Laos

🇱🇦

Phone Code

+856

Capital

Vientiane

Population

7.5 Million

Native Name

ສປປລາວ

Region

Asia

South-Eastern Asia

Timezone

Indochina Time

UTC+07:00

On This Page

Money & CurrencyVisa OverviewVisa TypesImportant NotesCitiesEmbassies abroadEmbassies in country

Laos is a landlocked Southeast Asian country known for its mountainous terrain, French colonial heritage, Buddhist temples, laid-back atmosphere, and traditional culture. Often called the 'Land of a Million Elephants,' Laos is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia. Vientiane, the capital on the Mekong River, is one of Southeast Asia's quietest and most relaxed capitals. Laos is a one-party communist state that has opened to tourism while maintaining traditional culture. Visitors are drawn to Luang Prabang's UNESCO old town and Buddhist monasteries, Vang Vieng's karst limestone scenery and river tubing (now more family-oriented), Plain of Jars mysterious megalithic site, Vientiane's Pha That Luang golden stupa and Patuxai arch, Kuang Si Falls turquoise pools, 4,000 Islands (Si Phan Don) river backpacking, Mekong River slow boat journeys, monk almsgiving ceremonies, and authentic Southeast Asian culture. Laos offers slow travel, natural beauty, and Buddhist heritage at backpacker-friendly prices.

Visa Requirements for Laos

Laos offers convenient visa on arrival for most international visitors from over 160 countries at major entry points including Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang Airport, and most international land border crossings. Visa on arrival costs $30-42 USD depending on nationality (US citizens pay $35, Europeans $30, Canadians $42) and allows 30 days. E-visas are also available online through the Lao government portal (laoevisa.gov.la) for slightly higher fees but faster processing. ASEAN citizens (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, etc.) can enter visa-free for 30 days. Citizens of most countries need passport valid 6 months, one passport photo, and visa fee in cash (USD). The visa process is straightforward. Extensions available in Vientiane. Laos has positioned itself as accessible for backpackers and tourists with simple visa procedures.

Common Visa Types

Visa on Arrival (Tourist)

30 days; costs $30-42 USD depending on nationality (US $35, EU $30, Canada $42); available at Vientiane/Luang Prabang airports and international land borders; requires passport (valid 6 months), one passport photo, visa fee in cash USD; processing 15-30 minutes; extendable once for 30 more days.

For tourism for citizens of 160+ countries, obtained directly at airports and major land borders upon arrival.

E-Visa (Tourist)

30 days single entry; costs $45-50 USD (higher than VOA); apply at laoevisa.gov.la; processing 3 business days; requires passport scan, photo, entry/exit dates; approved e-visa allows entry at Vientiane/Luang Prabang airports and some land borders; good for avoiding lines but more expensive.

For tourism, applied for online before travel as alternative to visa on arrival.

ASEAN Visa-Free Entry

30 days; no visa required; passport must be valid 6 months; can be extended; freedom of movement within ASEAN region; part of Southeast Asian regional integration.

For citizens of ASEAN member states (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Brunei) for tourism or business.

Visa Extension

Extension for 30 days possible once; apply at Immigration Department in Vientiane before visa expires; requires passport, visa fee (~$2 per day), passport photos; can extend maximum 60 days total; overstay fines $10 per day.

For tourists wishing to extend stay beyond initial 30 days.

Important Travel Information

Passport photos required: Visa on arrival requires one passport photo. Bring photos from home (cheap) or pay $1-2 extra at border for photo service. Photo booths available at airports.

Cash only for VOA: Visa on arrival fee must be paid in US Dollars cash (crisp, undamaged bills). Thai Baht sometimes accepted at border crossings. No credit cards. Change available at airports/borders but poor rates. Bring exact amount in USD.

Passport validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date. Blank pages required for stamps.

Cities with missions

Where this country maintains embassies or consulates

Vientiane
States & Regions in Laos

Explore different regions and their cities.

Hosted missions

Embassies in Laos

These foreign embassies and consulates are based here. Choose a mission to open its in-depth guide and contact details.

Key origin countries

United Kingdom in Laos

All countries by continent

Planning your Laos adventure?

Check visa requirements