings have photo booths or shops nearby, but not all do. It is strongly recommended to bring two passport-size photos (4 x 6 cm, white background) from home.
Is the LDIF digital form required for land border crossings?
Yes. The Laos Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) must be completed online at least 3 days before your arrival, regardless of whether you enter by land or air. This applies to all entry points.
Can I cross the Laos-China border at Boten with a visa on arrival?
Yes, visa on arrival is available at the Boten-Mohan crossing. However, policies at this crossing have changed several times due to the China-Laos Railway development. Check current requirements before traveling.
What are the opening hours of Laos land border crossings?
Most crossings operate from approximately 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM local time. Friendship Bridge 1 has longer hours (6:00 AM to 10:00 PM). Hours may change during holidays, so verify before traveling.
Related Guides
- Laos Visa on Arrival – Complete guide to visa on arrival at airports and land borders
- Laos eVisa – How to apply for an electronic visa online
- Laos eVisa vs Visa on Arrival – Which option is better for your trip
- Laos Visa Requirements – Documents and eligibility for all visa types
- Laos Visa Types – Overview of all available Laos visas
